Bergantino NV Series and the Low B, how do they get along?

Pat C. · #1 05-22-2010, 05:11 PM

I've got my eye on one of the Berg NV offerings (more likely the 610) and I'm curious as to how any five and six string players feel these cabs handle that low B. I've done a search and have read through a bunch of threads, but other than a post here or there I haven't seen an actual discussion about this. The Berg cabs seem to have a great reputation both on TB and in real life, I'm just curious about their ability to handle the super low end.

I'm primarily a fingerstyle player, with occasional slapping. Down the road I may look to add some grit (but no aggressive overdrive) to my tone, but for the most part it's clean and clear, or slightly growly depending on pickup selection and EQ settings. I'd be using a Demeter Pre and high-power Crown power amp to drive it, if that makes any difference in recommendations.

Bergantino NV610 NV412 NV215

Calaverasgrande · #2 05-22-2010, 07:17 PM

I tune to C not B, but color me interested. I am curious about the ability of those cabs to "get under" downtuned guitar.

Evanseveneleven · #3 05-22-2010, 09:10 PM

I use an nv610 in Eyefear, most of the songs are in B and I spend a lot of time at the low end of the bass, and the NV does everything you would want and then some. No negative issues, love it.

KarateKid25 · #4 05-22-2010, 09:27 PM

I run an SVT into an NV610. Handles the B just fine IMO.

Pat C. · #5 05-22-2010, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evanseveneleven

I use an nv610 in Eyefear, most of the songs are in B and I spend a lot of time at the low end of the bass, and the NV does everything you would want and then some. No negative issues, love it.

Thanks for the input. I checked out your Myspace, very cool stuff. Couple of questions, if you have time to oblige:

What amp are you driving the cab with (Trace, I assume)?

Are you using just a single cabinet? If so, it sounds like it has impressive output.

Thanks again.

Ralphdaddy · #6 05-22-2010, 10:59 PM

I run an SVT-CL into a Berg NV215 and haven't had a single complaint about low end or B string handling. Like every other note they all come out clean, clear and powerful. In the words of Ferris Bueller, "I highly recommend it if you have the means."

6jase5 · #7 05-22-2010, 11:13 PM

My 71 SVT and NV215 with my EBS Octabass will loosen both bowels and fillings with ease. All kidding aside, I have not been able to find a weakness with this cab......even, thunderous and quite quick for 15's. High end att is turned off.

Evanseveneleven · #8 05-22-2010, 11:22 PM

What amp are you driving the cab with (Trace, I assume)?

My favorite head is my Trace V6, but I have also been using it with my AH1000-12 and my Eden WT 400 and it works well with all.

Are you using just a single cabinet? If so, it sounds like it has impressive output.

Most of the time I use it on it's own, but I have used it side by side with my Henry the 8X8 at large venues. It's loud as hell with either of the Trace heads, but the Eden though it is rated at 400 watts tends to clip before the cab really starts working. The Eden would be fine with standard tuned rock, but with constant low B's it's a fart-fest.

JimmyM · #9 05-22-2010, 11:50 PM

you hear those low notes way more at the second harmonic anyway. never tried the berg but i used to do a lot of 5-string stuff with an svt 810 and it sounds great.

rbonner · #10 05-23-2010, 12:00 AM

You know I agree with you on the second harmonic Jimmy, but just a week or so ago I set up a pair of 215's and played with the 4PRO and a SVP1600 power amp and sent signals to each. Fundamentals to one and second and above to #2... You CAN recognize the the B on the upper cab but it sounds lifeless and non-punishing. The low cab is thundering and it obvious it is generating the fundamental, of course has no highs left to it. Cab does fart out fairly quick with an AMPEG 215 speaker set.

BUt listening to both cabs together sounded great. The highs were crisper not having to reproduce the fundamentals on the same speaker, and obviously the power was able to make the fundamental on the low cab without wasting time with the upper stuff.

SO... I found playing with a dedicated SUB has some warrant and it is always good to reproduce that fundamental at some level. This is why the guys love fEarfull cabs with dedicated low and mids... I just did it with 2400W and 4 15" speakers. I could have done it with one 810, but I would have had to move everything to get an 810 out from behind the other stuff.

BOB

JimmyM · #11 05-23-2010, 12:09 AM

well i gots no argument for you, bob...there are some 5-string and detuned guys who like a throbbing fundamental down there. i'm just not one of them. i've always managed to get what i need out of sealed 810's. i always have to roll a lot of that stuff off anyway.

rbonner · #12 05-23-2010, 12:27 AM

Fuzzbass · #13 05-23-2010, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evanseveneleven

I use an nv610 in Eyefear, most of the songs are in B and I spend a lot of time at the low end of the bass, and the NV does everything you would want and then some. No negative issues, love it.

Freakin' A right. I tune Bb-Eb-Ab-Db-Gb for the band I gig with most, and they play a LOT of detuned modern rock: Nickelback, Godsmack, Three Doors Down, Shinedown, Stain'd, Seether, Puddle of Mudd, 3 Days Grace, etc. I'm constantly rockin' the B string way down low and get all the phat low end I want.

Fuzzbass · #14 05-23-2010, 01:50 AM

Crappy pic from tonight's gig, but hot damn do I love this rig

pablomigraine · #15 05-23-2010, 06:03 AM

For several years I ran a couple of different amps / pre's +powers into the NV610 while tuned to low A. No problems whatsoever. One thing many people dont realize (probably owing to the SVT-810E being their only basis for comparison) is that sealed enclosures, when properly designed, actually reach lower than ported reflex cabinets do. Ported cabs slope off very steeply at their tuning frequency, sealed cabs slope off very gradually, so you're actually going to get MORE SPL at 35hz with a correctly built sealed cabinet than you will with a ported cab.

That being said, it is my staunch opinion that, after owning or touring with just about every major cabinet offering available for money, the best cabinet you can own is a Berg NV610. The GB XB3-810 is the second best.

Pat C. · #16 05-23-2010, 06:35 PM

Thanks for all the feedback guys, it sounds like the NV cabs are the real deal.

FWIW, I'm potentially looking for some aspects of the vintage-yet-high-output sound as one gets from an Ampeg 8x10 (sans tweeter), but I definitely was not happy with the low end response of that cab when they were supplied as backline at gigs I've done in the past. My custom 12's put out way more energy on the lowest notes, and are tight and focused while doing it. I'm just considering a big cab with a different tone for an alternative flavor when needed, as long as I can hold onto the low end response of my current cabs.

73jbass · #17 05-23-2010, 06:42 PM

Still pondering one of these myself. Anybody tried this cab with a Thunderfunk amp?

svp · #18 05-23-2010, 06:50 PM

I am pushing 260 all tube watts through a NV412 and it can be very loud, but never muddy