New Fender Rumble Stage 800?

[blubass]

Modelling, by definition, implies preconception.[...]
I'm no technophobe, but when it comes to amps I want an amp, not a device.

Device by definition is
a thing made or adapted for a particular purpose, especially a piece of mechanical or electronic equipment. One could easily say an amp is a device as well, regardless of it's preamp make-up.

Sounds like you were never a candidate to even look into this kind of amp. You don't like all your sounds/effects in 1 amp, you have zero interest in this amp, and you'd rather have an analog amp than a device (assumed digital modeller).

BUT.... there's lots of people that do like this kind of stuff, so we'll see if it delivers. Still too early to tell.

I'd assume the extra wattage is to account for the headroom between different amp models, and maybe because many modellers aren't as loud as their equal powered analog equivalent. That however, is just personal experience, and may not be true.

 

[BlueSonic]

Rumble™ Stage 800Some interesting features, and the "wire" features seem the most usable and versatile for practicing and jamming at home, but still super happy with my Rumble 500. With all the cool new features and increased power, it still doesn't appear to have a true DI out, and instead has two line out (one pre, one post EQ, but my guess is the volume knob still affects both line outs).

Also, the screen is SUPER tiny, and what I've found with most digital modeling amps with presets (at least on 6-string guitar amps) is it sounds nice on paper, but in the end I found that I'm the type that after the quick honeymoon period I really only ever maybe used one preset, and actually preferred to turn the knobs and dial in my own sound myself instead of scrolling through or using presets that aren't even that usable to me, and I can see this even mores with bass, given I usually just use one sound and not the type to use a bunch of effects when playing bass.

The USB out is a great feature though for recording, which would be nice on the Rumble 500, but again, not a game changer since I run my Rumble 500 V3 into an Amp SCR-DI and go DI out of that into my interface.

If I didnt have a Rumble 500 V3 would I get the Rumble 800...there's a good chance I would. These cost the same as the GK 212 combo, but obviously night and day different in features. And I could argue that once I fond those one or two presets I loved, and the versatility in tones and sounds over the GK combo, it might make the Rumble 800 a real winner, even mores than the Rumble 500!

Also see that Fender is offering amp covers for the Rumble series now, which they weren't several months ago last year when I needed one for my Rumble 500, and spent a nice chunk on a custom Tuki cover. The Tuki cover offers much more protection, but the Fender covers are really reasonable and would be just fine for me.

Invalid Link Removed

Invalid Link Removed


View attachment 2940342

View attachment 2940343

After calling Fender this morning, I finally found a video of someone actually playing the new Rumble 800:

Invalid Link Removed

 

[Vinnie Boombatz]

After calling Fender this morning, I finally found a video of someone actually playing the new Rumble 800:

Invalid Link Removed

All you had to do was go to the Fender website and that video is on there. It's been there since they announced the amp. I actually linked to the video in the first post on this thread.

 

[BlueSonic]

All you had to do was go to the Fender website and that video is on there. It's been there since they announced the amp. I actually linked to the video in the first post on this thread.

I didn't see that initially-thanks for the info

 

[Indiedog]

Uhhhhhh...@linnin?

Isn't he still in time-out?
I miss him!

As a gear guy, I am interested in the 800 but realistically, my 500C is just fine (but I do need that 115 cab to set it free!)

 

[bassman74]

Fender Rumbles sound good to me but never wowed me! I hope the stage 800 will help me change my mind about them because i'm curious about all those amp sounds and effects.

 

[outoftune]

Fender Rumbles sounds good to me but never wowed me! I hope the stage 800 will help me change my mind about them because i'm curious about all those amp sounds and effects.

You won't be wowed by the 800 then. I got one yesterday and after 2 hours of playing I can say I don't like it at all. If you have a rumble and a few pedals (chorus, delay) you can pretty much cop the sound of this amp. My biggest gripe is the lack of leveling between settings. One will be super loud when the next you can barely hear. I shouldn't have to tweak presets to the same volume level. There are some cool amp and cab sims that really thicken the sound up but nothing I am plunking $799 for. Anyway, it's already packed and waiting for a return label.

 

[pie_man_25]

I can dig it. My aversion to digital modeling isn't so much the digital as the extra knobs. I find plenty of versatility in having an amp with a few knobs - and relative simplicity means I can use it easily in any situation. But I value that sort of thing. That being said, I imagine that's what "presets" are for - do you can quickly switch to a preset model and EQ state that works for particular songs, and from there adjust EQ to the room to taste.

 

[bassman74]

You won't be wowed by the 800 then. I got one yesterday and after 2 hours of playing I can say I don't like it at all. If you have a rumble and a few pedals (chorus, delay) you can pretty much cop the sound of this amp. My biggest gripe is the lack of leveling between settings. One will be super loud when the next you can barely hear. I shouldn't have to tweak presets to the same volume level. There are some cool amp and cab sims that really thicken the sound up but nothing I am plunking $799 for. Anyway, it's already packed and waiting for a return label.

I went to Long & McQuade yesterday and tried one for almost an hour. I found it cool but everything I liked about it, I already get it through my Sansamp. Hence, no need for a stage 800 for me. Too sad, it would have solve my search for a new amp...

 

[iagtrplyr]

You won't be wowed by the 800 then. I got one yesterday and after 2 hours of playing I can say I don't like it at all. If you have a rumble and a few pedals (chorus, delay) you can pretty much cop the sound of this amp. My biggest gripe is the lack of leveling between settings. One will be super loud when the next you can barely hear. I shouldn't have to tweak presets to the same volume level. There are some cool amp and cab sims that really thicken the sound up but nothing I am plunking $799 for. Anyway, it's already packed and waiting for a return label.

Boy, the members of TB are saving me a bundle tonight. First, the 40 was panned, and now the 800. Would still like my ears to audition them, but I'm not reading anything I wasn't really expecting. Thanks for the review.

 

[Lovep]

Boy, the members of TB are saving me a bundle tonight. First, the 40 was panned, and now the 800. Would still like my ears to audition them, but I'm not reading anything I wasn't really expecting. Thanks for the review.

I have the Stage 800 and like it quite a bit. It will never replace my amp/cab/pedal board setup, but it does serve as a nice light weight alternative for practice.

I found that I really only dig about 4-5 of the presets out of ~100 (??). I don't like that the volume changes quite a bit depending on the preset. I would have also preferred to have the 4-band as opposed to 3-band EQ, but that's where my pedal board comes into play.

 

[jwindham]

I agree, I have the Studio 40 and have found that I'm mostly drawn to 4-5 presets that are a bit more plug-n-go, with a flatter response. Some of the amp sims may feel perhaps less engaging, especially before more extensive dialing-in. IMO, a lot of the appeal of certain favorite bass amps like GK is that their sound is achieved thru the actual live performance, and the way the power amp compresses & speaker cab getting pushed comes in. I think some of the sims could prob be re-worked a touch to capture less of a straight preamp emulation, and shoot for more of the "feel" of certain classic amp designs. That said, one has to remember that these are emulations, and may not always quite capture the sonic traits one person prefers over another. I do think some of the different cab sims do a fairly good job further shaping a bit more of that "live sound" or "pushed" feel bass players enjoy in how a live rig responds. Though, having so many extensive options, while nice, can still be a lil tedious at times. There are some very cool, very workable sounds on tap, though- just need to spend a bit of time. I will also admit that the majority of my experience has been listening via headphones, which will certainly be unique to how the tones are perceived with the live speaker sound/response at play.

On the whole, I'd like to see how things continue to update as I think there's still some good starting points, with potential to only keep improving. I'd also be interested in a few more "plug-n-play" presets that focus more on capturing "feel" vs a "hyped" type of response. I do think certain presets aim for more of that vibe, and sit quite well in a mix with a touch more presence than others. In addition, the power and speakers of each combo do bring their own signature to the table. While the variety of a cabs sim may sound appealing ("4x10", "115", etc), I feel certain amp/cab combinations work better than others to deliver more presence, push, and definition from the actual live speaker performance. A lot can be done, with some very positive (or mixed) results, just requires some time for exploring the box of crayons. Overall, I'm finding the Studio 40 to be an interesting tool to create. Those looking to plug-in without having to spend time dialing may still be more content with the more traditional favorite head or pre/power-amp setup. For myself, I plan to keep both amp styles on hand, and run a stand-alone head with my Studio 40/cab of choice on occasion. When recording, I can see some of the reverb/delay effects being particularly fun/useful for adding some dimension/depth without the need for post-editing. I'd be curious to hear how some of these effects compare to pedal-sims like the ZoomB3. Cool time to be a bass player with a lot of nice choices/options out there .

 

[larrygs]

You won't be wowed by the 800 then. I got one yesterday and after 2 hours of playing I can say I don't like it at all. If you have a rumble and a few pedals (chorus, delay) you can pretty much cop the sound of this amp. My biggest gripe is the lack of leveling between settings. One will be super loud when the next you can barely hear. I shouldn't have to tweak presets to the same volume level. There are some cool amp and cab sims that really thicken the sound up but nothing I am plunking $799 for. Anyway, it's already packed and waiting for a return label.

@outoftune I have a Boss GT-1B and used to have a Boss GT-6B, you ALWAYS have to adjust the volumen of each patch and level the master volume of all of them, I never understood why all the patches came with super high levels and so much different levels between each other from factory, so I guess it is the same thing with this effects on the 800.

 

[betown]

I have tested the Rumble Stage 800 today just for fun. 400W on board, can handle 800W with extra speakers. A LOT OF effects and amp simulation, enough to trap me on a infinite loop and never play again in my life ... I'll be just testing knobs and effects together for the rest of my life ... it's not for me ...

For someone starting to play bass today, I can definitely recommend the Rumble Studio 40, a great way to learn what you like on amps and what effects can do.

 

[tombowlus]

Bass Gear Magazine gave Fender one of our Best of Show Awards at the 2018 NAMM Show for the Studio 40 and Stage 800. These combos are really great. I think Fender has another big winner on their hands.

I was also invited out to Hollywood last November to audition the new Fender gear, and Shane gave me a video rundown of the new Studio/Stage features.

 

[ppiluk]

I just picked up a used Bronco 40 and have been impressed with the amp sims but not with the way effects are utilized. It appears this is fixed under the new Rumbles. I suspect I will end up selling my Bronco and purchasing the either of these new Rumbles. I am intrigued to hear Fender's take on the Orange sound!

 

[shoot-r]

You won't be wowed by the 800 then. I got one yesterday and after 2 hours of playing I can say I don't like it at all. If you have a rumble and a few pedals (chorus, delay) you can pretty much cop the sound of this amp. My biggest gripe is the lack of leveling between settings. One will be super loud when the next you can barely hear. I shouldn't have to tweak presets to the same volume level. There are some cool amp and cab sims that really thicken the sound up but nothing I am plunking $799 for. Anyway, it's already packed and waiting for a return label.

Local store just got one in, I saw the price, kept on walking!

$800.00 is a good first step towards something in Fender's Pro line....

 

[baileyboy1]

Local store just got one in, I saw the price, kept on walking!

$800.00 is a good first step towards something in Fender's Pro line....

I got a Studio, but had specific goals/expectations and am happy with the purchase. I solely bought it for practice, and wanted it to be able to access a variety of different amp tones/personalities without expecting it to have a near-perfect emulation of any specific amp. With the ability to combine different amp and cab emulations, I think there are a lot of useable tones. I doubt I’ll ever bother with the tone app. I’ll be fine just dialing in my own tones. It will meet my specific needs as a fun practice amp.

 

[tombowlus]

Just receieved our unit in for review!

 

[Thedukejmt]

Hey guys Ive followed tb for a long time but never really signed up for some reason. I’m loving this thread though, I played the stage 800 today at Long and McQuade. And I have to admit, it had all the tones I was looking for. I’ve been having a hard time trying to figure out my rig, I’ve been playing worship for the last little bit and love the experimenting I’m allowed to do. But our church has a no amps on stage rule so I’ve felt sorta stuck. I have my stingray running through a vt bass di and I love the grindy hardcore and punk tones I get out of it but I also want some super deep tones (out of my normal element) for the lull droney parts. I’ve been debating getting a power amp and 610 for live stuff and an hx for fx for worship but this thing seems to get me most of what I wanted in one package for a mere 1000$ which makes my wife happy lol. But like you said I’m not super sure of the effects, I’m wanting really ambient delays and reverbs so I can do swells, I’ve never really been a typical bassist (If that’s even a thing) I normally play hardcore and punk. And worship on the side, it seems as I’m getting older that’s sorta flipping around. What do you guys suggest for that? The stage 800 seems to get me close and it has plenty of power even for the hxc band I’m in. But I’m not sold on the fx or the blacked out look. I love the silver vintage fender look. I had an old bassman as a teenager with the 212 and I freaking miss it. But I also love Ampeg, I feel so lost lol. Most of the bass gear near me is pretty lacklustre to me, some Gk stuff, smaller Ampeg stuff but nothing that really has that look and feel I’m going for. I wish my back could take lugging a fridge around again like I used to. But it’s to much for most of what I want. I agree I think a head version of this would be great, even if it had the weird wifi and modeling stuff. Idk I want to keep the wife happy, and still have a rig that functions the way I need it to (and also looks cool lol). I was thinking this and a rumble 410 would be sweet but the black and silver clash just irritates me. Any thoughts?