Bergantino IP112 - Holy @*#&!

[tombowlus]

EDIT: Now I'm thinking about the timing and it was probably two years ago (maybe a little more). He had no plans on releasing it at the time. It was just an experiment.

It might be that this was a different version, but I can say from my own experimentation and comparison to some pretty nice preamps/DI's that it seems really, really neutral, uncolored, and accurate to me. I could hear it going lower than some of my other preamps, but I did not hear any bump or hyping in the lows (through my unit).

Tom.

 

[FenderP]

Info on the line driver from Jim himself:
As for the line driver/DI, it's basically a volume stage with a variable high pass filter. The DI will be of studio quality and be instrument level only. It will have a balanced and unbalanced line out.

 

[andertone]

So, how would an 8 ohm Epi NYC T112 match up
with an IP112 as an external cabinet? It would present
a total 4 ohm load (1000 watts), but a slightly different
"box tuning"? Seems like this would be a killer rig

Phil Anderson
Tucson, AZ

 

[tombowlus]

So, how would an 8 ohm Epi NYC T112 match up
with an IP112 as an external cabinet? It would present
a total 4 ohm load (1000 watts), but a slightly different
"box tuning"? Seems like this would be a killer rig

Phil Anderson
Tucson, AZ

I really like the HT112/T-112 pairing, so this setup could sound quite nice. Of course, in order to have a "proper" program for setting #2 (both cabs), Jim would have to take detailed measurements of the IP112/T-112 - which is something that I am not sure he wants to get into. Setting up a program for two of his own cabs (which he has on hand, and has - or can take - detailed measurements for) is one thing, but mix and match with other brands is a whole new ball game. I don't doubt that it could sound great, though, and perhaps even with the "stock" IP112/EX112 setting. Perhaps I'll try that.

Tom.

 

[andertone]

Hey Tom:

Wow, try the IP112/Epi T112, I would suspect the low
end could be huge. This will be a test on specific box tuning
versus low end response. It just might be that the Epi T112
will add some low end "presence"

It would be insane to design the program to fit other
than Berg cabinets. This would be a test to see if
you get "lucky" mis and matching (and I'll bet there are
a number of Epi T112 owners that would take notice).
I know I will, I would get a IP112 if this works out

Having any luck getting your Bag End 8" Baby Blue drivers
reconed with that address I gave you?

So much to do, so little time!

Cheers!

Phil

 

[bobaloo]

Hi,
Thanks to all the posters here for steering me back to this great piece of gear. I say back because it was demoe'd to me a month ago but, at the time, I wasn't looking for an amp. I remembered the incredible sound/small package though and, after frustration in getting a sound I liked, purchased the IP-112/EX-112 package Saturday. So...I played an outdoor gig in the early afternoon with my SVT-3PRO and SVT-610HLF. Had problem hearing myself, which I always do outdoors (hearing loss) even with the 3PRO cranked. Went to music store in-between that gig and another outdoor gig that evening and got the Berg rig. Got to the second gig and setup my stuff (WOW, that was easy!!) only to find that music store had given me a standard power cord and the IP takes a Neutrik Powercon. OK, called music store and had animated talk with sales guy. Luckily, had 3PRO with me in car so used the EX-112 thinking it was better than nothing and doubting if I would be able to hear myself. Boy was I wrong...I was able to hear the one little 12 cab (sitting WAY down on the floor no less) loud and clear at lower volume setting than the HLF610...Huh??? How'd Bergantino do THAT??? Best tone I've ever had. Period. Can't wait to get my power cord today and take the IP to practice tonight.
One note on the line driver development. Any way to add a tuner out and a mute switch? That's the only thing I see lacking.

Thanks,
Bob Burrows

 

[tombowlus]

Hey Tom:

Wow, try the IP112/Epi T112, I would suspect the low
end could be huge. This will be a test on specific box tuning
versus low end response. It just might be that the Epi T112
will add some low end "presence"

Not that it needs any more!!! To be honest, my concern is that it would have too much low end with the T-112.

Having any luck getting your Bag End 8" Baby Blue drivers
reconed with that address I gave you?

So much to do, so little time!

Cheers!

Phil

No, and see your comment, above, as to why not.

 

[tombowlus]

Nice story, Bob! I think you'll be more than thrilled once you get that Powercon cable (and yes, it frustrates me, too!).

Tom.

 

[bobaloo]

Hi,
I've had a problem with excessive low end on hollow wooden stages also, with a variety of different cabs (even the subs on my PA in a club in a converted house on a crawl space). I bought a 250lb capacity plastic step stool thingy at Kmart for 5 bucks and spray painted it black. Set cabs on top and it uncouples the bass cabs from the floor nicely, IMHO.

Bob

 

[BartmanPDX]

Nice story, Bob! I think you'll be more than thrilled once you get that Powercon cable (and yes, it frustrates me, too!).

Tom.

The nice thing about the Powercon cable, though, is you don't have to worry about it accidentally getting pulled out, vibrating loose, or disconnected. I had an amp with a loose power connector, and it was incredibly annoying.

 

[tombowlus]

The nice thing about the Powercon cable, though, is you don't have to worry about it accidentally getting pulled out, vibrating loose, or disconnected. I had an amp with a loose power connector, and it was incredibly annoying.

True, dat.

 

[curt basner]

A question for tombowlus:

Tom,

I appreciated your reply via e mail regarding the Bergantino Line Driver. You're wonderful with the info! I did want to ask one more question, and I e-mailed back, but maybe it got 'lost' like the first one... In any event, here's my question. Based on the limited control that will be available for the Line Driver (outstanding tone though it may have!), what preamp might you recommend for an IP310 IF I'm looking for more tone variation. I'm pondering the idea of getting a bit more gain for some 'dirt', and would also really like the option of tone controls. I may yet go for the Line Driver, but if really wanted gain and bass/treble controls, which preamp would you suggest?

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[cheezewiz]

A question for tombowlus:

Tom,

I appreciated your reply via e mail regarding the Bergantino Line Driver. You're wonderful with the info! I did want to ask one more question, and I e-mailed back, but maybe it got 'lost' like the first one... In any event, here's my question. Based on the limited control that will be available for the Line Driver (outstanding tone though it may have!), what preamp might you recommend for an IP310 IF I'm looking for more tone variation. I'm pondering the idea of getting a bit more gain for some 'dirt', and would also really like the option of tone controls. I may yet go for the Line Driver, but if really wanted gain and bass/treble controls, which preamp would you suggest?

Thanks for your thoughts!

Hey Curt, I'm not Tom, but I've played all his gear! I REALLY like the Low End True Voice Preamp with the IP gear. It ads a bit of mid "dirt" for lack of a better word. I'm sure Tom will be along shortly to recommend a few more preamps he has good luck with combining with the IPs.

 

[tombowlus]

A question for tombowlus:

Tom,

I appreciated your reply via e mail regarding the Bergantino Line Driver. You're wonderful with the info! I did want to ask one more question, and I e-mailed back, but maybe it got 'lost' like the first one... In any event, here's my question. Based on the limited control that will be available for the Line Driver (outstanding tone though it may have!), what preamp might you recommend for an IP310 IF I'm looking for more tone variation. I'm pondering the idea of getting a bit more gain for some 'dirt', and would also really like the option of tone controls. I may yet go for the Line Driver, but if really wanted gain and bass/treble controls, which preamp would you suggest?

Thanks for your thoughts!

Most, if not all, of the preamps that I currently have in my possession are ones which I consider to be "keepers", and I can't think of one that I would NOT want to use with the IP cabs. But, if I were to choose based upon your goal of being able to dial in a little "dirt", while also offering tone controls, the ones that come to mind are the Aguilar DB 659, Ashdown EVO II RPM-1, EBS MicroBass II, Fender TBP-1, Hughes & Kettner Fortress, and Tube Works Blue Tube. That Blue Tube is just crazy good for the money, IMHO. Any of these would do a great job, and they can all dial in some dirt (some to a greater degree). If you want some more "pristine" sounding options (with flexible tone controls), then I would consider the Aguilar DB 680, Alembic F-1X (possibly with SF-2), Demeter HBP-1, 201, 201s, Eden Navigator, Epifani Quest II, Kern IP-777 (one of my current faves with the IP310), Read Purity, or Trace Elliot GP12 XV/SMX. Some, if not all, of the preamps that do "dirt", will also do a good clean tone.

On the "stripped down" side, in addition to the Berg line driver, I have really liked the Avalon U5, Summit Audio TD-100, Stewart UDP-1a, and the True Voice preamps.

There's really no standout with the IP cabs. They just let you hear what these preamps really sound like, so I see it as a matter of choosing a preamp which sounds good to you and meets your needs.

Tom.

 

[tombowlus]

Hey Curt, I'm not Tom, but I've played all his gear! I REALLY like the Low End True Voice Preamp with the IP gear. It ads a bit of mid "dirt" for lack of a better word. I'm sure Tom will be along shortly to recommend a few more preamps he has good luck with combining with the IPs.

You know, I may have to start listing "Cheezewiz" on my gear list, as he's in my basement as much as any of my other gear, it seems!

One clarification, if I may, though. To my ears, the True Voice does not get "dirty" or gritty, but it does offer killer midrange "texture", if that makes sense. I think of it as a very clean preamp, with no tube "breakup" per se, but it does have a lot of complexity and almost palpability to its midrange. I like it A LOT with the IP cabs.

Tom.

 

[jacove]

Hi, just wondering, have you ever tried the DB750 with the regular HT/EX setup? is this a great match?...and how would this compare to the IP 12 setup...I'm looking for a pair of 12's to go with the Db750, or else save up the money and buy the ip112 setup....any advice would be great!...

 

[tombowlus]

Hi, just wondering, have you ever tried the DB750 with the regular HT/EX setup? is this a great match?...and how would this compare to the IP 12 setup...I'm looking for a pair of 12's to go with the Db750, or else save up the money and buy the ip112 setup....any advice would be great!...

I've never tried that combo, but I will try it when I get a chance.

Tom.

 

[MikeBass]

Hi, just wondering, have you ever tried the DB750 with the regular HT/EX setup? is this a great match?...and how would this compare to the IP 12 setup...I'm looking for a pair of 12's to go with the Db750, or else save up the money and buy the ip112 setup....any advice would be great!...

Hey Tom, now you have another reason to have a little hang at your place!!

Everyone post up the amp/cab combos they want tested and we'll be happy to try it out for ya!!!

 

[the dude]

Hi, just wondering, have you ever tried the DB750 with the regular HT/EX setup? is this a great match?...and how would this compare to the IP 12 setup...I'm looking for a pair of 12's to go with the Db750, or else save up the money and buy the ip112 setup....any advice would be great!...

If you can go someplace to hear the ip112 + ex, I suggest you do.

I would be surprised if you liked the db750/ht/ex better - and you can save 35 lbs and an extra heavy rack. The db750 is awesome, but if the ip + ex is enough (and it is more than you would think and certainly no less than the db750/ht/ex) then you can majorly lighten and simplify your load.

I've got a power conditioner, svpcl and tuner in a 3 space Gator that goes with the ip + ex to practice - and for it's size, it kills.

 

[FenderP]

Sounds like we have a similar setup, the_dude (SVP-CL + IP). I don't have the EX, but auditioned it with the IP. I just don't need the extra power, but it does 'widen' the sound a bit.

As is, sound guys don't need to mic or DI me any more with the IP