GK 212MBE vs Berg AE212 vs Schroeder 1212BMF - Which One To Get?

Beasty76 · #1 08-27-2010, 10:57 AM

I play a variety of music, but mainly alternative and classic rock and blues and was wondering how each of these cabs measured up to each other? Now, I know that the GK cab is not even available yet, but I used to play a GK 412 and loved it, so i can imagine that it is similar to that tone with a lot more portability.

I currently use a Markbass LMII and either my Spector or Squire CV 60s P-Bass to play through along with a Avatar B410 cab. I really loved my GK 412, but it was a bear to pick up at 2AM on a regular basis. I want porttability as we play gigs in smaller clubs up to outdoor venues, but I also want the tone I am looking for. I would prefer a one cab solution, but could be talked into 2 cabs at 8 Ohms if they were light enough. Affordability is not an issue, but is something i am considering too, since the GK cabs are $399, the Berg is $999 and the Schroeder is $819.

I know most will say that I need to try each of them, but there are no outlets that carry the Bergs or Schroeders near me and the local GC rarely has the GK stuff on its floor, so it is going to be a fairly blind buy this time.

Thanks for any and all input!

tombowlus · #2 08-27-2010, 12:04 PM

If you are going to consider GK as a brand, and one of the competitors is the AE212, I'd probably opt for the GK Neo212-II as being a closer match to the Berg. I have not played the AE212 yet, but I've spent some time comparing the Neo112-II to the AE112 (and HT112ER), and while I would suspect that the Berg will pull slightly ahead, I would also expect the GK to be right up there in quality, tone, and power handling. I haven't spent much time with Jorg's cabs of late, so I really can't comment on that portion of your question, but IME/IMHO, both Bergantino and GK are highly competitive options, with the Bergie being pretty much the top of the heap, but with the GK nipping at its heals (and for a good bit less dough).

FWIW, Mesa/Boogie, Genz-Benz, Glockenklang, TecAmp and others make some pretty killer 2x12's, as well (and I'd put them all up on a par with Berg and GK).

Of course, personal preferences can trump any of this, so YMMV.

Tom.

tallboybass · #3 08-27-2010, 01:20 PM

If portability and price are most important, it's a no-brainer...GK. Of course if you need it right now, that's out. If smooth sweet tone is most important...Berg. Nobody knows what tone you're looking for but you. I love, love, love my MB212 combo, but it's not for everyone.

Best of luck!

KJung · #4 08-27-2010, 02:31 PM

I can only speak to the Berg and the Schroeder. Both are great, but the Berg is a step above IMO. The BMF cabs don't have all those voicing peaks and valleys like the original baffle Shroe's, and are very lightweight. They also have a VERY tough finish (versus the more finicky Berg finish).

However, the BMF212 is VERY tight in the low end, and very present all the way through the mids. Jorg's tweeter and crossover are also quite subtle on the BMF cab. Again nice, but maybe a bit too much of a good thing. You really need a head with some powerful EQ to widen that low end and smooth the mids.

The AE212 is darn near perfect to my ears. Still punchy, but a much better low end extension, better articulation all through the mids, and a very sweet top end. It's a bit heavier than the BMF at 55 pounds, and that finish requires the padded cover to keep it looking nice, but it is a beautiful sounding cab.

I have not played the GK 212.

MysticMichael · #5 08-27-2010, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJung

However, the BMF212 is VERY tight in the low end, and very present all the way through the mids. Jorg's tweeter and crossover are also quite subtle on the BMF cab. Again nice, but maybe a bit too much of a good thing. You really need a head with some powerful EQ to widen that low end and smooth the mids.

Personally, I've never played or heard a Schroeder cab that I liked. Those super-tight lows that Ken describes are stingy, brittle and dry to my ears. Those aggressive mids that he loves are too much for me.

But Ken's into a very particular type of sound that really works for him. I'm into something different. You may be into something quite different entirely.

The key is to know your own sound, then choose your gear accordingly. But as Tom suggested, if you loved GK before, you'll probably love GK now too. A Neo 212-II or pair of Neo 112-IIs would be my call if I were you.

MM

mrpackerguy · #6 08-27-2010, 10:35 PM

I am an owner of the 1212bmf having picked it up recently here on TB. All I can say is I'm now a fan. Sold my Acme LowB4. I was looking for a one solution cab for the wedding gigs I play which are played in a variety of different sized rooms. After two gigs in one larger, one medium size room, it's working out really well. As Ken says above, the low end is tight and focused. You'd think I'd be missing the low end coming from Acmes. Funny thing is I don't. Yes, these are mid present cabs. The high end is not harsh nor modern glassy. I'm really not dialing in too much of the tweeter and am happy. So far, I've run it with an Mpulse600 and my Carvin B1500. Both made ther 1212bmf sing. I'm prefering the Mpulse 600 so far in a tight race with the B1500. Since the Kern I had, I really warmed up to the tube sound and the Mpulse through the 1212 BMF is giving me the old school sound with great cut through and lower stage volumes.

As I posted in another thread, the 1212BMF was not without its warts. The grill rattled like an SOB requiring some personalized rehab which included additional washers and rubber spacers, but all is well now and with re-set screw holes, it's better.

Haul in is a breeze at 38#. Nice height cab at 28".

Sorry, can't compare the other cabs.

KJung · #7 08-28-2010, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MysticMichael

Personally, I've never played or heard a Schroeder cab that I liked. Those super-tight lows that Ken describes are stingy, brittle and dry to my ears. Those aggressive mids that he loves are too much for me.

But Ken's into a very particular type of sound that really works for him. I'm into something different. You may be into something quite different entirely.

The key is to know your own sound, then choose your gear accordingly. But as Tom suggested, if you loved GK before, you'll probably love GK now too. A Neo 212-II or pair of Neo 112-IIs would be my call if I were you.

MM

I agree the Schroe BMF's are quite voiced (to the punchy mids), and would be a kind of 'love it or hate it' thing (and they require some thought regarding which head to use... you really need some EQ power down low to make these work IMO and IME). The AE212 is much more 'traditionally' voiced.

Beasty76 · #8 08-28-2010, 01:41 PM

Would any of these cabs sound good with a LMII or should i get rid of it for the GK MB500 or GK MB Fusion? I used a 1001RB II head with the GK 412 i used to have.

carbonfold · #9 08-28-2010, 01:47 PM

I haven't ran the GK212 Neo but I do run the GK412 Neo. All I can say is, "talk about some bawls!". I swear if you were in a club with you back to this monster you would swear those bawls were hitting you in the back! haha.....

All joking aside, I'm loving the GK Neo product so far. Berg cabs are extremely respected and I think it is all about money at this point. If your are on a tight budget, get the GK Neo. You won't be disappointed. However, if you have the extra cash, seeing a Berg cabinet is a beautiful thing

tombowlus · #10 08-29-2010, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beasty76

Would any of these cabs sound good with a LMII or should i get rid of it for the GK MB500 or GK MB Fusion? I used a 1001RB II head with the GK 412 i used to have.

Again, I can't speak for the Schroeder, but I would think that either the GK or the Berg would sound just fine with the LMII. So if you like what the LMII does for you, I'd stick with it. It's a great little head.

Beasty76 · #11 08-31-2010, 10:25 AM

Thanks again to everyone for the advice. Tom, will you be reviewing the GK MBE cabs in the near future as they become more available? I think for now i am going to stay with the Avatar B410 and slowly transition to the 12s as i can afford them. Also, does Epifani have a 212 cab that would match up well with the LMII and is fairly affordable?