A word on the acoustic, I've seen more than one of them at GC, scratch and dent, with the wheels pushed through the bottom...
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Berg 610 vs Ampeg vs whatever else
- Thread starter HoosierBassist
- Start date
- Apr 3, 2003
- 35,516
- 19,950
- Disclosures
- Editor-in-Chief, Bass Gear Magazine
On the topic of other recommended 6x10's, I am also quite fond of the Mesa/Boogie PH610 and the Glockenklang 6-Box. They all have their own voice/vibe... 
In the "mid hump" category, would you list them in order from most to least at Ampeg 810 > Berg 610 > Ampeg 610?
As a guy who owns BOTH the 610 and the 810 - other than the slight difference in the size of the 610 - what did you actually save in weight? 10-20- pounds?
Don't get me wrong, I really like my 610 (powered by a 4pro) but honestly, other than the little difference in size, I don't see much difference in either weight or displacement.
At one time, I could fit either in a PT Cruiser (no problem) along with the 4Pro - in a road case, a couple of basses, my 2 Mics and stands.
the difference in weight is not such a big deal, about 30 pounds but the smaller size makes it easier to handle on your own and it fits in a backseat of a car but the 8x10 doesnt.
Granted. I have found, however, that either the 610 or the 810 are a breeze to move (at least for me) and while they both go into a truck as easy as anything, I was surprised to see that they fit into a PT cruiser equally easy. Never would have expected that.
As for the Berg, I don't think that there is a huge difference between the 610HLF and the Berg (weight wise as well as displacement) so, like everything else, it always comes down to which sounds better to the individual's ears....
Berg 610 - should keep in mind the NV412. REMEMBER these are sealed, tweeter-less cabs, & thus generally sound tighter, less highs & lows than the cabs with tweeters & are ported. Ampeg 810 is sealed & no tweeter & a couple of others on that list are also iirc.
Outta that list, I'd steer clear of the new Acoustic 810-based solely on reports I've read.
I'd also consider the smaller 610 cabs especially if I was relying on a friend for transport. I couldn't count how many times I've heard of friends being unavailable at crucial times when gear needs to be moved
Gotta be self-reliant imo.
Outta that list, I'd steer clear of the new Acoustic 810-based solely on reports I've read.
I'd also consider the smaller 610 cabs especially if I was relying on a friend for transport. I couldn't count how many times I've heard of friends being unavailable at crucial times when gear needs to be moved
Gotta be self-reliant imo.
Why are the Bergs rated at 103db SPL and the Ampeg at 100 and yet everyone seems to say the Ampeg is louder? I wonder because I did a test with 810 vs Berg 412 (for tone) and felt the Berg was a tad louder.
Steve
That's just one frequency that sensitivity is taken at (1k), and completely ignores all other frequencies. And of course, loudness in a cab is a product of several things, not just a high sens at 1k or a raw speaker count. Could be amp EQ, could be the bass, could be more xmax in the speakers, voicing of the cab...
I'll admit to not having direct experience with the Berg 610, but considering that it's a 610 designed to sound a lot like an Ampeg 810, I can't imagine that the speakers are vastly different. Could be wrong, though...
The reason I ask is that I'm thinking of pairing the NV412 with the 810 - the bits of messing around I've done it sounds like a really great combination - the depth of the 810 but with a little bright attack provided by the 412 to bring it to life - also sounds more full and meatier in general. I've yet to give it a proper try out though and just wondered if there was any technical reason why it might be a bad idea (other than just using my ears, of course).
Steve
Steve
The drawback would be having to have the same EQ on each cab, which may or may not work for you. I remember when Justin Meldal-Johnsen was doing a similar rig with his Aguilar stuff for Nine Inch Nails a couple years back, but he powered the 810 with a DB751 and the 412 with an AG500c. That way, you can get different EQ's that complement each other, or even cooler, a clean/dirty setup with effects. Plus it helps keep the effects of phasing issues at bay.
Hard for me to imagine a non-arena-metal setting where you would need a rig like that, but I guess that's why they call you Wild Steve
Hard for me to imagine a non-arena-metal setting where you would need a rig like that, but I guess that's why they call you Wild Steve
Yeah, true, it's way overkill - even a single 810 is really - but in my tiny practice room they do sound sreally great together. Waste of time though I'm sure in the real world.
Thanks as always for your expertise.
Steve
Thanks as always for your expertise.
Steve
At your juncture in life, I'd recommend the Ampeg for this reason...and I'm a Berg guy. As a HS student with a $7/hr job (which I assume is part-time), you need to spend your money wisely. I've seen good-condition 810e cabs go for $500. Even used, you're gonna be looking at spending around a grand for an NV610. When you're working a good day gig and have some disposable income, there's a law of diminishing returns and that $500 different isn't such a big deal then.
I'd recommend buying the head used as well. SVTs are the gold standard of tube bass amps, so as long as you're not trying to pick up a vintage Blueline, there are plenty around that can be scooped up for good prices.
