NAD/Gig Report: Ampeg Rocket Bass 210

[PotsdamBass8]

You pretty much nailed how I view the Rumble, GK, and Ampeg. I do think that the GK eq is very flexible, and probably would be my preference if price weren’t a factor. I had an RB210 briefly, but it didn’t really offer enough portability over my Genzler 212 cab to justify keeping. However I picked up an RB112 used, and that has been a fantastic investment. Really nice deep low end and very easy to carry. I use IEMs, but I like have an amp when I can just for a little stage volume, and this one has basically lived in my car this whole summer and I’ve used it on every gig.

 

[Yahboy]

You pretty much nailed how I view the Rumble, GK, and Ampeg. I do think that the GK eq is very flexible, and probably would be my preference if price weren’t a factor. I had an RB210 briefly, but it didn’t really offer enough portability over my Genzler 212 cab to justify keeping. However I picked up an RB112 used, and that has been a fantastic investment. Really nice deep low end and very easy to carry. I use IEMs, but I like have an amp when I can just for a little stage volume, and this one has basically lived in my car this whole summer and I’ve used it on every gig.

To me, the ultra hi engage on Rb112 notable more change on upper mid tonal over both Rb115 and Rb210 to my ear. Make this little combo more flexible on tonal tweak, especially while SGT engage.

 

[Timmah]

Quick update: I've used the RB210 on about a dozen gigs in the month since this post and can say that I'm reasonably happy with it. I still wish it had a gain/master setup, and I have noticed that it has a 2-3' radius around the amp where it sounds VERY loud- that is to say, it's hard to get an accurate picture of how loud you are when you're in that radius. It's got plenty of volume on tap and holds together nicely all the way up to 3:00 (which is as loud as I've had it) on the volume control, and handles a B string reasonably well even at volume. I generally use it with the Bass and Treble flat, horn off, and mids boosted to 1-2 o'clock.

 

[PotsdamBass8]

Quick update: I've used the RB210 on about a dozen gigs in the month since this post and can say that I'm reasonably happy with it. I still wish it had a gain/master setup, and I have noticed that it has a 2-3' radius around the amp where it sounds VERY loud- that is to say, it's hard to get an accurate picture of how loud you are when you're in that radius. It's got plenty of volume on tap and holds together nicely all the way up to 3:00 (which is as loud as I've had it) on the volume control, and handles a B string reasonably well even at volume. I generally use it with the Bass and Treble flat, horn off, and mids boosted to 1-2 o'clock.

Just checking, have your gigs all been outside like mine have? The quick volume drop off you’re describing is pretty common outside.

 

[iagtrplyr]

To me, the ultra hi engage on Rb112 notable more change on upper mid tonal over both Rb115 and Rb210 to my ear. Make this little combo more flexible on tonal tweak, especially while SGT engage.

Yahboy, you and I have both flown the flag for the RB112 so many times, Ampeg should make us the combo’s ambassadors. I’ve been getting into using the Ultra Lo and lowering the bass to about 9:30. Quite pleasing with the combo and on my SGT-DI.

 

[Timmah]

Just checking, have your gigs all been outside like mine have? The quick volume drop off you’re describing is pretty common outside.

I expect the dropoff to occur outside so it's no big deal out there, I just turn up . Ironically the most prominent case of that issue I've run into was in a medium-size bar with 10-12' ceilings.

 

[Yahboy]

Yahboy, you and I have both flown the flag for the RB112 so many times, Ampeg should make us the combo’s ambassadors. I’ve been getting into using the Ultra Lo and lowering the bass to about 9:30. Quite pleasing with the combo and on my SGT-DI.

Sometime i engage bot ultra hi and lo , Bass knob same as you 9.30, Mid around 2.00 and Treble 2.30. My Pbass with Model P just love that EQ setting. Angry P vibe !

 

[66 Fender Jazz]

Quick update: I've used the RB210 on about a dozen gigs in the month since this post and can say that I'm reasonably happy with it. I still wish it had a gain/master setup, and I have noticed that it has a 2-3' radius around the amp where it sounds VERY loud- that is to say, it's hard to get an accurate picture of how loud you are when you're in that radius. It's got plenty of volume on tap and holds together nicely all the way up to 3:00 (which is as loud as I've had it) on the volume control, and handles a B string reasonably well even at volume. I generally use it with the Bass and Treble flat, horn off, and mids boosted to 1-2 o'clock.

Yours is the Ampeg combo amp I'm considering to replace my 1992 Ampeg B1- all original, working, but tired-sounding. Does 'grit' add anything or is it simply a built-in effect pedal of sorts? Could you the amp projecting upright bass, using an inline pre-amp Fishman? RB-210 is nearly 6 inches wider but lighter.

 

[Timmah]

Yours is the Ampeg combo amp I'm considering to replace my 1992 Ampeg B1- all original, working, but tired-sounding. Does 'grit' add anything or is it simply a built-in effect pedal of sorts? Could you the amp projecting upright bass, using an inline pre-amp Fishman? RB-210 is nearly 6 inches wider but lighter.

1. Grit just adds dirt. I’m still not a huge fan of it but I’ve started to find it fun in some situations. Definitely more of an effect but I could see myself leaving it on for a whole set.
2. Unfortunately I have no experience amplifying upright bass, so I can’t tell you with any certainty that it’ll be good or bad, but the combo is reasonably neutral for an Ampeg. If you like the way an upright sounds through yours, you’d probably be happy with the RB210 as well. The controls are limited but it’s clean and solid.
3. I think the BA210 might just be taller? The weight is awesome, and the volume it produces is impressive. It’s become my main gig amp since I got it

 

[66 Fender Jazz]

1. Grit just adds dirt. I’m still not a huge fan of it but I’ve started to find it fun in some situations. Definitely more of an effect but I could see myself leaving it on for a whole set.
2. Unfortunately I have no experience amplifying upright bass, so I can’t tell you with any certainty that it’ll be good or bad, but the combo is reasonably neutral for an Ampeg. If you like the way an upright sounds through yours, you’d probably be happy with the RB210 as well. The controls are limited but it’s clean and solid.
3. I think the BA210 might just be taller? The weight is awesome, and the volume it produces is impressive. It’s become my main gig amp since I got it

Thanks for your feedback on the matter. Good luck with yours. I like Ampeg.