Genz Benz Comparison

[Infa Red]

Ok, if any of you followed and helped in my other thread, this new thread is a focused version of that one, but narrowed down to streamline the answers I get.

Thanks to all that helped me narrow my decisions down to 2 Cab makers (later I plan to do a custom one with 2 3012HO's, but thats another time and thread - first will be my manufactured cab).

So what I plan to do is start 2 different threads, focusing questions on comparing a couple different cabs/series in one manufacture.

(Usage: 1972 Ampeg SVT Blueline, recording mainly - yes I know, I'm barely going past volume 2-3 - lol, but I love the tone, splitting signal, one direct in, one mic'ed cab - combined in mix down, session bassist, me thats a rookie bassist, fingerstyle player, some tasteful slapping, clean, clear, punch, no mud, defined, not boomy, but still round and fat, sometimes bit of growl, you get the idea.)

So, for GENZ BENZ:

With the above described amp head, and approach, what kind of tonalities, texture and general sound can I expect from:

1- Genz Benz GB 410T-UB-4

2- Genz Benz GB 410T-XB2

3- Genz Benz GB 410T-XB3

IF I do decide to go with Genz Benz, which of the above would be best for me and my described set up and approach ? And please explain why.

What are the main differences between them 3 ? All their specs are relatively the same, so I don't understand how they differ.

Thanks so much !!

[pablomigraine]

I love the XB3 line. Im really surprised they're not being marketed too much here in the US, but after trying both I went with the XB over the UB no question. The XB3 410 is probably the loudest 410 I have ever used next to the Bergantino HS410.... which is the reigning champion of loud-azz 410's in my book (and Ive tried them all.... search my "Great Northeast Cabinet Comparo" thread).

The XB3 is very traditionally voiced.... which to me means no artificial 800 - 1khz bump like I hear in cabinets described as "modern". Its a very well balanced cabinet, and responds well to just about any tuning and load. It also doesnt take a lot of power to get pumping as do some. Did I mention its absurdly loud?

RobertUI just came upon one of these... maybe he'll pop in and give an opinion.....

[guy n. cognito]

Yikes.

Certainly, in SF, there are music store which stock at least some of the cabinets you intend to test. You'll get much more meaningful data by doing direct testing, rather than asking the kind of detailed questions you're asking here.

[KsPiNeSh]

If you're interested, that is basically exactly how I recorded my bass tracks for our album - Warwick bass (mostly Thumb NT, Corvette on 2 tracks) --> Mesa M6/M9 --> Uber 410. Bass tracks are ~ 80/20 mic/DI. The only 2 tracks I'm not playing on are See The Truth and The Trail Behind, and I think their old bassist was tracked straight into the board. Headphones or good speakers recommended

www.thehandofmidasband.com

You really can't go wrong with any of those choices. I would go Uber or XB3 for aesthetic reasons, but the XB2 is a great cab too. Having played both the Uber and XB3 410 cans with a GBE 1200, I would say that the XB3 is a little bit smoother with a bit more more low-low and bit less inherent low-mid. I chose the Uber initially, but I continually wrestle with picking up an XB3 as well

[hasbeen]

Originally Posted by guy n. cognito

Yikes.

Certainly, in SF, there are music store which stock at least some of the cabinets you intend to test. You'll get much more meaningful data by doing direct testing, rather than asking the kind of detailed questions you're asking here.

I'm afraid I can't really think of any dealer that stocks XB3's. Our Uber and Neox lines WAY out sell the XB3's and I have a hard time getting them to stock the top three models of those.

[hasbeen]

Originally Posted by Infa Red

Ok, if any of you followed and helped in my other thread, this new thread is a focused version of that one, but narrowed down to streamline the answers I get.

Thanks to all that helped me narrow my decisions down to 2 Cab makers (later I plan to do a custom one with 2 3012HO's, but thats another time and thread - first will be my manufactured cab).

So what I plan to do is start 2 different threads, focusing questions on comparing a couple different cabs/series in one manufacture.

(Usage: 1972 Ampeg SVT Blueline, recording mainly - yes I know, I'm barely going past volume 2-3 - lol, but I love the tone, splitting signal, one direct in, one mic'ed cab - combined in mix down, session bassist, me thats a rookie bassist, fingerstyle player, some tasteful slapping, clean, clear, punch, no mud, defined, not boomy, but still round and fat, sometimes bit of growl, you get the idea.)

So, for GENZ BENZ:

With the above described amp head, and approach, what kind of tonalities, texture and general sound can I expect from:

1- Genz Benz GB 410T-UB-4

2- Genz Benz GB 410T-XB2

3- Genz Benz GB 410T-XB3

IF I do decide to go with Genz Benz, which of the above would be best for me and my described set up and approach ? And please explain why.

What are the main differences between them 3 ? All their specs are relatively the same, so I don't understand how they differ.

Thanks so much !!

If you do a lot of slap, play six string and such....need LOTS of clean headroom, I'd get the Uber....otherwise, I'd say XB3.

Also, not enough people talk about "feel" of amps and cabinets. With that being said, the XB3 is a tad "slower" than the Uber.

XB2? That has some "boom" going on.

[Freddels]

Originally Posted by hasbeen

I'm afraid I can't really think of any dealer that stocks XB3's. Our Uber and Neox lines WAY out sell the XB3's and I have a hard time getting them to stock the top three models of those.

The XB series just don't get talked up like the other series. I would love to try the XB series. My 212NeoX is one of the best cabs I own. I just picked up a ShuttleMax 12 and I would love to hear it with a quality cab that's voiced a little more "traditional".

[guy n. cognito]

Originally Posted by hasbeen

I'm afraid I can't really think of any dealer that stocks XB3's. Our Uber and Neox lines WAY out sell the XB3's and I have a hard time getting them to stock the top three models of those.

Good point.

BTW, when you get a chance, you might want to clear your pm box. I have an unrelated question I'm trying to send you, but your box is full.

Thanks.

[hasbeen]

Originally Posted by guy n. cognito

Good point.

BTW, when you get a chance, you might want to clear your pm box. I have an unrelated question I'm trying to send you, but your box is full.

Thanks.

sorry....will do.....my mailbox fills up pretty quickly.

[Infa Red]

Thanks for all the wonderful responses guys !!

Originally Posted by pablomigraine

I love the XB3 line. Im really surprised they're not being marketed too much here in the US, but after trying both I went with the XB over the UB no question. The XB3 410 is probably the loudest 410 I have ever used next to the Bergantino HS410.... which is the reigning champion of loud-azz 410's in my book (and Ive tried them all.... search my "Great Northeast Cabinet Comparo" thread).

The XB3 is very traditionally voiced.... which to me means no artificial 800 - 1khz bump like I hear in cabinets described as "modern". Its a very well balanced cabinet, and responds well to just about any tuning and load. It also doesnt take a lot of power to get pumping as do some. Did I mention its absurdly loud?

RobertUI just came upon one of these... maybe he'll pop in and give an opinion.....

Right on for the input and chiming in for help Pablo. Hmmmm, you know for me, loudness is definitely nor hear nor there for my decision. I don't need that loud to record, and any of these cabs are too loud already. For me, tonality and how the cab interacts with a vintage SVT 14 tube head is what will matter the most. Whats your take on the XB3 with that ?

Originally Posted by guy n. cognito

Yikes.

Certainly, in SF, there are music store which stock at least some of the cabinets you intend to test. You'll get much more meaningful data by doing direct testing, rather than asking the kind of detailed questions you're asking here.

I totally agree Guy, and I wish I could. But contrary to belief, there really isn't a place that has these type (Genz Benz, Begrantino, etc..) of cabs just on hand. I could special order yes, but not just there to listen to, and definitely not all the series in which I am asking about here. Goal is, is to really narrow it down to like 2 or 3 cabs total on here with you guys's help, then I have a better chance of a place having them, then I listen live from there and make a decision.

Originally Posted by KsPiNeSh

If you're interested, that is basically exactly how I recorded my bass tracks for our album - Warwick bass (mostly Thumb NT, Corvette on 2 tracks) --> Mesa M6/M9 --> Uber 410. Bass tracks are ~ 80/20 mic/DI. The only 2 tracks I'm not playing on are See The Truth and The Trail Behind, and I think their old bassist was tracked straight into the board. Headphones or good speakers recommended

www.thehandofmidasband.com

You really can't go wrong with any of those choices. I would go Uber or XB3 for aesthetic reasons, but the XB2 is a great cab too. Having played both the Uber and XB3 410 cans with a GBE 1200, I would say that the XB3 is a little bit smoother with a bit more more low-low and bit less inherent low-mid. I chose the Uber initially, but I continually wrestle with picking up an XB3 as well

Hey KsPiNeSh, thanks for the input and of course I'm interested. Cool stuff man. I really like "See The Truth" and "The Trial Behind", but it all sounded professional. But remember, this opinion is coming from a Funk, Pop, normal Rock, Hip hop dude, (hence liking the softer songs on your line up) so my opinion on Metal probably aint worth sh#t -- LOL But hey, I can recognize professionalism and sonic quality anywhere, and your stuff sounds good brah !!

Thanks for your suggestions - sounds like your saying the XB3 is more low low endy,, with less lower mids than the Uber, which would make me wanna go towards the Uber then. Would hate to get too boomy with a 14 Tube vintage monster.

Originally Posted by hasbeen

If you do a lot of slap, play six string and such....need LOTS of clean headroom, I'd get the Uber....otherwise, I'd say XB3.

Also, not enough people talk about "feel" of amps and cabinets. With that being said, the XB3 is a tad "slower" than the Uber.

XB2? That has some "boom" going on.

Well, the word "slower" is trippin me out here. I know we all relate differently to different words (the most ridiculously overused one is "WARM" - LOL which could mean one thing to one and something completely different to another) -- But I would like a very fast response because to me slower means it always mush's me out of my super defined basses I like. Slower responses just don't snap out at me.

I could be wrong though about the analogy and description of "slower" to you. But it sounds like on this thread so far the Uber is it for me as far as Genz Benz is concerned.

[KsPiNeSh]

Originally Posted by Infa Red

Well, the word "slower" is trippin me out here. I know we all relate differently to different words (the most ridiculously overused one is "WARM" - LOL which could mean one thing to one and something completely different to another) -- But I would like a very fast response because to me slower means it always mush's me out of my super defined basses I like. Slower responses just don't snap out at me.

I could be wrong though about the analogy and description of "slower" to you. But it sounds like on this thread so far the Uber is it for me as far as Genz Benz is concerned.

A "slow" Genz Benz cab is still "faster" than most others out there and the XB3 is no exception, IMO and IME. By no means is it sluggish - it has the same focus on clarity and response as every other Genz cab I've played, just voiced a bit differently.

[rpsands]

Neox 212T - anything less would be uncivilized

[Infa Red]

Originally Posted by KsPiNeSh

A "slow" Genz Benz cab is still "faster" than most others out there and the XB3 is no exception, IMO and IME. By no means is it sluggish - it has the same focus on clarity and response as every other Genz cab I've played, just voiced a bit differently.

Got it. Soaking it in.

Originally Posted by rpsands

Neox 212T - anything less would be uncivilized

LOL, ok rpsands, I really get the fact you love this Neox 212T.

And I'm with ya. Do you know what 12's they use in there ? Cause you really got me going on the 3012HO's from that other thread. So as I stated before, I am eventually going to have a 410 cab (hence these 2 threads I started about comparing) and a 2 12's cab, but for the 2 12's cab I was going to have a custom cab built with 2 3012HO's... and I may even go for a cool tweeter or 6" speaker in it too for some extra clearer highs (something the Neox 212T don't have) Hence, I am wondering if all in all I could get a better cab than the Neox 212T ? (when I go about doing this custom 2 12 one) - BUT, is the 2 12's in the Neox 212T some 3012HO's ? In that case, is it already my custom cab ? lol

But all in all, just remember, all these threads are just about the 410 possibilities.

Anyway, I ain't forgot about 'cha bro, and your excellent advice, its just that I am putting the 410 cab before the 2 12's cab is all.

THEN again, maybe if I went to test out all these 410's and then that Neox 212T, would I just forget about 410's ? LOL Ahhhhhhhhh the plot thickens !!!

[Overdrive777]

I am also interested in the comparsion between the XB3 and UB but the 810s
Low mid bump on the UB you say? Is it like the Eden 410XLT? (It is too much low mids with my Warwicks and I am tired of cutting the mids when I owned one a couple of years ago...)
I'm looking for a 810 cab to play modern rock/metal with to probably power it with my Shuttle 9.0...