OK, I'm all set - Bergantino content.

Munjibunga · #1 05-07-2011, 10:45 PM

I've been trying to lighten my load in the amp and cab department lately and, so far, I've shed a few 95+ pound cabs and picked up an AE212, then an AE210. Both cabs are remarkable in tone and volume, so the prospect of taking 150 pounds of rig to gigs is losing its attraction. With Jim's announcement of discontinuing the AE series thanks to our Chinese friends, I decided I'd better stock up while it was still possible.

So the stars aligned today, and I got one of Bass San Diego's last two AE410s. It was late in the day (after an all-day gig on Mother's Day eve), so I haven't even had a chance to hook it up, but I'm pretty excited to plug it in, maybe tomorrow.

Now I've got some tough decisions to make. It's unlikely that my Glockenklang HR/Quattro and Aguilar DB750/GS410 rigs are going to see much, if any more, action at gigs. The sound of those rigs is phenomenal, so I'm ambivalent right now. Just in case, though, keep an eye on the ads.

ataunton · #2 05-07-2011, 11:22 PM

I envy the tough decisions your facing

Congrats on the new AE410.

dmrogers · #3 05-08-2011, 06:59 AM

Congrats! A lighter, easier to haul rig is a big win!

jokerjkny · #4 05-08-2011, 09:18 AM

nice MJ, the ae's are great.

nothing like the sound of big iron, but if you're willing to try something nano, i highly recommend something from the genz benz shuttle series, or my current fav, the swr headlite with your ae cabs. the synergy btwn these amps the ae cabs are amazing.

the eq points and "Q's" of both amps seemed to be voiced to bring the best out of these cabs. but i'll tip the scale a bit towards the nicer high end sheen of the shuttles i've tried w/ the ae cabs.

sure, the nano's arent gonna give you that lower lows heft that only big iron does, but these amps with those cabs are punchy, articulate, and just plain awesome together.

Munjibunga · #5 05-08-2011, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jokerjkny

nice MJ, the ae's are great.

nothing like the sound of big iron, but if you're willing to try something nano, i highly recommend something from the genz benz shuttle series, or my current fav, the swr headlite with your ae cabs. the synergy btwn these amps the ae cabs are amazing.

the eq points and "Q's" of both amps seemed to be voiced to bring the best out of these cabs. but i'll tip the scale a bit towards the nicer high end sheen of the shuttles i've tried w/ the ae cabs.

sure, the nano's arent gonna give you that lower lows heft that only big iron does, but these amps with those cabs are punchy, articulate, and just plain awesome together.

Well, I'm running a Shuttle 9.0 through them. Yesterday I gigged with the AE212 and it killed, outdoors (with some PA support). I also have a WTX-500 that I usually use with the AE210. Depending on the disposition of my bigger amps, I may end up with one of the new RH750s from TCE.

So just now, I spent a few minutes with the AE410, playing my Fender Am Deluxe Plus V and Fodera Emperor through it. The 410 is definitely crisper in the high end than the 212, but seems to be a little weaker in the low mids, so it doesn't have quite the richness of the 212 down low. You definitely have to EQ the amp differently for these two cabs.

Munjibunga · #6 05-08-2011, 05:49 PM

OK, a little more experimentation. First, the AE410 really likes power. When cranked, it comes into its own. Also, it really needs the power to go below 40 hz (low E). If it's not cranked, the B string will seem a little anemic. The cab is brand new, so we'll see how it does after it's "broken in," for those who believe in such things.

Second, under power, it's LOUD!

tombowlus · #7 05-09-2011, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Munjibunga

OK, a little more experimentation. First, the AE410 really likes power. When cranked, it comes into its own. Also, it really needs the power to go below 40 hz (low E). If it's not cranked, the B string will seem a little anemic. The cab is brand new, so we'll see how it does after it's "broken in," for those who believe in such things.

Second, under power, it's LOUD!

Yeah, those Berg AE's really are something special, and yes, the AE410 does like some power behind it. I'm digging the AE212, too, and so far, I agree with your comparison of the two. Different flavors of great.

BartmanPDX · #8 05-09-2011, 06:54 PM

Congrats on getting the 410!!

I played a two-night gig last weekend and used my AE212 on Friday and the AE410 on Saturday. I was using my Mesa M9 both nights and the same bass (Sadowsky WL4).

Both are great cabs and while I prefer the form factor of the 212, I think I prefer the more aggressive tone of the 410. I'm not a five-string guy, and my band plays mostly classic rock, so the 410 has a better "feel" for me. I'll still keep the 212 and use it for certain clubs, but I think I'm sticking with the 410 for "my tone.". I can also completely understand why others would prefer the 212.

evilgus · #9 05-31-2011, 10:14 PM

Very interesting feedback! I'm going to be trying out both cabs in the next week or so (plus a few other Bergs, for comparison), so I'll be interested to see if I have the same experiences. I'm also replacing a GS410 that sounds awesome, but is simply too much for my back these days.

Cheers,

EG

Munjibunga · #10 05-31-2011, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evilgus

Very interesting feedback! I'm going to be trying out both cabs in the next week or so (plus a few other Bergs, for comparison), so I'll be interested to see if I have the same experiences. I'm also replacing a GS410 that sounds awesome, but is simply too much for my back these days.

Cheers,

EG

Interestingly, I've shed all my heavy cabs (D-410XLT, HT322, Quattro) except the GS410 that goes with my DB750. I want to have the option to play through a big ol' massive rig if I'm in the mood and have a roadie (which my current band does).

evilgus · #11 06-01-2011, 05:55 AM

I actually just spent an hour playing through my TFunk and the GS410 and it does sound pretty good! (Also found that the Metro M5-24 sounds a touch better with a slight cut at 250Hz, to reduce low-honk.) Maybe if I'm particularly impressed with the AE212, I could keep the GS and have a choice, after all, it has wheels and I don't usually have to carry it very far...

EG

evilgus · #12 06-11-2011, 08:53 AM

Finally got to try out an AE410 and AE212 and well, I was blown away! I definitely preferred the AE410, as I liked the extra clarity and response, but I can see why people like the AE212 as well. I took my Thunderfunk TB550 and it seemed to be a great match, the cab responds to EQ tweaks really well and the Enhance knob was the only one I had any reason to touch. Step 1. Choose pickup pan setting. Step 2. Set Enhance knob for optimal setting for bass. Step 3. Enjoy the meaty goodness! Talk about a responsive cab, sounds great at any volume, including ear-shattering!

Bass-wise, I took my Roscoe SKB3005 and my pre-Gibson Tobias Classic 5, but the dealer also had a Sadowsky Metro M5-24 there, the same as the one I own. All of them sounded awesome through the TF and AE410, but the surprise standout was actually the M5! Something about a modern, ash-body bass really fits in well with that rig, it was the best modern sound I've ever heard in my life! The Classic 5 was no slouch either, the Berg brought out all the character, warmth and glassy top-end from the bass, sounded better than ever!

Do you know what the funny thing is? I actually forgot to pick up the cab to see how heavy it feels! DOH! Actually, I totally don't care!

More reports when I can afford to pay it off and pick it up!

EG