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Bergantino IP112+EX112, GAS All Sorted Out. THANKS!

Pako

Pako

Are we having fun yet?
Jul 31, 2002
1,751
132
USA, Montana
www.glacierwebsolutions.com
#1
(Well, this thread was originally to help me decide what direction I should go. Thanks for the help guys, decided on the IP112+EX112 combination. Should be great for small and larger gigs that I do. Looking forward to it. - 06/22/2006 Received, Pics Listed here!)

Greetings guys...it's been a few years since I've posted here but I lurk around frequently! I have been recently introduced to the Bergantino line and Oh My....I must say that if everyone is half honest with their impressions of these products it would be a safe investment.

Not living anywhere close to a dealer, I have to rely on my fellow Talkbass brothers (and sisters) to guide me in the right direction. :)

My current rig is a Warwick 6-string Thumb Neck Through, SWR SM-900 head, and a Goliath III 4x10 4ohm cab. For 99% of the gigs we do, this is more than sufficient for power. There are three things I hope to acquire with going with a Berg setup, one is portability the second is simplicity, and the third is ultimate tone. I just don't know which one will be 'enough' for the venues we do. Do I go with a IP112 with the EX112 cab for flexible setups for different gigs, the IP212 which is basically the first setup without the option to brake the cabinet down, or do I go for the gusto and get the IP310? For size and being able to use a car to get to a gig, the IP112 with an extension cab sound the most appealing, but I don't want to invest $2400 wish I had gone for the IP310. I do run through the PA for additional re-enforcement, but since we dumbed our BIG PA and went portable, I can't rely as heavy on the FOH for local gigs to get me by. Also curious with current IP Berg owners, what do you do for signals that need to go to the FOH? Does the Berg have a Direct Out or do you have to use a direct box to split your signal?

Thanks in advance for your attention to this serious matter. :)
 
#2
IMO, the IP212 is MUCH bigger sounding than the IP112/112 stack, from my A/Bing (I realize the IP112 DSP has been tweaked since I played the stack) but it wasn't even close.

Also, the larger IP's actually cost about the same or even less than the IP112 with extension cab.

So, to me, that's a no brainer... given your current rig (SWR 410 and sizzle), it would be the IP310 all the way if the IP route is the way you want to go. The IP310 will be smaller, MUCH louder, and about the same weight as your current rig.

Front of house would need a preamp with DI or a separate DI, but that's no big deal... most sound guys don't what a feed from the built in DI of a head anyway.

PS... You guys can probably tell I have the IP bug, since I've been posting on all the IP sites lately!
 
#3
Like Ken, I got my first listen to the IP's at the Bowlus GTG in February. I was most interested in the IP112, but I agree with Ken that the IP310 (and IP212) had a much bigger sound. I liked the IP310 best of all. To me, it sounded more open and extended at both ends.
 
#4
I have the IP310 and I can't believe how
compact it is, much smaller than any 4x10
I've owned . .it's only 15" deep (and kills
everything I've ever payed through).

If you prefer the attack and punch of 10's
this one is a no brainer for me too . .
The IP310, despite that some may
think 85lbs is too heavy, it is very
compact and EZ to lift and place in
a vehicle . . and it has removable casters!!
:hyper: :hyper: :hyper:
NOW GO ORDER ONE!!!
And u can order a smaller rack too ;)
 
#5
For what it's worth, I just got my new IP310 today. I know this is heresy to say, but I've been too busy to get a few parts I need in order to play the thing, so I can't give you a tone report as of yet, but as far as the convenience factor, if you were sold on the sound, I'd not worry too much about portability. Yes, the IP310 IS hefty, but it is not particularly big. A normally muscled person could fairly easily (I think) be able to place it in the back seat of a 4 door car without a huge amount of trouble. As Boondog says in his prior post, the casters are very nice (BIG ones!) and I think the handles are very well designed and with sufficient depth that your hands can get a great grip. If the IP310 tripped your trigger sonically, I'd not hesitate to get one.
 
#6
Well, just got done reading this article and, well.... I really wish I could audition the IP112+EX112 against the IP310 but it sounds like the IP310 except for a couple of instances is the dog on top. For super portability, the IP112+EX112 seem to work.

Perhaps a better question would be: How is the low-b response with the 2 seperate 12's (or a single 12) vs. the 3-10 cab?

If the answer is "It will sound great with any combination", then great, the two 12 cab solution seems like the way to go for me, if not...then I should probably look at the IP310 cab.
 
#7
Pako said:
Well, just got done reading this article and, well.... I really wish I could audition the IP112+EX112 against the IP310 but it sounds like the IP310 except for a couple of instances is the dog on top. For super portability, the IP112+EX112 seem to work.

Perhaps a better question would be: How is the low-b response with the 2 seperate 12's (or a single 12) vs. the 3-10 cab?

If the answer is "It will sound great with any combination", then great, the two 12 cab solution seems like the way to go for me, if not...then I should probably look at the IP310 cab.
Click to expand...

The IP112/EX112 combination has extremely good low B response, and their capabilities will truly astound you for the size. Even a single IP112 (with the most current program) has super impressive fullness and depth on the low end. It laughs at a low B!

That said, the bigger cabs do sound bigger, and seem to have nearly endless power and depth to the low end (while still staying fast and tight). If you want the "biggest" sound, no matter what, then the larger cabs are the way to go. They are astounding (but amazingly, not unbalanced or unwieldy). But, if portability/flexability are a major concern, then the IP112/EX112 present a seriously powerful rig in its own right, and I doubt you'd feel "low B deprived" with the two smaller 1x12's.

So, I'd say that if portability is a big issue, go for the IP112/EX112. If it's not, then I would lean towards the IP212 or IP310.

Tom.
 
#8
Thanks for the advise Tom. I guess bigger isn't always better. I just need to sit in the mix nicely and it sounds like the 12's will do it. It's interesting you say the 12's laugh at the low B when the frequency response is only rated down to 48hz. Makes me wonder at what db loss there is at the Low-B. In anycase, you have heard them and I haven't so the numbers look misleading but ultimately it has to come down to what's heard regardless.

Thanks again,
 
#9
Pako said:
Thanks for the advise Tom. I guess bigger isn't always better. I just need to sit in the mix nicely and it sounds like the 12's will do it. It's interesting you say the 12's laugh at the low B when the frequency response is only rated down to 48hz. Makes me wonder at what db loss there is at the Low-B. In anycase, you have heard them and I haven't so the numbers look misleading but ultimately it has to come down to what's heard regardless.

Thanks again,
Click to expand...

Remember, a good low B tone has very little to do with being able to reproduce the low B fundamental (31hz). Many times, that can sound very boomy, and really suck power (resulting in low efficiency of the cab and weak sound all the way around. A cab that starts its roll-off a little higher (or even a lot higher) can provide an extremely punchy and useful B tone (I believe the term is the low B first harmonic).... much better all the way around for general tone, efficiency, and the tight of low punch that sits better in a mx IMO.

Also, remember that only the open low B is 31hz.... the rest of the notes on the B string are obviously above that, so again, it's a very minor issue (and actually a positive from my perspective).
 
#10
I have an IP310 and really haven't had that much experience with it yet. Still trying to find my preferred preamp... Right now my recently purchased DB659 with NOS Telefunkens is my favorite. I will be gigging it this weekend. My Demeter 201s is very nice but a bit too open and the lows are kinda spongy.. I've got some more NOS tubes to try though. I will also patiently await Jim's Line-Drive. (Jim..I'm die'in here)

As far as portability..I'm not so sure the single 112 would be that much of an improvement. I've been using the famed Berg Mini Stack (BMS) for many years and love it. The HT is 35# and the EX is like 34#. The IP112 is like 45#. The individual 112 cabs are much lighter than the IP310/212 for sure but you DO have to carry them or cart them. This to me is a real pain. The bigger IP's ARE pretty easy to move and the casters are the big saver here. I'm very interested in adding an IP112 to use by itself and if I really need a super-crazy-loud rig I can use the IP310 + IP112 + EX112. I've been told by another TB'r with both IP212 and IP112 the 112 is more focused sounding and more similar to an NV610's in some ways. I would say if you live in NYC and go to gigs in a cab the IP112 would be the choice, other than that I think the bigger IP's are acutally more 'portable'
 
#11
Big String said:
I have an IP310 and really haven't had that much experience with it yet. Still trying to find my preferred preamp... Right now my recently purchased DB659 with NOS Telefunkens is my favorite. I will be gigging it this weekend. My Demeter 201s is very nice but a bit too open and the lows are kinda spongy.. I've got some more NOS tubes to try though. I will also patiently await Jim's Line-Drive. (Jim..I'm die'in here)

As far as portability..I'm not so sure the single 112 would be that much of an improvement. I've been using the famed Berg Mini Stack (BMS) for many years and love it. The HT is 35# and the EX is like 34#. The IP112 is like 45#. The individual 112 cabs are much lighter than the IP310/212 for sure but you DO have to carry them or cart them. This to me is a real pain. The bigger IP's ARE pretty easy to move and the casters are the big saver here. I'm very interested in adding an IP112 to use by itself and if I really need a super-crazy-loud rig I can use the IP310 + IP112 + EX112. I've been told by another TB'r with both IP212 and IP112 the 112 is more focused sounding and more similar to an NV610's in some ways. I would say if you live in NYC and go to gigs in a cab the IP112 would be the choice, other than that I think the bigger IP's are acutally more 'portable'
Click to expand...

+1 on all the above. I've always found a single large cab with wheels as being much more portable than two small cabs that needed a cart (especially two heavy small cabs:eek: ). The advent of large cabs capable of doing a loud gig and weighing under 60 pounds has really changed my approach to gear.

As some are anxiously awaiting Jim's line driver, I'm anxiously awaiting a IP310 'neo light' :bassist:
 
#12
Well guys, thanks again for ALL your input. It has made the decision making process easier. I would like the go with the IP310 but only one thing is really holding me back, my staircase. Right now I have a 4x10 900w SWR rig sitting in the garage waiting for the next gig because I'm tired packing gear in and out of my basement where my studio/jam is. So I rely on headphones or crappy practice amps to get me by and most the time don't like to practice because the tone suffers so much. I can honestly see me practicing more and getting more non-gig enjoyment with the single 12 that I can pack into my basement and enjoy. I guess if the 2x112 setup isn't enough, I could always look at adding a 8ohm 2x12 cab to the single IP112 for added oomph if need be but I have a sneaky suspicion that the IP112xEX112 combo will be more than what I have today and the IP112 is at least 10x's more than what I have for my small rig right now. So there you have it. If it doesn't work out and I find that the IP310 is for me, I know there are some fellow TB'ers out there that would jump on the chance to get a IP112/EX112 setup at a discount price.

Anyways...will order it today.

Thanks again guys. (off to become a supporting member, I've lurked long enough.....;))
 
#13
Pako said:
Well guys, thanks again for ALL your input. It has made the decision making process easier. I would like the go with the IP310 but only one thing is really holding me back, my staircase. Right now I have a 4x10 900w SWR rig sitting in the garage waiting for the next gig because I'm tired packing gear in and out of my basement where my studio/jam is. So I rely on headphones or crappy practice amps to get me by and most the time don't like to practice because the tone suffers so much. I can honestly see me practicing more and getting more non-gig enjoyment with the single 12 that I can pack into my basement and enjoy. I guess if the 2x112 setup isn't enough, I could always look at adding a 8ohm 2x12 cab to the single IP112 for added oomph if need be but I have a sneaky suspicion that the IP112xEX112 combo will be more than what I have today and the IP112 is at least 10x's more than what I have for my small rig right now. So there you have it. If it doesn't work out and I find that the IP310 is for me, I know there are some fellow TB'ers out there that would jump on the chance to get a IP112/EX112 setup at a discount price.

Anyways...will order it today.

Thanks again guys. (off to become a supporting member, I've lurked long enough.....;))
Click to expand...

I've got first dibbs on the IP112 if you go bigger!
 
#16
Interestingly enough, after I order the cabinets started to head back to work, Jim B. himself called me back. Had a nice chat with him which just blew me away that I could even talk to the guy. After talking with him, my ulcer started to go down and felt a whole lot better about the purchase. How cool is it that the guy who designed/built the bass rig I was going to be playing actually called me back. Quite impressive anyways. So far my experience has been great and I haven't even had a chance to play them yet. ;)

Now begins the loooooong wait until they arrive next week.

I did ask Jim when his line driver would be out, and realistically he said about a month or two. Something to look forward to as well.
 
#19
Pako said:
Well I just ordered them... *scared* Should be here next week some time.

Big String, you'll be the first to know if I should want to change to the IP310. ;)
Click to expand...

Hey man, congrats, I'm sure you'll like it a lot.
and if by chance you want to go bigger for sure let me know.
Oh yeah, Jim is a great to talk to. He's gotten vast experience talking with me. :D
 
#20
Great choice on the IP112/EX112 - I ended up doing the same thing for about the same reason - mostly for the sake of being portable and taking only the IP112 for smaller shows. Of course, the combination of the 2 kicks so much butt I haven't left the EX112 home since I got it! LOL!

Funny thing too - I have the same bass - Warwick Thumb 6 neck through. Sounded good before, but never sounded better since I got my Bergies!

Let us know what you think when they come in!

~ric
 

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