Comparing Bergantino AE cabs to Markbass

Jimmy Stump · #1 07-20-2010, 11:56 AM

I've been reading a lot on the AE line of Bergantino cabs, and it seems a lot of people use similar words to describe the Markbass cabinets. Mid-heavy, agressive, sits in the mix well, etc.

I've heard Markbass cabs and don't care for them that much, but I've never heard a Bergantino AE cab.

Are these cab lines similar? I'm asking specifically about a 2x10 or 4x10 setup.

Phantasm · #2 07-20-2010, 11:58 AM

I just got my AE410 yesterday, but already I can tell you that it's a better cab IMO than a Markbass cabinet. It's not as sterile-sounding to my ears, it's got a bit more "warmth." If you like big, boomy refrigerator-sized cabinets, you won't like the upper mid emphasis of the AE and you may find it "too thin" for your tastes.

silky smoove · #3 07-20-2010, 12:04 PM

If you've heard Markbass cabinets and not liked them AND have noticed similar words describing both Markbass and Berg AE cabinets, I have to ask: Why are you considering a Berg AE cabinet? Why not something that's less similar to a Markbass cabinet, such as an Epifani UL or Aguilar GS?

shadow_FIX · #4 07-20-2010, 12:13 PM

The Markbass cabs (and subsequently the Berg AE cabs) are some of those cabinets that DO sit very well in a live mix, but maybe don't sound as great by themselves, or at least that seems to be the general consensus around here. I personally love my Mark 2x10 for both, but it's my micro-portable cabinet and I have an Aguilar GS410 for the girth when necessary. (but it's heavy!!)

Jimmy Stump · #5 07-20-2010, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silky smoove

If you've heard Markbass cabinets and not liked them AND have noticed similar words describing both Markbass and Berg AE cabinets, I have to ask: Why are you considering a Berg AE cabinet? Why not something that's less similar to a Markbass cabinet, such as an Epifani UL or Aguilar GS?

I'm not considering an AE cab. I've just noticed that Bergs have a huge fanclub while a lot of people seem to not care for the Markbass cabs (including me) but people seem to use the same adjectives in describing them.

lo-freq · #6 07-20-2010, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmy Stump

I'm not considering an AE cab. I've just noticed that Bergs have a huge fanclub while a lot of people seem to not care for the Markbass cabs (including me) but people seem to use the same adjectives in describing them.

There have been a wide variety of different cabinets and tonal signatures to come from the brain and hands of Jim Bergantino.

The one constant across all the variations is that all his cabs sound VERY musical and the ones that have crossovers have a very smooth transition between drivers.

silky smoove · #7 07-20-2010, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmy Stump

I'm not considering an AE cab. I've just noticed that Bergs have a huge fanclub while a lot of people seem to not care for the Markbass cabs (including me) but people seem to use the same adjectives in describing them.

Gotcha.

Well, in reference to your original question, I will say this: I have limited experience with Markbass cabs, but every time I've played them I thought they sounded a bit lackluster and "plastic". Certainly useable, just sort of a "nothing special" vibe.

By comparison, the Berg AE series, specifically the AE410, really impressed me when paired with a widely voiced head to even out the aggressive midrange. Using a Euphonic Audio iAmp Pro through an AE410 was simply amazing. Something like a Markbass F1 through an AE410 would be too much midrange for me, but others have reported really digging the combination.

**nostatic** · #8 07-20-2010, 02:48 PM

I own AE112 and AE210 cabs. Have played through a couple of MB cabs at the local GC. I don't think they sound similar at all. There is a reason I own the Bergs and not the MB, but everyone has different ears/goals.

MG Bass · #9 07-20-2010, 06:14 PM

I have a Berg AE410 with a glockenklang Heart Rock and the wide full range but warm response from this head with the Ae410 is a match made in heaven.
Tried the Markbass 410 as well and as others have said, it sounds nothing like the Ae410. The MB 410 I found was very harsh and almost to the point of being obnoxious and needs a lot more playing around with the EQ to get a nice musical stage sound. The Ae410 is warmer and fuller and as described is very musical without too much EQ'ing. Definitely brings more life to your sound overall.

Fajah · #10 07-21-2010, 03:45 AM

Last Saturday night I went to see my old blues band play. The current bass player just bought a used Markbass 121H Combo. He had the amp elevated. Why....I don't know, but he used to be the rhythm guitar player in the band who took over my spot and can't play...but that's another story

I was invited up to play a couple of tunes with them and noticed that the sound was quite thin on stage. I also noticed that it continued to be thin while sitting in the front half of the room. As I moved back to the back of the room, the sound became much fuller. Maybe this was because the amp was elevated.

When I was with the band, I played both one and two AE112's with my LMII. I may be comparing apples to oranges, but as far as I'm concerned, I much prefer my Berg over the Markbass. I also know that Berg cabs outsell Markbass by a mile at the bass store I shop at.