Baer Amplification Megathread!

[Snoopygore71]

Finally in on the party! One of my amplifiers arrived yesterday, so I've been able to spend some time with the ML112 and my 5 string Cirrus.

First impressions: smooth. As Ken and others have noted, the mid speaker gives a nice top end without the 'tink' of a tweeter. Notes sound very even across the range, and the bottom end is clear and detailed. I'm using a Carvin B800 at the moment, which at 8 ohms, should be delivering around 300 watts to the cabinet. For my living room needs, this is more than enough, and with the 'drive' knob at 3 o'clock and the master at 3, you can get a bit of grind with the Cirrus. Slap tones are very nice: even, detailed, and again, smooth.

I'm looking forward to some fretless action, and trying the other amp (GBE 750), whenever it arrives. If I can make some time, I'll put up a short video clip a la KJung.

Obligatory pic here:P1000515.jpg picture by Dehouser - Photobucket

I do like the comment 'one of my amps' choice is a nice thing to have. Baer is coming to Oz!

Any thoughts on the ML112 v the HT112ER?

 

[R Baer]

Thanks! That combination and tone setting really made me smile also, and I have a feeling that part of that clip was probably the closest to what Roger's 'sound in his head' is when he voiced the cab, and I assume his head when it comes out... round, warm, articulate, with a bit of hair in the upper mids for character.

Personally, I really hate that clip of you playing the Nordy VP5 through the ML112. I've never a been a P Bass guy. No, not one bit. Now I'm gonna have to talk to Carey about building one. The tone coming out of that thing is wicked! Thanks Ken, thanks a lot!

 

[nostatic]

One question - why the strap handle? I personally *hate* those unless the cab is really light and/or really small (especially depthwise). One reason I sold my Berg AE112s was due to the top strap handle. I find the recessed handle on the AE210 to be way more comfortable to carry. Or if you don't want to protrude into the box cavity, a spring loaded handle (which I think is what is on the 212).

That said, I *really* like what I'm hearing of this cab from the clips.

And yes, Carey's P basses are all that and a bag of chips

 

[B String]

Personally, I really hate that clip of you playing the Nordy VP5 through the ML112. I've never a been a P Bass guy. No, not one bit. Now I'm gonna have to talk to Carey about building one. The tone coming out of that thing is wicked! Thanks Ken, thanks a lot!

Do you remember when we listened with my P5 and the 4 string you brought over? The mids and upper end sounded fantastic. And even then you were telling me you weren't a P bass guy. Oh but you will be my friend. And the time is coming soon.

 

[R Baer]

One question - why the strap handle? I personally *hate* those unless the cab is really light and/or really small (especially depthwise). ...

Yeah, the hardware is always a tough choice. On a cab this small we really didn't want to get into an internal handle, which would involve redesigning the bracing. Actually, this is a really nice rubber handle, and it seems pretty easy to move the cab, as it's fairly light and we made sure to balance it real good. It's also kind of cool with the micro heads, because if you sit the head on top, the rubber handle kind of holds it in place and tips it up towards you a bit. Of course, we always plan on listening to player feedback, and if players aren't happy with the handles, we will certainly take that into consideration.

Do you remember when we listened with my P5 and the 4 string you brought over? The mids and upper end sounded fantastic. And even then you were telling me you weren't a P bass guy. Oh but you will be my friend. And the time is coming soon.

Ok, so now I have to explain to my wife why I need yet another bass? "But Baby, this bass does stuff that no other bass does"... Right, like she's never heard that one before!

 

[B String]

Yeah, the hardware is always a tough choice. On a cab this small we really didn't want to get into an internal handle, which would involve redesigning the bracing. Actually, this is a really nice rubber handle, and it seems pretty easy to move the cab, as it's fairly light and we made sure to balance it real good. It's also kind of cool with the micro heads, because if you sit the head on top, the rubber handle kind of holds it in place and tips it up towards you a bit. Of course, we always plan on listening to player feedback, and if players aren't happy with the handles, we will certainly take that into consideration.




Ok, so now I have to explain to my wife why I need yet another bass? "But Baby, this bass does stuff that no other bass does"... Right, like she's never heard that one before!

The strap handle on this box is different than any other strap handle I've ever had. Its very thick and the rubber handle sticks up just enough to easily rest my Genz 9.0 on. Easier to see my amp and maybe just a little less vibration to the amp.


And.......YES!

 

[nostatic]

Yeah, the hardware is always a tough choice. On a cab this small we really didn't want to get into an internal handle, which would involve redesigning the bracing. Actually, this is a really nice rubber handle, and it seems pretty easy to move the cab, as it's fairly light and we made sure to balance it real good. It's also kind of cool with the micro heads, because if you sit the head on top, the rubber handle kind of holds it in place and tips it up towards you a bit. Of course, we always plan on listening to player feedback, and if players aren't happy with the handles, we will certainly take that into consideration.

I understand the compromises - the reality of any design endeavor. Wrt the handle and micro heads, I think that one reason Jim Bergantino redesigned the strap handle on his AE112 was because it stuck up a bit too much for most micro heads so they couldn't sit flush. I know when I got my first one I actually put small furniture carpet circles on the cab so that the head would clear the handle. I then bought one of the newer designs (where they countersunk the handle a bit) and was happier in that regard.

I freely admit to being whack on some usability issues though , but you may get some feedback on that point. I'd love to hear the Shuttle 9.0 and Aggie TH500 heads through that cab.

 

[nostatic]

The strap handle on this box is different than any other strap handle I've ever had. Its very thick and the rubber handle sticks up just enough to easily rest my Genz 9.0 on. Easier to see my amp and maybe just a little less vibration to the amp.

That's actually a plus in the case of the Shuttle as that head is so light I sometimes have trouble with it staying put. But the OCD in me hates to not having the head sit flat

 

[R Baer]

...I'd love to hear the Shuttle 9.0 and Aggie TH500 heads through that cab.

Check B String's post. The Shuttle 9.0 is his current weapon of choice and has done quite a few gigs using the ML112. Quite the punchy combo. I also really like the ML112/LittleMark combo as well. A bit more 'old school" sounding, with it's more mellow top end.

 

[JimmyM]

Ok, so now I have to explain to my wife why I need yet another bass? "But Baby, this bass does stuff that no other bass does"... Right, like she's never heard that one before!

We'll vouch for you. That's the one time where it's actually true

 

[Mystic Michael]

I'd love to hear the Shuttle 9.0 and Aggie TH500 heads through that cab.

Well, Roger phoned me up this morning and I ordered two (2) of these ML112 cabs, with padded covers. Speaking of amps, I own three in particular that I'm eager to hear through the Baer cabs - for what I hope will be three different shades of "great rock tone" for small-to-midsized performance venues. They are:

* Gallien-Krueger 700RB-II (240 watts per cab)
* Mesa Boogie M-Pulse 600 (300 watts per cab)
* Eden Nemesis RS700 (275 watts per cab)

Based on the feedback I've read thus far, I gather that the Baer ML112 is tonally similar to the Mesa Boogie Powerhouse 1x12, while being perhaps a bit more hi-fi, and definitely lighter - though I've never actually heard the Mesa cab, and am only speculating. If so, I think Roger's cabs will do very nicely for what I have in mind.

MM

 

[TomB]

... Wrt the handle and micro heads, I think that one reason Jim Bergantino redesigned the strap handle on his AE112 was because it stuck up a bit too much for most micro heads so they couldn't sit flush. I know when I got my first one I actually put small furniture carpet circles on the cab so that the head would clear the handle. I then bought one of the newer designs (where they countersunk the handle a bit) and was happier in that regard.

I freely admit to being whack on some usability issues though , but you may get some feedback on that point. I'd love to hear the Shuttle 9.0 and Aggie TH500 heads through that cab.

...not too much of tangent, I hope... I think clearing strap handles is one reason GK put such big oversized feet on it's micro line; they straddle even my DB 112 handles with easee. Can one obtain big stick-on feet to retrofit to other micros?

 

[T. Alan Smith]

Quite different (although I have not played the current HD112, that I guess just started shipping). The low end is tighter than the HT112ER, and the top end is totally different, with the HT112ER actually having a bit of dip in the upper mids and a very hi fi type crystal clear upper treble oriented tweeter, and the Baer being very even from the mid mids to upper mids, and then being more 'bright' through the lower treble than sizzly. Quite different... more similar to the AE112 or 210 than the HT112ER to my ear.

Much appreciated! Listened to your vids last nite(thank you!) and it sounded ideal for ensemble performing.

 

[KJung]

Well, Roger phoned me up this morning and I ordered two (2) of these ML112 cabs, with padded covers. Speaking of amps, I own three in particular that I'm eager to hear through the Baer cabs - for what I hope will be three different shades of "great rock tone" for small-to-midsized performance venues. They are:

* Gallien-Krueger 700RB-II (240 watts per cab)
* Mesa Boogie M-Pulse 600 (300 watts per cab)
* Eden Nemesis RS700 (275 watts per cab)

Based on the feedback I've read thus far, I gather that the Baer ML112 is tonally similar to the Mesa Boogie Powerhouse 1x12, while being perhaps a bit more hi-fi, and definitely lighter - though I've never actually heard the Mesa cab, and am only speculating. If so, I think Roger's cabs will do very nicely for what I have in mind.

MM

Very cool. It will be nice to get more feedback on this great little cab. Two should be quite killer. I'll look forward to reading reviews from the guys getting these cabs, and also feedback from the New England GTG, where the cab I evaluated will be heading either today or Monday for that bash next weekend.

Thanks for all the comments. This was a fun thread. Again, congrats to Roger to bringing yet something else 'new and good' to the bass cabinet category!

 

[kevinsbass]

I think that is a good example of Bill's point. Each driver sounds like it does, regardless of diameter. If the size of the driver was key, then you would be able to find another 15 that sounded like the K140. It is just as hard to match those other 15's with another driver that sounds the same. The difference is that you happen to prefer the K140 tone

First post here from a long time lurker. How does the Baer cab compare to a K140 in a TL606, tonally and efficiency-wise? Would the two play well together? I ask because that is what I currently use, but I would like to add a second cab and two TL606s will not fit in the back of my car.

 

[KJung]

First post here from a long time lurker. How does the Baer cab compare to a K140 in a TL606, tonally and efficiency-wise? Would the two play well together? I ask because that is what I currently use, but I would like to add a second cab and two TL606s will not fit in the back of my car.

Hello! It has been many, many, many years since I actually owned and played a K140 loaded cab, so can't answer that. Maybe Roger has an idea if he sees your post, or PM him. I think you would like the top end response of the ML112 if you like the K140's. Surely not identical by any means, but in that same 'bright but organic/paper cone' type vibe.

The ML112 is quite efficient, so it might work well. Hard to know when mixing two very different cabs.

 

[KJung]

PS Regarding buying or not buying this cab, as I posted, I have a basement full of small cabs now, so am not in the market for another one at the moment. At this point, more interested in putting up a kind of complete comparison of a wide range of these unique 112 executions for my TB buddies (since again, I love to evaluate and check out this stuff).

HOWEVER, I am going to strongly consider Roger's ML212 if he introduces it. That would be a wonderful large gig solution for my Streamliner and P Bass, and might very well take the plunge. I've never been a two cab type of guy, but the 4ohm 212 version of this cab, with those two mid drivers stacked in that vertical array thing..... I might have to get out my checkbook for that one

 

[AMJBASS]

TB has a funny way of making one justify purchases. At any rate this cabinet looks fantastic. I may take the plunge on one of these...

 

[B String]

...not too much of tangent, I hope... I think clearing strap handles is one reason GK put such big oversized feet on it's micro line; they straddle even my DB 112 handles with easee. Can one obtain big stick-on feet to retrofit to other micros?

I've put larger feet on my micro heads for quite sometime. But as I stated earlier, the handle on the ML-112 is sort of soft and rises above the the metal parts, so my amp rests on it. I don't mind it at all.

 

[TonyP-]

Very cool. It will be nice to get more feedback on this great little cab. Two should be quite killer. I'll look forward to reading reviews from the guys getting these cabs, and also feedback from the New England GTG, where the cab I evaluated will be heading either today or Monday for that bash next weekend.

Thanks for all the comments. This was a fun thread. Again, congrats to Roger to bringing yet something else 'new and good' to the bass cabinet category!

I'm encouraging guys to try.
Should be a great time and they will have a chance to A/B with other cabinets as well.
If it all goes well we will have a video testimony.