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Bergantino IP112 - Holy @*#&!

Big String said:
Can anyone comment on how the SVP-CL compares to say a Aguilar DB659. I've got a Demeter 201S that I use with my IP310 and its sounds good, but I want some more midrange cut/punch.
Big S, have you tried the 201S w the all buttons 'in' except the 60/120Hz; max the mid control, & use the presence control to taste (maybe 9 to 10 o'clock): if these settings give you too much treble or string noise use your EBG controls to get it dialed in.

Just a suggestion -- I find oooodles of punch/cut with my current setup.
 
bobaloo said:
Hi Folks,

Went and made a deal on a Fender TBP-1. Thanks for the recommendations from all. I let you know how it sounds. One of the deciding factors was that it has a balanced main output (TRS) and the Berg IP literature mentions that it's best to use this type of input.

Bob

Cool. Let us know what you think.

Isn't flat on that pre something like 2, 10, 2?

My understanding is that the IPs are really designed to run with your pre at a flat setting, so it's prolly a good idea to start there.
 
Hey bobaloo,

I have a TBP-1 on order myself. Unfortunately, it is apparently back-ordered and I guess I can't expect to see it until mid-July. I'm getting a new IP310 also, and not sure when I can expect that to show up either, so maybe it will all show up together! Ah well, enough of my sob story.

I'll be very interested in what you think of the TBP-1. I have not heard it in person; I based my purchase on feedback that I read here and elsewhere. I'll be very interested in the settings you use and the results you get. You can be my 'settings testbed' so I'll know how to dial it in when it gets here! :D
 
the dude said:
Cool. Let us know what you think.

Isn't flat on that pre something like 2, 10, 2?

My understanding is that the IPs are really designed to run with your pre at a flat setting, so it's prolly a good idea to start there.

Just curious: why would anyone design a pre to be "flat" at that setting? Why not just make "flat" flat? :confused:
 
the dude said:
Cool. Let us know what you think.

Isn't flat on that pre something like 2, 10, 2?

Yes, it is (though I think perhaps 1, 10, 1 might be closer on that particular amp). I find that the TBP-1 does have some voicing to it even set "flat", and that I have to twiddle with the Vari-Q a bit to get "my tone" out of it. But, the cool thing is, "my tone" is in there, as are a whole bunch of other tones, including some nice overdriven ones! Great unit, IMHO.

Tom.
 
I was a little early for a rehearsal near Times Square yesterday so I popped into Rudy's to say hi to Dean and check out the gear, mainly the IP series. I haven't been there in a few months so I was digging the new floor layout and especially the fact that Dean is now up there. IMO, he's a perfect fit for the bass dept. I wish he would've been up there a long time ago! :D

I had my MV5 with me and Dean hooked me up to the IP112 with a SansAmp BDDI as preamp. Once he goosed the gain up to performance levels, I was suddenly awash in a sea of velvety goodness. All of the things I have read here about them were instantly validated and all I could do was turn down and ask, "This is just one of them?"
The presentation was very connected and everything just seemed right. The big low end from my MV5 rang true and all the bite and little finger noises came through beautifully. I didn't have time to check out the 310 but I wanted to save that for next time. :cool:

All in all, I'm glad I got to finally check one of these bad MF's out and bask in its glory despite the fact that I am in NO position to be buying any new gear!
 
Hi All,
Must have gotten lucky, went on vacation for a week and when I got back my TBP-1 was waiting for me. Also, sent my amp back to Bergantino and it also was waiting for me. Honestly, couldn't tell a big difference with the different programming but it sounds good. Jim picked up shipping both ways and included a very nice preamp-amp cord and an XLR-1/4" adapter. Very nice to deal with.
Well, I haven't messed with the TBP-1 a lot. I set it flat and ran it in. I love the sound. It's very old-school with a lot of bottom. Not a hi-fi sound at all. I tried the distortion channel but wasn't too impressed. Not my thing anyway. As a preliminary assessment, I would call it a one-tone pony, but a great tone although you can get some sizzle with the treble boost engaged. I tried the bass boost for a short bit, but with the IP112 it's not necessary (nor recommended in the owner's manual). Did an outside gig last week on a medium size stage with the IP112/EX112 and it sounded great. Both guitar players commented on my sound. One said it was very clear, well-defined and audible without being loud. The other one just said "was that little thing all you were playing through?". I spoke with Jim Bergantino and he said it's because it's so flat. i.e, you're not getting holes in the sound so you can hear it so well, I guess. Whatever, it's really cool. Played an inside club gig Saturday night, sounded just as good. It was a small stage and the small size of the rig was handy. Also took just the IP112 to practice last night and it sat really well. Very solid bottom without being obtrusive.

Cheers,

Bob
 
speaking of preamps with IP's... I couldn't stand the wait for the berg line driver, so to tide me over I got the True Voice Pre (BTW, it sounds awesome).

Some observations and questions to those who've used this combo: I'm running it with a GE 6SN7 tube (which, from what I've read here, has a lower gain than the SL), but I've got a gripe. When playing slap, especially, the high notes REALLY jump out, whereas the low notes stay pretty tame. Without the pre straight into the Berg it's even across the board.

Any suggestions? With the tone knob all the way to the bass side, it cuts down the treble, but the notes on the D and G strings still come out much louder than the B, E, A strings. This isn't the case when straight into the Bergie, just with the TV. I have to completely alter my playing style. Could it be the tube I'm using, or is that just how the TV is?
 
Okay, talked to Brian at the Low End. Apparently, there are a couple things amiss about the pre. I did buy it used and I believe I'm the third owner. So I'm sending it back to get it looked at. There may have been some 'modifications' to it or it could have been dropped. I've got a lot of gigs in the upcoming months and when i get it back I'll let people know how it's doing. Absolutely LOVE it, so far, especially for fingerstyle.
 
That is an interesting issue... my True Voice definitely doesn't do anything of the sort. Not sure I know what to suggest, except to maybe PM Brian Barrett and see if he's heard of anything like this before.

EDIT: Obviously you're ahead of me. Best of luck... I've really enjoyed my version.
 
Hrothgar said:
Okay, talked to Brian at the Low End. Apparently, there are a couple things amiss about the pre. I did buy it used and I believe I'm the third owner. So I'm sending it back to get it looked at. There may have been some 'modifications' to it or it could have been dropped. I've got a lot of gigs in the upcoming months and when i get it back I'll let people know how it's doing. Absolutely LOVE it, so far, especially for fingerstyle.

No, I assured you when you asked that I didn't modify it, and I truly doubt if the previous owner did, either, as the insides are all spray painted with blue paint! Hasn't been dropped by me, either, and as Tom illustrated, it can take a dive off the roof of an Audi. :)

Sorry you're having problems with it. If you want a refund, just holler.

Nightbass