Bergantino NV212T

[RTL]

I REALLY DON'T NEED ANOTHER CAB
... but I am very interested in this NV212T. I have an NV610 (older model no tweet ) for that old school punch in the gut sealed 6x10 tone, but I hardly ever take it out these days because it's really just too much cab for most gigs I do these days. My CN212 gets 95% of the playing time with a few different amps (Mesa WA, Demeter VTBP-M-800DJ). But, I do miss the sealed cab punch at times and have been thinking that if the NV212T does what it seems it should, I could easily replace my NV610 and have more sealed cab goodness, more often. I could even run it hoizontally and put my Fender Studio on top of it like a later-day, but more kick-ass Bassman 212 rig.

These days I almost always have solid FOH and am trying to organize my stage rig so it puts a smile on my face, but also does not blow out the stage sound and FOH balance. The CN212 works great, but as I said, it does not hit quite the same way as the NV610 can.

so .. can anyone compare the NV212T with either an NV412 or NV610 (I know Husky gave some insights vs the NV412)

Okay, so first, I'd like to apologize for taking so long to get an answer in here..

It just so happens that I own both an NV610 and the NV212T (#115, since that matters!).

I LOVE my NV610, but I also live in a two story house (my music room is up a relatively narrow flight of stairs, and the 610 has almost thrown me down them a handful of times). I was strongly considering the HDN 212, but as good as Jim's neo speakers are, ceramic drivers are just where it's at for me. I'm more than happy to take on the extra weight to be happy with my tone, and I've owned a bunch of Jim's cabs, so I was more than comfortable ordering my NV212T sight unseen.

I guess the best way I can describe the difference between the NV610 and NV212 is that the NV212 is smoother/deeper, as well as a little more open up top. You know how tens just sound like tens, pretty much no matter what? To me, the NV212 is more balanced, cleaner, and slots itself perfectly into the mix without letting anything step all over it. With the B|Amp pushing it, it's like hearing your instrument through a killer preamp and the BIG set of studio monitors when you're tracking at a nice studio. It's thick, without over-emphasizing the lower frequencies to try and sound "bigger" like a lot of 212's tend to do. I think it's also worth mentioning that I don't miss having a tweeter in the NV610, but I use a touch of it with the NV212.

I know tone is the most subjective thing on earth, and I absolutely adore both cabs for many different reasons. In fact, I adore every single Bergantino cab I've ever played through. The bottom line, though, is this: The B|Amp with an NV212 is the best I've ever sounded, and as soon as funds allow for it, I'm buying a second one.

 

[uwrossl]

Thinking about grabbing one of these NV212T's for some of my larger club gigs.

I'm using a Mark Bass Little Mark III for an amp and a 1x15 right now which is plenty for most gigs. My question is would it be enough to power this cab efficiently or would I need something with quite a bit more head room as this seems like it might be a power hungry cab with it being sealed.

I love how tight and articulate sealed cabinets are and prefer ceramic speakers though hate the back breaking weight. Been itching to get a Berg cab for awhile now and think this could fit the bill. Just curious before I pick one up if I should budget for a new head as well.

 

[husky123]

Another great gig with the B|Amp and NV212. Just keeps getting better and better. What a combo.

 

[RTL]

Thinking about grabbing one of these NV212T's for some of my larger club gigs.

I'm using a Mark Bass Little Mark III for an amp and a 1x15 right now which is plenty for most gigs. My question is would it be enough to power this cab efficiently or would I need something with quite a bit more head room as this seems like it might be a power hungry cab with it being sealed.

I love how tight and articulate sealed cabinets are and prefer ceramic speakers though hate the back breaking weight. Been itching to get a Berg cab for awhile now and think this could fit the bill. Just curious before I pick one up if I should budget for a new head as well.

With the Little Mark III putting out 300 watts @ 8 Ohms, I think you'll be fine. While it's true that a sealed cab will be less efficient by nature, it's important to keep in mind that Jim designed these to be powered by the kind of amp an "old school" player would use (SVT's, and the like). If a 300 watt SVT can KILL through an NV610 (and it does), I see no reason why your Little Mark couldn't shine through a pair of 12's!

Oh, and one other thing about the weight... The Bergantino site says these weigh 70 pounds, but mine must be filled with helium because it feels more like 50.

If you're thinking about it, DO IT! One of the perks about living in Austin was being able to go to Bass Emporium every week (even though the store doesn't exist anymore, these are the guys who still do a lot of R&D for Bergantino). Therefore, I was lucky enough to play through pretty much every Bergantino model that went into production (as well as some prototypes!). With that said, I truly believe this is the best all-around cab Jim has ever made. It's small, it's easy to carry, it sounds PHENOMENAL, and it can cover any style of music.

 

[mwbonsall]

Just curious before I pick one up if I should budget for a new head as well.

Not that you need to get a new amp, but if you want to treat yourself get a B|Amp.

Mark

 

[uwrossl]

With the Little Mark III putting out 300 watts @ 8 Ohms, I think you'll be fine. While it's true that a sealed cab will be less efficient by nature, it's important to keep in mind that Jim designed these to be powered by the kind of amp an "old school" player would use (SVT's, and the like). If a 300 watt SVT can KILL through an NV610 (and it does), I see no reason why your Little Mark couldn't shine through a pair of 12's!

Oh, and one other thing about the weight... The Bergantino site says these weigh 70 pounds, but mine must be filled with helium because it feels more like 50.

If you're thinking about it, DO IT! One of the perks about living in Austin was being able to go to Bass Emporium every week (even though the store doesn't exist anymore, these are the guys who still do a lot of R&D for Bergantino). Therefore, I was lucky enough to play through pretty much every Bergantino model that went into production (as well as some prototypes!). With that said, I truly believe this is the best all-around cab Jim has ever made. It's small, it's easy to carry, it sounds PHENOMENAL, and it can cover any style of music.

Excellent! That's exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. While I plan to upgrade my amp at some point I'd prefer not to do both at the same time. I've got Bass San Diego about an hour and a half south of me so I'm going to head down this week and play through the Bergantino line up! I'm almost certain I'll prefer the NV over the HDN and judging by your description it fits the bill exactly for me. Greatly appreciate the advice!!!

 

[uwrossl]

Not that you need to get a new amp, but if you want to treat yourself get a B|Amp.

Mark

HAHA! Definitely. No doubt that would be a treat. First the cab. Then the head.

 

[RTL]

Excellent! That's exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. While I plan to upgrade my amp at some point I'd prefer not to do both at the same time. I've got Bass San Diego about an hour and a half south of me so I'm going to head down this week and play through the Bergantino line up! I'm almost certain I'll prefer the NV over the HDN and judging by your description it fits the bill exactly for me. Greatly appreciate the advice!!!

You are most welcome, my friend!

I very much prefer this cab over the HDN, and I think most people would as well if they weighed the same.

I mentioned in an earlier post that I was willing to shoulder the extra weight for the tone of this cab, and it ended up being an even smaller difference than I thought. I haven't weighed mine, but I'd be shocked if it actually is the 70lbs they say it is. Maybe it's due to the dimensions and handle placement?

Anyway, the portability factor is the icing on the cake for me - or maybe it's the fact that it's $300 cheaper than the HDN. Either way, if you play through one and have the funds on hand, you won't be able to walk away from it. It's THAT good!

 

[RTL]

Sooo, I got to record with the B|Amp and NV212T a couple of days ago.

The place you see here is called Windy Hill Studio in Austin, TX, and it is the most jaw-dropping facility I've ever had the privilege of tracking in. It's effing GORGEOUS in there!

Anyway, as you can see, there are men setting up cameras and diffusers. The studio is brand new, and they've wired the place to stream live performances in 4K video! We had the honor of beta-testing this particular feature with a bang! Six-piece band - including horns! We played live off the floor, and my little Berg setup ROCKED!

The engineer hired to run the console had never heard of Bergantino before, but I know he won't forget the name after that night. I have NEVER been complimented so much on my tone as I was after this session. I wouldn't hear any of it (major confidence problem over here), so he just said, "Well, I guess I have Jim Bergantino to thank, huh?".

Yup. Me too.

 

[mwbonsall]

Sooo, I got to record with the B|Amp and NV212T a couple of days ago.

The place you see here is called Windy Hill Studio in Austin, TX, and it is the most jaw-dropping facility I've ever had the privilege of tracking in. It's effing GORGEOUS in there!

Anyway, as you can see, there are men setting up cameras and diffusers. The studio is brand new, and they've wired the place to stream live performances in 4K video! We had the honor of beta-testing this particular feature with a bang! Six-piece band - including horns! We played live off the floor, and my little Berg setup ROCKED!

The engineer hired to run the console had never heard of Bergantino before, but I know he won't forget the name after that night. I have NEVER been complimented so much on my tone as I was after this session. I wouldn't hear any of it (major confidence problem over here), so he just said, "Well, I guess I have Jim Bergantino to thank, huh?".

Yup. Me too.

View attachment 1135814 View attachment 1135815 View attachment 1135816 View attachment 1135817

That studio looks great! And what a cool opportunity. Any chance of a link to the video?

Mark

 

[RTL]

That studio looks great! And what a cool opportunity. Any chance of a link to the video?

Mark

It really is an amazing place!

No link, as I have absolutely no idea what address it was streaming to (we were just guinea pigs to make sure everything works and sounds the way it's supposed to), but there will be recordings available once they're mixed. Whether or not I'll feel comfortable sharing my garbage playing with everyone is a whole other thing. Hah.

 

[kittywithabanjo]

Well for sure, your cabinet is one more so it cranks to 11. Lol
Finaly pulling cab #107 out of the box tonight, yes Pat the prodigy will be putting the watts to the cones.
I will post soon, i got a feeling its going to be good. GTG sounds like a plan.
Cheers

If you invite me I can bring pretty.much every bass on your gas list.

 

[LiquidMidnight]

Sooo, I got to record with the B|Amp and NV212T a couple of days ago.

The place you see here is called Windy Hill Studio in Austin, TX, and it is the most jaw-dropping facility I've ever had the privilege of tracking in. It's effing GORGEOUS in there!

Anyway, as you can see, there are men setting up cameras and diffusers. The studio is brand new, and they've wired the place to stream live performances in 4K video! We had the honor of beta-testing this particular feature with a bang! Six-piece band - including horns! We played live off the floor, and my little Berg setup ROCKED!

The engineer hired to run the console had never heard of Bergantino before, but I know he won't forget the name after that night. I have NEVER been complimented so much on my tone as I was after this session. I wouldn't hear any of it (major confidence problem over here), so he just said, "Well, I guess I have Jim Bergantino to thank, huh?".

Yup. Me too.

View attachment 1135814 View attachment 1135815 View attachment 1135816 View attachment 1135817

The Berg rig is win enough, but the studio dog running around just takes it to the next level.

 

[RTL]

The Berg rig is win enough, but the studio dog running around just takes it to the next level.

She is all kinds of awesome! What's even awesomer, is that she and the studio are the same age! She was a tiny puppy when he started building it, so she, very literally, grew up in a recording studio!

You can tell, too. She is a big dog, but an expert at navigating around cables that are attached to expensive things.

 

[satchelbaglio]

If you invite me I can bring pretty.much every bass on your gas list.

Banjo Kitty, you are always welcome out in sunny Steveston. Absolutely would welcome your awesome basses, to try through the new Berg NV 212 T cab.
Cheers Rob

 

[husky123]

Took the NV212 out for a spin this weekend and really tested it. Played a very large room that was deep, tall and cavernous. Huge stage (well, for me anyway) and had it matched up with the venerable B Amp. Rig performed flawlessly and filled the room and stage easily. Yes, I was definitely in the FOH but stage volume was never an issue. I'm tempted to really out it to the test this weekend by leaving the NV412 at home and bringing it to a large outside show. This cab continues to amaze the crap out of me. @Jim Bergantino is the man.

Quick pic...see it back there to the left of the drums? Looks tiny but man what a HUGE tone.

 

[mwbonsall]

Took the NV212 out for a spin this weekend and really tested it. Played a very large room that was deep, tall and cavernous. Huge stage (well, for me anyway) and had it matched up with the venerable B Amp. Rig performed flawlessly and filled the room and stage easily. Yes, I was definitely in the FOH but stage volume was never an issue. I'm tempted to really out it to the test this weekend by leaving the NV412 at home and bringing it to a large outside show. This cab continues to amaze the crap out of me. @Jim Bergantino is the man.

Quick pic...see it back there to the left of the drums? Looks tiny but man what a HUGE tone.

Very cool, Husky123! I think I will end up with one, or a pair of these within a year. Thanks for posting your experience with the NV212, and keep posting as you use it.

Have you compared it side by side with your 412? Just wondering how tone wise how they stack up.

Mark

 

[husky123]

Very cool, Husky123! I think I will end up with one, or a pair of these within a year. Thanks for posting your experience with the NV212, and keep posting as you use it.

Have you compared it side by side with your 412? Just wondering how tone wise how they stack up.

Mark

Yes, I A/B the two all the time. The 212 does a great job of copping the tone of its big brother. Now, the feel is a little different as expected. When those (4) 12 inch speakers couple together, there's just nothing like it for me. Definitely a little more perceived low end from the 412 but the 212 is no slouch.

I can honestly handle 80% of gigs easily with the 212 but when I really need the firepower and presence, the 412 comes out. The 212 takes EQ pretty much dead on as I'd have it set for the 412. I may add just a touch of low end when playing the 212 and conversely cut a tad when playing the 412. Of course, with the B|Amp this is a ridiculously easy feat. The honeymoon has been over for quite some time with the NV212 but it's my workhorse of the fleet, easily. Just does it all for me.

 

[mwbonsall]

Thank You!

Mark

 

[pfschim]

anyone move from a 4ohm cab (like a CN212 or NV610) to the 8ohm NV212T ? any impressions on that difference effects the power from any given amp ?
I have both a CN212 and NV610. I primarily use a Demeter VTBP-M-800DJ (800w @ 4 ohms) and a Mesa Walkabout (300w @ 4ohms).
I doubt the Demeter would have a power issue delivering 400w @ 8ohms, but I can kind of see the Walkabout being pretty underpowered at ~165w @ 8ohms.

FWIW, I also have a Fender Studio (200w @ 8ohms) and a Ampeg SVT 6Pro (700w @ 8ohms) so, plenty of amps to choose from.

Just curious about others experience with the 80hm NV212T

thanks