Bergantino AE212 - Just Released

[Jerry J]

Hey Jerry --

Are you going to buy one of these so I can gig it some time? I've got a new M9 on the way so my wife would be mighty grumpy if I got an AE212 any time soon.

The AE410 will continue to be my #1 for gigging in the foreseeable future. I'd sure like to hear an AE 212 though.

I would absolutely love to have one. And I'm certain that I will fairly soon. It would be nice to hear it with your new M9 with the WL.

I really would need to sell one of my HT112s. Which is over at the band's practice space. That is slowing me down plus the fact that the band is still on hiatus for an undetermined period.

 

[B String]

IMO, different but, with this cab, equally good. The AE212 still has plenty of punch so that the wide, smooth tone of the LMII/III sounds great if you want it a bit fat and warm and smooth. And, the AE212 isn't quite as over the top grindy and punchy as the AE410, which means that the F500 sounds quite warm also, but increases the punch and burp and brightness versus the LM. They both really sound good, and my guess is the Shuttle 9 would also kill, being a bit more grindy and bright but similarly punchy to the F500.

My preference is still the F500 with this cab, but that's for my tone goals. The LMII/III kills also!

If we're talking about the AE line, I brought in both my LMII and my 9.0 to use with my AE210. Hands down, everyone liked the 9.0 much more. Jazz bass set flat with just a slight bump in the lows and around 180hz on the 9.0.

 

[Gilsonite]

I got to check out the AE 212 at Rudys Music in NYC today, played thru a mesa boogie m6 and it sounded totally killer , I got to check out many different basses thru the rig, but one that stood out the most was the Xotic XJ- jazz bass WoW that bass was hot

Oh, BTW, just read Ken's Blurb in October's Bass Player Magazine in the Community section... Nice job Ken!

 

[BartmanPDX]

I would absolutely love to have one. And I'm certain that I will fairly soon. It would be nice to hear it with your new M9 with the WL.

I really would need to sell one of my HT112s. Which is over at the band's practice space. That is slowing me down plus the fact that the band is still on hiatus for an undetermined period.

Sweet. I'd love to hear the difference between the AE410 and the AE212 on a gig. The M9 won't be here in time for this Friday's gig, but I should have it for the Fri/Sat M&M gig out near you the next week. Wanna sit in for a song or two?

 

[witchbass]

dam and i was so sure i wanted db 112 x2 stack now this

2x 112 aquilar for me in australia is going to about $2200 maybe more

and a ae 212 is going to be around $1400

i think i just made my dicision typing this right now though

 

[KJung]

dam and i was so sure i wanted db 112 x2 stack now this

2x 112 aquilar for me in australia is going to about $2200 maybe more

and a ae 212 is going to be around $1400

i think i just made my dicision typing this right now though

As much as I like that DB112 x 2, this decision is a no brainer (even without the price difference). Not even an IMO on this one

 

[rodneyat]

As much as I like that DB112 x 2, this decision is a no brainer (even without the price difference). Not even an IMO on this one

I would agree with this...Well, at least if you are using the heads that we have all been talking about here...Markbass F1/F500, LMII/LMIII, Shuttle 6.0/9.0, Tech Amp. Now, the RH450 could be the wild card...I own DB112s and the AE212. I do probably prefer the sound of the RH450 with the DB112. Like Ken..I cannot say enough good things about the AE212..Definitely my favorite 212 and makes me not even want to add a 410 to my arsenal anymore.

From your profile, it looks like you are using a GK Fusion 550. I really don't have a lot of experience with that specific model. I did try a GK MB500 through the AE212 and it sounded like nails on a chalkboard. But, the Fusion 550 is a good bit different all the way around. Hopefully, you will get a chance to try out a couple of combinations first.

 

[KJung]

I would agree with this...Well, at least if you are using the heads that we have all been talking about here...Markbass F1/F500, LMII/LMIII, Shuttle 6.0/9.0, Tech Amp. Now, the RH450 could be the wild card...I own DB112s and the AE212. I do probably prefer the sound of the RH450 with the DB112. Like Ken..I cannot say enough good things about the AE212..Definitely my favorite 212 and makes me not even want to add a 410 to my arsenal anymore.

From your profile, it looks like you are using a GK Fusion 550. I really don't have a lot of experience with that specific model. I did try a GK MB500 through the AE212 and it sounded like nails on a chalkboard. But, the Fusion 550 is a good bit different all the way around. Hopefully, you will get a chance to try out a couple of combinations first.

+1 Even a great cab like the AE212 is still held hostage by the 'mix and match'. I would think the bright GK voicing would work very nicely though.

 

[Saluki]

I did try a GK MB500 through the AE212 and it sounded like nails on a chalkboard.

Really, man I tried my old GK MB500 through my AE410 and of all the micro amps I have tried it is the closest I can get to emulate my Mesa M6 (which has kinda become my reference point for my tone). The GK micro has plenty of low end like the Mesa and is cleaner or I guess has less warmth then some of the Markbass or GB Micro. I am still excited about trying a GK MB Fusion someday through the AE410.

I'll ask the guys at rehersal tonight if I sound like nails on a chalkboard.

 

[KJung]

Really, man I tried my old GK MB500 through my AE410 and of all the micro amps I have tried it is the closest I can get to emulate my Mesa M6 (which has kinda become my reference point for my tone). The GK micro has plenty of low end like the Mesa and is cleaner or I guess has less warmth then some of the Markbass or GB Micro. I am still excited about trying a GK MB Fusion someday through the AE410.

I'll ask the guys at rehersal tonight if I sound like nails on a chalkboard.

That MB500 is a sizzly little beast.... super deep, super sizzly. Not my thing, but if you are into an extremely aggressive sound, it matches up pretty well with the AE cabs IMO. The larger GK heads seem much more balanced to me.

+1 The M6 also has a bit of that 'super deep combined with super bright' sort of voicing.

 

[rodneyat]

That MB500 is a sizzly little beast.... super deep, super sizzly. Not my thing, but if you are into an extremely aggressive sound, it matches up pretty well with the AE cabs IMO. The larger GK heads seem much more balanced to me.

+1 The M6 also has a bit of that 'super deep combined with super bright' sort of voicing.

That is how it came out to me too, Ken. But, if you like that "sizzle" then the GK will definitely do it. My assumption is that some of that "sizzle" is not going to be present in the Fusion 550 with the tube pre. But, like all things...that is why there are choices! Otherwise, we would all still be playing monstrous SVT heads and cabs and be wearing back braces in order to deal with it.

 

[tombowlus]

From your profile, it looks like you are using a GK Fusion 550. I really don't have a lot of experience with that specific model. I did try a GK MB500 through the AE212 and it sounded like nails on a chalkboard. But, the Fusion 550 is a good bit different all the way around. Hopefully, you will get a chance to try out a couple of combinations first.

FWIW, I have gigged with the Fusion 550 powering an AE410, and I liked that matchup a lot. I think that the AE212 would make an even better pairing. That Fusion is a really great sounding head, and it's tone profile is fairly close to that of the M6 when both are set "flat."

 

[Big String]

Tried out my DB750 with the AE212 and together with the AE210.
Using NYC Sadowsky VJ4, solid ash body, maple board, single coils.

AE212: To start, of course it was very loud! Flat it was kinda congested. I cut the mids to around 9:00 and that by itself cleaned it up nicely. Moved up the Treble to about 1:00 and likewise with the Bass. Gain at 1:00, Master about 9:30 = massively loud. Also putting back the treble and bass to 11:00 and then engaging both the treble and bass boost render a even bigger kaboom. Believe it or not, I got the DB750 to sound pretty much like the F1 on massive steroids .. talk about punch. I don't know that I'd need that much horsepower hardly ever though, but had to try it. Note: my DB750 has a NOS Tele in the gain socket.

AE212/AE210: Pretty much the same thing only incredibly loud. Grant it, this was in my kitchen. This rig would be great for a bigger out door venue with a big stage. The two cabs really sound good together.
-------------------------------------------------------------
F1 or RH450: I concur the F1 is just better with the AE212. I like the RH450 better with the AE210. Wonder if I can use both cabs and both amps together ? I'm thinking yes. Comments?

 

[Jerry J]

Tried out my DB750 with the AE212 and together with the AE210.
Using NYC Sadowsky VJ4, solid ash body, maple board, single coils.

AE212: To start, of course it was very loud! Flat it was kinda congested. I cut the mids to around 9:00 and that by itself cleaned it up nicely. Moved up the Treble to about 1:00 and likewise with the Bass. Gain at 1:00, Master about 9:30 = massively loud. Also putting back the treble and bass to 11:00 and then engaging both the treble and bass boost render a even bigger kaboom. Believe it or not, I got the DB750 to sound pretty much like the F1 on massive steroids .. talk about punch. I don't know that I'd need that much horsepower hardly ever though, but had to try it. Note: my DB750 has a NOS Tele in the gain socket.

AE212/AE210: Pretty much the same thing only incredibly loud. Grant it, this was in my kitchen. This rig would be great for a bigger out door venue with a big stage. The two cabs really sound good together.
-------------------------------------------------------------
F1 or RH450: I concur the F1 is just better with the AE212. I like the RH450 better with the AE210. Wonder if I can use both cabs and both amps together ? I'm thinking yes. Comments?

This IS the review I was looking for. Dean is the man!
I've been wondering just how the ae212 would work out with the db750. I was thinking that a bit of creative EQ'ing would make it work out and it seems like you have had success.

A cabinet that plays nice with a Mesa M6 and a db750, like my ae410 is golden. And to have the option of using a LMII makes it even more appealing.

I really need to get busy on figuring out funding for one of these.

 

[peterpalmieri]

Tried out my DB750 with the AE212 and together with the AE210.
Using NYC Sadowsky VJ4, solid ash body, maple board, single coils.

AE212: To start, of course it was very loud! Flat it was kinda congested. I cut the mids to around 9:00 and that by itself cleaned it up nicely. Moved up the Treble to about 1:00 and likewise with the Bass. Gain at 1:00, Master about 9:30 = massively loud. Also putting back the treble and bass to 11:00 and then engaging both the treble and bass boost render a even bigger kaboom. Believe it or not, I got the DB750 to sound pretty much like the F1 on massive steroids .. talk about punch. I don't know that I'd need that much horsepower hardly ever though, but had to try it. Note: my DB750 has a NOS Tele in the gain socket.

AE212/AE210: Pretty much the same thing only incredibly loud. Grant it, this was in my kitchen. This rig would be great for a bigger out door venue with a big stage. The two cabs really sound good together.
-------------------------------------------------------------
F1 or RH450: I concur the F1 is just better with the AE212. I like the RH450 better with the AE210. Wonder if I can use both cabs and both amps together ? I'm thinking yes. Comments?

Oh come on Dean that is just ridiculous!

Keep it up and you may need to buy all new dishes with that thing rumbling in the kitchen!

 

[witchbass]

you guys are the best, but dam my GAS has gone through the roof lately. anyway i shall be ordering the ae 212 tomorrow and will hopefully be able give you a reasonable review with the fusion 550.

 

[gregbackstrom]

Tried out my DB750 with the AE212 and together with the AE210.
Using NYC Sadowsky VJ4, solid ash body, maple board, single coils.

AE212: To start, of course it was very loud! Flat it was kinda congested. I cut the mids to around 9:00 and that by itself cleaned it up nicely. Moved up the Treble to about 1:00 and likewise with the Bass. Gain at 1:00, Master about 9:30 = massively loud. Also putting back the treble and bass to 11:00 and then engaging both the treble and bass boost render a even bigger kaboom. Believe it or not, I got the DB750 to sound pretty much like the F1 on massive steroids .. talk about punch. I don't know that I'd need that much horsepower hardly ever though, but had to try it. Note: my DB750 has a NOS Tele in the gain socket.

AE212/AE210: Pretty much the same thing only incredibly loud. Grant it, this was in my kitchen. This rig would be great for a bigger out door venue with a big stage. The two cabs really sound good together.

Excellent post!! The last couple of gigs I've played have been with back line provided, so I haven't had a chance to play my new AE212 live. My first opportunity will be in a couple of weeks on a big stage at an outdoor venue. I had planned to use a DB750 (because I'm unsure of the power), and a AE 212/210 combination. It sounds like the perfect combination for this show!

Interesting similiarities here: I'll be playing a Sadowsky NYC (five string witn ash body though); My DB750 also has a Telefunken in A1; I have gotten my DB750 to sound surprisingly close to my Shuttle 9.0 -- it takes a little tweaking, but it can be done!

Thanks again for your report. Now I don't have to mess with my wife's kitchen (or risk breaking her dishes).

Greg

 

[kdel]

a little of my two cents. The AE 212 vs. 2 X AE112 that I've have heard the 212 wins, to my ears it is noticeable. To my ears, the 212 not surprisingly has more bottom end and is a bit less aggressive/punchy, at least with solid state amps. I like the 112 a lot, and the two 112s sound very good, clean and punchy, but the 212 is a little warmer and fatter on the low end and slightly less aggressive in the mids (but still strong and present mids--the two 112s was maybe a tad too strong in the mids versus the bottom end, but maybe some tube warmth would make that a killer set-up). Neither set-up is boomy at all. Thinking about it, it makes perfect sense since the 112 is designed to sound good as is and the 212 is tuned for that configuration. In terms of portability, the 112s are so easy to move it is ridiculous, but as Kjung has mentioned putting two cabs on a cart can be a little wobbly. The 212 at 55 lbs is very easy to lift and fit into a back seat in any 4-door or back bed/wagon/SUV, but a tad cumbersome to fit in a mid-size trunk (the side handle becomes a top handle). As much as the portability of 2 X 112 is, sound makes the 212 win IMO.

 

[tommixx]

As much as I like that DB112 x 2, this decision is a no brainer (even without the price difference). Not even an IMO on this one

Oh alright THAT did it! Between that statement and Dean's review that clinched it for me...If this is the new defacto Bergantino cab I have to have one! BIG praises coming from a lot of you guys I respect means I am in trouble...I LOVE the HT210/RH450 rig I have now but it has been struggling lately on some of the bigger festival stages we are playing on. I like to have a big fat warm cushion of bass to carry me through a song and it seems like this one will do it. I LOVE the NV610 and the NV215 so I am hoping that some of that character shines through in the AE212. Anyone played them all and can compare?

Anyway, I just hung up with Beaver at Bass Central and got me an AE212! I am pretty stoked about this cab as I LOVE 12's. I tried the NV412 but it was a bit too much for the more intimate gigs I am doing over the last year or so. I think the AE212 will be a much better cab at a better form factor for me to. I have been using the TC RH450 for some time now but it looks like I am going to have to get a Genz 9.0 from the sound of the talk around here. Found one Brand new for a song so that will be what I am powering with unless anyone can advise me better...I liked the LM II and the LM III I had when I was using an Accugroove TRI115 but I was never over the top crazy about it. I was just OK with the Shuttle 6.0 but I was trying to drive an El Whappo with it so I do not know if that was a fair test or not...LOL! I found that I needed to really goose the Lows on the Markbass stuff to be happy and I am hoping that the additional headroom of the 9.0 will be helpful. As many of you know the DB750 is probably my favorite amp but I can't handle the weight. I read someone saying that they could make the DB750 sound like a GB 9.0 so I am hopeful that it can go both ways....Does the GB 9.0 give you the girth and size of the DB750??? Anyone? Glad to join the club here! Reviews will be forthcoming after I gig the rig next week...

Peace,

T

 

[Eublet]

Yeah, I'm 90% sure that I'm going to order an AE212 at this point. Just can't decide on what head I want to get. Since I've loved the LMII so much, I really want a LMIII. But that F500 is just calling my name. I'm a bit nervous that it'll be a little clinical sounding though. Anyone feel that way about it?