Gear News
New Gear: Bergantino Audio Systems Introduces the Super Pre
Bergantino Audio Systems Super Pre, the ever-expansive, ultimate toolbox for bass players to dial in their ideal sound…
Bergantino Audio Systems has unveiled their latest innovation from creator Jim Bergantino with the release of the new Super Pre. Amazingly expansive and remarkably encompassing, the Super Pre covers all ranges of your sound. From enhancing your clean tone, to adding gain, to offering a wide range of compression, to the precise control of your EQ, to wielding bold distortions, overdrives, and fuzzes, this powerful unit the size of a cigar box has you covered. Whether you’re hitting the stage or the studio, this is the tool that will make your sound distinctively you.
With the evolution of the gigging bass player in mind, the Super Pre was designed for low enders of all levels and styles to have the freedom of taking their tone with them wherever they go. This is the perfect addition to any pedal chain and amp setup, but also functions as a standalone DI for those situations where you need to plug in and play without compromising any bit of your sound. Compact in size and durable enough for even the most extreme of road warriors, the Super Pre fits in your gig bag, backpack, carry on, and on your pedalboard with ease. Instead of hauling around a number of EQ’s, tuner, compressors, overdrives, distortions and fuzzes, this single unit will cover all of that for you and more.
Boasting endless possibilities, this unit offers all of the grit and power of big tube amp sound thanks to the DSP Embedded System Controlled Bass Amplifier, Bergantino’s BFT drive circuits, and programmable filters including a Bright Switch, Variable High-Pass Filter, Variable Low-Pass Filter, and Variable Feedback filter. The EQ possibilities are limitless thanks to the revolutionary Bergantino Speaker-File EQ System and 4-Band Multifunction EQ with adjustable frequency range and “Q,” which is all scene savable like all of the options on the Super Pre. Regardless of the genre you play or the size of the stage you step onto, this unit has you covered.
With 21 savable scenes, you’re able to dial in the exact tones you want and have them ready to go with a simple tap. Featuring 3 memory switches on the face of the box that each contain 8 individual banks, you can program enough sounds to cover every range of low end glory that you desire. Perfect for players who use different basses during their sets or in the studio, or for those who change their sounds within the matter of a song, the Super Pre will make sure your tone remains consistent.
With an ultra-crisp and easy-to-read OLED display and a user-friendly interface to navigate the system, the Super Pre doesn’t require flipping through the manual every time you use it. We understand that when you’re on the stage and in the studio, you don’t have time to troubleshoot your gear or Google solutions in a pinch. With six knobs, two buttons, and four footswitches, the Super Pre is easy to use so that you don’t have to compromise your creativity or your groove in the moment of inspiration.
The same BFT technology that is featured in the Bergantino Forté D comes equipped in this unit along with all of the overdrive, distortion, and fuzz in all of its glory. With overdrive that cops that old school tube tone, you get all of the dirt and grit that excites harmonics and cuts through all frequencies from high to low. Leave it on and adjust the gain to make it your permanent tone or crank it up to push your speakers to shake the walls. Give your fingertips some electricity!
The 4-Band Multifunction EQ covers your bass, low mid, high mid, and treble, all with adjustable frequency centers to give you absolute control over your tone. With the EQ functions of the Super Pre, you can decide how customizable you want to get. Choose your center point and the Q (the width of the frequencies) to dial it in even further. Additionally, the revolutionary Bergantino Speaker-File EQ System is flexible to the point where the EQ bands can overlap each other using the four EQ points and the Bright control. And as far as the Bright control, you can be heavy handed or subtle by adjusting it from 1db of boost to 12dbs. For upright and acoustic players, the Software selectable Input Impedance allows you to take it from 1 meg to 10 megs to match the impedance of the pickup and achieve a coherent tone with more presence that cuts.
While most compressions merely limit and shrink your tone, Bergantino gives you the choice of a serial or parallel VRC compressor. Like syrup on your tone that actually thickens your notes, you can use the parallel compression, which splits the signal and runs 50% through the compressor and 50% as your clean, or the serial, which grabs 100% of the signal and compresses all of it. You can even use it as a subtle volume boost with the make up gain available.
Main Features
- Lightweight and durable casing
- Ultra-crisp and easy-to-read OLED display
- Two Studio-Quality DIs – Pre and Post, Latency compensated
- Revolutionary Bergantino Speaker-File EQ System
- 4-Band Multifunction EQ with adjustable frequency range and “Q”
- DSP Embedded System Controlled Bass Amplifier
- Software selectable Input Impedance
- User choice of serial or parallel VRC compressor
- Global Gain (-6db to +6db – scene savable)
- Programmable Filters: Bright Switch, Variable High-Pass Filter, Variable Low-Pass Filter, Variable Feedback filter
Additional Features
- Built-in Chromatic Tuner
- Auxiliary Input and Headphone jacks: for personal monitor and practice use
- Programmable Effects Send and Return Loop (scene savable)
- Pre Amp Line Output – (Level adjustable – 0db to +6db)
- Selectable Phase Output (Normal or Reverse)
- USB port: allows software upgrades/Speaker-File loads and more
Price
Bergantino Super Pre: $699.00
For more visit: bergantino.com
Positive Grid launches Spark 2, the next evolution of their cutting-edge smart guitar practice amplifiers and Bluetooth® speakers.
Engineered for acoustic, electric guitar, and bass, Spark 2 delivers an immersive practice and playing experience. Enjoy detailed sound and an all-new upgraded speaker design powered by Positive Grid’s exclusive Sonic IQ Computational Audio technology. With an onboard creative looper, optional battery power, and intuitive AI features for tone exploration and practice, Spark 2 is the gateway to a musical experience that goes beyond expectations.
Proprietary Audio and Advanced Technology
Spark 2 represents a leap forward in amplifier design. It integrates a new DSP amp modeling engine with double the processing power, and at 50 Watts, it packs 25% more volume than the original. Positive Grid’s proprietary Sonic IQ Computational Audio delivers incredibly detailed and dynamic sound. New HD amp models, enhanced by multi-band dynamic range compression and virtual bass augmentation, redefine the sonic landscape.
Equipped with two premium FRFR speakers and reflex ports, Spark 2 offers wide stereo imaging and broader frequency response, ensuring refined bass and clear, immersive sound.
Built-In Creative Looper
Spark 2’s built-in Groove Looper features hundreds of hyper-realistic drum tracks. From basic loops to multi-layered soundscapes or the ultimate jam session, this intuitive tool inspires endless creativity. Onboard amp controls provide quick, on-the-go looping functionality.
AI-Powered Tone and Smart Jam
Spark AI revolutionizes tone exploration. Describe any desired tone in the Spark app – from practical to outlandish – and Spark AI will suggest tones to audition or download. The more it’s used, the smarter it gets, delivering the perfect sound.
Additional smart features make it easy to practice, learn new songs and improve playing skills. Smart Jam listens to the user’s playing style and generates accompanying bass and drum parts, while Auto Chords analyzes any song streamed and displays the guitar chords in real time, to make learning and practicing new songs easier than ever.
Enhanced Hardware Design and Portability
Spark 2 allows for storing up to eight customizable presets directly on the amp for quick access to favorite sounds. Perfect the tone with large, visible onboard controls for looper, EQ, gain, reverb, and more.
Designed for convenience, an optional rechargeable battery provides up to 12 hours of playtime for on-the-go sessions. The new double-thick strap and durable build ensure easy and secure transport. Spark 2 is also Bluetooth® ready, allowing for music streaming and jamming along with favorite tracks anytime, anywhere.
Multiple Outputs and Advanced Features
Spark 2 offers versatile connectivity with a headphone out for private practice, stereo line outs for external audio sources, and a USB-C port which enables it to function as an audio interface. WiFi-enabled, Spark 2 allows convenient over-the-air firmware updates, keeping the amp up to date with the latest features and improvements.
“I’ve used a ton of practice amps while touring the world for over 38 years and it was always just a technical, bland exercise,” says guitar virtuoso, singer-songwriter and producer Nuno Bettencourt. “Spark 2 is like taking Madison Square Garden wherever you go – epic and versatile.”
Color Options
Available in Pearl or Black finish with a dark weave grille and premium finish.
Special Event, Upgrade Pricing & Availability
Join the special live premiere event featuring Nuno Bettencourt and surprise guests on August 1, 2024, at 8:00 am PT/11:00 am ET. Visit positivegrid.com/pages/livestream for more details and to sign up for a reminder.
Regularly USD $299, Spark 2 will be available at special early bird pricing during the pre-order period. Registered Spark 40 owners can also receive exclusive upgrade pricing.
For more information and to sign up for pre-order alerts, visit positivegrid.com/products/spark-2.
Behind the Strings – Jim’s Corner…
D’Addario & Co. proudly announces the launch of “Jim’s Corner,” a captivating new YouTube series telling the 400-year-old story of the D’Addario family creating the world’s largest music accessories company. This series features Jim D’Addario, Founder and Director of Innovation at D’Addario and Co., sharing his family’s remarkable journey from 17th century Italy to a 21st century global enterprise.
In the first four episodes now available, Jim D’Addario takes viewers back to the beginning, making strings from animal guts and knotting ukulele wire as a family around the television. Countless generations carried the passion forward until the 1970s when the company made it official and never looked back. Jim recounts the creation of strings that inspired legendary riffs, including one by The Who, the launch of Darco strings, the merger with Martin Guitars and the company’s humble beginnings with his wife, Janet and brother, John. Jim D’Addario’s firsthand accounts provide an intimate and personal perspective on the milestones and challenges that shaped D’Addario into the revered brand it is today.
Episode Highlights:
- Episode 1: The Early Days in Italy and the Move to America
- Episode 2: Inspiring Iconic Riffs and Legendary Partnerships
- Episode 3: Launching Darco Strings and Merging with Martin Guitars
- Episode 4: Building the D’Addario and Co. Legacy
Watch & Subscribe Now:
Join us in celebrating this incredible legacy by watching the first four episodes of “Jim’s Corner” on YouTube. New episodes will drop every month so please subscribe to our channel to ensure you don’t miss any future episodes and exclusive content from D’Addario & Co.: www.youtube.com/@daddarioandco
Gear News
Gear News: Aguilar Amplification Unveils Limited Edition NYC Gold Skyline Tone Hammer Preamp
Aguilar Amplification announces the release of the Limited Edition NYC Gold Skyline Tone Hammer Preamp pedal. Hand serialized 1-100, this exclusive edition celebrates Aguilar’s deep roots in New York City with a tribute to its iconic landmarks and vibrant spirit.
Born in the heart of NYC and raised on the road, the Tone Hammer Preamp DI has been an indispensable tool for bassists seeking inspiring tone and versatility. The new Limited Edition Gold NYC builds on this legacy with striking custom graphics encapsulating the essence of New York City. Featuring iconic landmarks from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, this pedal is not just a tool, but a piece of art embodying the soul of the city. Each unit features a sharp platinum silkscreen over a stunning matte gold sparkle finish, that is as visually captivating as it is sonically powerful.
The Tone Hammer is an essential preamp/direct box for every bassist’s toolbox. The Tone Hammer features fully sweepable midrange frequencies in addition to bass and treble controls. With the Tone Hammer’s pristine D.I. players are set for either studio or stage. To give this tone shaping unit the ultimate flexibility we introduce our proprietary Adaptive Gain Shaping circuitry (AGS). AGS allows the player to kick in an additional gain structure and EQ with the “stomp” of a button. You can go from modern slap sounds to vintage or overdriven. 18-volt operation gives the Tone Hammer plenty of headroom to reproduce the most dynamic playing styles. Separate gain and master controls allow players to dial in just the right gain structure for any instrument.
Aguilar Amplification’s Jordan Cortese adds, “With only 100 hand-numbered units available, this third iteration of our NYC edition Tone Hammer is a collector’s dream. “It’s a homage to our city’s monumental influence on music and culture and celebrates the craftsmanship and the story of Aguilar”.
Street price: $299.99 For more information, please visit www.aguilaramp.com
Spector, a leading authority in bass guitar design, unveils new additions to its product line: Euro CST, Euro LX and Euro LX Bolt On basses.
Euro CST:
The Euro CST introduces all-new tonewoods, electronics, and finish combinations never seen in the Euro Series, drawing inspiration from Spector’s Woodstock, NY-based Custom Shop. Each Euro CST instrument is meticulously crafted using premium materials, featuring a striking, highly figured Poplar Burl top, a resonant European Ash body, and a 3-piece North American Maple neck paired with an Ebony fingerboard adorned with laminated Abalone Crown inlays.
Euro CST basses are equipped with a lightweight aluminum bridge for precise and reliable intonation. Premium active EMG X Series pickups deliver the exceptional clarity, attack, and silent operation that defines the Spector sound. These basses also feature the all-new Spector Legacy preamp. Developed in collaboration with Darkglass Electronics, this preamp captures the classic “Spector growl,” heard on countless iconic recordings, with added versatility.
Euro CST basses are available in 4- and 5-string models in four distinct high gloss finishes: Natural, Natural Black Burst, Natural Red Burst, and Natural Violet Burst.
Euro LX and Euro LX Bolt-On:
The Euro LX offers all the features that have made the Spector name famous around the globe. Inspired by the iconic NS-2, Euro LX basses feature a fully carved and contoured body, high-grade tonewoods, and professional-grade electronics and hardware. For the first time ever, players can now choose between neck-thru and bolt-on construction in the Euro LX range.
Each Euro LX bass, regardless of construction, is crafted using premium materials, including a European Alder body, figured European Maple top, and a 3-piece North American Maple neck combined with a Rosewood fingerboard for strength, stability, and sustain. Euro LX basses are then outfitted with a lightweight, aluminum bridge for spot-on, reliable intonation. Premium active pickups from EMG provide the exceptional clarity, attack, and silent operation that Spector is known for. Like the Euro CST basses, these instruments also feature the all-new Spector Legacy preamp.
The newly revised Euro LX range is available in four distinct, hand-rubbed stains, including Transparent Black, Natural Sunburst, Haunted Moss, and Nightshade. Each of these colors features a durable and comfortable matte finish.
John Stippell, Director, Korg Bass Division, remarks, “I’m thrilled to announce the latest additions to the renowned Euro Range. The CST Series, our new premium offering, features new and unique wood combinations and unprecedented features. The beloved LX Series is now better than ever with the introduction of Bolt-On models, vibrant new color options, and the all-new Spector Legacy Preamp, delivering the classic Spector tone with unmatched precision.”
For more information, visit spectorbass.com.
Future Impact V4 Guitar & Bass Synth Now Available in the U.S….
The Future Impact V4 is an incredibly versatile pedal with an exceptionally wide range of sounds. In addition to producing synthesizer sounds such as basses, leads and pads, it can function as an octaver, chorus, flanger, phaser, distortion, envelope filter, traditional wah-wah, tremolo, reverb, etc., and even has a built-in tuner. It can also drive external synthesizer gear via the optional CV/Gate. As such, it can potentially replace an entire pedalboard of dedicated single-effect pedals.
The very powerful signal processor of the Future Impact V4 is able to replicate the various oscillator, filter, amplifier and envelope generator blocks found in classic synthesizers. In addition, it contains signal processing blocks more traditionally used for processing the sound of an instrument such as a harmonizer block and audio effects such as chorus, distortion and EQ. These architectures complement each other in a very flexible way.
Check out this short video with new sounds:
The Future Impact V4 has a completely new hardware platform with numerous enhancements, some of which are:
– 32-bit ultra-low-noise analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters
– New app-based software architecture
– Vastly advanced pitch tracking based on 30+ years of experience
– Hard Sync between oscillators to open new sonic worlds
– On-pedal edits that can be saved into program memories
– Total compatibility with all previous Deep Impact and Future Impact patches
Setting the standard for the bass guitar synth pedals since 2015, together with an enthusiastic community and long line of great artists, the Future Impact V4 is the guitar synth platform for the next decade.
For more information, visit online at pandamidi.com/bass-guitar-synth
Exclusive U.S. distribution by Tech 21 USA, Inc
Gear News: Future Impact V4 Guitar & Bass Synth Now Available in the U.S.
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