Originally Posted by tombowlus  Okay, here are some preliminary thoughts. This is not a dissertation, and these remarks are based upon one bass (that I know well), one amp (that I know well), in a room that I know well. But, on the gig, things may play out differently...
Still, FWIW, here you go!
Uber 410 vs AE410 vs UL2-410
Uber 410: The Uber seemed to be very warm and full, with effortless low end (though the lows might not have been quite as deep - or at least not comprised of as much "deep" content - as the other two). It was not as precise as the Berg through the mids, but was nevertheless quite articulate. Compared to the UL2-410, the Epi was more smooth and fat in the mids, and the Uber was a bit more dry and a bit more articulate through the mids and more focused and controlled down low (again, relative to the Epi). In general, the Genz-Benz seemed to be characterized by a very strong, slightly warm midrange. When you thump down low, those mids still come through loud and clear, which helps keep things punchy. It was the most resonant of the group, and the notes would ring out more than with the other two. The highs were not quite as bright and clear as the other two.
AE410: The Berg was very tight, clean, and focused. The middle to upper mids were more aggressive than those of the Genz-Benz (which was, in turn, more aggressive than the Epi). There was a region of the low-mids where the other two cabs had a bit more going on, though. The useable lows extend fairly deep, and seemed to stay punchy up to the limits of its low-end extension (but then drop off sharply). The low end felt like it had a lot of punch, but this might have been due to some help from the low-mids. The high end was fairly similar to the Epi's - which is to say, beautiful! - with a bit more upper midrange mixed in (relative to the Epi). This cab had the most aggressive upper mids of the group.
UL2-410: The UL2-410 was the most smooth sounding of the group, and it also had a lot going on down low (arguably the most of the group). It was not as articulate through the mids as the other two cabs, and seemed a bit more laid back. The Berg cut more and was more precise through the mids, where the Epi was more smooth and round. (I guess I keep saying the same thing, but this is how my notes read). The Epi was much more clear and "pretty" on the high end, relative to the Uber. As I mentioned, the highs on the Berg were fairly similar. "Big, deep and smooth, with a floating, shimmering, beautiful top end."
I hope that helps some. I have no doubt that other's opinions will vary, and I also do not doubt that with a different head or a different bass, the results might turn out notably different. I hope to use all three in practice next week, and I'll report back if I do.
And of course, this is IME/IMHO only, and YMMV.
Tom. |
. I'll give that a shot.
