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Bergantino B/Amp at NAMM
- Thread starter Munjibunga
- Start date
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Loaded with good features. Is it possible to dial up tube-like warmth and harmonics with this head so as not to need a tube pre-amp? Wondering if it could match the mojo of my Demeter VTBP-M-800D.
5, while I haven't played the Demeter I can unequivocally say that the B Amp can give you the warmth, sag, compression and harmonics of a good tube pre. I know this draws fire from the tube purists and I also know there's physics involved but Jim has managed to bottle up some incredible magic that let's this amp be a chameleon. It can literally give you any bass tone you seek (save time based effects like Chorus, delay, flange, etc).
The latest updates let you use the aux in volume dial as a blend feature for the drive circuit. This EXTREMELY useful when dialing in just the right amount of fur/grit/harmonics/drive to your clean signal. Very intuitive and easy to use on the fly and under gig duress. It needs to be heard to be believed and I have extensively A/B'd the B Amp with a host of my tube amps and fooled some very discerning ears. It's that good.
Also, with the newest parallel compression circuit that's about to come out, well, just when I thought it couldn't get any better...
Jim Bergantino
Commercial User
What is this parallel "universe" you speak of? ;-}
Of course, we are always looking for where we can off load gear that isn't needed any more. In this case, I have chosen to keep my Demeter VTBP-201's. I have one in a rack for really big gigs, and one with the internal Class D, similar to your 800D.
In some ways, the Demeter is the complete opposite of the B|Amp. The B| has unbelievable flexibility and perfect tone at the center. The Demeter has a massively more limited tone; but, that tone is completely dialed in. I have considered moving the VTBP with the internal 800D, simply because I am more inclined to use the B| when I want the small amp. The 201 in the rack is going nowhere soon. [edit: that's not quite right. What I've actually been considering is moving my 201 in the rack, putting the power amp in a separate rack bag, and then using the 201 with the internal 800D with the power amp. That's my first world consideration ATM]
I suppose if I had to choose one, it would be the B|; but, I would feel like I had amputated my right arm. No, the Demeter has a pretty special voice. I would not say any other amp sounds precisely like it. The Demeter and Fender basses, especially a Jazz, is like peas n carrots.
So, I'm probably no help. That's why I didn't initially comment on your post. I suppose in your case, if I could only support one, it would be the B|. But, if I could keep it, I would keep the Demeter. Guess it's a first world kind of problem.
Jim Bergantino
Commercial User
So let's have a little fun for TB B|AMP owners. While I'm finishing up the new firmware version, any TB'er who would like to hear a pre-release Beta version can email me at info(at)Bergantino.com with 4.31C6 in the subject line. The email address you email me from must match with a registered email in our system.
This version has the same exact blend option as 4.31 except with the VRC compressor in parallel with the signal path instead of series. The only difference between this firmware and the soon to be released version is that in the final version, the O/D will not be allowed to be mixed with the clean signal, as it diminishes the effect, and it was never intended to be mixed in the first place. However, in this version you can just turn the Aux blend knob fully CW to achieve the same result, whereas in the final version you can leave the blend knob where you like it for the Distortion circuits and not have to worry about changing it when selecting O/D. I would also recommend a starting point for the VRC of 7 and 7. Once you have all your effect settings and clean setting where you like them, you can just go into the VRC menu and turn it on and off to hear the effects of the parallel compression in real time. What you get with this format is the attack and sheen of the original signal, with the added thickness and weight the compressor gives the signal. The best of both worlds, IMO. Be sure to try it with your clean signal as well.
I would be remiss if I didn't say a special thank you to Greg at Rocket Music for his inspiration and generous time in developing and testing this new circuit...thanks Greg!
Edit: It would also be nice to hear your feedback on this new firmware once you get a chance to put it thru its paces!
This version has the same exact blend option as 4.31 except with the VRC compressor in parallel with the signal path instead of series. The only difference between this firmware and the soon to be released version is that in the final version, the O/D will not be allowed to be mixed with the clean signal, as it diminishes the effect, and it was never intended to be mixed in the first place. However, in this version you can just turn the Aux blend knob fully CW to achieve the same result, whereas in the final version you can leave the blend knob where you like it for the Distortion circuits and not have to worry about changing it when selecting O/D. I would also recommend a starting point for the VRC of 7 and 7. Once you have all your effect settings and clean setting where you like them, you can just go into the VRC menu and turn it on and off to hear the effects of the parallel compression in real time. What you get with this format is the attack and sheen of the original signal, with the added thickness and weight the compressor gives the signal. The best of both worlds, IMO. Be sure to try it with your clean signal as well.
I would be remiss if I didn't say a special thank you to Greg at Rocket Music for his inspiration and generous time in developing and testing this new circuit...thanks Greg!
Edit: It would also be nice to hear your feedback on this new firmware once you get a chance to put it thru its paces!
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I played the update 4.31C6 last night and loved it.. Husky is spot on with this, very nice tube like warmth and tone... What I love about the B/amp as I have previously stated is I'm not fiddling with the controls constantly.. I just use the tone control and change hand positions.. Also I have no need for on-board preamps, you're hearing the pickups, the body wood and neck and your playing ...
Yeah, the new parallel compression is the bee's knees. When I use that along with the parallel/blendable distortion set to varying degrees of dirty, I can close my eyes and imagine that I'm playing through a 100 lb all-tube head... then I open my eyes and smile because my B|Amp slips into a small shoulder bag. 
I'm hearing myself more clearly than ever in my various bands. And I don't have to be stupid loud to be heard. I'm sooooo happy with my B|Amp.
I'm hearing myself more clearly than ever in my various bands. And I don't have to be stupid loud to be heard. I'm sooooo happy with my B|Amp.
Exactly.. I'm usually on the hi-hat side of the drum kit and I have the horn section to my left and the keyboard player in front or off to the side abit and he is usually loud.. With the B/Amp it just fits in perfectly, nice full harmonically rich tone.. I can hear myself and sonically it fills in right where it should be..Yeah, the new parallel compression is the bee's knees. When I use that along with the parallel/blendable distortion set to varying degrees of dirty, I can close my eyes and imagine that I'm playing through a 100 lb all-tube head... then I open my eyes and smile because my B|Amp slips into a small shoulder bag.
I'm hearing myself more clearly than ever in my various bands. And I don't have to be stupid loud to be heard. I'm sooooo happy with my B|Amp.
Exactly, same experience here in the AZ desert. Probably the best single upgrade I have ever made.
Mark
You know, the three of you aren't making it any easier for those of us WITHOUT a B|Amp.
You know, the three of you aren't making it any easier for those of us WITHOUT a B|Amp.
You're welcome. That's our job, Jim sent us on a mission...
Mark
Just spreading the word !!!!You know, the three of you aren't making it any easier for those of us WITHOUT a B|Amp.
OK, but any more stories of bass equipment causing divine rapture or perpetual orgasm are right out.
So I've sent Bergantino a message about this but has anyone had issues updating firmware before?
I tried to update mine this morning following the instructions the same as last time, but after 3--4 minutes nothing had happened. I removed the USB and restarted but was left with a blank screen. I tried 3 different USBs and then 3 different firmwares but am still in the same situation, any ideas?
I tried to update mine this morning following the instructions the same as last time, but after 3--4 minutes nothing had happened. I removed the USB and restarted but was left with a blank screen. I tried 3 different USBs and then 3 different firmwares but am still in the same situation, any ideas?
Jim Bergantino
Commercial User
I have found in some cases the file can get corrupted in "transit". However, every time this is the case and I resend it in a zip file it has worked. A zip file is on its way to you as I type.
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