• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Club Bergantino! Let's See Those Rigs!

#20,842
VICROCKBASS said:
@Jim Bergantino @Fuzzbass
The DP3X also captures that cranked tube power amp sound (IMO) which makes every amp sound even better!!! It’s probably (IMO) the best Bass OD/Distortion pedal ever made. It definitely further enhances the wonderful sounds you can make with the HP Ultra (which is the best class D head I’ve ever heard)
Click to expand...
Love at first riff!

My gig won't happen until this evening. Decided to test the cab at rehearsal with my rock band, which will play louder than tonight's band. :bassist:

The Reiner amp sounds great with and without the DP3X!

PXL_20250830_172159366.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: gscroggin, Al Kraft, JGR and 15 others
#20,843
Hey everyone. Just looking for any thoughts here on some troubleshooting, and I want to acknowledge that Jim/the Berg folks may be out and enjoying the long weekend. So I'm not expecting a customer support response, and I fully intend to shoot them a message/call on Tuesday.

Have had my Berg Forte HP (1st gen) for maybe 3-4 years. I've never had an issue until today at band practice. We were maybe 60 minutes into practice and the amp suddenly cut out. I looked back and saw the red "Protect" light on. It went off and resumed operation after maybe 15 seconds or so, but then the light/drop-outs intermittently returned during the next 15 minutes, until I bailed and used a backline combo amp at our unit for the remainder of practice.

For context on the setup and potential troubleshooting, here are the details I can think of that may be relevant:
  • The amp is hooked up to two 8-ohm Mesa Subway cabs via Neutrik Speakon cables.
  • Amp is in 4/8 Ohm mode.
  • The amp's IEC hookup is using a short, aftermarket cable into a small 3-space UL listed power strip, which I plug into the wall/outlet wherever we are playing.
  • Running gain around 4-4.5 (11:00) and Master Volume was around 9:30-10:30.
  • The fan is working - kicks in when I crank the master and/or put the amp in 2-ohm mode. Also did not feel overly warm to the touch at rehearsal, and it wasn't kicking in at all during practice.
  • I've never had this happen at this space before, but we're in some pretty old warehouse units/practice spaces. A lot of different folks rent these, and I believe there are shared circuits between multiple units depending on the space. For example, we used to rent a different unit in this area, and we would get odd amp noise and weird behavior from tube amps when the guys in the neighboring space would use an arc-welder in their unit. (Yes - that was idiotic given they are 15 or 20 amp circuits in these units.)
  • After the second time the amp went into protect mode, I unplugged my pedalboard and went direct into the amp. I also plugged the actual head into a different outlet in the unit (though I am almost certain it's all on one breaker/circuit), and the issue continued.
  • After changing the outlet, we noticed that the amp would go into protect mode for 5-10 seconds and then as the protect light went off, the lights in the unit would flicker very slightly.
Based on the situation at the space, my initial assumption is that it was an issue with the power/circuit at our practice space. That said, I'm unsure why this would never have happened before, as we've been in this general 'block' of warehouse spaces for ~6 years, and we've been in this particular unit for ~1 year.

I brought the head and all the same speaker/power cables home with me. So I can troubleshoot here. I've read the manual and it sounds like the key culprits are 1) overheating (unlikely since the fan is not broken and wasn't kicking in), 2) dirty/problematic power from the outlet/circuit, 3) shorts/faulty cables somewhere on the IEC power and/or speaker cables side of things.

Any suggestions on how to quickly eliminate potential issues and troubleshoot this? Also any tips on things I can rule out vs should consider based on what this "Protect" light indicates?
 
#20,846
Grahams Groove said:
Hey everyone. Just looking for any thoughts here on some troubleshooting, and I want to acknowledge that Jim/the Berg folks may be out and enjoying the long weekend. So I'm not expecting a customer support response, and I fully intend to shoot them a message/call on Tuesday.

Have had my Berg Forte HP (1st gen) for maybe 3-4 years. I've never had an issue until today at band practice. We were maybe 60 minutes into practice and the amp suddenly cut out. I looked back and saw the red "Protect" light on. It went off and resumed operation after maybe 15 seconds or so, but then the light/drop-outs intermittently returned during the next 15 minutes, until I bailed and used a backline combo amp at our unit for the remainder of practice.

For context on the setup and potential troubleshooting, here are the details I can think of that may be relevant:
  • The amp is hooked up to two 8-ohm Mesa Subway cabs via Neutrik Speakon cables.
  • Amp is in 4/8 Ohm mode.
  • The amp's IEC hookup is using a short, aftermarket cable into a small 3-space UL listed power strip, which I plug into the wall/outlet wherever we are playing.
  • Running gain around 4-4.5 (11:00) and Master Volume was around 9:30-10:30.
  • The fan is working - kicks in when I crank the master and/or put the amp in 2-ohm mode. Also did not feel overly warm to the touch at rehearsal, and it wasn't kicking in at all during practice.
  • I've never had this happen at this space before, but we're in some pretty old warehouse units/practice spaces. A lot of different folks rent these, and I believe there are shared circuits between multiple units depending on the space. For example, we used to rent a different unit in this area, and we would get odd amp noise and weird behavior from tube amps when the guys in the neighboring space would use an arc-welder in their unit. (Yes - that was idiotic given they are 15 or 20 amp circuits in these units.)
  • After the second time the amp went into protect mode, I unplugged my pedalboard and went direct into the amp. I also plugged the actual head into a different outlet in the unit (though I am almost certain it's all on one breaker/circuit), and the issue continued.
  • After changing the outlet, we noticed that the amp would go into protect mode for 5-10 seconds and then as the protect light went off, the lights in the unit would flicker very slightly.
Based on the situation at the space, my initial assumption is that it was an issue with the power/circuit at our practice space. That said, I'm unsure why this would never have happened before, as we've been in this general 'block' of warehouse spaces for ~6 years, and we've been in this particular unit for ~1 year.

I brought the head and all the same speaker/power cables home with me. So I can troubleshoot here. I've read the manual and it sounds like the key culprits are 1) overheating (unlikely since the fan is not broken and wasn't kicking in), 2) dirty/problematic power from the outlet/circuit, 3) shorts/faulty cables somewhere on the IEC power and/or speaker cables side of things.

Any suggestions on how to quickly eliminate potential issues and troubleshoot this? Also any tips on things I can rule out vs should consider based on what this "Protect" light indicates?
Click to expand...
I had this exact problem with my 1st gen Forte HP. It was an issue with the ICE module for me. I would email Jim Bergantino ([email protected]). He will walk you through the troubleshooting. Jim is always quick to respond in my experience. Bergantino has the best customer service out of any company I have ever purchased from period. My 1st gen HP runs good as new now!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mystic Michael, Grahams Groove, Jerry J and 3 others
#20,847
DerekWBass said:
I had this exact problem with my 1st gen Forte HP. It was an issue with the ICE module for me. I would email Jim Bergantino ([email protected]). He will walk you through the troubleshooting. Jim is always quick to respond in my experience. Bergantino has the best customer service out of any company I have ever purchased from period. My 1st gen HP runs good as new now!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info. Had a crazy last week, but I just emailed them all the details.
 
  • Like
Reactions: DerekWBass
#20,850
Been really missing the tone and form factor of my 2x CN210 rig. The only thing I didn’t love was that it wasn’t quite extended enough on the top and bottom for me. I was a big HT series fan for its amazing deep lows and lovely highs and wonderful overall voicing, and although the CN’s worked beautifully and had incredible mids, they didn’t have quite the bandwidth and extension of the HT series.

Wondering if a 2 x NXT210 rig would be better or be more similar to the CN210’s in that regard?
 
  • Like
Reactions: shoot-r, Fuzzbass and rodl2005
#20,851
J.Wolf said:
Been really missing the tone and form factor of my 2x CN210 rig. The only thing I didn’t love was that it wasn’t quite extended enough on the top and bottom for me. I was a big HT series fan for its amazing deep lows and lovely highs and wonderful overall voicing, and although the CN’s worked beautifully and had incredible mids, they didn’t have quite the bandwidth and extension of the HT series.

Wondering if a 2 x NXT210 rig would be better or be more similar to the CN210’s in that regard?
Click to expand...
Hey Jake…good question. I didn’t have the CN’s and NXT’s at the same time, but the NXT will indeed give you more top and bottom-end. The NXT’s have an inherent higher top-end from the woofer, in addition to a more seamless, transparent tweeter. The NXT bottom-end will have better extension, too. That’s my recollection, from owning both versions. I didn’t own the HT’s, so can’t compare them. : )
 
  • Like
Reactions: J.Wolf, John D Harris and MattLplaysBass
#20,852
Quick tech question, I have a Nobelium (Noble Clone) pre and I am running it into the FX Return of my Forte D. I notice that the clip light is flashing a bit even at what I would consider a reasonable volume on the pre. Is it just quite sensitive?

I imagine it would be a case of running the pre-amp volume lower and boosting the master on the Forte to compensate however I find the best tone is actually when it is causing the gain light to flash.

It isn't a steady light, just an intermittent flashing when I play a bit harder.

Is this something I shoudl try and fix by not having it flash at all or is the flashing ok?
 
#20,853
Plastalmonus said:
Quick tech question, I have a Nobelium (Noble Clone) pre and I am running it into the FX Return of my Forte D. I notice that the clip light is flashing a bit even at what I would consider a reasonable volume on the pre. Is it just quite sensitive?

I imagine it would be a case of running the pre-amp volume lower and boosting the master on the Forte to compensate however I find the best tone is actually when it is causing the gain light to flash.

It isn't a steady light, just an intermittent flashing when I play a bit harder.

Is this something I shoudl try and fix by not having it flash at all or is the flashing ok?
Click to expand...
Is it the clip light or the OL light that is flashing? If it's the OL light it's ok to have an occasional flash, but not steady. Same for clip. The Clip light indicates you're at the limit of the amps power, the OL indicates you're right at the correct level going into the DSP part of the amp to fully take advantage of the Drive circuit (if engaged) and even the compressor running in the background.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jerry J and MattLplaysBass
#20,854
Jim Bergantino said:
Is it the clip light or the OL light that is flashing? If it's the OL light it's ok to have an occasional flash, but not steady. Same for clip. The Clip light indicates you're at the limit of the amps power, the OL indicates you're right at the correct level going into the DSP part of the amp to fully take advantage of the Drive circuit (if engaged) and even the compressor running in the background.
Click to expand...
Whoops you’re right, it’s the one above the gain knob so the OL.

By going through the FX return shouldn’t it be bypassing the DSP part of the circuit? I was a bit confused how bypassing the pre amp could be causing it to flash which is why I thought I’d ask.
 
#20,855
Plastalmonus said:
Whoops you’re right, it’s the one above the gain knob so the OL.

By going through the FX return shouldn’t it be bypassing the DSP part of the circuit? I was a bit confused how bypassing the pre amp could be causing it to flash which is why I thought I’d ask.
Click to expand...
No everything goes thru the DSP including the effects loop. You can just use the level on your preamp to get the signal going into the DSP at the right level by using the OL led as your reference. You want to just “tickle” it on your hardest hits and you’re good to go. Then you will have full access to all the controls to adjust your tone. The only thing you bypass by going thru the effects is the input gain stage.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jerry J
#20,856
Jim Bergantino said:
No everything goes thru the DSP including the effects loop. You can just use the level on your preamp to get the signal going into the DSP at the right level by using the OL led as your reference. You want to just “tickle” it on your hardest hits and you’re good to go. Then you will have full access to all the controls to adjust your tone. The only thing you bypass by going thru the effects is the input gain stage.
Click to expand...
Well we live and learn, well at least I do 😁

Thanks, Jim.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Mystic Michael, Al Kraft, tombowlus and 3 others
#20,857
Just curious ... what happened with the NXT410-C?

Seems like it was a blip on the radar ... here and gone pretty quickly. Hardly anything on YouTube about it, other than one Bergantino produced video with one of the dudes from Chicago Music Exchange. (killer tones on that video)

Was it supposed to be a limited thing from the beginning? Did people just not respond to them?

Just curious ... I have one and it hasn't been getting much love. The couple of gigs I brought it to I struggled getting it dialed in ... but they were tough gigs anyway. Thinking I probably just need to spend more time with it, but wasn't sure if it just wasn't a very successful or well-liked cab.
 
#20,859
Hey all,

I think I’ve finally been bitten by the Bergantino bug. Got my eye on a pair (maybe ultimately three 😳) of the NXT cabs - either the NXT210 or the NXT112. It’s gotta be two (or three) of the same model - no mixing and matching for this guy.

While I love the compactness and light weight of the NXT112, the NXT210 isn’t exactly big and heavy either, so I really could be persuaded to go either way - depending mostly on the overall tone…..and vibe (published frequency response specs for both cabs are identical, so that’s a wash).

Gotta say, based on the limited amount of thread searching I’ve conducted thus far, the NXT112 would seem to have the tone and the vibe I’ve been looking for - but my mind is, at least for the time being, still open.

So how about it guys? Anyone here have any experience with both of these cabs? Please let me know your comparative impressions.

MM
 
#20,860
Mystic Michael said:
Hey all,

I think I’ve finally been bitten by the Bergantino bug. Got my eye on a pair (maybe ultimately three 😳) of the NXT cabs - either the NXT210 or the NXT112. It’s gotta be two (or three) of the same model - no mixing and matching for this guy.

While I love the compactness and light weight of the NXT112, the NXT210 isn’t exactly big and heavy either, so I really could be persuaded to go either way - depending mostly on the overall tone…..and vibe (published frequency response specs for both cabs are identical, so that’s a wash).

Gotta say, based on the limited amount of thread searching I’ve conducted thus far, the NXT112 would seem to have the tone and the vibe I’ve been looking for - but my mind is, at least for the time being, still open.

So how about it guys? Anyone here have any experience with both of these cabs? Please let me know your comparative impressions.

MM
Click to expand...
You mentioned no mixing cab’s (I usually don’t either)…but actually, the NXT “322” (210+112) is a well-regarded Berg combo. Then you don’t have to choose, and can elect to use one or the other for smaller applications.

I’ve played the 322 combo in several Berg neo-loaded models (CN, HDN, NXT)…the NXT was my favorite. (Currently, I play the heavier Berg ceramic-loaded cab’s…)
 
  • Like
Reactions: gscroggin, John D Harris, Saetia and 2 others

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back