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Bergantino B|Amp II  £1249

Add Gator gig bag £24

Add Bergantino Gig bag £59

Add Footswitch £179

(Export price £958)

Drive Me Wild

Want some soft-clip purr added to your fundamental tone? With our Big Fat Tube (BFT) drive circuits, all of that is at your fingertips.

Overdrive adds harmonic texture to the circuit, extending the voicing of the B|Amp closer to the tone of a tube amplifier. The Distortion 1 setting is voiced like a tube amplifier driven into clipping, while the Distortion 2 mode recreates a harder-hitting tone, reminiscent of classic pedals.

Any of the three distinct drive tones can be used globally or easily saved in the memory settings. Also, you control how much drive you want mixed into your signal - even at 100% full drive, people will know who the bass player is.

Compress Not Depress

The built-in proprietary Bergantino Variable Ratio Compressor (VRC™) was designed to vary the compression ratio dynamically, to even out dynamics and thicken the notes for fingerstyle while curtailing large transients created by slap of pop style playing.

In B|AMP Mk2, VRC now comes with two options:

In Parallel mode, 50% of the signal passes through the compressor and then sums with the unaffected signal, for a note thickening that adds weight and smoothness to your tone.

Conversely, Serial mode takes 100% of your bass signal and compresses it, giving you a more traditional, more affected compression sound, popular for many styles of playing.

Total Recall

With the memory storing capability of the B|AMP Mk2, a complete tonal scene, including compression, effects and tone EQs (including bright adjustment), can be stored in either of the onboard memory locations for future recall. With the optional Bluetooth Wireless Footswitch kit, you can store three settings and select any of them at your feet - without any cables!

Multifunction EQ Tone and Filters

The B|Amp Mk2 employs a quasi-parametric EQ that lets you hone in on any frequency in the band as well as adjust the Q width of that frequency. With its Variable Feedback Filter, B|Amp Mk2 lets you find and hone in on that note to attenuate it accordingly.

Main Features:

DSP Embedded System Controlled Bass Amplifier

800 W RMS output (@ 2,67/2 Ω), 700 W RMS (@ 4Ω), 350 W RMS (@ 8Ω)

4-Band Multi-function EQ with adjustable frequency range and “Q”

Programmable Filters: Bright Switch, Variable High-Pass, Low-Pass and Feedback Filters

Built in Chromatic Tuner

On-Board Variable-Ratio Compressor (VRC)

Scene-savable choice of Serial and Parallel compression settings (NEW!)

Multi-Effects - Overdrive, Distortion 1 or Distortion 2 (Fuzz)

Scene-savable Clean/Dirty blend percentage for Drive effects (NEW!)

User-Programmable Memory Settings

Revolutionary Bergantino Speaker Profile EQ System

Auxiliary Input and Headphone jacks - ideal for personal monitor and practice use

Effects send and return loop

Dual Speakon Outputs

Studio-Quality DI - selectable Pre or Post EQ

Line Output - pre-amp or tuner out

Selectable Phase Output (Normal or Reverse)

Software Speaker impedance matching, for optimal power transfer

USB port: allows software upgrades/profiles, optional wireless footswitch connectivity and portable device charging

New Bluetooth footswitch

The Bluetooth footswitch (BTFS) for the Bergantino Audio B|Amp allows you to engage/disengage the amp’s Mem1, Mem2, Mem3 and Mute functions with the quick push of a footswitch. Just plug the programmed dongle (supplied with footswitch) into your B|Amp’s USB port, turn on the footswitch and amp, and you are ready to go! No cable needed to remotely operate your favourite features of your B|Amp.

The B|Amp BTFS includes the following:

1. 1. 1. •Quad foot pedal for your Bergantino Audio B|Amp
         

      2. •Operates the Mem1, Mem2, Mem3 and Mute functions
         

      3. •Anti-skid base keeps the footswitch in place during use
         

      4. •Rechargeable battery with supplied USB adapter cable.
         

      5. •LED’s signal low battery and Bluetooth connection status
         

      6. •Bluetooth 4.0 low energy radio Transmit power
         

      7. •Approximate Range: up to 33 feet (10 Meters)
         

2. 
   

Gig bag

Click on this link for the iGuitar review

Bergantino VRC Compressor

The new, proprietary Bergantino VRC™ compressor (Variable Ratio Compressor)

was designed to take into consideration the compression needs of today’s bass

players. With the currently available compressors on the market, you have to

settle for a fixed compression ratio which makes it difficult, if not impossible, to

find the sweet spot between finger style and the more dynamic needs of such

playing styles as popping and slapping. Choosing a ratio which evens out the

dynamics and thickens the notes for finger style playing will not eliminate or

curtail large transients created by slapping and popping. On the other hand, a

compression ratio chosen for countering the large dynamic swings of popping and

slapping will typically squash the dynamics and musicality of regular finger style

playing.

With the B|AMP’s VRC compressor, the compression ratio will change

dynamically, essentially adjusting itself to the style and needs of your playing. Set

up properly, it will give the player a nice even, thick finger style tone while

attacking those large, over the top transients, without even having to turn a knob!

We know of no other compressor on the market which can do what the VRC can

do.

The VRC is located prior to the Effects circuits in the B|AMP’s DSP architecture,

allowing a compressed signal to be sent to any of the effects, such as overdrive

and distortion. This will help ensure the effects are applied more evenly across a

wider dynamic range of playing styles. And with the memory storing capability of

the B|AMP, a complete tonal scene, including compression, effects, and tone EQs

(including bright adjustment) can be stored in either of the two Mem (Mem1,

Mem2) locations of the B|AMP for future recall.

This further demonstrates the power and versatility of the B|AMP’s architecture,

its thoughtful and intelligent engineering, and why the B|AMP is the best

sounding, most technologically advanced bass amplifier in the world!

New version 1.3 Features - Launched August 2016

1. Tone Control gains are now in 0.5db increments instead of 1db increments.

2. Added new program menu item, "Tone Control Q Select", which now allows you to select between a wide, medium, or narrow Q for the tone control filters. Version 1.2's Q is wide for reference purposes.

3. When saving a bright engage to Mem1 or Mem2 along with tone control settings, it currently only saves whether or not bright is enabled, not the actual frequency and gain. This means it would always load the current bright filter parameters into the DSP with any Mem recall, which may or may not have been the one you intended when saving the settings to one of the Mem locations in the first place. In rev 1.3, it will save the frequency and gain of the bright filter at the same time as all the tone filter parameters, allowing you to have two different bright settings in each Mem location for different instruments or tonal preferences.

4. Lowers temperature threshold approx. 10% to engage fan sooner.

5. Found and eliminated software bug which may have occasionally caused the UI to lock up requiring a power recycle.

6. 6.Eliminated any potential popping noise when Mute is engaged.
   

The B|Amp Version 2.05 software has the following changes/upgrades to versions 1.1 and 1.2 & 1.3.

1. The hard Limiter circuit has been changed to a soft-clipping circuit on the output stage allowing more usable amp volume at the limit of the amplifier power rails.

2. An added variable 'Q' control has been added upgrading the EQ section from a 'semi-parametic' (level and frequency) to a fully parametric EQ section (level, frequency & width). Available settings are now; Wide .71, Medium 1.0 & Narrow 1.41.

3. 3.We have added an Effects Menu which incorporates three 'flavors' of a drive software circuit; Overdrive, Distortion and Fuzz. The Overdrive adds harmonic texture to the circuit extending the voicing of the B|Amp closer to a full tube amplifier, the Distortion is voiced like a tube amplifier driven into clipping, and the Fuzz circuit recreates some of the classic fuzz pedals we all love. Any of the three can be used globally or saved in either/both of the memory settings.
   

The B|Amp Version 3.0 software has the following changes/upgrades to version 2.05A.

1) Added the Bergantino VRC (variable ratio compressor) Compressor circuit. This compressor can be saved into either/both memory locations with different settings and can be used with the Effects, if desired.

 

2) Allowed to save and recall “tone scenes” from Home, Compressor, and Effects screens

 

3. 3)Routed Aux input to DI output. This allows the Aux input to act as a secondary input from an upright, key bass synth, acoustic bass guitar preamps, etc. so the bass player can use the amp for doubling. You can mix the signals and send the mixed output to the DI.
   

Bergantino Audio v3.20 Software Update

(a) New Dist1 and Dist2 circuits (Dist2 replaces the Fuzz option)

(b) Bass range increased to 150hz

    Lo Mid Range decreased to 100 hz in 25hz increments instead of 50hz increments

    Hi Mid Range decreased to 400hz in 100hz increments instead of 200hz increments

    Treble Range decreased to 1500hz

100. (c)Lo gain changed in DSP from 3 (+9.5db) to 2 (+6db) to decrease digital noise floor by 3.5db.
     

101. (ci)
     

To update your BiAmp;

You will need a FAT32 formatted thumb drive to install the upgrade into your B|AMP. To receive the software update you must have your B|Amp registered. You can register both new and used B|Amps to get the software updates, but the factory warranty only extends to the original owner.

 

Instructions to load & install the software update:

 

A) Copy the attached file (bampfw_3.0.hex) onto a FAT32 thumb drive and rename it bampfw.hex, all lower case.

 

B) With amplifier power off, insert thumb drive into USB port of amp.

 

C) While holding in Prog button, turn amp on and continue to hold Prog button until green Prog LED lights. Release Prog button and wait for software to install (approx 8 seconds)

 

D) After software loads, remove thumb drive, recycle power.

 

E) Done.

Bergantino Audio Systems B|Amp & HD Cabinets Review

David Abdo

March 23, 2016

Bergantino Audio Systems has garnered and maintained a solid reputation for their quality speaker cabinets since the company got its start in 2001. And an often-discussed subject by fans of the company’s cabs is what amplifiers pair best with Jim Bergantino’s designs. These dialogues, along with a growing cynicism towards modern-amp construction, compelled Bergantino to create the 700-watt B|Amp. His concept was to develop a unit that contained the essentials of tone sculpting and robust power, plus speaker profiles that EQ the response of different speaker enclosures. Bergantino provided us with both HD210 and HD112 cabinets for this review, but an HD212 and an additional HD112 from a personal collection were also utilized to check out a number of different speaker combinations.

Get with the Program
Thanks to digital technology, Bergantino was able to pack the 6-1/2 pound amp with features that could fill a medium-sized rack, and these options are organized in a thoughtful, intuitive configuration. Once a player sets the gain and master levels, the fun begins with the quintet of multifunctional controls underneath the LCD display.

The home screen displays the 4-band EQ and, here, the four knobs function as boost and cut controls. Pressing and holding any of the knobs switches the screen to the semi-parametric EQ section, where one can adjust the center frequency for each. Tapping any of the knobs brings you back to the home screen.

And while options of this magnitude might seem daunting at first, Bergantino’s interface is impressively intuitive.

A quick push of the filters knob engages the variable feedback and high-pass filter section. These are extremely helpful for cleaning up muddy lows (as well as safeguarding your speakers) and mellowing out any feedback issues that plague some acoustic instruments. Conversely, tapping the bright/treble control engages the bright filter.

The bulk of the B|Amp’s features can be accessed through the program button, where I was able to sift through 13 different screens of tonal and operational functions. For instance, screen two displays the DI settings, while screen five displays information related to the USB input that allows installation of new speaker profiles or updates to the operating system. Screen seven sets the speaker load for safe operation at 2 ohms, 2.67 ohms, or 4/8 ohms. There’s even a screen that monitors the amplifier’s temperature and regulates fan control. There isn’t enough space here to detail all the screens and their respective functionality, but it’s safe to say this amp is packed. And while options of this magnitude might seem daunting at first, Bergantino’s interface is impressively intuitive.

I feel the most intriguing aspect of the B|Amp is the ability to “pre EQ” a particular speaker cabinet before any equalization takes place. To paraphrase Jim Bergantino, amp designers compromise their EQ settings to satisfy a wide range of cabinets. As a result, users make EQ adjustments that relate more to the deficiencies in the acoustic response of their cabinet, as opposed to their instrument’s tone. This likely explains why many a bassist will contend that a particular amp sound

Bergantino’s solution lies within the profile section of the B|Amp. A twist of the filters knob reveals 12 speaker profiles (based on Bergantino’s models), which utilize precise filters to EQ different speaker configurations. This both maximizes speaker performance and minimizes excessive EQ adjustments.

The HD210 and HD112 cabs provided for the review are ported, precision-tuned enclosures, constructed from high-quality Baltic birch. The woofers are comprised of ceramic drivers with vented pole pieces. Throw in a high-intelligibility tweeter, dress it all up in black tolex and a rigid, black grille, and you have a speaker cabinet with sleek styling that delivers crushingly clean tone.

Three Notes and the Truth
Initial tests were done by connecting the B|Amp to the HD210 and HD112 cabs, a speaker configuration reminiscent of a popular but discontinued Bergantino cab called the HD322. Once I plugged in a Sire Marcus Miller V7 4-string and diagnostics were completed, the muted amplifier engaged the tuner mode. The tuner isn’t as accurate as my Peterson strobe, but it could certainly come in handy for quick adjustments.

Once I disengaged the mute, I set the gain and turned up the master. After playing three notes, it was crystal clear that the Bergantino rig could produce full-bodied tone and had the capabilities of getting really loud. These impressions were intensified after adjusting the speaker profile to the HD322 setting. Within seconds, I heard (and felt) the enhancements provided by the filters that delivered a deep punch and a smoother transmission of the upper mids and highs. Replicating all of my technical idiosyncrasies with definition, the note response was quick.

I was curious to hear how the profile settings affected other Bergantino cabinets, so along with a fellow bassist, we added another HD112 and an HD212 to the mix. After a lengthy listening session with individual cabinets and different cab combinations, we were both impressed with how markedly the profile settings enhanced the characteristics of each cabinet. The HD210 profile increased upper mids and provided punchier lows, the HD112 profile delivered more midrange content, and the HD212 profile tightened up the lows with a slight boost in the highs. While other profiles did indeed highlight different aspects of each cab, the assigned profiles still sounded best to my ears. Using the assigned profiles also minimized EQ adjustments, thereby requiring only slight boosting or cutting to polish the desired tone.

The EQ and high-pass filter were flexible and easy to use. Boosting and cutting frequencies was sensitive and abundant, and the means to adjust the center frequencies of all four bands helped to solve tonal dilemmas. This feature was particularly beneficial in live settings where different rooms (and instruments) required different solutions. For example, I used the complete rig with an 18-piece swing band in an 800-seat theater where I was playing a German upright. Equipped with a Fishman Full Circle pickup, my bass was experiencing nasal-y mids and had a nasty feedback issue on the open 3rd string. I set the feedback filter to cut the “A” frequency -7 dB and cut -2 dB from the high mids centered at 800 Hz. These adjustments resulted in a natural sound that really conveyed the wood of the instrument. I also gave the low mids a +2 dB boost at 150 Hz and set the high-pass filter at 70 Hz, which provided notes a plump, tight bottom. While it did take a few minutes to set the EQ for the room, I didn’t have to make any further adjustments the rest of the night and could instead focus on supporting the ensemble with confident, well-defined bass lines.

These impressions were consistent with every instrument and gig using the Bergantino rig. Whether it was beefing up the low end of a ’64 Jazz, crafting an upright-like tone with a Ned Steinberger EUB, or transmitting the detail of a Ritter R8 5-string, the features of the B|Amp pretty much accommodated any tonal demand. It didn’t matter if the amp was connected to the HD210 on a blues trio gig, two HD112s on a Chicago-style horn-band show, or the 2x10/1x12 combo for a rock show—the Bergantino rig delivered studio-quality tone with plenty of volume that sat in the mix to near perfection. My only gripe, albeit slight, would be the amp’s knobs. They felt somewhat flimsy and didn’t elicit total confidence they could handle the rigors of the road.

The Verdict

The Bergantino Audio Systems B|Amp and HD cabs rank high amongst top options for bass amplification on the market. The components respect your instrument by delivering a bass’ characteristics with rapid-fire detail. It’s an excellent reference rig, rife with sound-shaping solutions that will please the tone tweaker, yet still surprise those who prefer streamlined simplicity. The price tag may likely scare some budget-conscious bassists, but what you get for the price truly feels well worth the investment. If you’re seeking a mighty serious upgrade to your signal chain, the Bergantino B|Amp and HD cabinet pairing just might be the missing link.s much better with one type of speaker over another.

Bergantino’s solution lies within the profile section of the B|Amp. A twist of the filters knob reveals 12 speaker profiles (based on Bergantino’s models), which utilize precise filters to EQ different speaker configurations. This both maximizes speaker performance and minimizes excessive EQ adjustments.

Bergantino B|Amp Ratings

Pros:
A powerful, detailed amplifier packed with user-friendly options. Speaker profiles simplify sound sculpting.

Cons:
Control knobs lack a feeling of durability.

Tones: 5/5

Ease of Use: 4.5/5

Build/Design: 4.5/5

Value: 5/5

Bergantino HD112 & HD210 Ratings

Pros:
Clean tone. Capable of handling a lot of power. Built like a tank.

Cons:
Boutique price.

Tones: 5/5

Versatility: 4.5/5

Build/Design: 5/5

Value: 4.5/5

Customer reviews;

Sent in on the 21st August 2016

Hi Mark,

I thought I'd put my thoughts in writing to you about my Bergantino B/AMP. I purchased it from you just over a couple of weeks ago to match up with my existing Berg' CN210 and CN112 cabinets. As soon as l plugged it in and connected everything up, the experience l had immediately was out of this world. I've never owned or tried a system like it and that includes a wealth of so-called high end and boutique gear. The sound coming forth was like the most perfect hi-fi sound imaginable and that was before I'd switched on the appropriate profile for my cabinets.

Once I selected the CN322 profile, the sound became even better. I am absolutely over the moon as I thought what I wanted in Bass amplification didn't actually exist. I so craved for a system that substantially amplified my beautiful basses without a distinct colouration of tone, just purity, sweetness and accuracy.

I could be cheating by owning two magnificent Roscoe basses, both of which are truly sublime in their individual tonal characteristics. OK, they are a great benefit, but when plugging in a Bass Collection, 'Portrait' Jaco fretless, the sound even from that budget bass is wholesome, lively and rich in tone. I was seriously considering upgrading the pickups and adding a pre-amp, but l don't need to. The amp has done it for me...

I don't know what else to say other than the purchases of the Bergantino gear has be a revelation for me. Well done Mark for pointing me in the right direction!!!

Cheers mate and kind regards.

Den