Bergantino AE212 - Just Released

[emjazz]

Maybe he finally allowed himself a vacation??

Hey B, have a great holiday man.

 

[RocketMusic]

Yep, Jim is still alive! I've been communicating with him a bit the past couple days. Let me know if you need anything, I'd be happy to assist.

While I'm here in this thread, ya'll might like to know that the AE-212 is shipping once again. Jim was out of them for a few weeks, but now he's got some more available.

 

[Eublet]

While I'm here in this thread, ya'll might like to know that the AE-212 is shipping once again.

Why yes they are, and I have a tracking number to prove it.

 

[RocketMusic]

LOL. Thanks for your order, Jason! I hope you dig it!

 

[INTHEPOCKET69]

Thinking about pairing this cab with a Mesa Walkabout head and a passive Pino CS P bass....looking to get a more classic sound that will still cut through a mix. Any thoughts?

 

[Vic]

Thinking about pairing this cab with a Mesa Walkabout head and a passive Pino CS P bass....looking to get a more classic sound that will still cut through a mix. Any thoughts?

Yeah, it'll kill.

Ok, I haven't played one of these myself... yet... but I can tell you even before that happens that it'll be a killer combo. No brainer. You're already "winning" with the Walkabout and Pino P, so unless the cab sucked, and this one clearly does not, you'd have it made anyway.

Go fer it.

 

[Top_Ten]

Why yes they are, and I have a tracking number to prove it.

Me too!

 

[RocketMusic]

Me too!

Thanks to you, too, Aaron! Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the cab!

 

[scowboy]

Over the past couple of months I find myself wanting something less vintage sounding than my TC RH450 provides both tonally and just more bottom end when needed. Interestingly for me last night I set up all the bass gear I have in the biggest room of my house and played my Shuttle 3.0 through my TC cabs and discovered just how much of my dislike was the RH450 itself. Love the features just not the tone so much anymore. So far the AE212 seems like a very-very-happy medium paired with the correct head. I'm keeping my Shuttle 3.0-10T for all the obvious reasons.

So I'm getting pretty serious about ordering and AE212 and finding a new head to go with it. I talked to a few people about it yesterday and I pretty much got gassed last night reading this thread. My TC Electronic rig is all but sold and now just have to go down to the garage and make sure it fits in my Mini Cooper S laying long ways on it's side . If it does not fit we start the search again, sigh. Though it seems promising.

Now it's down to head selection...
1. Markbass F500 - Love the size, but really small knobs.
2. Markbass LMII/LMIII - I have had 2 LMII's in the past and never any problems other than wanting a little more EQ flexibility and a mute switch.
3. GB Shuttle 9.0 - I like the FET preamp in the 3.0 better than the tube preamp in the 6.0 but of course there is the nice power output of the 9.0.
4. GB Shuttlemax 12.0 - 2nd amp channel will be useless on the AE212 because I will never ever need 2 AE212's but I like the 2 input channel thing and I love the FET preamp in my Shuttle 3.0. On the negative for the Shuttlemax I always wonder if all those small knobs might be a bit of bummer trying to make and adjustment mid-gig. I also have a strong dislike for blue LED's as dumb as it that may sound and GB uses WAY too many of them. My eyesight is suffering from aging which does not help either because it's so small.
5. Ashdown ABM 500 EVO??? This is a head that I have always wanted a go with but it's not small nor light, but a non-class D amp with this cabinet might really slay it! If I could find a smoking deal on a used one I'd have a hard time not buying it on principle.

Mesa is missing from the list. Not sure why just don't have much experience with them.

Now that Bass and Beyond has moved to Reno we've got no Bergantino dealer in town. So I'm going to order one "hoping" it works out.

 

[LilRay]

Over the past couple of months I find myself wanting something less vintage sounding than my TC RH450 provides both tonally and just more bottom end when needed. Interestingly for me last night I set up all the bass gear I have in the biggest room of my house and played my Shuttle 3.0 through my TC cabs and discovered just how much of my dislike was the RH450 itself. Love the features just not the tone so much anymore. So far the AE212 seems like a very-very-happy medium paired with the correct head. I'm keeping my Shuttle 3.0-10T for all the obvious reasons.

So I'm getting pretty serious about ordering and AE212 and finding a new head to go with it. I talked to a few people about it yesterday and I pretty much got gassed last night reading this thread. My TC Electronic rig is all but sold and now just have to go down to the garage and make sure it fits in my Mini Cooper S laying long ways on it's side . If it does not fit we start the search again, sigh. Though it seems promising.

Now it's down to head selection...
1. Markbass F500 - Love the size, but really small knobs.
2. Markbass LMII/LMIII - I have had 2 LMII's in the past and never any problems other than wanting a little more EQ flexibility and a mute switch.
3. GB Shuttle 9.0 - I like the FET preamp in the 3.0 better than the tube preamp in the 6.0 but of course there is the nice power output of the 9.0.
4. GB Shuttlemax 12.0 - 2nd amp channel will be useless on the AE212 because I will never ever need 2 AE212's but I like the 2 input channel thing and I love the FET preamp in my Shuttle 3.0. On the negative for the Shuttlemax I always wonder if all those small knobs might be a bit of bummer trying to make and adjustment mid-gig. I also have a strong dislike for blue LED's as dumb as it that may sound and GB uses WAY too many of them. My eyesight is suffering from aging which does not help either because it's so small.
5. Ashdown ABM 500 EVO??? This is a head that I have always wanted a go with but it's not small nor light, but a non-class D amp with this cabinet might really slay it! If I could find a smoking deal on a used one I'd have a hard time not buying it on principle.

Mesa is missing from the list. Not sure why just don't have much experience with them.

Now that Bass and Beyond has moved to Reno we've got no Bergantino dealer in town. So I'm going to order one "hoping" it works out.

You may wait until the Streamliner's out. Just might be the best of both worlds.

Don't know.



God Bless,Ray

 

[KJung]

While I'm still digging my RH450 a lot, it is what it is, and is highly voiced. IMO, the way I look at the RH450 is that the head itself is voiced to kind of mimic an entire old school rig (i.e., there are hi and lo pass filters and mid voicings to that head that attempt to replicate not only a kind of tube amp thing, but also a tube amp thing through an old school, sealed one way cab). So, I hear what you are saying.

One thing to consider (before you spend a bunch of cash) is to use a different head with your RS210. I find that to be among the finest 210's on the market, and it just kicks with my Markbass heads (I have a clip or two of that combination on my youtube channel I think). Of course, it won't put out nearly the wump and wide tone of the 4ohm and much larger AE212, but it sounds killer.

I guess the one head I would 'replace' in your list is the Shuttle Max 6 replacing the 12.... same amp, but designed for one 4ohm cab.

I love the F500 (you are right, if you are a 'knob tweaker' on stage during the gig, those small concentrics are not a beautiful thing... if you basically use your EQ to do slight room adjustments at 'sound check', zero issue). The Shuttle 9 gets great reviews with this cab also, but I haven't heard that combination. The LMII/III sounds fine, but I prefer a bit more punch with the wide, smooth AE212.

IMO!

 

[scowboy]

Relating to your extensive reviews...

My favorite clip of yours was with the TecAmp. But I have not even let myself think about finding one let alone spending the money for one. I'm really about trying to find a highly commoditized head first. Actually I'm really thinking about using it for a while on my Wednesday night coffee house gig with the Shuttle 3.0 since we have no actual drums to compete with. Overkill I know but it's good place to try. Easy load in and all.

On the TC topic:
I've got my TC rig pretty much sold minus one RS210... so I may have the chance to keep that around. I do love the form factor of that box it does sound really great with the Shuttle 3.0.

While I'm still digging my RH450 a lot, it is what it is, and is highly voiced. IMO, the way I look at the RH450 is that the head itself is voiced to kind of mimic an entire old school rig (i.e., there are hi and lo pass filters and mid voicings to that head that attempt to replicate not only a kind of tube amp thing, but also a tube amp thing through an old school, sealed one way cab). So, I hear what you are saying.

One thing to consider (before you spend a bunch of cash) is to use a different head with your RS210. I find that to be among the finest 210's on the market, and it just kicks with my Markbass heads (I have a clip or two of that combination on my youtube channel I think). Of course, it won't put out nearly the wump and wide tone of the 4ohm and much larger AE212, but it sounds killer.

I guess the one head I would 'replace' in your list is the Shuttle Max 6 replacing the 12.... same amp, but designed for one 4ohm cab.

I love the F500 (you are right, if you are a 'knob tweaker' on stage during the gig, those small concentrics are not a beautiful thing... if you basically use your EQ to do slight room adjustments at 'sound check', zero issue). The Shuttle 9 gets great reviews with this cab also, but I haven't heard that combination. The LMII/III sounds fine, but I prefer a bit more punch with the wide, smooth AE212.

IMO!

 

[KJung]

Relating to your extensive reviews...

My favorite clip of yours was with the TecAmp. But I have not even let myself think about finding one let alone spending the money for one. I'm really about trying to find a highly commoditized head first. Actually I'm really thinking about using it for a while on my Wednesday night coffee house gig with the Shuttle 3.0 since we have no actual drums to compete with. Overkill I know but it's good place to try. Easy load in and all.

On the TC topic:
I've got my TC rig pretty much sold minus one RS210... so I may have the chance to keep that around. I do love the form factor of that box it does sound really great with the Shuttle 3.0.

That Puma is really beautiful sounding, but again, the HUGE low end and the very crystal clear top end can be a bit of 'careful what you wish for' in a live setting. The F500 (or shuttle or whatever) will sound a bit rougher in a solo setting, but in a mix, heads with a bit more control/hi pass/voicing... whatever... on both the low end and high end tend to 'slot themselves' in a mix a touch better, and you don't have to worry about the drivers seeming to want to piston through the grill when you start cranking!

That Shuttle Max 6 is really quite an impressive piece of gear... great EQ, doesn't have the low end attenuation of the little Shuttle 6, and has MUCH more powerful variable filters (plus the dual FET/Tube preamps) than the Shuttle 9. Pretty impressive head... hard to not like it if you don't need a micro form factor but still want light weight.

The Streamliner (that Lil'Ray mentioned) seems pretty cool too if you are looking for a more 'tube inspired/driven' execution that doesn't have the built in voicing of the RH450 that kind of 'old schools up' any cab. I have one of those on order, and should have it the first week of February when they start shipping. I'll, as always, put up a couple of clips

 

[Eublet]

I agree about the RH450. If it simply had the Tweetertone knob on it, it would be killer all the way around.

In your list, my vote is for the Shuttle 9.0. In fact, I have both an AE212 and Shuttle 9.0 arriving at my house this Tuesday. I don't really use any of the filters on the Genz heads, so to me the extra power, extended bottom and smaller size/weight of the 9.0 is the winner. IME with Genz, the difference between the FET and Tube channels is very minimal as long as you aren't overdriving the tube. The FET is a bit cleaner and more sharp on the attack. You almost have to be right up on your cabinet to really hear the extra detail though.

I owned a LMII for a quite a while, and I used it with a Neox 212, which totally killed, However the NeoX was fairly tight in the lows, which matched well with the LMII. I ran a LMII through a few other cabs, and it always worked but it could get a bit too big down bottom at times. I prefer a punchy sound, and I like the high pass filter on all the Genz heads, even the Shuttle 6.0 which I gigged for quite a while. Even the GBE 1200 I owned stayed tight and punchy even when you boosted the lows a good bit. I totally dug that approach. Several people here are running an AE212 with a Shuttle 9.0 and they all seem more than happy with it. If you can wait a few more days before you decide, I'll give you my own impressions as well since I've been gigging with a TC rig for a while now.

 

[KJung]

I agree about the RH450. If it simply had the Tweetertone knob on it, it would be killer all the way around.

In your list, my vote is for the Shuttle 9.0. In fact, I have both an AE212 and Shuttle 9.0 arriving at my house this Tuesday. I don't really use any of the filters on the Genz heads, so to me the extra power, extended bottom and smaller size/weight of the 9.0 is the winner. IME with Genz, the difference between the FET and Tube channels is very minimal as long as you aren't overdriving the tube. The FET is a bit cleaner and more sharp on the attack. You almost have to be right up on your cabinet to really hear the extra detail though.

I owned a LMII for a quite a while, and I used it with a Neox 212, which totally killed, However the NeoX was fairly tight in the lows, which matched well with the LMII. I ran a LMII through a few other cabs, and it always worked but it could get a bit too big down bottom at times. I prefer a punchy sound, and I like the high pass filter on all the Genz heads, even the Shuttle 6.0 which I gigged for quite a while. Even the GBE 1200 I owned stayed tight and punchy even when you boosted the lows a good bit. I totally dug that approach. Several people here are running an AE212 with a Shuttle 9.0 and they all seem more than happy with it. If you can wait a few more days before you decide, I'll give you my own impressions as well since I've been gigging with a TC rig for a while now.

Cool! Should sound absolutely fabulous.... post up!

 

[scowboy]

Thanks Jason.

I'm in no big rush. My Shuttle 3.0-10T does my normal Wednesday night gig just fine. I'm going to see what GC has in stock today, I'd like to look at the F500 as well. But I will look forward to hearing your impressions!

Scott

I agree about the RH450. If it simply had the Tweetertone knob on it, it would be killer all the way around.

In your list, my vote is for the Shuttle 9.0. In fact, I have both an AE212 and Shuttle 9.0 arriving at my house this Tuesday. I don't really use any of the filters on the Genz heads, so to me the extra power, extended bottom and smaller size/weight of the 9.0 is the winner. IME with Genz, the difference between the FET and Tube channels is very minimal as long as you aren't overdriving the tube. The FET is a bit cleaner and more sharp on the attack. You almost have to be right up on your cabinet to really hear the extra detail though.

I owned a LMII for a quite a while, and I used it with a Neox 212, which totally killed, However the NeoX was fairly tight in the lows, which matched well with the LMII. I ran a LMII through a few other cabs, and it always worked but it could get a bit too big down bottom at times. I prefer a punchy sound, and I like the high pass filter on all the Genz heads, even the Shuttle 6.0 which I gigged for quite a while. Even the GBE 1200 I owned stayed tight and punchy even when you boosted the lows a good bit. I totally dug that approach. Several people here are running an AE212 with a Shuttle 9.0 and they all seem more than happy with it. If you can wait a few more days before you decide, I'll give you my own impressions as well since I've been gigging with a TC rig for a while now.

 

[PeterF]

I just did a gig last night where I had to trudge in through about a foot of snow. Using the Bergantino mini stack (HT series), Markbass head and axe in a gig bag I achieved a 1 trip load in and Great tone! Have any of you ever had the opportunity to compare the AE 212 to the separate boxes of the HT 112 and EX 112 'stack'?

Add a cable to DI into the PA and you are good for ANY size gig!

 

[KJung]

I just did a gig last night where I had to trudge in through about a foot of snow. Using the Bergantino mini stack (HT series), Markbass head and axe in a gig bag I achieved a 1 trip load in and Great tone! Have any of you ever had the opportunity to compare the AE 212 to the separate boxes of the HT 112 and EX 112 'stack'?

Add a cable to DI into the PA and you are good for ANY size gig!

Nice. I have not compared both directly, but am very familiar with the original HT112 stack.

The AE212 has less warm mid mids, but more absolutely low end (closer to the newer ER models), higher SPL and a bit more brightness up top, versus the more hi fi top end of that beautiful HT tweeter. Both very nice.

 

[esoxhntr]

Have any of you ever had the opportunity to compare the AE 212 to the separate boxes of the HT 112 and EX 112 'stack'?

As a matter of fact, yes. The HT112/EX112 was my "gig rig" for quite some time before the AE212 arrived. I'll put this a little differently than Ken...

To me the AE212 has two advantages. First, it works in a mix better at low volumes (outstanding for music theatre pit work), and second, it seems to be a little more even across it's useable frequency spectrum. Although I thought - and still do think - that the HT/EX was very good this way, compared to the AE212 the HT/EX stack has a slight bulge in the lower mids, which can get a little unruly in a larger room. I assume this is why a lot of guys prefer a 410 cab. The AE212 is pretty unique in that it seems you give you the depth of a 212 cab, with the control of a 410. Lots of punch and clarity at both high and low volumes, and in a variety of venues, with a pretty broad spectrum of music. For me anyway, this cab has been extraordinary piece of equipment.

 

[KJung]

As a matter of fact, yes. The HT112/EX112 was my "gig rig" for quite some time before the AE212 arrived. I'll put this a little differently than Ken...

To me the AE212 has two advantages. First, it works in a mix better at low volumes (outstanding for music theatre pit work), and second, it seems to be a little more even across it's useable frequency spectrum. Although I thought - and still do think - that the HT/EX was very good this way, compared to the AE212 the HT/EX stack has a slight bulge in the lower mids, which can get a little unruly in a larger room. I assume this is why a lot of guys prefer a 410 cab. The AE212 is pretty unique in that it seems you give you the depth of a 212 cab, with the control of a 410. Lots of punch and clarity at both high and low volumes, and in a variety of venues, with a pretty broad spectrum of music. For me anyway, this cab has been extraordinary piece of equipment.

+1 It was that different ratio of true low end to mids that I hear that makes the AE212 quite a bit different than the original HT stack, and also the bit more brightness coming off the top of those drivers to my ear.