Baer Amplification Part 3

[Eublet]

Originally Posted by GRoberts

yeah yeah. Lol nice to hear you want your wife to keep your around. Ok. Fair enough. I want one too, but haven't been in the position to pop for one (or two) yet either. But you're still a troublemaker.

Oh, and I meant pop for one or two Baer cabs. I've had one or two wives. But that's a different story. Lol

I used to be a slow pooper also.

[GRoberts]

Originally Posted by Eublet

I used to be a slow pooper also.

LMAO Jason! A: Timing is everything , B: funding? ...See "A:".

[Eublet]

Originally Posted by GRoberts

LMAO Jason! A: Timing is everything , B: funding? ...See "A:".

Just beware of the prairie doggin', bro!

[5StringPocket]

Maybe not the normal way you'd pair things up but I've gotta ask - ML112/ML115 stack with a Valkyrie head driving it? Do these cabs play well enough together there would not be noticeable phase alignment issues? If so, the ML112 and ML115 would provide differently voiced modular options and a stack with a bit more low and low mid heft than a pair of ML112's. I know it's not usually good practice to mix different sized woofers but actual performance depends on cab tuning, driver characteristics, crossover alignment, etc. I'm just curious if this particular stack has ever been (or could be) tried to say "Yeah, it actually sounds quite good" or "No, I wouldn't do that"? Thanks.

Originally Posted by nostatic

Finally got down to NAMM and meet Roger in person. Wasn't too crazy loud so we got to chat and I played the Valkyrie head. The 1-15 cab was there as was the 2-12 (and of course a pair of ML112s. While I already know the cabs well, the head was a new experience. I'm really picky about gear these days and have cycled through some nice stuff until I found things that really spoke to me. The ML112 cabs are working really well for me, and I'm in the midst of a tube infatuation with the Monique preamp through my Tecamp power section. That pairing is unlike any "hybrid" amp I've played - it really is a tube feel and sound. I have to admit that the Valkyrie can cop that same feel and sound. I'm a micro guy, but the tone and the way the amp reacts is pretty spectacular. Roger has done some really interesting things with the amp topology that oddly enough roughly mirrors some of the signal chain tweaks I've stumbled on over the past few years. I was playing it dead flat with some of the tube drive rolled in and I really liked it. It also plays incredibly well with the cabs (as you'd expect). This should be a hit when it hits the streets.

I'm going with either a Monique+amp or Valkyrie to replace my GB Shuttle Max 9.2. I prefer that slight sag, rich overtones, and heft of tubes that my Streamliner 900 provides. As good as the SM9.2 is, it just doesn't have that tube vibe for me and I think one of these other two premium contenders would. The Monique seems to have a little better low/mid balance than the STM900 and an incredible pallette of fabulous tube tones but the way the controls interact seems a bit like the Streamliner. If the Valkyrie can cop that same feel and sound, it's definitely in the running. The Valkyrie looks like it uses a more familiar semi-parametric eq layout with very well chosen eq points and adjustments. Either setup has good eq control but the Valkyrie seems like it would be a snap to adjust. The ability to get that real tube feel out of a single tube was explained elsewhere but is a critical part of the overall appeal. If the SM9.2 nailed it for me in this area I wouldn't be selling it. The compressor and traditional "heavy iron" transformer output section sway in favor of the Valkyrie for me for providing a bit of forgiveness for less than perfect dynamics and added heft to the notes. Monique doesn't have this. I don't like flipping gear and it's not an easy choice but these are my two finalists. Color me very interested in the reviews and feedback when the first batch hits the streets.

[Spfairchild]

Roger, it was great getting the chance to talk with you at length about your cabs, and that ML-212 one in particular! I am hoping I'll be able to find one close enough to Seattle to try out at concert volumes with my own amp/bass. You certainly got me intrigued! I ended up having the chance to play through a Fearless F115 and to hear a fEARful 15/6/1 downstairs later that day, and I was also looking for the LoPhat guys but didn't find them. I was checking out the specs of your 212 on your site earlier today - I've got the itch!

[R Baer]

Originally Posted by 5StringPocket

Maybe not the normal way you'd pair things up but I've gotta ask - ML112/ML115 stack with a Valkyrie head driving it? Do these cabs play well enough together there would not be noticeable phase alignment issues? If so, the ML112 and ML115 would provide differently voiced modular options and a stack with a bit more low and low mid heft than a pair of ML112's. I know it's not usually good practice to mix different sized woofers but actual performance depends on cab tuning, driver characteristics, crossover alignment, etc. I'm just curious if this particular stack has ever been (or could be) tried to say "Yeah, it actually sounds quite good" or "No, I wouldn't do that"? Thanks.

I may differ from some of the other boutique gear makers here, because while I think yes, there is something to be said for taking the traditional cab thinking to a different level. I also believe in the "if it sounds good to you, then who cares what anyone else thinks" philosophy of gear ownership. While matching driver size is optimal, if you really dig the sound of a 410 on a 115, then by all means fire it up and enjoy it. That said, the ML115 and ML112 are really tonally quite close. The ML115 driver doesn't have that upper mid peak of the Eminence 12" noes, so that really is the main difference. It also has a really nice low end booty that is cool. The pair together should match up pretty well, with the ML112 giving a little of that upper mid bite, while the bottom end of the ML115 fills in the deep lows a bit. The combo should a little smoother and deeper sounding than the ML112 stack.

[KJung]

Found this. Golly darn... that is a thing of beauty. Almost makes me wish I wasn't a 4 pound head wimp (almost)

[CTC564]

Thanks Ken... I may be crazy but that pic gets my blood coursing much quicker than those NAMM girls on Roger's FB page...

:-)

[Hollow Man]

Originally Posted by R Baer

The ML115 driver doesn't have that upper mid peak of the Eminence 12" noes, so that really is the main difference. It also has a really nice low end booty that is cool. The pair together should match up pretty well, with the ML112 giving a little of that upper mid bite, while the bottom end of the ML115 fills in the deep lows a bit.

Ooooh, if only it were 4 ohms.....

[R Baer]

We rely heavily on TB feedback to help us focus on the products our customers want. If there's a demand for the ML115 as a 4ohm, I will certainly explore the possibility of producing one.

[BuffaloBob4343]

Originally Posted by KJung

Found this. Golly darn... that is a thing of beauty. Almost makes me wish I wasn't a 4 pound head wimp (almost)

+100000

Roger, you done tweakin' this thing or what??

[Mehve]

Seriously, if I wind up getting that head, I want the headcase to match the speakers.

What's with the feet on the side though? I'm not sure I'd trust the amp to stay upright with the possibility of a patch cord tugging it sideways.

[R Baer]

Originally Posted by CTC564

Thanks Ken... I may be crazy but that pic gets my blood coursing much quicker than those NAMM girls on Roger's FB page...:-)

Yep, that's crazy alright.

Originally Posted by BuffaloBob4343

+100000

Roger, you done tweakin' this thing or what??

DONE! This was the final prototype and it was well worth the effort. The amp sounds better than ever and the new board improvements will easily save us an hour or two on the assembly time.

Originally Posted by Mehve

Seriously, if I wind up getting that head, I want the headcase to match the speakers.

What's with the feet on the side though? I'm not sure I'd trust the amp to stay upright with the possibility of a patch cord tugging it sideways.

There's a handle on the right hand side of the head case, as the power transformer is on the left hand side of the amp. We put feet on the head case, so that when you can set it down on end while your'e transporting it. It's nice when your'e taking it out of the car, or need to switch hands.

[IntrepidCellist]

Originally Posted by Mehve

Seriously, if I wind up getting that head, I want the headcase to match the speakers.

What's with the feet on the side though? I'm not sure I'd trust the amp to stay upright with the possibility of a patch cord tugging it sideways.

It's for carrying it like a suitcase, not for standing it on its side while playing.

[Wilkins]

Originally Posted by R Baer

I may differ from some of the other boutique gear makers here, because while I think yes, there is something to be said for taking the traditional cab thinking to a different level. I also believe in the "if it sounds good to you, then who cares what anyone else thinks" philosophy of gear ownership. While matching driver size is optimal, if you really dig the sound of a 410 on a 115, then by all means fire it up and enjoy it. That said, the ML115 and ML112 are really tonally quite close. The ML115 driver doesn't have that upper mid peak of the Eminence 12" noes, so that really is the main difference. It also has a really nice low end booty that is cool. The pair together should match up pretty well, with the ML112 giving a little of that upper mid bite, while the bottom end of the ML115 fills in the deep lows a bit. The combo should a little smoother and deeper sounding than the ML112 stack.

I'll echo that thought. This combination of head and cabs just kills. If it sounds great all the other stuff is just pre-conceived opinion and sometimes gets in the way of trying something new. I got to hear my basses and a couple of Skjold basses for 4 days straight played by some of the best players in the world and the combination was incredible. Roger ran the head FLAT the entire show. Who does that? Really !!! I haven't had gas for anything in a very long time because I'm happy with my gear but this time I've got to get one of these heads. No matter how long it takes, I will own one. Thanks for everything Roger.

[Saluki]

Originally Posted by Wilkins

I'll echo that thought. This combination of head and cabs just kills. If it sounds great all the other stuff is just pre-conceived opinion and sometimes gets in the way of trying something new. I got to hear my basses and a couple of Skjold basses for 4 days straight played by some of the best players in the world and the combination was incredible. Roger ran the head FLAT the entire show. Who does that? Really !!! I haven't had gas for anything in a very long time because I'm happy with my gear but this time I've got to get one of these heads. No matter how long it takes, I will own one. Thanks for everything Roger.

Pat, maybe he will trade for the jazz he was raving about . What is your typical setup?

[Hollow Man]

Originally Posted by R Baer

We rely heavily on TB feedback to help us focus on the products our customers want. If there's a demand for the ML115 as a 4ohm, I will certainly explore the possibility of producing one.

Thanks Roger, you really are setting yourself apart in the world of boutique amplification!

C'mon boys, speak up! I can't be the only one wanting to rock one of these as a single-cab solution!

[kobass]

Originally Posted by Hollow Man

Thanks Roger, you really are setting yourself apart in the world of boutique amplification!

C'mon boys, speak up! I can't be the only one wanting to rock one of these as a single-cab solution!

I'd hit it!

[CTC564]

I'm sure it'd kill!!! I'm hoping/holding out for a 4 ohm 15/12/2x6 Baer

A guy can dream, right?

[saltymonkey]

I'd much rather have a 4 ohm ML115 than an 8.