New Bergantino Neo Line; Pt. 2

[MVE]

I'm not sure mine is even broken in yet. I got it on Saturday and brought directly from BassClub Chicago to a 4 hour jam. And I have been praticing low volume at home every day since.
I have noticed myself turning the Bass down a smidge every so often as it seems to be getting stronger and stronger.
Got a show tonight.
First time on stage.
The venue has an 8x10 backline that they insist all bass players use... Ha!, Not Tonight. Lol.

 

[GRoberts]

Just another data point, side bar from the 'break-in' discussion.

I had taken my CN212 with the full band last Saturday night and it was so superb. Exceeded my expecations. Not a loud band, but played at reasonable acoustic drum volume.

I did a gig last night with my Duo at this same, very familiar resort patio where I gig at least twice a month. I took my CN212 to gauge its performance in a very intimate, sparse, open music mix at low volumes. It was very good and certainly usable, but definitely overkill. It has a very 'full' overall presentation. I found myself being 'very careful' with my Low end EQ and wound up favoring the bridge PU more than usual in order to 'lean' out the sound so I wouldn't overwhelm the vocals or amplified Acoustic gutiar tone of my duo partner.

Going forward, for quieter, more intimate gigs, I will use my Baer ML112. I suspected as much and this is not really a knock on the CN212. For all my band work, it KICKS ass! But for smaller, quieter work, the CN212 really is overkill. (Probably just pointing out the obvious)

I wanted to see how well it would do in a very quiet setting. I prefer the focused organic growl and balance of the single Baer ML112 for quiet small, intimate gigs like last night. Just thought it was a valid contrast to share.

Would a single CN112 have done the job better? Probably. But I don't have one.

 

[hennessybass]

Just another data point, side bar from the 'break-in' discussion.

I had taken my CN212 with the full band last Saturday night and it was so superb. Exceeded my expecations. Not a loud band, but played at reasonable acoustic drum volume.

I did a gig last night with my Duo at this same, very familiar resort patio where I gig at least twice a month. I took my CN212 to gauge its performance in a very intimate, sparse, open music mix at low volumes. It was very good and certainly usable, but definitely overkill. It has a very 'full' overall presentation. I found myself being 'very careful' with my Low end EQ and wound up favoring the bridge PU more than usual in order to 'lean' out the sound so I wouldn't overwhelm the vocals or amplified Acoustic gutiar tone of my duo partner.

Going forward, for quieter, more intimate gigs, I will use my Baer ML112. I suspected as much and this is not really a knock on the CN212. For all my band work, it KICKS ass! But for smaller, quieter work, the CN212 really is overkill. (Probably just pointing out the obvious)

I wanted to see how well it would do in a very quiet setting. I prefer the focused organic growl and balance of the single Baer ML112 for quiet small, intimate gigs like last night. Just thought it was a valid contrast to share.

Would a single CN112 have done the job better? Probably. But I don't have one.

I am really wanting a single CN112 for small gigs like you described. I had a ML112, and it wasn't for me, but I love the CN212, and figure the 112 version would be the way to go. My current "small" cab is one of the Ampeg 210s . After a weekend gigging with the CN212, switching back to the Ampeg was a little rough.

 

[GRoberts]

I am really wanting a single CN112 for small gigs like you described. I had a ML112, and it wasn't for me, but I love the CN212, and figure the 112 version would be the way to go. My current "small" cab is one of the Ampeg 210s . After a weekend gigging with the CN212, switching back to the Ampeg was a little rough.

This makes sense. If you LOVE the voice of the CN212, a single CN112 would be superb. ...and SUCH an Easy carry too! ... and as many have noted, a pair of CN112's or HD112/CN112 pairing makes a stunning modular stack.

 

[pauliebass]

I plan on keeping my HT112 for the small stuff for now. Also my EA wizzy 10. I have my EX112 for sale locally right now. I just love this CN212, though.

 

[fivestringgecko]

and as many have noted, a pair of CN112's

I was *this* close to buying a CN212, but ended up wanting the modular setup. I'm not disappointed. They make for an easy schlep as is, but I also snagged one of these guys at Costco last weekend for $19.99. Folds up and requires almost zero packing space in my car.

WIN.

5sg.

 

[Tunaman]

I use that with my 2 GK NEO 115s

 

[pauliebass]

I saw one like this at Sam's club. I think I might go get that.

 

[Musicman20]

Real deal for sure. I'm a big fan.

I've spent a while with this cab now, and have to say I'm really impressed. I've gigged it with a Tfunk head, TH350, and a vintage bassman 100. Also tried it at the house with a few other amps. GAS killer? I think it might be. I am coming from using an Aguilar DB212, which is a fine cab, but I think I like the Berg better.

I definitely say the CN212 and DB212 are in the same family, but there are some noticeable differences. To my ears, the CN has a little more overall volume - that is, it's louder with the same amp, same settings. The CN is a little more muscular, or beefy, or robust than the DB cab. The DB is no slouch, but the CN just sounds more solid all over. The DB cab, to my ears, had a kind of upper mid range thing that was a major part of its voice. Not in a bad way. It really cut thru a mix,,, but the CN's curve seems much more flat to me. I think the CN has a bit more going on down low than the DB. A slightly stronger low mid voice maybe. More punch, and it just kind of fills the bottom out better than the DB. I also think the top end of the CN is a little more sweet and mellow than the DB cab. (note, that when I say top end, I am probably talking about upper mid-range. I generally don't use the tweet). This has to do with that upper mid thing in the DB cab maybe. Upper notes on the CN cab seem to be there, without even hinting at harshness, and they still have the lower harmonics to make them sound full and deep. The CN just seems to sound confident.

The DB cab is one of the nicest cabs I have ever played, and Aguilar does a FINE job with the cab aesthetics... but overall the CN is the winner in my book. CN took a gig or two to open up, and on the first gig I was a little worried. It sounded a little choked, but once it opened up... dang. I think the Aguilar is prices just a little bit higher, but can be had for just a little bit cheaper. Overall,, Sound + weight = a big win for the CN.

This again makes it sound perfect. The DB212 is my current favourite cab. I now need to try this!

 

[BigDBass]

I was *this* close to buying a CN212, but ended up wanting the modular setup. I'm not disappointed. They make for an easy schlep as is, but I also snagged one of these guys at Costco last weekend for $19.99. Folds up and requires almost zero packing space in my car.

WIN.

5sg.

Dang, that looks like a great cart. Bummer now it's $34.99 I need to replace a "rock-n-roller" I'd used for many years until last year when it got a bit wrecked when "helping" move a swing set. (Don't ask..)

 

[hennessybass]

This again makes it sound perfect. The DB212 is my current favourite cab. I now need to try this!

It has been said many times in this post, but I don't think any DB12 user would be disappointed by the sound of the CN... or the schlep.

 

[Doug Parent]

Just another data point, side bar from the 'break-in' discussion.

I had taken my CN212 with the full band last Saturday night and it was so superb. Exceeded my expecations. Not a loud band, but played at reasonable acoustic drum volume.

I did a gig last night with my Duo at this same, very familiar resort patio where I gig at least twice a month. I took my CN212 to gauge its performance in a very intimate, sparse, open music mix at low volumes. It was very good and certainly usable, but definitely overkill. It has a very 'full' overall presentation. I found myself being 'very careful' with my Low end EQ and wound up favoring the bridge PU more than usual in order to 'lean' out the sound so I wouldn't overwhelm the vocals or amplified Acoustic gutiar tone of my duo partner.

Going forward, for quieter, more intimate gigs, I will use my Baer ML112. I suspected as much and this is not really a knock on the CN212. For all my band work, it KICKS ass! But for smaller, quieter work, the CN212 really is overkill. (Probably just pointing out the obvious)

I wanted to see how well it would do in a very quiet setting. I prefer the focused organic growl and balance of the single Baer ML112 for quiet small, intimate gigs like last night. Just thought it was a valid contrast to share.

Would a single CN112 have done the job better? Probably. But I don't have one.

Would two of those Baer's make the CN212 pale in comparison?

 

[GRoberts]

Would two of those Baer's make the CN212 pale in comparison?

I don't know personally, but I want a second ML112 very much, just to make my own comparison. I LOVE the ML112 so much for the ways it is a bit more organic and textured sonically. Has awesome Growl ..and I am told the ML112 is exceptional for upright/doublers.

I imagine if I had a pair of ML112's, I would be just as happy. But I love choices and the CN212 has such a sweet, well poised voice, it's going no where.

I will say however that if and when I have to single hand a cab, as nice as the CN212 may be, a Single ML112 is easier to schlep by hand. and a pair would require perhaps another trip, but I would find the modularity aspect just as nice. Ultimately, at some point, I will get a second ML112. Then the question will be; do I gig the CN212, or the pair of ML112's. For me, I want that information first hand based on how I play and my own tonal goals. So, ....To be continued.

 

[Doug Parent]

Makes sense. I sold a perfectly good HT112ER because the CN212 is almost as light as a single 12 ceramic loaded. I've concluded that as easy as the CN212 is to schlep there little if any justification for another cabinet.

 

[GRoberts]

Makes sense. I sold a perfectly good HT112ER because the CN212 is almost as light as a single 12 ceramic loaded. I've concluded that as easy as the CN212 is to schlep there little if any justification for another cabinet.

I agree with that too. I have all I 'need'. But I really want to find out if I might also find situations where I would want to gig a pair of ML112's.

 

[KJung]

Makes sense. I sold a perfectly good HT112ER because the CN212 is almost as light as a single 12 ceramic loaded. I've concluded that as easy as the CN212 is to schlep there little if any justification for another cabinet.

Interesting swap. Of course, you will get much more wump out of the 212, but man, those two cabs have SUCH different voicings. I prefer the CN212 by a wide margin over any HT that I've owned, but I was never really into that wide, smooth, hi fi sort of thing. That must be quite a change for you tonally!

 

[Doug Parent]

Interesting swap. Of course, you will get much more wump out of the 212, but man, those two cabs have SUCH different voicings. I prefer the CN212 by a wide margin over any HT that I've owned, but I was never really into that wide, smooth, hi fi sort of thing. That must be quite a change for you tonally!

Yeah Ken to be totally honest I gigged that HT112Er once or twice and knew it wasen't my bag for any and all of the same reasons we would agree on about the tone differences between the two.

 

[Doug Parent]

I agree with that too. I have all I 'need'. But I really want to find out if I might also find situations where I would want to gig a pair of ML112's.

I've been curious about trying the Baer as well, mainly because I like (for example) what that 8" in the NV115 imparts in the midrange crossed over with the 15. I'm assuming the 12" in the Baer is designed for big low end since it does not have to cover the entire freq range by itself? And it thats true, then I would also assume that two of those Baer ML112, (not unlike a fEarful design 3012LF loaded cab would also be) very capable of handling just about any size venue?

 

[GRoberts]

I've been curious about trying the Baer as well, mainly because I like (for example) what that 8" in the NV115 imparts in the midrange crossed over with the 15. I'm assuming the 12" in the Baer is designed for big low end since it does not have to cover the entire freq range by itself? And it thats true, then I would also assume that two of those Baer ML112, (not unlike a fEarful design 3012LF loaded cab would also be) very capable of handling just about any size venue?

I agree and so far have found that a single Baer ML112 is covering about 80% - 90% of my gig needs. The low end is awesome. Tight, but takes low end EQ like a champ if you need to bump it a bit. Again, the voice is very similar to the Berg Cn212. But I would put a single ML112 output in between a CN112, then ML112, then CN212.

 

[KJung]

I've been curious about trying the Baer as well, mainly because I like (for example) what that 8" in the NV115 imparts in the midrange crossed over with the 15. I'm assuming the 12" in the Baer is designed for big low end since it does not have to cover the entire freq range by itself? And it thats true, then I would also assume that two of those Baer ML112, (not unlike a fEarful design 3012LF loaded cab would also be) very capable of handling just about any size venue?

Totally different design goal versus the fEARful. The Baer ML112 (and ML212) is based on a modified version of the 3102HO driver, and is actually 'tighter and brighter' than the CN212. VERY nice cab, and Roger Baer (just like Jim Bergantino) has a gift regarding voicing a cab with super duper, high quality components to sound like a 'bass cab' versus a PA cabinet. The ML112 is tight down low, but hammers hard like the CN212, and the mid driver Roger uses (a Faital) is very warm and 'top of the driver' sounding.

Very nice stuff all around. The ML112/212 shifts the upper bass 'meat' of the CN212 up a bit, and has a more present upper mid response. The CN212 has a bit more absolute treble extension, and is a bit more meaty down low, and just a touch more relaxed between 2K and 4K or so.

My guess is two ML112's (from my experience reviewing the ML112 a while back) would have a bit more absolute output than the CN212, and a tonality that would be 'in the same tone universe' as the CN212, with the shifts in voicing described above.