Suggestions for Performance Combo Amp

[mike buzzetti]

well you dont have a sub so get a usedMarkBass 102cmd 2x10 300 watts and use it for both the bass and a sub ! problem solved, 44 lbs BTW, add another cab and have 500 watts .

Markbass MBC105018 CMD 102P 300/500-Watt 2x10" Tilt-Back Bass Combo | Reverb

 

[crazyBassClown]

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.

Some sort of preamp into the board may be ideal and would be what I would do in your position. Today I would just run my zoom B3 into the board but previously I used the VT Bass for an ampeg sound with plenty of EQ control.
The behringer Bass DI also gets reasonable reviews and is cheap enough that it may be worth trying before getting an amp although I have no personal experience with it.

 

[CallMeAl]

I have no doubt that the Ampeg PF20T with the PF112HLF and the Markbass CMD 121p would perform well, but I would rather not invest this much before I have a better sense of what I am looking for. Really just delving into the world of bass amplification for the first time...

Thanks for your comparison of the Ampeg and Rumble amps, Al

The Rumble was my only amp for 3-4 years. Either of your choices will serve you well.

One thing I forgot to mention was the EQ points. I prefer Ampegs single mid knob at 500hz, vs Rumbles high/low mid knobs set at (I think) 280hz and 1.2khz. I just like that 500hz bump!

 

[bassliner50]

I gig with Rumble 100 often on controlled gigs. Weighs 21 lbs. does the job and sounds good. Nice versatile EQ section.

 

[TreySonagras]

I am really impressed with my Trace Elliot ELF with the 2x8 cabinet. It’s not a combo but is very small and portable. It sounds really great and has plenty of volume. I’ve never used the ELF combo but I’m sure it is similar to what I have.

 

[cheddar]

Some great suggestions - thanks!

 

[JeezyMcNuggles]

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!

Go with the rb 112. It's that much better than the 10, and not much more money. It also has a DI out.

 

[Yahboy]

I think OP just get the Rumble V3 200/115 if budget limit.

 

[SJan3]

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.

+1 for the MarkBass CMD121 or CMD102

 

[morgansterne]

I'd be considering a POD Go and a powered PA speaker for everything. I had a gig last summer where I played some ubass and some electric guitar. Each went through the Pod and had their own patches, into the powered speaker (a little Alto). Just hit the tuner to mute and switch cables to switch between instruments. No need for amps.

These also can sound really good on an acoustic guitar -- we A/B'd my friend's Martin through the DI vs. through the Pod and it sounded way better through the Pod. Just a thought

 

[gypsyfelon]

Markbass CMD121.

Couldn’t agree more. Been using mine for 10 years. Super reliable.

 

[GreyBeard]

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.

I was thinking the exact same thing and they just through a price drop. They are $299 new now

 

[cheddar]

I appreciate all of the input - thanks! Still thinking about what might work best for me.

Just for kicks I tried my Tech 21 Blonde to the PA. Really nice clean tones, much better than straight to the board. Didn't try any overdriven/distorted settings.

 

[RobertAuCoin]

Harte KB12. (Or KB15, if you prefer a 15" speaker.) Tone is just head-and-shoulders above any Rumble or Rocketbass combo. Very loud if you want, or silent, with headphone output. Very light weight (28 lbs) and compact (meaning, it's small). XLR DI out. Can "kick back" for angled stage monitoring; or just angle the Hartke up and facing forward (toward audience), which works surprisingly well when the room has high ceilings. No FX loop, but then again, the FX loop in a Rumble is basically useless anyway. PS: Can you tell I like this amp?

 

[mikewalker]

Harte KB12. (Or KB15, if you prefer a 15" speaker.) Tone is just head-and-shoulders above any Rumble or Rocketbass combo. Very loud if you want, or silent, with headphone output. Very light weight (28 lbs) and compact (meaning, it's small). XLR DI out. Can "kick back" for angled stage monitoring; or just angle the Hartke up and facing forward (toward audience), which works surprisingly well when the room has high ceilings. No FX loop, but then again, the FX loop in a Rumble is basically useless anyway. PS: Can you tell I like this amp?

Ditto the KB12!

 

[Rolling Thunder]

I recently got into the world of bass combo amps and can personally attest to the Ampeg RB-115. It's so good looking too.

 

[BlueTalon]

Thank you for sharing your insights. Can you tell me what you found to be its weaknesses?

I had the misfortune of playing through a Rumble at a jam several days ago. On paper, it seems like a good package, but the tone is just horrible IMO.

For reference, I like my amps to be cable of being crystal clear and with bright tone and solid lows, but I don't want any obvious bumps or valleys in the spectrum. The Rumble sounded muddy.

Full disclosure: I'm a big fan of Phil Jones gear, and Phil Jones makes a lot of stuff sound muddy. But since you're asking for recommendations for combo amps, let me suggest the Phil Jones Suitcase amp. The tone will amaze anyone who hears it. But be forewarned, it can be brutally honest in its clarity. It will reveal the weaknesses in your playing -- but if you stick with it, you will become a better player.

 

[Slevage]

Markbass 112 combo- a respectable amp.
Add a 112 extension and you have lots of volume ( though you won’t need it with your duo).
I’ve used different amps in the Rumble line when they were available without me lugging an amp. They are good amps, but do not fully meet my tonal desires. I would not purchase one based on their sound profile.

 

[cheddar]

Appreciate all of the suggestions...

 

[MultiScaleMale]

You practice at 90-95db? I think you may like the idea of a tiny amp for carrying convenience a budget friendly reasons, but I’d suggest buying a real amp to start with.