Rumble studio 40 into rumble 500 vs stage 800

[rugburn]

So, I recently picked up a used rumble 500, and it's great. I was on the fence between the 500 and stage 800, because I think I would enjoy tinkering around with all the modeling options, even if I don't really need them for my band's gigs.

Ultimately, I found a killer deal on a used 500, so I couldn't justify the extra cost for the stage 800. (Especially after the recent price increases across the rumble line)

However, I'm now toying with the idea of buying a rumble studio 40 to kind of have the best of both worlds, by running the effects send of the studio 40 to the effects return of the 500. I'm really just wondering if anyone has tried this, or if it's a good/bad idea. (Note that the studio 40 does have an effects loop, unlike the normal rumble 40)

It seems that studio 40s pop up here and there on the used market in the $250-$300 range. So really, I could get these two amps for less than what I'd spend on a stage 800, unless I were to find a good deal on a used 800. The 350-500W of the 500 is plenty for me, I wouldn't need the 800 ever. It seems like having the modeling in a more modular format might have some advantages, for example, I can sell it if I don't like it, and I'll still have the 500 so I won't be in the market for a new amp, as would be the case if I had and sold the 800. If I love the sound of studio 40, I can make that my primary sound and it will be a smaller practice amp, I can haul less gear to gigs where a PA is available, and then the 500 would basically serve for adding wattage to my 40 when we don't have a PA system available or it could serve as additional stage monitoring for bass.

Anyway, anyone have any experience doing something similar? Would it be more trouble than it's worth? Is it even possible to daisy chain a studio 40 with a 500 in the way I'm describing and get the 500 volume? Would just getting the 800 make more sense if I REALLY wanted the modeling features?

 

[Monday Bass]

Hi Rugburn,

The good news is you have an amp you love already so anything from here is gravy I had a Rumble 500 head and a Baer cabinet for years and I agree with you that very few folks would ever need anything louder than your Rumble 500 combo, add a cab to it and you will be causing your ears injury before the end of the gig if you are pushing it from behind you. Of course there are ear plugs but then forget about hearing the quality of your tone ;-) More and more gigging musicians are now admitting the key to getting through the mix on stage is lower stage volume, not more... my heart goes out to every great musician I know who has lost the ability to discern their own greatness from hearing loss.

Back to your question! I was not, and didn't think I would ever care to use much for effects and modeling. My initial exposure was through a Boss multi-effect pedal which was fun but it obliterated the lovely mellow and full vibe of my precious Jazz Bass no matter what I did with it so I figured I wouldn't be joining that crowd.

That was until I hooked a SansAmp Bass Fly Rig in front of my Rumble 500, I was able to maintain the tonal qualities I care so much about from my instrument and play with some of its tone shaping features to suit specific tunes. Because I have only ever played covers this became very interesting very quickly and added some fun to my playing.

Move ahead a couple years and a deal came up on a used Rumble Stage 800, I read as many reviews I could get my eyes on and pulled the trigger. I would never say the tonal qualities of the Stage 800 combo are better, or lesser than the Fly Rig, the Fly Rig still seems to be a legitimated standard in its own right, but I have never been happier than with the Stage 800. Digital modeling and effects have come such a long way with the advances in computer processing of the last decade(s) that high quality modeling gear of today provides a valid substitute to analog gear in most circumstances. The Stage 800 certainly fits that bill, and is the first ever option to my knowledge that offers a great sounding Class-D bass amplifier, with power and a cabinet competent enough to gig outdoors, as well as a full range of amp, cabinet, and effects modeling all in one package, all at a mere 39 pounds!!

So all in all I think you would definitely be able to accomplish what you are aiming for my daisy chaining a Studio 40 and Rumble 500 combo together, but that gives you two amps that can fail in the middle of a gig instead of one while requiring you to haul an extra box and manage the extra connections every time you set up. I can't see that being something you will enjoy setting up more than a few times.

The less I have to do with my gear at a gig, the better I play. The Stage 800 turned out to be perfect for me and I have now sold my Rumble 500 head as well as my Fly Rig, which I once thought I would never sell (I know...).

We each have our reasons for preferring one rig over another, the best I can do is share my limited experience for you and others to complement with your own and reach a new opinion from that is yours until you come across more or new info but in the meantime my suggestion would be to hang on to the great rig you already have until the right opportunity to acquire the Stage 800 that would best suit your described needs presents itself. Buying a modeling combo as a preamp to your existing combo may be in the long run a much less pleasant and user friendly way to achieve what you are after.

Have fun with it either way

Martin