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Suggestions for Performance Combo Amp

cheddar

cheddar

Mar 24, 2016
165
139
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Japeth from Hoodwinked
#1
One of my musical projects is a classic rock duo. We play everything from the softer side such as acoustic-based songs like Dust in the Wind, Old Man and Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard) to material such as Honky Tonk Woman, Born to Be Wild, and Surrender. We are adding songs such as Ob La Di and Some Kind of Wonderful that will require me to play bass. We use 2 15" mains and floor monitors. I play acoustic guitar, electric, bass, and provide backing vocals, while my partner runs the drum machine, sings lead, and plays a synthesizer. I don't expect thunderous lows given the PA we are using (no sub). For the acoustic I have a UST pickup and go through a Fishman Aura Spectrum DI, for the electric I mic a Fender '68 Custom Vibro Champ, which I also use as a monitor (don't send any electric guitar through my floor monitor). I apologize if any of this is extraneous, but I wanted to provide context for my question.

I am looking for a small combo amp for performances that I can use as a monitor and has an XLR DI. I would like for the amp to be as light and small as possible while still being able to do the job. Our stage volume is very low since there is no drummer and we do not play at loud venues. I can spend whatever I need to, but would rather not spend more than is necessary since I have not had to play bass live before and expect a bit of a learning curve for determining what I want in an amp. Whatever amp I get now can possibly serve as a practice amp and a backup down the road if I decide to get a higher end unit.

The two main contenders are the Ampeg RB-110 and Fender Rumble 40. Both are small, light, and have the XLR DI out. I would like to hear from anyone who has suggestions about which of these might work best for me. Or, you might have other suggestions, which I would appreciate. I know the specs on both of these amps. What I don't know is how loud they are compared to each other and how they sound compared to each other, so any input on these would be helpful.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions/advice!
 
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#2
While reading, and before seeing your main contenders, I was thinking Rumble 100. I checked all three at Sweetwater. The R100 weights about the same as your Ampeg choice and the price tag is only slightly higher. Plus you get a 12" speaker.

The requirements for bass amplification can be significantly higher than for other instruments. You may not need it, but if you do, you'll appreciate the extra headroom.
 
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#3
Old Garage-Bander said:
While reading, and before seeing your main contenders, I was thinking Rumble 100. I checked all three at Sweetwater. The R100 weights about the same as your Ampeg choice and the price tag is only slightly higher. Plus you get a 12" speaker.

The requirements for bass amplification can be significantly higher than for other instruments. You may not need it, but if you do, you'll appreciate the extra headroom.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for your input. The Rumble 100 is, as you indicated, the same weight as the RB-110 and the dimensions are even about the same. Since you tried the Rumbles and the RB-110, can you tell me about how they sound in comparison?
 
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#4
cheddar said:
Thanks so much for your input. The Rumble 100 is, as you indicated, the same weight as the RB-110 and the dimensions are even about the same. Since you tried the Rumbles and the RB-110, can you tell me about how they sound in comparison?
Click to expand...
I haven't tried the Ampeg so can't give you an A/B opinion. I do own a Rumble 200 and am perfectly happy with it. Maybe someone else can make that comparison for you.

Do you have any music stores within a reasonable distance where you could do a listen test for yourself?
Keep in mind that someone else telling you what THEY like will be somewhat subjective.
 
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#6
Old Garage-Bander said:
I haven't tried the Ampeg so can't give you an A/B opinion. I do own a Rumble 200 and am perfectly happy with it. Maybe someone else can make that comparison for you.

Do you have any music stores within a reasonable distance where you could do a listen test for yourself?
Keep in mind that someone else telling you what THEY like will be somewhat subjective.
Click to expand...

I completely agree that any impressions others provide will be subjective and that it is best to try them on my own. I will do this if I can, but there aren't any stores around that have the Ampegs. Also, how amps sound in stores is obviously not how they will sound in various venues and at home. Still, I agree that trying them on my own is best if possible...
 
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#13
The Rumble 100 is a stageworthy bass amp as long as you aren't a super loud band. I have it and a Rumble 200. The DI has gotten me nothing but compliments from soundmen because it sounds so good. Lightweight, powerful, dependable, with great tone. There are plenty of people over in the Rumble Club who use theirs constantly on stage. I will be using mine on the next gig I'm playing with a seven piece band and I won't even be using the DI. As a side note, it records well and sounds great with acoustic or electric guitar.

The Rumble 200 has always been my go-to bass amp for most places and If I could only have one of them it would be the 200. The most I've ever turned it up is a little past halfway. For most of the places I've played, the 100 would have done fine. I just really like the 15 inch speaker of the 200.
 
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#17
mike buzzetti said:
just go direct into the board ! you have low volumes try it , save $$ for beer .
Click to expand...

I have been doing this at rehearsal and it works, but I have the input gain and fader up pretty high on the board to get enough volume and we rehearse at 90-95 dB in a small room. The sound is not exactly inspiring either. Also, I thought it would be best to use the amp as a monitor rather than sending the bass signal through my 10" monitor.

I have a Tech 21 Sansamp Blonde DI pedal that I have used on guitar and might give that a go. Will bring it to line level and give me more tone shaping options.
 
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#19
I’ve had a Rumble 100 for about 5 years, using it as a gig and rehearsal amp. I wouldn’t go less than the 12” of either for rock and roll, even with a PA.

The Rumble sound is a little thicker, warmer, more colored. Ampeg is a little clearer, yet still on the warm end of the spectrum. (Based on owning BA and PF amps, and demoing RB amps.) I like the Rumble but prefer Ampeg. Not enough to sell the Rumble but if it died I’d get an RB.

I also have a Markbass CMD 121p for my main gig amp now. If you can stretch your budget I doubt you’ll regret it. It’s in a different class.
 
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