New Bergantino Neo Line; Pt. 2

[KJung]

Noted! Thanks Ken. Keep wondering about a Puma 900 (for use my Baer ML112) ...or TH500. Hmmm. Not that I am unhappy with the Orange, but I'm going smaller whenever possible as long as the musicality and tonal performance and touch sensitivity is there!

Those are three very different sounding amps. The Puma and the TH500 are VERY different. If you are looking for clean, even, and loud, not much beats the Puma (I was a prototype tester for the 500/900 revision, as you probably remember). The 500 sounds quite a bit like the Markbass F500 (with the 900 sounding the same but louder). The TH500 is a totally different beast, as I know you are aware.... fat, warm, chewy, LOTS of character in the midrange... a passive J passive P dream amp!

Edit: I've basically 'bracketed' the Puma/Markbass sort of tone with the Glockenklang Blue Soul, which is uber clean and transparent, and the Aguilar TH500 which is uber not clean and uber not transparent! Kind of surrounded that more 'middle of the road clean but warm' sort of thing at this point. All these heads sounds GREAT with the CN212, and except for the Glock, would be great with the Baer ML cabs.

 

[GRoberts]

Those are three very different sounding amps. The Puma and the TH500 are VERY different. If you are looking for clean, even, and loud, not much beats the Puma (I was a prototype tester for the 500/900 revision, as you probably remember). The 500 sounds quite a bit like the Markbass F500 (with the 900 sounding the same but louder). The TH500 is a totally different beast, as I know you are aware.... fat, warm, chewy, LOTS of character in the midrange... a passive J passive P dream amp!

Edit: I've basically 'bracketed' the Puma/Markbass sort of tone with the Glockenklang Blue Soul, which is uber clean and transparent, and the Aguilar TH500 which is uber not clean and uber not transparent! Kind of surrounded that more 'middle of the road clean but warm' sort of thing at this point. All these heads sounds GREAT with the CN212, and except for the Glock, would be great with the Baer ML cabs.

Got side tracked. Also meant to reference pairing with my Beloved CN212. I love the touch sensitivity that the Orange BT500 gives me with the CN212. So I'm thinking maybe it would be cool to get a smaller amp, with a good DI (like TH500) That might be a bit more 'organic' with the CN212 than a Puma 900? IF so, I would opt for more "organic". I find myself going for more organic character lately opposed to fast and snappy.

 

[KJung]

Got side tracked. Also meant to reference pairing with my Beloved CN212. I love the touch sensitivity that the Orange BT500 gives me with the CN212. So I'm thinking maybe it would be cool to get a smaller amp, with a good DI (like TH500) That might be a bit more 'organic' with the CN212 than a Puma 900? IF so, I would opt for more "organic". I find myself going for more organic character lately opposed to fast and snappy.

Yeah, me too. The TH500 is a thing of absolute wonder with the CN212. Very reasonably priced, built like a 'brick you know what', and REALLY conservatively rated powerwise. The bag (sold on the website) is the best design I've seen, and the reliability record is sterling at this point.

Again, it is strongly voiced, but if 'fat and full' is your thing, it is really something, and will definitely provide that 'feeling of give' if you crank the gain a bit.

The Glock is a thing of wonder in the opposite direction. NO give whatsoever... just brutal 'honesty'. Not that it isn't voiced (all heads are) but it is voiced to PUNISH sloppy technique! It is brutally transparent... again, not 'flat' per se, but 'wide and clean'. The CN212 helps bring that in a bit... very nice match for the 'coffee table bass guys' (i.e., my Roscoe with Barts).

 

[MVE]

GRoberts,
I am using a Demeter VTBP-201 with the internal Minnie800D into my CN212 and (although I have not A-B-C'd them) it seems a good compromise between fast-snappy and warm-gooey, and it is very touch sensitive.
- Might be worth at least a test for you.

 

[GRoberts]

GRoberts,
I am using a Demeter VTBP-201 with the internal Minnie800D into my CN212 and (although I have not A-B-C'd them) it seems a good compromise between fast-snappy and warm-gooey, and it is very touch sensitive.
- Might be worth at least a test for you.

Thanks for the heads up MVE! Haven't had Demeter VTBP-201's on my Radar for years. But they are legendary for great tone! Thx! But I think the form factor, size, weight, DI, Organic sonics of the TH500 are probably a great match for what I want with my Nordy VJ5 Basses and a Bergantino CN212

 

[MVE]

I have read quite a bit of good things about that TH500 w/the CN212, maybe I need to borrow one for a few days and give it a test myself.

 

[gkbass13]

My thinking with the puma 1000 idea was that I might pick up a CN 1x12 eventually and could run 3 bergie 12's with it. The other option might be to grab a puma 500 or 900 for now and eventually pick up a DB750 again down the road, as I do miss mine quite a bit. We'll see!

 

[Addison]

I guess I should chime in here and tell the world that I have a pair of CN112's (with covers) on the way, thanks to the incredibly rad, Mr. Greg B. at Rocket.

Anyone who has ever popped into the Baer thread knows about my love affair with my ML212 and I will NOT be trying to replace that with these.

I specifically got these for the really small gigs I play where a single 112 would be appropriate (but I still pack the extra 112 in case I need it), OR for some of those much tighter spaces where inches really do matter, OR for those few other gigs that involve ugly-ass load ins and outs.

Those circumstances all amount to about 20-ish percent of my gigs, so I suppose it'll be worth the investment.

I also do rehearsals at two separate locations every week that both involve stairs and tight spaces... and a smallish, freakishly light weight 112 is right up my alley for that purpose.

Finally, my music room is in my basement, and the CN112 pair will live there, while my ML112 stays upstairs in the garage, since it's my main squeeze.

So... I'm super pumped. I sold my complete Aggie TH500/DB112/DB112NT set to get these... Don't think I'll regret it, since the CN's just seem to make a lot more sense to me and what I need right now.

I do have to admit, however, that I'm quite surprised by the insane amount of TH500 love in the 100+ pages of both CN discussions I read today.

I thought my TH500 sounded absolutely amazing with my DB cabs, but I simply couldn't hang with it and almost any other pairing I tried... and there were quite a few.

But... It's all good in the hood. Everyone has their own deal. Just thought it was interesting enough to point out.

I'll report once I get them and have a chance to gig, etc.

Can't wait!!!

EDIT: Forgot to mention... I'll be using them mostly with my Puma 900 and occasionally with my STM900, which I don't seem to hear much about anymore.

Anyone ever do the STM900 paired with a CN series cab?

I tried one through an HD212 at Gelb in SF and thought it SMOKED. So creamy an yummy with a punchy low end, nice bite up top and a throaty low midrange growl.

 

[akukulich]

I've used an STM900 with a CN212 for a handful of gigs. I've liked it, but haven't been blown away by it yet. I got the amp at the same time I got the cabinet, so I'm still trying to get the EQ exactly where it want it. I think I may go back to my WWU for the next couple of gigs and give that a try. I've had that amp for a long time and I'm much more familiar with it. I'm anxious to hear how it sounds with the CN212.

 

[zacmac]

I picked up a TH500 today to go with my CN212 and so far so good. I can't wait to rehearse with it this weekend. I really dig the tweeter on about 25% and the aggrieved set fairly neutral. I have an anvil briefcase that the head and cables fit perfectly into

 

[hdfixer]

Addison: My pair of CN112 & STM900 sound fantastic with my Zon 6 string Sonus Special! I have it strung with TI flats and usually dime the treble on the amp - awesome.

 

[rodl2005]

As K.J. has stated many times. The TH500 & a P bass (into any quality cab) is a thing of beauty! :thumbup:
Just a big solid floatation of sweet bass for the rest of the band to settle on.
And, imo, that's our role. Supportive and solid. Love it!

 

[KJung]

I guess I should chime in here and tell the world that I have a pair of CN112's (with covers) on the way, thanks to the incredibly rad, Mr. Greg B. at Rocket.

Anyone who has ever popped into the Baer thread knows about my love affair with my ML212 and I will NOT be trying to replace that with these.

I specifically got these for the really small gigs I play where a single 112 would be appropriate (but I still pack the extra 112 in case I need it), OR for some of those much tighter spaces where inches really do matter, OR for those few other gigs that involve ugly-ass load ins and outs.

Those circumstances all amount to about 20-ish percent of my gigs, so I suppose it'll be worth the investment.

I also do rehearsals at two separate locations every week that both involve stairs and tight spaces... and a smallish, freakishly light weight 112 is right up my alley for that purpose.

Finally, my music room is in my basement, and the CN112 pair will live there, while my ML112 stays upstairs in the garage, since it's my main squeeze.

So... I'm super pumped. I sold my complete Aggie TH500/DB112/DB112NT set to get these... Don't think I'll regret it, since the CN's just seem to make a lot more sense to me and what I need right now.

I do have to admit, however, that I'm quite surprised by the insane amount of TH500 love in the 100+ pages of both CN discussions I read today.

I thought my TH500 sounded absolutely amazing with my DB cabs, but I simply couldn't hang with it and almost any other pairing I tried... and there were quite a few.

But... It's all good in the hood. Everyone has their own deal. Just thought it was interesting enough to point out.

I'll report once I get them and have a chance to gig, etc.

Can't wait!!!

EDIT: Forgot to mention... I'll be using them mostly with my Puma 900 and occasionally with my STM900, which I don't seem to hear much about anymore.

Anyone ever do the STM900 paired with a CN series cab?

I tried one through an HD212 at Gelb in SF and thought it SMOKED. So creamy an yummy with a punchy low end, nice bite up top and a throaty low midrange growl.

I agree with you that the TH500 seems a bit selective about matching up with cabs. That is why, IMO, you see so many posts of people digging it with the CN212. Unusually powerful match-up. The CN212 has a lot in common with the DB112's, but is a bit more full sounding, louder, and is a bit less mid mid present (more even). The top end is much sweeter. Simply an amazing matchup with the TH500, which is a unique combination of big low end (big in this case meaning lots of low mid/upper bass 'meat'), very present mids, and warm, relaxed top end. Perfect for a P IMO, and good for most everything else.

If you found the TH500 picky, the Streamliner is REALLY fussy about cab matching (although the best combination I've ever heard with that head was with the ML112!). That big, creamy tone you describe can be really awesome with the right cab (I used mine with the AE410, and it was killing). However, big and creamy can quickly become flubby and dubby with a more widely voiced cab. Seems like the jury is still out on the Streamliner and the CN212. I would think it would sound quite good, but again, the TH500 gives you the same volume capability as the Streamliner900, and MUCH more control over the midrange IMO.

For more 'snap and clean', the Puma500/900 would be the thing for me!

 

[Holdsg]

For me the Streamliner came first, so I am more used to that tone, and I love it thru any of my 3 Berg cabs (AE212, HS210, NV115).

More recently picked up a TH, mostly also due to this GAS-inducing thread (thanks guys?) but I'm still getting used to how to EQ that one.

Two flavors of good to me.

A third flavor of good would be the venerable MB Little Mark, but I had to sell that one to get the TH.

 

[hennessybass]

I had a STL for a little while, and always had a hard time getting the tone I waned out of it. There was one show I did with it where I used it with my old tele bass and a DB212 cab. Outdoor show, so I really had it cooking. I still dream about that tone. Other than that, I kind of struggled with the STL.

The CN and TH is really plug and play for me. Master cranked, everything at noon, and gain to taste is pretty nice. Also done a handful of gigs with the CN and an old Bassman 100. Also plug and play - very awesome set up. The CN is a great sounding cab.

 

[Addison]

Right on... thanks guys.

Like I said, my STM900 sounded really good through the HD212 (in a store, but still) and it is a match made in heaven for my ML212, which is why I kept it over the TH500.

And I don't want to make it seem like I'm dissing the TH500 either... it sounded AMAZING through my set of DB112's. It was just not what I like to hear through anything else. I A/B'd it with an STM900 at Gelb, going through an HD212 and it lost (again, inside a store). It was also quite bad through my ML212 and simply not a good pairing with any of my Mesa cabs (PH210, PH410, PH412) or a really nice and clean 4 ohm Eminence loaded Warwick 410 I had.

Admittedly, I never gigged it in any of these combos, so maybe it would have killed. And also keep in mind that I was using my Zon 519, which is a very clean, even and transparent bass... "jazz on steroids" idea, yes... but it is its very own creature indeed.

But, all of that said, I can toss my Puma 900 on my ML212 and almost don't have to do ANYTHING and it just sounds fantastic... no matter which bass I use. The STM900 also sounds pretty great "flat" but the low-end can get a little unwieldy at times. Too much cream for my coffee, but that's what knobs are for.

Regardless, I'm just really looking forward to these CN cabs... it's going to be nice having a couple of cabs so nice and light, without compromising anything in regard to sound quality.

I'm pretty confident most amps will sound good through them.

 

[KJung]

Right on... thanks guys.

Like I said, my STM900 sounded really good through the HD212 (in a store, but still) and it is a match made in heaven for my ML212, which is why I kept it over the TH500.

And I don't want to make it seem like I'm dissing the TH500 either... it sounded AMAZING through my set of DB112's. It was just not what I like to hear through anything else. I A/B'd it with an STM900 at Gelb, going through an HD212 and it lost (again, inside a store). It was also quite bad through my ML212 and simply not a good pairing with any of my Mesa cabs (PH210, PH410, PH412) or a really nice and clean 4 ohm Eminence loaded Warwick 410 I had.

Admittedly, I never gigged it in any of these combos, so maybe it would have killed. And also keep in mind that I was using my Zon 519, which is a very clean, even and transparent bass... "jazz on steroids" idea, yes... but it is its very own creature indeed.

But, all of that said, I can toss my Puma 900 on my ML212 and almost don't have to do ANYTHING and it just sounds fantastic... no matter which bass I use. The STM900 also sounds pretty great "flat" but the low-end can get a little unwieldy at times. Too much cream for my coffee, but that's what knobs are for.

Regardless, I'm just really looking forward to these CN cabs... it's going to be nice having a couple of cabs so nice and light, without compromising anything in regard to sound quality.

I'm pretty confident most amps will sound good through them.

Very cool. Your combination of the Streamliner for 'fat and tubey' and the Puma900 for 'clean and accurate' with the ML212 is very similar to my combination of the TH500 for 'fat and tubey' and the Glockenklang Blue Soul for 'clean and accurate' with the CN212. From my familiarity with the ML112, I can see where your choices would work VERY well with the ML212!

Enjoy the CN's.. Two of those should come pretty close to the output of the ML212, so you will have lots of options.

 

[Addison]

Yes, Ken... exactly.

Gotta have that yin for your yang.



Or something.

 

[KJung]

Yes, Ken... exactly.

Gotta have that yin for your yang.



Or something.

Exactly!

 

[3rdcurve]

I thought the Stm900 through the cn212 was brilliant! I preferred it handily over the Baer ML matchup( though it was a 112 ). Can't go wrong there IMO.