Looking for some opinions. I play in a 6pc horn rock band (think Chicago mixed with Allman brothers). My usual rig is an Orange 4x10 cab driven by an OB1-500. I use passive Fender Ps Its great for the summer outdoor shows but as the fall and winter set in I'm tired of moving the 100+ pounds and bulk of it in and out of the small/medium clubs and watering holes we play. Its way too overkill. I have been looking at the Fender Rumble 500 and Ampeg Rocketbass RB-210. They are both at the size/weight/price point I want to go with. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with either good or bad etc.
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Rumble 500 vs Ampeg Rocketbass RB-210
- Thread starter flangemonkey84
- Start date
I don't have any opinions on the Ampeg RB series, as I haven't played or heard them yet, but all I can say is the Fender Rumble will *not* sound like the Orange. The Rumbles are fine in their own right (I use the R40 combo as a rehearsal amp), but I've also found they can lack a certain "oomph" in a band mix, and get a bit lost. In a 6-piece horn driven band, that could potentially be problematic. I've found Ampegs to, generally, be thicker in character, and more like the Orange in that sense.
That is, of course, just one guy's opinion. Any chance you can rent/test drive any of these amps to see how you like them? No amount of posts by randos on the internet will replace your ears, when it comes to these discussions!
That is, of course, just one guy's opinion. Any chance you can rent/test drive any of these amps to see how you like them? No amount of posts by randos on the internet will replace your ears, when it comes to these discussions!
I A/B'd the Rumble 500 and the Ampeg BA210v2 combo. Same settings. Rumble sounded better. The ampeg had some weird grill cloth sound? You just needed to hear it.
The Fender Rumble Stage 800 2x10 Combo gives you amp/cab modeling that might get you close the “ Orange “ tone.
Thanks for the feedback so far. TBH I'm really not so much interested in duplicating the Orange sound so much as I just need a solid lighter rig for the smaller places.
I use a Fender Rumble 500. It's very lightweight and sounds great. I nearly always get compliments on my bass sound.
I have this thing where I just plug in and play and don't mess with any of the knobs. Oh, I have, a little, but the first time I used it I didn't turn a single knob. I haven't for the last two gigs, though, and I won't this weekend, either.
I don't have any experience with the Ampeg, though.
I think either would do it for you, power wise. (Especially with your frame of reference feeling the 410 is overkill.) I’ve only used the Rumble in band settings, and other similar spec’d 210 combos.
As for tone, the Rumble is a little darker/warmer/more heavily colored. The Ampeg is cleaner but still on the warm end of the spectrum. Just based on in-store comparisons. I’ve been playing a lot of Rumble amps lately and kinda prefer the RB sound (just missing my old Ampegs!)
As for tone, the Rumble is a little darker/warmer/more heavily colored. The Ampeg is cleaner but still on the warm end of the spectrum. Just based on in-store comparisons. I’ve been playing a lot of Rumble amps lately and kinda prefer the RB sound (just missing my old Ampegs!)
My Rumble 500 combo has been reliable, light and awesome for 8 years now. The RB-210 line is just about a year old, but getting mostly good reviews. They have very similar spec.s. But they have very different tones, in general, so you should audition both in a nearby GC, or something, to see which tone you prefer.
The Rumble is 350 watts alone, while the RB-210 is 250 watts alone. Both need an 8 ohm extension cab to reach their full 500 watts power. The Rumble has matching lightweight 115, 210 & 410 cabs. Last I saw, the only matching cabs for the RB-210 were the older, heavy Portaflex cabs, I believe. But, I gotta say, that diamond vinyl covering on the Ampegs is quite stunning looking under the multiple showroom lights!
The Rumble is 350 watts alone, while the RB-210 is 250 watts alone. Both need an 8 ohm extension cab to reach their full 500 watts power. The Rumble has matching lightweight 115, 210 & 410 cabs. Last I saw, the only matching cabs for the RB-210 were the older, heavy Portaflex cabs, I believe. But, I gotta say, that diamond vinyl covering on the Ampegs is quite stunning looking under the multiple showroom lights!
That's right, twin. The Rumble Stage 800, same size and weight as the Rumble 500, can simulate all kinds of amp brand tones, cab simulations and dozens of different effects pedals in whatever of myriad multiple combinations you'd like! It may seem too complicated to some people, though. So I always recommend browsing the Rumble Stage 800 & Studio 40 manual to see what it does and how it works. And about the Tone App that controls it all from your phone or tablet!! 
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Fender Rumble combos have been around for a while and have a reputation for being dependable, decent sounding rigs that give you good bang for your buck. The built in OD circuit doesn't get a lot of love, however.
Ampeg Rocket bass combos are newer, I think they first came back out last spring, so they've not had as long for people to judge them. They've got a bit more midrange in their tone, so you'll cut through a little better. The SGT overdrive circuit on this gets better marks than the Fender's from most folks.
I did a comparison of the Rumble 40 and the Rocket bass 110, and decided I liked the Ampeg sound a lot better than the Fender. I've had no cause to complain about the amp, it's loud, reliable and sounds great to me. But your taste and needs may be different than mine. If you have an opportunity to try them out at a shop, I'd do that. Even if you're looking at smaller practice amp models, you'll at least get a sense of the tonal flavor of each - that's really what this will come down to for you. Neither one is a bad choice.
Ampeg Rocket bass combos are newer, I think they first came back out last spring, so they've not had as long for people to judge them. They've got a bit more midrange in their tone, so you'll cut through a little better. The SGT overdrive circuit on this gets better marks than the Fender's from most folks.
I did a comparison of the Rumble 40 and the Rocket bass 110, and decided I liked the Ampeg sound a lot better than the Fender. I've had no cause to complain about the amp, it's loud, reliable and sounds great to me. But your taste and needs may be different than mine. If you have an opportunity to try them out at a shop, I'd do that. Even if you're looking at smaller practice amp models, you'll at least get a sense of the tonal flavor of each - that's really what this will come down to for you. Neither one is a bad choice.
I tried the rumble 500 at a music store. With my upright, it was uninspiring. Never tried it with a Fender.
Bought the RB210. I like it a lot. I use the brite button all the time, but my basses are very dark.Sounds great with the upright. Absolutely stomps with a Fender. I’ve used it outdoors with a loud drummer, no problem.
Try them both at a Guitar Center, buy the one you like.
Bought the RB210. I like it a lot. I use the brite button all the time, but my basses are very dark.Sounds great with the upright. Absolutely stomps with a Fender. I’ve used it outdoors with a loud drummer, no problem.
Try them both at a Guitar Center, buy the one you like.
I recently got the Rocket 115 and love it. It's pretty feature laden as well. Its DEAD quiet. Sounds like you play live so going DI out with the 210 as a monitor should do the trick. The 210 is 500w at 4ohms if I remember correctly, so 250w without an extension cab isn't too shabby. Cheers!
I A/B'ed the Rumble and RB as well. Not the 210s, but the 115s. I agree with this assessment completely, both sounded good and both can carry the day with FOH support. I thought the Ampeg sounded more transparent, but to my ears that came off sterile sounding. The Rumble added a warmth to the tone that I really liked so I ended up buying that one. I do think it's worth going somewhere and trying them out, they're super popular so most Guitar Centers and other music shops have them.
I recently purchased a Rumble 500. The selling point was the type of speakers and the weight.
I’ve had good success with it on the smaller shows I’ve needed this combo for.
Without knowing the volume your band plays at, how your PA/stage monitoring system is used and your desired tone the Rumble with an additional 8 ohm cabinet that will give you 500 watts and a manageable load in should get you where you need to be. I also think that the tweeter is a bit harsh so I turned it off.
I’ve had good success with it on the smaller shows I’ve needed this combo for.
Without knowing the volume your band plays at, how your PA/stage monitoring system is used and your desired tone the Rumble with an additional 8 ohm cabinet that will give you 500 watts and a manageable load in should get you where you need to be. I also think that the tweeter is a bit harsh so I turned it off.
I meet defective issue on my previous RB112 and the current one. The early one has annoying loud hiss ,and the current one has defective electronic after few months bought new . Even came back from repair under warranty, both SGT knob still has slightly scratching noise and notable tiny hiss problem compare to before repair.
Been own Rumble 200/150, Hartke KB15 and Tech 21 VT200 combo, i still keep playing this Rb112 just because she has the tone i prefer. Ofcause, the default flat EQ tone just sound darker-dull compare to others combo i mention above, but after some tweak on EQ and tiny amount of SGT engage, she just sound great and hefty tone on both P and J bass once volume knob pass noon.
Suggest bring your bass guitar to the store which has stock available on both combo for compare.
Been own Rumble 200/150, Hartke KB15 and Tech 21 VT200 combo, i still keep playing this Rb112 just because she has the tone i prefer. Ofcause, the default flat EQ tone just sound darker-dull compare to others combo i mention above, but after some tweak on EQ and tiny amount of SGT engage, she just sound great and hefty tone on both P and J bass once volume knob pass noon.
Suggest bring your bass guitar to the store which has stock available on both combo for compare.
I had the same thoughts a few years ago trying the Rumble vs. the previous basic Ampeg model, the BA series.
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I generally do love the Rumble tone too. But every so often I need to dial the warmth out and just can’t. Plus I just love the single 500 hz bump!
I have a Fender Rumble 100 and just used am Ampeg RB 210.
MUCH prefer the Ampeg over the Fender and not because of volume.
MUCH prefer the Ampeg over the Fender and not because of volume.
I play in a similar type band and I use a Fender Rumble 500C. It is all I have needed and then some. It can play very loud with good tone. I have played a RB112 and was quite impressed with its' volume and tone as well. I really like the looks of the rocket bass too.
I have a Rumble 500 and a RB115.
Usually I’m an Ampeg guy but I must give credit to the Rumble for serving me good for many years.
The RB is much more weak sounding and vintage voiced and mostly stays at home as a good practice amp. The sound is good, mellow and warm, but when I come out to live playing in different environments the Rumble has much more of practical sound and power. The Rumble is also on the vintage side of the spectrum but has a lot more cut through power. They’re both equally light and transportable and are about the same size. Both are good combos but if I should just keep one it would be the Rumble because it’s more versatile tone vise and has power for most situations.
It hurts me a bit because I’d like to like the RB more and playing alone at low volumes I prefer that sound but in the real world the Rumble gives me more of what I need when things get louder. And it still sounds really good as well.
Usually I’m an Ampeg guy but I must give credit to the Rumble for serving me good for many years.
The RB is much more weak sounding and vintage voiced and mostly stays at home as a good practice amp. The sound is good, mellow and warm, but when I come out to live playing in different environments the Rumble has much more of practical sound and power. The Rumble is also on the vintage side of the spectrum but has a lot more cut through power. They’re both equally light and transportable and are about the same size. Both are good combos but if I should just keep one it would be the Rumble because it’s more versatile tone vise and has power for most situations.
It hurts me a bit because I’d like to like the RB more and playing alone at low volumes I prefer that sound but in the real world the Rumble gives me more of what I need when things get louder. And it still sounds really good as well.
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