TC Electronic RH450, RS210, RS212 Review Thread

[Tom7]

From marketing perspective I can only say that the head is overpriced.

-1. The international power options alone put it in a league of its own, not to mention the presets, 3 band compression, tuner and recording options.

As a bassist who just needs a basic minirig like this,

This is where I guess we differ, I don't see this as a BASIC mini-rig at all.

I seen the Bose column system,and heard it on a seminar,but never heard a bassist play through it. Besides, a bassist needs to buy several bass speakers to be loud enough and to be heard, his rig will not cost less than $2500 just with the bose bass woofers.
And the bassist doesn't even have a way to color the sound (it's just a clean bass signal amplified).

I own 4 of these Bose column systems, and while they are pricey, what a FANTASTIC way to cover smaller gigs.

But you are right about the lack of color, which is another reason I'm looking at the TC... it is small enough to serve as a preamp for the Bose setup, as well as other rigs I have.

 

[Andy Brown]

So far, after one month, I must say I'm really satisfied with what this amp system has to offer. Having four drivers in the vertical array has opened up my eyes as far as what stage (and practice) monitoring should be.

Every tone I've ever wanted to get, I got, and the rig isn't too heavy although it's definitely not as "portable" as my original setup. However, it won't be an issue toting it around. The memory settings have been handy, as I've been able to choose two primary tones: "flat and natural" and "fat", and then keep the third channel for grindy.

The next test will be gig land, which is coming up soon.

 

[Tom7]

I thought I would bring to your guys' attention to this youtube video on the RH450 by BassGear Magazine.

It talks about the test pilot program, stating that they had over 1,700 applicants for the pilot program, and only had 25 rigs to lend out for the program, so it is AMAZING we have so many test pilots to visit with here on talk bass. He also said they were looking for a VARIETY with the test pilots, not the most persuasive "opinion leaders."

Also, from what he said it is apparent the purpose of being a test pilot was not to be an evangelist for the product, but because TC was anxious to get quick feedback from a variety of bassists on their debut product in the bass market.

The video also introduces a new 4 x 10" cabinet. I'd love to hear your guys' opinions on the cabinet.

The video also gives information I've not heard before about how they set the frequency centers on the EQ, good stuff.

Bass Gear Magazine really did a great job with this interview; you all will like it.

 

[Andy Brown]

I thought I would bring to your guys' attention to this youtube video on the RH450 by BassGear Magazine.

It talks about the test pilot program, stating that they had over 1,700 applicants for the pilot program, and only had 25 rigs to lend out for the program, so it is AMAZING we have so many test pilots to visit with here on talk bass. He also said they were looking for a VARIETY with the test pilots, not the most persuasive "opinion leaders."

Also, from what he said it is apparent the purpose of being a test pilot was not to be an evangelist for the product, but because TC was anxious to get quick feedback from a variety of bassists on their debut product in the bass market.

The video also introduces a new 4 x 10" cabinet. I'd love to hear your guys' opinions on the cabinet.

The video also gives information I've not heard before about how they set the frequency centers on the EQ, good stuff.

Bass Gear Magazine really did a great job with this interview; you all will like it.

Hey Tom, thanks for the pointer to the video.

As for the 4x10, I personally haven't been offered a trial, and I'm not expecting it.

 

[Tom7]

Hey Tom, thanks for the pointer to the video.

As for the 4x10, I personally haven't been offered a trial, and I'm not expecting it.

No, I doubt anyone has, I was just wondering what everyone thought of it in concept: an 8 ohm 4x10 cabinet that stacks with the 2x10s.

 

[Andy Brown]

No, I doubt anyone has, I was just wondering what everyone thought of it in concept: an 8 ohm 4x10 cabinet that stacks with the 2x10s.

Ah! In my situation, the two 2x cabs are plenty.

 

[JimmyM]

No, I doubt anyone has, I was just wondering what everyone thought of it in concept: an 8 ohm 4x10 cabinet that stacks with the 2x10s.

There's really no point to that. A 410 defeats the single column vertical stacking concept.

 

[Tom7]

I tend to agree, Jimmy.

I think that they think that we think we need a mini head and 8 10s some times, so the 4x10 cab is intended to have two 2x10s laid horizontally on it for larger venues.

 

[JimmyM]

I tend to agree, Jimmy.

I think that they think that we think we need a mini head and 8 10s some times, so the 4x10 cab is intended to have two 2x10s laid horizontally on it for larger venues.

Well I can't say anything since I'm using an 810 now , but two 210's stacked vertically will do almost as much damage as an 810 without the poor off-axis response of the 810. I freely admit that the 810's off axis response kind of sucks, but I find it hard to care when I plug into it

 

[stingray56funk]

Spoken well Jimmy!

 

[petersland]

I bought a 210 and 212 from my local Perth Dealer the other day.
Just waiting for my head and footswitch to get through Aussie Customs.

Am I the only one hear who has purchased this rig?

Can't wait to try it.

 

[Fishheadjoe]

I have been researching and am now leaning towards buying this head and the matching cabinets, this weekend.
Considering buying both the 2x12 and 2x10 cabinets, mainly because of their portability and flexibility. I may be playing some large clubs as well as smaller venues and figured these cabinets would provide me with enough flexibility to do either and not require me to lug around big boxes...
So, before I drop the more on this set up then I have for any car I have owned, please anyone, tell me why I shouldn't!! LOL
Or, conversely, reinforce my decision!
Thanks,
Fishheadjoe

 

[loend68]

I love this thing, and so does everyone I play with. Granted, as I said before, if I was to play a big show (only happened 2x in 20yrs) I would drag out my SVT/810, but for 99% of the gigs I play now this is better than I could have asked for.

You won't be disappointed. I've got 2 of the 2x10's and it works great, I am curious to hear it with a 2x10 and a 2x12.....

 

[Fishheadjoe]

Thanks for the encouraging words loend 68! I am having difficulty justifying spending that much money (before anyone gets all high and mighty on me... I have the money, it's mine to do as I please, I just get this feeling every time I spend money!LOL) on something this new to the market.
I appreciate those who have had an opportunity to spend time with this set up, letting us know you thoughts and experiences.
Fishheadjoe

 

[John Wentzien]

I'll have my first chance to play this rig outside.
My band will be hosting this Blues festival on Friday.
Link Removed

If anyone can make it, we will be playing between all of the acts on Friday in the Scott's blues tent, and hosting the jam-session at the Motel after the fest.
Come on up and check out the RH450 up close.

There is an Amtrack train from Chicago and one from Kansas City with "live" Blues on it going to this fest. I think they have a package deal for this.
Info on the link above.

I can't say enough good things about this amp system. The more I use it -the better I like it.

L8R-
JW

 

[microknee]

I just used one of these today at the Houston International Festival, where it was part of the provided backline for our second show... I had never heard of it before, and frankly upon laying eyes upon it for the first time, I was very skeptical, as was our drummer. It just looked more like a toy than a real amp.

But once I discovered the TubeTone control and had it dialed in, it was actually sounding better than the provided SVT-CL & SVT-810 I had used earlier that day as part of the backline on a different stage (although I think there was something wrong with that rig, just to be fair). I'd never heard a solid state amp sound that good. The rest of the band was impressed too.

Now that I'm home reading about it and watching their demo videos, I am really intrigued.

Oh, it was hooked up to two of the 210s stacked on top of each other, I think, although I didn't look too closely at them. Although I could hear my bass fine during the show, I found myself wishing that it was moving more air. But then again I probably wasn't taking full advantage of the rig... I didn't really know what it was capable of.

 

[loend68]

Played an outdoor gig this weekend on a huge stage and was a little bit worried about being able to hear myself. I set it up and it looked tiny on the huge open stage but it was plenty loud and I never had any trouble hearing myself. I let the opening act use the rig and the bass player looked a little worried when he saw it. I told him to adjust any settings he wanted because I had presets and he took an Ibanez Artcore bass with a wah, distortion and OC3 and rocked it. He came back to me after his set and was blown away....
Again two thumbs up!

 

[clarksouter]

I was gigging in Palm Springs,Ca this week and was realizing how this RH450 rig might be the new form factor change for bass amps. The 19' wide head on top of the 4 x 10 cab(s) has been dominant since the 80,s (Like my SWR set-up I had since 1985) and this small tightly built bass amp on top of the line array style 2 x 10 cabs just looks like the next evolved level for the live bass rig. Which I will say is funny because the 2 x 10 TC cabs actually sound better to me on the line array style stack than on their sides as a typical 2 x 10 would. I also realized that they should change their default EQ settings because they are a little mid heavy and once you tweak them from their default you get such a better tone range than normal amp EQ's. And when it comes to gig's, smaller is better for the working musician bassist and this pumps out the room filling volume with out the size and weight you would expect for it. Loving it and still trying to work out a scenario to keep this test rig!

CHeers
Link Removed

 

[Sivelind]

I had a gig last weekend as a house musician, since I was traveling with train to the gig I just bringed the RH450 Head in the RH450 bag...I really like the bag, it feels like a computerbag. There are plenty of spaces in it so I can bring all my cables and strings etc in it...there is also a special made space for the footswitch.

Enough about the bag. When we connected the amp (lined) to the PA system, we were all amazed by the sound. It was so heavy, distinct and focused. Which it usually is not.

 

[KJung]

I was gigging in Palm Springs,Ca this week and was realizing how this RH450 rig might be the new form factor change for bass amps. The 19' wide head on top of the 4 x 10 cab(s) has been dominant since the 80,s (Like my SWR set-up I had since 1985) and this small tightly built bass amp on top of the line array style 2 x 10 cabs just looks like the next evolved level for the live bass rig. Which I will say is funny because the 2 x 10 TC cabs actually sound better to me on the line array style stack than on their sides as a typical 2 x 10 would. I also realized that they should change their default EQ settings because they are a little mid heavy and once you tweak them from their default you get such a better tone range than normal amp EQ's. And when it comes to gig's, smaller is better for the working musician bassist and this pumps out the room filling volume with out the size and weight you would expect for it. Loving it and still trying to work out a scenario to keep this test rig!

CHeers
Link Removed

Actually, there are a huge number of us who have moved to smaller, more powerful micro heads than the RH450 quite a while ago (much less the old, large heavy stuff). Also, the idea of turning a 210 on its side is not a new one, and is easily achieved if you so choose with virtually any 210 and most 212's on the market.

Except for the computer interface, I'm not seeing much to get excited about here myself, given the competition in the micro category. I'm actually most excited at this point about the number of small, high power handling 4ohm 212's out there now. A single 4ohm 212, with that 600-800 watt power handling rating (I know power handling is not the best indication of cab performance) and nice 500-800 watt micro head is really something regarding portability, stage monitoring, and the ability of a very small rig to handle virtually any gig.

There's no doubt that this rig would be impressive if it's the first small lightweight rig you've experienced. However, there are some amazing, super powerful small heads and extremely lightweight cabs out there now that, at least on paper, have MUCH more impressive power and weight specs than this rig.

Just addding a little perspective here!