If you have been to a recent NAMM show (or have checked out YouTube videos from the conventions), you may have noticed the increase of bassists performing at the TC Electronic booth. This is due to a project from the TC crew from Denmark, which they call Bass 2.0, and it implies an evolution in bass amplification. Their initial offerings began with the RH and RS series of heads and cabinets, attracting such notables as Rocco Prestia and Mark King. This year, TC Electronic expanded the RH family with the RH750, an amplifier that combines the popular features of its predecessors—but with more power, and slight changes to the user interface.
Something Old, Something New
Those who are familiar with TC Electronic’s RH450 will certainly recognize the similar exterior on the RH750. The curved steel chassis contains a built-in handle— very convenient for quick transportation. Its friendly design also allows the player to set the amp in a horizontal or vertical position.
The front panel is packed with useful features like a chromatic tuner, semi-parametric equalization, and a multi-band compressor (which doubles as a high-end attenuator). TC Electronic also includes Tubetone—a tube simulator that recreates the sound of preamp
and power tubes. Above the dials are control buttons that allow the user to navigate between the functions of the RH750, mute the signal, and save their settings.
TC Electronic was just as thoughtful with the rear panel as it was with the front. The Speaker Out accepts speakON or 1/4" jacks, but it may be used without a speaker load. They moved the headphone input from the front panel to the back, incorporating a mini jack instead of a 1/4" jack. Using the mini jack disables the signal to the Speaker Out, so that the user can isolate their tone via headphones. In this mode, the RH750 can be a practice amp, since the Aux In can also be utilized to feed an audio source through the headphones. Below the Phones jack is a Remote In, which connects the RH750 to a footswitch (sold separately) for quick access to the memory settings and tuner. Those who record frequently will find the Digital Out beneficial, for it optimizes the bass signal to be sent to Pro Tools, or any other digital audio workstations. The Insert jacks double as an effects loop or linking other RH750 units for more power. The tour ends with a transformer balanced DI.
Contrasted with its counterparts, the RH750 has a strong midrange presence with solid lows and smooth highs.
Vertical Vision
The RS cabinet series takes on a different approach to speaker design. TC Electronic believes that stacking their 2x10, 2x12, and 1x12 cabinets vertically provides players the ability to hear themselves while adequately dispersing their sound.
The look of these cabinets boasts a rugged, yet modern styling. The rectangular shape consists of 18 mm plywood with rounded hardwood corners. Instead of carpeted or vinyl coverings for their cabs, TC Electronic utilizes a “skid-free” surface treatment, a material similar to polyurethane truck bed linings.
The RS cabinets are loaded with custom Eminence drivers, with a coaxial driver on the top to manage the high frequencies.
Facial Features
The first thing to notice when powering up this amp is the tuner display, which stays in perpetual operation while the amp is in use. Pressing the Mute button converts the Bass knob into a pitch indicator for increased precision.
The semi-parametric EQ section is designed for both tweakers and purists. The factory set frequencies address most tonal issues, but a push of the Shift button provides players the option to adjust the center frequency for all four tone controls.