Bergantino AE212 - Just Released

[Andrew Jones]

In

 

[poptart]

Allow me to ramble for a while...

I just priced up an AE212 plus F1 - would be about £1700 ($2.6k) over here. So, I guess I'm sticking with my trusty CMD102P/151P rig for now, which still sounds absolutely killer to me. And it's a one trip carry as well, but not in such a convenient form (MB rig = 44lb in one hand, 37lb in the other, whereas Berg + F1 rig = 55lb in two hands plus an extra few lbs in the gig bag for the amp).

Having said that, my own rig would cost over £1500 new here (I paid just over £1100 for it total in 2006-7), so the Berg/F1 rig woudn't be that much more. But I don't think it would compete in the flat out volume stakes either, as the cone area would be a lot less than my current setup which can get absurdly loud when I need it to. I know some folks on here say they don't like MB cabs as much as the amps, but I love the tone of mine and MB cabs have TONS of punch. The reason I'm interested in the Berg stuff is that the only cab I've ever tried that I liked as much as my own rig was an IP112.

Should I sacrifice a bit of volume/headroom and spend out for an easier carry? Perhaps not. As you say, Ken, it's always about the trade offs. If I was unhappy with what I have now it would be an easy choice. But this is seeming just like random new rig gas to me (not for the first time or the last, I'm sure).

Bassybill - these should be in the shop sometime in September, Bergantino has sold out of the the first batch and I have some on order, pop in for a test drive, you are very local to the shop!

Mark

 

[Musicman20]

I have managed to get the 'list' down to either a HS410 or AE212. Totally different cabinets. Not sure which to get. Previously owned the HS410 and miss it a little due to its size and sheer power. However, the weight was high as are the rest of my cabinets, so maybe its time for a lighter one.

What sort of volumes/band situations can this cab keep up with?

 

[KJung]

I have managed to get the 'list' down to either a HS410 or AE212. Totally different cabinets. Not sure which to get. Previously owned the HS410 and miss it a little due to its size and sheer power. However, the weight was high as are the rest of my cabinets, so maybe its time for a lighter one.

What sort of volumes/band situations can this cab keep up with?

I've always found a well made 212 to put out about 80% of the sound and absolute maxSPL as the 410 within the same line (in this case the AE410... which is a LOUD 410).

This cab seems on the high end of 212 output from all that I've played. If you don't slap or really dig in aggressively, this cab would be capable of a 410 volume gig easily. If you do slap or play aggressively, I would put the 80% rule in place... so if you really feel like you drove that HS410 to its limits, you probably need to stick with a larger cab. If not, this might do the trick!

 

[BassyBill]

Bassybill - these should be in the shop sometime in September, Bergantino has sold out of the the first batch and I have some on order, pop in for a test drive, you are very local to the shop!

Mark

Mark, I've been meaning to pop down and have a look at some of the great stuff you have for a while now. Let me know when the Berg stuff comes in and I'll definitely come on over. Warwick is only about 45 minutes from home for me (Wolverhampton).

I'll be sure to leave the credit card at home!

 

[KJung]

OK guys... last clip in the series will be active on my YouTube channel (in the link in the sig below) in a few minutes.

This one is of my friend Jason (TBer Vision) playing his passive Fender J (alder/Morado... maybe Jason can post more detail on the specific model) through the F500 and RH450.

The RH450 sounds good, but just (to me) doesn't work that well with this round, full sounding cab... a little flubby sounding to me. The F500 is it with this cab for me personally. The RH450 does have that nice mellow, warm, roundness, and the little bit of tubetone I dialed in while Jason was playing is kind of cool (not my thing).

Anyway, you can decide. I thought the Fender with the F500 and AE212 sounded great.... grindy and growly and punchy!

Hopefully, more feedback and threads will pop up with other heads/bassed/players as these cabs start shipping in volume

 

[kobass]

Ken,
Thanks for all of your effort...

It is much appreciated!


Cheers,
Kevin

 

[vision]

This one is of my friend Jason (TBer Vision) playing his passive Fender J (alder/Morado... maybe Jason can post more detail on the specific model) through the F500 and RH450.

Yep, that's a MIM Fender Jazz V, passive, with Duncan single coil pickups installed.

The RH450 sounds good, but just (to me) doesn't work that well with this round, full sounding cab... a little flubby sounding to me.

+1...I didn't notice it as much when I was actually playing, but when we listened to the playback there was a big difference. I think that difference would be amplified even more on a gig - the RH450 through that cab would lose definition in a mix. Sounds PERFECT with the Markbass head though!

 

[tallboybass]

Yep, that's a MIM Fender Jazz V, passive, with Duncan single coil pickups installed.

Hi Jason, are those the SJ5 67/70 single-coil Duncans? If so, that's what I have in my Lakland JO5...love'em!

 

[KJung]

We recorded one more clip last night, so I thought I might as well put it up.

My Alleva-Coppolo LG5 (alder/RW/single coils... well broken in DR Lo Rider Nickels), with Jason slapping through the F500/AE212.

Rig sounds great, and it is kind of interesting to hear the various tones of the bass... passive, active flat, and active with a bit of bass and treble boost. Quite a bit different from the very aggressive Sadowsky ash/maple slap tone in my other clips.

The F500/AE212 is very articulate and 'transparent' (meaning you can really hear the subtle and not so subtle differences in the bass EQ, etc. Nice!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6s5I4yZ-hk

 

[Musicman20]

I must admit, I do like the punch of the F500, but as soon as I flip to the LM2 clip thats exactly where I feel at home.

When I listened to the RH450 clip, I forgot to look at the actual video as I was doing something else and just listening. I thought the RH450 was on first then the F500. To me, the first part didnt sound like I expected, then the RH450 came on and sounded 'meatier' and with more of a low mid 'ommph'.

I actually quite like that RH450 old school meets new school (AE212) combo. I can see that working for me

Thanks Ken, these clips are great.

 

[KJung]

I must admit, I do like the punch of the F500, but as soon as I flip to the LM2 clip thats exactly where I feel at home.

When I listened to the RH450 clip, I forgot to look at the actual video as I was doing something else and just listening. I thought the RH450 was on first then the F500. To me, the first part didnt sound like I expected, then the RH450 came on and sounded 'meatier' and with more of a low mid 'ommph'.

I actually quite like that RH450 old school meets new school (AE212) combo. I can see that working for me

Thanks Ken, these clips are great.

That LMII/III REALLY works great with this cab... kind of halfway between the 'meaty, chewy' RH450 and the very articulate and tight and bright F1/F500.

The mix and match is always interesting... bass, player, cab, head, strings, etc.

Anyway, it was a fun week! It will be cool when more of these start to ship. I think Jim has a BIG success on his hands with this one. Sounds like, from a post above, the first production run is sold out.

I'll post back up when I have a few gigs under my belt with this cab, the Sadowsky, and the F500.

 

[Big String]

Chimin' in
Got my AE212 middle of last week and have experimented a bit and one gig outside patio venue. I agree the surrounds seem to break in or seat a some. At home I first tried the RH450 and was able to get the rig to sound great. I also have an F1 which I used on the gig (thanks for the tips Ken) and I have to agree it's a better match for the AE212. I really prefer the features on the TC head over the MB but they both are great little amps. I'll have to get one of the cool TC tuners now

I love the total profile of the AE212 (Nice job again Jim!) The weight is most manageable and the taller profile is fantastic. It's the perfect little tower of power.

The band liked it a lot and we all could hear the bass very well. The added bottom is just great compared to the tens. I have and continue to enjoy my AE210 which I've been solely using for months now (with pa support from our single sub and tops). I'm still adapting to the differences of 10's vs. 12's. They both are pleasing and usable but of course a 210 compared to a 212 doesn't sound as massive. Solo, the 12's do not sound as clear and punchy as the 10's but I'm just used to them I think. The 12's have a different overall wider thing but still plenty of punch and did I mention the 'bottom' ha.

I'm still working on the best EQ settings with the F1 but it's mostly flat with the VPF around 8:00 and tiny smidge of VLE.
I'm using a NYC Sad solid maple with single coils and maple board, same as Ken's but four stings and not the awesome orange.

I might have to upgrade to an F500 at some point ....

Thanks to Jim Bergantino for another great addition and possibly the best all around bass cab I've played, although I very much like all the Bergies I've owned.

PS, thanks for the sound clips Ken. Nice playin' Jason!

 

[rodneyat]

Anyway, it was a fun week! It will be cool when more of these start to ship. I think Jim has a BIG success on his hands with this one. Sounds like, from a post above, the first production run is sold out.

wow! I am glad I got one when I did.

 

[KJung]

Chimin' in
Got my AE212 middle of last week and have experimented a bit and one gig outside patio venue. I agree the surrounds seem to break in or seat a some. At home I first tried the RH450 and was able to get the rig to sound great. I also have an F1 which I used on the gig (thanks for the tips Ken) and I have to agree it's a better match for the AE212. I really prefer the features on the TC head over the MB but they both are great little amps. I'll have to get one of the cool TC tuners now

I love the total profile of the AE212 (Nice job again Jim!) The weight is most manageable and the taller profile is fantastic. It's the perfect little tower of power.

The band liked it a lot and we all could hear the bass very well. The added bottom is just great compared to the tens. I have and continue to enjoy my AE210 which I've been solely using for months now (with pa support from our single sub and tops). I'm still adapting to the differences of 10's vs. 12's. They both are pleasing and usable but of course a 210 compared to a 212 doesn't sound as massive. Solo, the 12's do not sound as clear and punchy as the 10's but I'm just used to them I think. The 12's have a different overall wider thing but still plenty of punch and did I mention the 'bottom' ha.

I'm still working on the best EQ settings with the F1 but it's mostly flat with the VPF around 8:00 and tiny smidge of VLE.
I'm using a NYC Sad solid maple with single coils and maple board, same as Ken's but four stings and not the awesome orange.

I might have to upgrade to an F500 at some point ....

Thanks to Jim Bergantino for another great addition and possibly the best all around bass cab I've played, although I very much like all the Bergies I've owned.

PS, thanks for the sound clips Ken. Nice playin' Jason!

Hey Dean! Cool! Of course, the more 'apples to apples' comparison would be 2 x AE210 versus the AE212, and I think you would have heard a bit more similarity and oomph coming from the 10's. However, given the AE212 is kind of in between the size and weight of the AE210 and AE410, but closer in output to the AE410, it is a VERY impressive form factor for those of us who want a reasonably small single cab solution that can wump when needed.

You know, the default F1 midrange center points seem to be fine with this cab... really no need for lower midrange boosting to my ear. Not sure the F500 would be that much of a better thing with this cab versus the F1, except for the more full featured DI and mute switch. IMO there!

Edit: Per you comment on the RH450, I had better luck with the punchy, aggressive Sadowsky (similar to yours) versus the more relaxed sounding Fender and A-C LG. However, it was still a little too 'tubby and wooly' with this particular cab for me personally. However, if you are looking for warm, fat, older school tones, it is pretty darn nice.

 

[vision]

Hi Jason, are those the SJ5 67/70 single-coil Duncans? If so, that's what I have in my Lakland JO5...love'em!

I actually don't know which specific model they are, I bought the bass used and the pickups had already been swapped. I'm REALLY happy with them though, they sound very aggressive and have tons of bite in the mix.

 

[tombowlus]

Has anyone put the AE212 head to head with a pair of AE112 boxes? Just wondering if a pair of the single 12's would be about the same as an AE212.

I have not heard an AE212 yet, but according to Jim, the AE212 is smoother and more balanced from the lower mids all the way up to the tweeter.

Tom.

 

[KJung]

I have not heard an AE212 yet, but according to Jim, the AE212 is smoother and more balanced from the lower mids all the way up to the tweeter.

Tom.

I haven't done a direct A/B, but I sure am more impressed in general with the AE212 than I was when I tried the AE112 x 2 stack. I liked the AE112 x 2 stack quite a bit, but this cab just seems to have more force and 'girth' to me. I guess that is pretty typical when comparing the 212 versus 2 x 112 cabs in the same line from the same manufacturer.

 

[tombowlus]

I haven't done a direct A/B, but I sure am more impressed in general with the AE212 than I was when I tried the AE112 x 2 stack. I liked the AE112 x 2 stack quite a bit, but this cab just seems to have more force and 'girth' to me. I guess that is pretty typical when comparing the 212 versus 2 x 112 cabs in the same line from the same manufacturer.

+1 Yup. And I can only imagine what an HT212ER would sound like!

 

[KJung]

+1 Yup. And I can only imagine what an HT212ER would sound like!

Very different I'm sure, but probably massively big sounding (and massively heavy too!).