Baer Amplification Megathread!

[R Baer]

Any VT tube di updates?

Still at it. We have the circuitry down, but are up with some regulatory stuff that is taking forever to sort out. Hopefully it won't take too much longer. Have to make a few changes to the chassis and we should be back on track.

 

[31HZ]

Has anyone used a Series I ML112 in conjunction with a Series II ML112? Wondering if there is going to be anything unusual that would keep this combination from sounding as good as a pair of each would sound.

 

[Lowendtech]

Has anyone used a Series I ML112 in conjunction with a Series II ML112? Wondering if there is going to be anything unusual that would keep this combination from sounding as good as a pair of each would sound.

I've done exactly this. It's awesome with no un-awesomeness to worry about.

 

[g4string]

Has anyone used a Series I ML112 in conjunction with a Series II ML112? Wondering if there is going to be anything unusual that would keep this combination from sounding as good as a pair of each would sound.

Yep, me too! Sounds exceptionally good.

 

[GRoberts]

Yep, me too! Sounds exceptionally good.

Is the physical size of the newer ML112 any different or do they stack and match up physically?

 

[g4string]

Is the physical size of the newer ML112 any different or do they stack and match up physically?

the series 1 is .50" more shallow than the series 2.

 

[GRoberts]

the series 1 is .50" more shallow than the series 2.

A whole .50"? LOL ..Cool. Close enough. If you have both, how would you describe the difference if either is playing alone? Same voice and performance essentially?

 

[g4string]

A whole .50"? LOL ..Cool. Close enough. If you have both, how would you describe the difference if either is playing alone? Same voice and performance essentially?

The differences are semi-negligible. The s2's have slightly more bottom than the s1's (bigger cab, so DUH, of course), they have the ability to handle a little bit more cone excursion (so can handle slightly more power and as mentioned, put out more bottom), lastly, they have a redesigned x-over which smooths out the mids when compared to the S1's. But don't discount the s1's.....they are a great cab! If you're not pushing these cabs continually to the max on an individual basis, then I think you'd be hard pressed to hear the differences in any setting, as you could prob use EQ to make up for the differences between the two series. If you're using one cab, and pushing it the max all the time, then maybe the extra cone excursion and booty of the s2 might be your cup of tea. But then again, maybe the extra mid push of the s1 might be what you need to be heard? When used as a pair, they sound amazing! You can be happy with a pair of s1's, s2's, or blended pair.

PS....physical differences are s2 has a bigger cab (as discussed), redesigned x-over for "smoother" mids, and I think (don't quote me) the main driver was redesigned.....I think....not sure though.....so maybe a PM to Roger might help.

 

[R Baer]

The differences are semi-negligible. The s2's have slightly more bottom than the s1's (bigger cab, so DUH, of course), they have the ability to handle a little bit more cone excursion (so can handle slightly more power and as mentioned, put out more bottom), lastly, they have a redesigned x-over which smooths out the mids when compared to the S1's. But don't discount the s1's.....they are a great cab! If you're not pushing these cabs continually to the max on an individual basis, then I think you'd be hard pressed to hear the differences in any setting, as you could prob use EQ to make up for the differences between the two series. If you're using one cab, and pushing it the max all the time, then maybe the extra cone excursion and booty of the s2 might be your cup of tea. But then again, maybe the extra mid push of the s1 might be what you need to be heard? When used as a pair, they sound amazing! You can be happy with a pair of s1's, s2's, or blended pair.

PS....physical differences are s2 has a bigger cab (as discussed), redesigned x-over for "smoother" mids, and I think (don't quote me) the main driver was redesigned.....I think....not sure though.....so maybe a PM to Roger might help.

Think this sums it up pretty well. The Series II got a new woofer which handles more power and has a little bigger low end. That dictated a little to tweak the crossover. The Series II just has a slightly different personality, but I know plenty of customers who prefer the Series I, so it's all a matter of taste. I agree that a slight tweak in EQ can make these two sound nearly identical.

 

[31HZ]

Thank you, Roger!

 

[Dbass35]

I'm looking into getting a series 2 112. Currently using an eden ex112, which is enough in most situations with my band (we don't play that loud), but looking for something a little nicer. Anyone here using a Baer 112 as a single cab?

I'd also appreciate any amp recommendations to go with it!

 

[bassclef112]

I've been using an S1 for a number of years with great effect. It is all I need for 90% of my gigs, including large catering halls with a couple hundred+ guests. My band is 5 players with 4 vocalists up front, and we do everything from standards to classic rock. It's an amazing cabinet and all of my basses sound great through it.

My main amp is a Thunderfunk 550-B. I have also used a GK 800RB.
It's almost impossible to not sound great.

For any gigs outdoors I switch over to my Aguilar GS212.

 

[Funkdified]

I run a ML115 with a v4-b reissue or GB streamliner 900. Handles just about everything. If need be I have a svt and 810.

 

[McFarlin]

I'm looking into getting a series 2 112. Currently using an eden ex112, which is enough in most situations with my band (we don't play that loud), but looking for something a little nicer. Anyone here using a Baer 112 as a single cab?

I'd also appreciate any amp recommendations to go with it!

I haven't used that model Eden cab, but judging by looks and reviews I think the ML112 should be capable of quite a bit more volume and low-end output. I try to avoid using such language, but I think the words bury or crush might apply to this comparison.
The Baer is just a bit more to carry.

In my experience the ML112 is great with:
Mesa Walkabout
Ashdown ABM500
Genz Benz Streamliner

Pretty good with:
Mesa Subway D-800 (probably would be an excellent match with the D-800+ mid controls, but I haven't used one)
Quilter Bass Block (would like a more compatible e.q. section)

Not as good with:
Genz Benz Shuttle
Genzler Magellan (I know others will disagree.)
Demeter VTBP-M-800D
Ampeg PF-50T

 

[ExaltBass]

I had some fun this morning driving my two ML-112 cabs with my '66 Showman. Gobs of 60's and 70's goodness! Bass was my '59, with flats, of course.

 

[Dbass35]

Thanks for the replies guys.

Not as good with:

Genzler Magellan (I know others will disagree.)

Interesting, that's one of the heads I'm looking at. What makes you say it isn't as good with the ML112?

 

[Fishface]

I use the Genzler MG800 and it's a great pairing in my opinion, using contour B about 11oclock.
For me the Baer cabs did not work at all with the Aguilar TH500, wayyyy too middy and couldn't tame it at all.
Also works good with GK MB800 Fusion.

 

[R Baer]

IMO, the ML cabs are usually going to flavor amps that have a reasonably flat preamp, or at least ones that don't have big bumps in the top end. Some amps can have a pretty dramatic baked in EQ bumps in the top end and that can sometimes combine with the natural peaks in the mid driver to create a bit too much of a good thing that can be hard to tame with EQ.

I'm a bit surprised by McFarlin adding the Ampeg PF-50T to his list of amps that don't work well with the ML112's. I thought this pairing was pretty killer myself, but of course this is very subjective and greatly influenced by things like musical styles, instrument choices and plain old personal preference.

 

[justbass57]

I record at home with the PF50T micing the Baer ML12(1) with a SM58 thru a hi/lo pass filter, and I like this setup a lot.
I also have an Aguilar Th500, and I prefer the 50T for recording.

 

[Fishface]

I liked the Aguilar TH500 with the "normal" woofer/tweeter type cabs, and IMO works best with those, since the mid bump is so pronounced and those cabs don't have a mid driver.