Aguilar db212 vs. Bergantino AE212. keep great sound but lose weight...

gillento · #1 02-15-2011, 10:21 AM

Hi,

Let me start by saying I really love mydb212 sound.
I am using 3 different heads: Sadowsky SA200, Hartke LH-500 and the Markbass SA450... and I have a GB Streamliner 600 coming in.
I like all my amps thru the db212!!!

BUT..... I am suffering from the 2nd hernia in 3 years

So I though, the AE212 might be an option to reduce weight, but keep a great sound.

I am not sure if two Aguilar SL112s might be an option as they are/will be criminally expensive over here in Europe: 875€ for a single SL112" versus 990€ for the AE212.

What is the difference in sound between the db212 and the AE212?

lookiel · #2 02-15-2011, 10:33 AM

I own the AE212 but have only played the DB212 in a store so my experience is limited.
I can say that my impression was that the Aguilar cab had a harsher tweeter, a bump somewhere in the lower mids and not that much low end extension.
The AE212 sounds tighter yet deeper in the lows, has a much sweeter top end, more articulate high mids and generally sounds more even and clearer across the freq band.
I'm guessing the DB212 would work well in a dense rock mix but I feel the AE212 has a much better form factor, weighs less and can work in different situations.

gillento · #3 02-15-2011, 10:35 AM

The tweeter is not my main concern as I have its lever lowered quite a bit.
But, as you state it, I like the low mids bump of the db.

babebambi · #4 02-15-2011, 01:13 PM

In Europe? check BareFace bass

gillento · #5 02-15-2011, 01:15 PM

Thanks for the advice

I scanned their website and several threads round here, but I never managed to figure out any sound characteristics of the BareFaced cabs...

Musicman20 · #6 02-15-2011, 02:23 PM

I think the box size might make a big difference! The DB212 is a large 212, and is very mid forward and 'chewy' sounding. Although the AE212 is much smoother than the normal AE line, I imagine compared to the DB212 it wil not be as smooth or large sounding. The AE line has a slight aggressive hi mid tone, whereas the DB is low mids.

gillento · #7 02-15-2011, 10:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musicman20

I think the box size might make a big difference! The DB212 is a large 212, and is very mid forward and 'chewy' sounding. Although the AE212 is much smoother than the normal AE line, I imagine compared to the DB212 it wil not be as smooth or large sounding. The AE line has a slight aggressive hi mid tone, whereas the DB is low mids.

That's what I was afraid of.

I'd prefer not to let the db212 go, but body says otherwise....

Musicman20 · #8 02-16-2011, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gillento

That's what I was afraid of.

I'd prefer not to let the db212 go, but body says otherwise....

Totally understand. From what I hear, the Genz Benz Neo X 212T (now available in Tolex) is a little more 'old school' and smoother than the AE212. Thats from another player's ears though, not mine.

alexclaber · #9 02-16-2011, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gillento

Thanks for the advice

I scanned their website and several threads round here, but I never managed to figure out any sound characteristics of the BareFaced cabs...

That's one of the key points about them - minimal colouration!

gillento · #10 02-16-2011, 11:31 AM

Thanks Alex for chiming in!

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexclaber

That's one of the key points about them - minimal colouration!

...as opposed to the pronounced low mid bump on the db212

If I get this right, the Super12 might not be for me

alexclaber · #11 02-16-2011, 11:35 AM

Indeed it may not - depends on if you can get that bump through how you play or your EQ? If you like your tone when DI'd through a good PA live or nice studio monitors when recording then you'd be ok.

gillento · #12 02-16-2011, 11:42 AM

I usually go exclusively DI (very slightly "rough ampeg-ized" VTBass, no mid scoop).

On my SA200 I crank the mids to 5 o'clock.
On the Hartke LH-500 and the Markbass SA450 there's room for the mids to boost.
Slight treble cut on all amps.

The incoming GB Streamliner (said to be voiced in the vein of the Sadowsky SA200) seems to have an inherent slight mid cut.

I use a Sadowsky PJ5 (75% P PU used) mostly pick style

alexclaber · #13 02-16-2011, 11:47 AM

Drop me an email with some links to clips featuring the kind of bass sounds you're after and I'll have a listen and a think...

jnewmark · #14 02-16-2011, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexclaber

Drop me an email with some links to clips featuring the kind of bass sounds you're after and I'll have a listen and a think...

Interesting concept. Just off the top of my head, what would advise for Verdine White's tone on " In The Stone ", "September ", or " Sing a Song " ?

JeanBG · #15 02-19-2011, 09:06 AM

Haven't tried the bergantino, but tried a tecamp 212 when I bought my SA200 and it sounded quite killer. Didn't expect it to be a great combination but I loved it and especially good if you want to go for a light cab (18,5kg 41lbs) and it's also affordable at 849. And it's maybe possible to try them closer to your home.

As I said above I haven't tried the other cabs, but just wanted to let you know there are other good sounding lightweight options. Maybe ask KJung for his opinion he owns both the berg and the tecamp

gillento · #16 02-19-2011, 09:08 AM

Thanks for the advice Jean.
I think he even played the db112 at a point in time...

gillento · #17 03-02-2011, 07:13 AM

I have listened to the GB Streamliner/AE212 sound clip at the Rocket Music subforum as I have a Streamliner coming in (hopefully) tomorrow.

That sound too smooth for what I am looking for right now.

Does anyone have experience with the new Aguilar SL112 vs db112?

babebambi · #18 03-02-2011, 09:21 AM

just another idea to throw at you ...
the AE212 is apparently quite a bit smoother than the 2x AE112 stack; so you may want to look into the small cabs stack