Starting own studio. Should buy Fender Rumble 200 V3 or GK MB115-II?

Frndmoretti

Frndmoretti

Jun 17, 2017
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Brazil
#1
I live in Brazil, so the amps are a lot more expensive around here. i'm helping my band's guitarrist with the studio he's starting. It'll be for recording and also for renting the room for other bands.

He's buying a Vox AC30 and probably a fender of similar power for guitars.

Today i tested the GK, and it was great, but I enjoyed more the sound of the Fender Rumble

(but have only seen and heard it in some reviews, specially this one
)

The price difference is negligible.

Which one would you prefer?

Do they have enough power?
 
#4
After owing one V2 and 2 V3 Rumbles, I gave up on the muddy murkiness and went for more articulation and clarity. I switched to GK and couldn't be happier! You can EQ the GK's to get dark and boomy like the Rumbles, but you'll never get the clarity and definition of the GK's out of any Rumble. SOOOO much more versatility! The GK setup is hard to beat for the price and portability. You'll be able to use just the combo most of the time, then add a powered cab when you need a LOT more.
 
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#5
Buzz E said:
After owing one V2 and 2 V3 Rumbles, I gave up on the muddy murkiness and went for more articulation and clarity. I switched to GK and couldn't be happier! You can EQ the GK's to get dark and boomy like the Rumbles, but you'll never get the clarity and definition of the GK's out of any Rumble. SOOOO much more versatility! The GK setup is hard to beat for the price and portability. You'll be able to use just the combo most of the time, then add a powered cab when you need a LOT more.
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Is it possible to plug a Rumble to a GK powered cab if needed?
 
#7
Only problem with Fender, if for recording, is that the DI on it is post master volume. This isn't a huge problem for some and especially if you get a decent DI like a Countryman 85 (which I have and love) and so don't plan on taking the signal from the Rumble often, but it's something to consider.
 
#8
honeyiscool said:
Only problem with Fender, if for recording, is that the DI on it is post master volume. This isn't a huge problem for some and especially if you get a decent DI like a Countryman 85 (which I have and love) and so don't plan on taking the signal from the Rumble often, but it's something to consider.
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How does it affect recording it? Does it need to be too loud for a decent recording or something like this?
 
#10
I would go with the GK. Having the option for Pre/Post on the Direct Output will be nice for studio work (pretty sure the Fender output is Post Only). In studio, I typically record guitars both mic'd and through direct output/direct box (preferably a nice direct box, but you work with what you have). I do not always use both sets of signal, but I find it is nice to have them available when dialing in the sound.

I have not played through the two amps in question, but in general the GK amps I have played through have been much better quality than the Fender amps (just my experience I know others will disagree some may even say the opposite).
 
#11
You already mention you MORE prefer to Rumble Tone, so , thats the answer .( ^_^ )

I own Rumble series from V1 100/210 > V2 75/120 > V3 200/150 . All i own is Zero issue with them.
Regard to Fan noise level for studio recording , V3 200/150 is almost silent compare to my previous Marshall MBH450 and current hartke KB15.

hope help
 
#12
how exactly does the post direct output affect recording?

Like I said, I liked the Rumble tone better on the internet, but the GK as pretty nice, though.

If the post issue on direct output is not a problem, it'll probably come to price/availability
 
#14
JimmyM said:
If someone suggested I put my bass through a little practice combo amp for a session where I'm paying money to record, I'd ask for my money back. Get a good low-watt tube amp and small cab. Otherwise I'd just as soon run a DI.
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Not if recording with something different around your city costs four times the average salary for people your age a song (unless you record it live and mix by yourself)
 
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#15
I'll keep this thread running to know more about these amps, but there is a chance he'll be able to get some more money and buy a GK head and cabinet. I'll be asking for advice on heads and cabinets on other thread.

So, can someone please explain how the post master volume direct output works and how it can be a problem?

I have very limited studio experience.
 
#16
Frndmoretti said:
I'll keep this thread running to know more about these amps, but there is a chance he'll be able to get some more money and buy a GK head and cabinet. I'll be asking for advice on heads and cabinets on other thread.

So, can someone please explain how the post master volume direct output works and how it can be a problem?

I have very limited studio experience.
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Your volume and tone controls will shape the tone that comes out of the DI out from the amp. It can be a problem if it's cranked up really hot and overloading the input on your recordings. But that can be dealt with, so it's not a huge problem.
 
#17
JimmyM said:
Your volume and tone controls will shape the tone that comes out of the DI out from the amp. It can be a problem if it's cranked up really hot and overloading the input on your recordings. But that can be dealt with, so it's not a huge problem.
Click to expand...
Can it actually be used in our advantage if correctly used? For a more vintage sound, maybe?
 
#19
JimmyM said:
If someone suggested I put my bass through a little practice combo amp for a session where I'm paying money to record, I'd ask for my money back. Get a good low-watt tube amp and small cab. Otherwise I'd just as soon run a DI.
Click to expand...
+1 on this.
If you're using an amp, that is going to be the primary tone going to "tape". You could get a good quality DI and if you're working in the digital domain, there are lots of plug-ins available for tone shaping.
For me, I use an Ampeg PF 20T for recording and I go right from the amp DI to the DAW interface.
 
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