Show Us Your Rob Allen Basses Part III

[KJung]

Has anyone played a Mouse through a Bergantino IP112? How did it sound - more EB or more DB-like?

How does the Berg compare to, say, an Acoustic Image setup?

The IP112 is based on the small, mid present HT112 (the later version has more low end and volume, and is based on the HT112ER). Much of the tone of the IP is based on what preamp you choose to drive the unit, so hard to provide blanket comments.

However, the deep low end, smooth mids and hi fi top end of the IP's (in general) are the opposite voicing that I go for with my Mouse. The buffered piezo pickups of the Rob Allens already put out HUGE low end and super hi fi treble, and the IP's tend to result in 'too much of a good thing' for me with the RA's.

I like the AI rigs quite a bit with the RA, since they are quite controlled down low, have LOTS of warm midrange character, and a relatively relaxed top end (the opposite of the IP's), which helps move the Mouse and other RA builds closer to that 'woody, complex, mid present, organic' sort of tone that helps them emulate a DB a bit better.

Pure IMO there. I'm sure if you really chose the preamp correctly and added additional EQ, it would sound great. I tend to go more for 'the rig just works without a lot of whooha' myself.

 

[Groove Doctor]

Cheers Ken. Trying to work out a rig that'll sound great for the Mouse AND my Takamine B10 for medium volume jazz gigs (and possibly doubling with P-Bass too for dance set).

My old Roland Bass Cube (Cream CB-60) sounds great at rehearsals but I need more oomph live with no PA.
Hmmmm.....

 

[KJung]

Cheers Ken. Trying to work out a rig that'll sound great for the Mouse AND my Takamine B10 for medium volume jazz gigs (and possibly doubling with P-Bass too for dance set).

My old Roland Bass Cube (Cream CB-60) sounds great at rehearsals but I need more oomph live with no PA.
Hmmmm.....

If you have a shop close to you that handles Bergantino, your Thunderfunk with the new 46 or so pound CN212 (4ohms) should KILL with the Rob Allen and also 'loud' DB gigs. Full range, but not hi fi, if that makes sense (i.e., plenty of low mid meat and nice, organic, bright 'top of the driver' upper midrange, with a very 'non sizzly', natural sounding tweeter. Might be worth a listen. They start shipping in the US on Monday, so I assume they will make it 'down under' relatively soon!

I was also quite happy with my RA and the Baer ML112, which is a 'super 12' with a mid driver that has a nice organic punchy tone, and puts out 210+ volume due to its very high quality, powerful 3012HO based OEM driver, and that wonderful Faital mid driver. Another nice match with the Thunderfunk for 'all but the largest gigs'.

 

[Joe Smithberger]

The IP112 is based on the small, mid present HT112 (the later version has more low end and volume, and is based on the HT112ER). Much of the tone of the IP is based on what preamp you choose to drive the unit, so hard to provide blanket comments.

However, the deep low end, smooth mids and hi fi top end of the IP's (in general) are the opposite voicing that I go for with my Mouse. The buffered piezo pickups of the Rob Allens already put out HUGE low end and super hi fi treble, and the IP's tend to result in 'too much of a good thing' for me with the RA's.

I like the AI rigs quite a bit with the RA, since they are quite controlled down low, have LOTS of warm midrange character, and a relatively relaxed top end (the opposite of the IP's), which helps move the Mouse and other RA builds closer to that 'woody, complex, mid present, organic' sort of tone that helps them emulate a DB a bit better.

Pure IMO there. I'm sure if you really chose the preamp correctly and added additional EQ, it would sound great. I tend to go more for 'the rig just works without a lot of whooha' myself.

What he said.

I have had both. The IP112 can be made to work fantastically with the right preamp in between, but it is heavy and (at one time) pricey since you still need a pre. I used mine with the Mouse and a Fishman Platinum Pro. I would look at the AI stuff too.

 

[Groove Doctor]

The Berg CN212 @4 ohms is exactly what I was thinking & due here in a few weeks. A mate here has the Baer cab with an MB2 and says it has jaw-dropping tone. He bought 2 cabs for extra volume in louder gigs. The Berg IP was always on my bucket list, but my needs and technology have changed.


A guitarist mate is telling me to try the new Atomic CLR cabs - a FSFR 700W powered cab. Anyone tried these with a RA bass?

 

[nostatic]

I was also quite happy with my RA and the Baer ML112, which is a 'super 12' with a mid driver that has a nice organic punchy tone, and puts out 210+ volume due to its very high quality, powerful 3012HO based OEM driver, and that wonderful Faital mid driver

This is my favorite cab so far with a RA. Controlled lows and present/articulate mid plus no tweeter his is a great match with the piezo setup.

 

[FenderP]

The IP112 is based on the small, mid present HT112 (the later version has more low end and volume, and is based on the HT112ER). Much of the tone of the IP is based on what preamp you choose to drive the unit, so hard to provide blanket comments.

However, the deep low end, smooth mids and hi fi top end of the IP's (in general) are the opposite voicing that I go for with my Mouse. The buffered piezo pickups of the Rob Allens already put out HUGE low end and super hi fi treble, and the IP's tend to result in 'too much of a good thing' for me with the RA's.

I like the AI rigs quite a bit with the RA, since they are quite controlled down low, have LOTS of warm midrange character, and a relatively relaxed top end (the opposite of the IP's), which helps move the Mouse and other RA builds closer to that 'woody, complex, mid present, organic' sort of tone that helps them emulate a DB a bit better.

Pure IMO there. I'm sure if you really chose the preamp correctly and added additional EQ, it would sound great. I tend to go more for 'the rig just works without a lot of whooha' myself.

I have an IP112 - haven't used it for awhile and should sell it to be honest. I tried it with both of my Deep 4s. It worked, but Ken points out why they're really not a match. I didn't love the combination of my Deep and the IP. As Ken also points out, there's no EQ on the IP. So you have to live with whatever is in your bass or get something outboard. The IP can be fussy with preamps and EQ because the cabinet is tuned. I mainly used the IP112 in a rock setting and had good results, but never with the jazz stuff.

To be honest, you can get better sound out of other amps and speakers than an RA + IP. My $.02 as someone who owns both.

The Polytone S15B is my go-to amp combo for my Deep 4. I use my Ampeg B-15 sometimes. I just got the Phil Jones Bass Double Four today. It's so cute! Shoebox sized and crazy light (9lbs) with 2 x 4" speakers that output 70W. Did a quick test and it sounds pretty good. Won't know much until I do a rehearsal with it, but I'm hoping it will take the place of the Polytone for most of my jazz things. It's got really simple controls (like the Polytone and Ampeg), and even has a line out so you could plug into a DI box which could go into a house PA. Pretty smart design.

 

[Groove Doctor]

Cheers.

 

[asbs]

To all of you, what amp would you suggest to use with the baer ML 112 ?
It is to use with the deep 5 in jazz condition, small bar and club.

Right now I use mark bass R500 head, but I don't feel so happy, even with a 15" (too woofy and mid short) and the 4*10 is to "hard".
Thank you !

 

[nostatic]

Puma 500/900 (the current model) is a pretty versatile head - lots of different tones to be had. I have used mine if 5 different bands playing everything from jazz standards to Lady Gaga.

 

[asbs]

Thank you for the advice.
I saw a 300W, maybe it could be powerful anought.

 

[KJung]

Thank you for the advice.
I saw a 300W, maybe it could be powerful anought.

The ML112 is 8ohms and moderate efficiency. If you can afford it, the 500 would be the one I would buy if you wanted to do moderate sized/volume gigs with a single cab.

If you are looking for a bit more 'grunt and warmth', the Aguilar TH500 is also a very nice match, and does a nice job bringing out the midrange complexity of the RA basses. It is not as clean and 'accurate' as the Puma though.

 

[asbs]

Thank you very much Kjung for your inputs.
I was first interessed by euphonic audio, but was not sure about.
(Micro and wizzy)
What would be your choice between EA et Baer+ puma ?

Unfortunatly, those brands are not on the french market...

 

[KJung]

Thank you very much Kjung for your inputs.
I was first interessed by euphonic audio, but was not sure about.
(Micro and wizzy)
What would be your choice between EA et Baer+ puma ?

Unfortunatly, those brands are not on the french market...

Micro and wizzy are nice and midrange present and would sound very nice with an RA bass, as long as you don't need a lot of volume. That head's power rating is a bit 'hopeful' but it sounds very nice (relaxed and warm). The puma500 and Baer would be much much louder and a bit more full range IMO and IME

 

[peterpalmieri]

The micro or doubler paired with a wizzy 12m is a great double bass combo. I don't own a RA.

 

[asbs]

Thank you KJung and Peterpalmieri.

Not easy to choose between them with out giving a try...
So your opinions are very helpful !

Micro and wizzy are nice and midrange present and would sound very nice with an RA bass, as long as you don't need a lot of volume. That head's power rating is a bit 'hopeful' but it sounds very nice (relaxed and warm). The puma500 and Baer would be much much louder and a bit more full range IMO and IME

 

[N. Kentucky Bass]

Acoustic recording of my RA Deep 4 fretless at a winery gig Friday. This was from a quiet guitar duet playing "Our Spanish Love Song."

 

[77PBass]

Acoustic recording of my RA Deep 4 fretless at a winery gig Friday. This was from a quiet guitar duet playing "Our Spanish Love Song."

Digging that guitar.

 

[asbs]

Very nice sound.
Did you use the Arnopol'cab for this gig ?

Acoustic recording of my RA Deep 4 fretless at a winery gig Friday. This was from a quiet guitar duet playing "Our Spanish Love Song."

 

[Thombas]

Thank you very much Kjung for your inputs.
I was first interessed by euphonic audio, but was not sure about.
(Micro and wizzy)
What would be your choice between EA et Baer+ puma ?

Unfortunatly, those brands are not on the french market...

My RA absolutely sings through a tc RH head a the tc RS210. Something going on with the voicing of the RH head and the RA that goes well together - to my ears. Maybe a little mainstream compared to some of the other suggestions, but it works very well - and you can get it in France I've posted a pic of #852, since this is a show thread - and because I'm a very proud owner.