Test report: Bergantino Reference II Series 115

As bassists, we are always looking for the best way to convey the frequencies that define our place in the music, namely the low end. We all love the powerful hum of an open Estring, or the deep and satisfying wave of gliding across the fingerboard on a B Strings. That’s what sets us apart from other stringed instruments, and it’s probably a big part of what attracted us to bass in the first place. But when it comes to electric bass, our sonic range is only as strong as the gear we use to express it. Amplifiers now come in a variety of configurations, with any number of 8-, 10-, 12-, and 15-inch speakers that can be packed into a cabinet to your heart’s content. But if we’re always going to strive to be the lowest of the low, why don’t we strive to be the greatest of the great?

This is exactly what piqued our interest in Bergantino Audio Systems’ Reference II Series 115 cabinet. Responding to demand for the resurrection of his 15-inch cabinets, which hit the market in 2022, Jim Bergantino decided to take everything players loved about his previous creations and reduce weight while modernizing their design. To achieve this, the Reference II 115 is equipped with ceramic-based speakers, a lightweight poplar plywood cabinet with Baltic birch baffles, durable Tolex finishes, and fabric grilles. The result is a lightweight cabinet with a modern look that delivers tremendous performance.

unpacking

When the package arrived, I was pleasantly surprised at how lightweight the box was, as many heavy 8x10s and other bulky amps had prepared me for the long trek from the front door to the office. Digging right in, the cabinet was more compact than originally intended and had a fresh, modern look that would be appropriate for any stage. The black cloth and tolex finish gives it a clean appearance, further enhanced by the gold Bergantino logo in the top left corner. The construction of the box makes it extremely durable, if not indestructible, and the triangular port on the front makes it clear that this thing pushes a lot of air, which is exactly what I intended.

Trial by fire

To properly test this cab, I knew it wouldn’t work properly during a simple exploration in the office or bedroom. Luckily, the weekend it arrived, I had a gig on a large outdoor stage that required me to play both electric and classical – the perfect environment to see what this thing could really do. Powered by an 800-watt Bergantino Forté head, I was ready to dive right into the world of amplification that Jim had so calculatedly engineered, while also testing the vibe of my bandmates. For the first set of songs, I needed my electric bass, which happened to be my Fender Mod Shop Precision of choice. After hitting the first few notes of the opening number, my drummer, who I keep incredibly close to me given the 7-piece band’s stage configuration, immediately looked up, pointed at the amp, and mouthed “Whooaa!” The sentiment was shared by both myself and the lead guitarist, who turned around mid-lick and raised his eyebrows. The 15″ cabinet did exactly what I had imagined: articulated low notes powerfully and precisely while moving a lot of air with them. Having never played a 15″ cabinet live before, this was a very pleasing introduction. With the amp volume at 10 o’clock, bass at 2 o’clock, low mids at 1 o’clock, high mids at 1 o’clock, and treble at 12 o’clock, this unit conveyed a lot of bass. And I mean a lot.

My only concern was that the depth might water down the tone or make the individual notes indistinguishable, but that wasn’t the case. The Reference II’s articulation was precise and distinct, giving each note its proper space with surprising clarity. The first movement vacillated between electric and upright songs, and the response of the double bass was rich, earthy, and woody. Playing a double bass with a 15-inch is a real treat, although I’ve learned that my distance from the amp at these levels can cause excessive resonance on low whole notes on my double bass. This was not a fault of the system, and was easily corrected by adjusting the amp slightly to accommodate it.

Medium and high love?

The other question I had before this test was that the lows weren’t an issue with the Reference 115, but would the mids and highs suffer without the punch that smaller 10- or 12-inch speakers bring? As the second set drifted more toward funk and soul songs, I adjusted my settings to boost the mids and highs a bit while engaging Bright mode on the Forté, and that calmed my worries. Muted plucking, high-fret grooving, and even solos were projected beautifully, and the punch and grain of the mids were more responsive than expected. While the timbre and overall tonality aren’t exactly what you get from an 8-, 10-, or 12-inch speaker configuration, each note contains greater depth and fullness with the 15-inch speaker. Plus, with the Reference, I found myself slamming the strings less heavily even on medium-heavy funk runs, as the case does all the work for you. And of course, in the days following that gig, I plugged in my various 5-strings like crazy to enjoy the low end that the Reference offers so well. I’d be remiss if I didn’t say that the real joy of this case lies in its 5-string pairings, although it’s just as fun with your 4-string combination of choice.

Low point

For those of you tempted to take your sound to new depths, this is a premium cabinet that’s so well built it’ll probably outlive us all. Every component of the Reference has been carefully considered, so it can handle anything you throw at it, and it’s a boon for players of all genres and styles. With a list price of $1,100, it’s a solid investment that will have an immediate impact on your sound. And honestly, as a bassist, this cabinet is just really, really fun to play with.

Bottom line This lightweight and ergonomic enclosure is packed with power and all the bass tones you could want in a sleek and modern package.

Per Enormous headroom and power, deep, clear tones, covers the entire sound spectrum, lightweight and easy to transport

Disadvantages None

Technical data

• Woofer: 1-15″ woofer with ceramic magnet and vented pole pieces
• Cabinet design: Ported
• Housing material: Baffle made of Baltic birch, shell made of lightweight plywood
• Cabinet cladding: Black Tolex
• Impedance: 8 ohms
• Load capacity: 400W RMS
• Frequency response: 40Hz – 3.5kHz
• Sensitivity: 100 dB at 2.83 V / 1 meter
• Dimensions: 23″ H x 18 1/2″ W x 18″ D
• Weight: 46 pounds.
• List price: 1100.00 USD

For more information visit: Bergantino Audio Systems