HMM? GB Ub410 vs XB-3

ErnieD · #1 09-15-2010, 04:24 PM

Well, I just returned from my local store where I went to try out the Uber 410 cab, pretty prepared to buy it. While there, they had the Uber410 sitting atop a GB XB-3 410 cab. I used to own a GB 410-XB2, very nice cab but I moved it once I bought two GB Neox 212T cabs mostly due to portability, still have the two Neox 212T's.

So I was running one side of the Max 12.0 into the Uber, using a store's Am St P5; I own the same bass. Amp was set all flat but also with the Lo-Hi signal shapers in after awhile, that's how I ran my GBE 600/750 and now my Neopack. So I ask the dude to let me try the XB3 cab just to compare.

WOW, I was pretty blown away by what I heard outta that little 410 cab using the same bass-settings as I had with the Uber 410. Now to me, the Uber sounded maybe louder but the XB3 just sounded lower, tighter and overall nicer to my ears. If it matters the Uber was sitting atop the XB3 off the floor, so the XB was on the actual floor. The seemingly louder Uber was facing my face as I sat on a stool while I tried the cabs the XB3 at my feet.

There was a young dude next aisle, slappin da bass. So I asked him to pls come hook up that jazz 5 active into the head so I could walk away to listen. Again, I felt like that XB cab just had such a nicer tone to my ears as I walked away and left n right of the cabs.

I'd only seen a couple of threads here that even mention the XB3 and I did not follow up cause I just thought it was a new version of my old XB-2. The cab seems quite smaller than my old XB3. I felt it sounded much better than my older XB3 but kinda hard to recall. I did not know the XB3 cab so I asked salesdude if it was a new, neo cab, he said yeah. Well, after a search here just now, I see he's wrong, big surprise there.

I asked him for walkout prices for each cab, he did OK on the Uber; only $100 off the XB3. But when I said earlier, I was about ready to buy the Uber, he prolly wanted to keep his commish in that same area $$-wise, I can understand that. But I did not want to buy the XB3 without knowing more about it. So I left and came straight home to search TB, not alot out here on the XB3.

But at least I now know more of it from the specs I found in a thread here. AND after all the great stories/threads I've read of the Uber410, I can't believe I preferred the less-expensive-lower power rated XB3.

I know, I know, specs are very helpful and say alot about the product but I've always used my ears to buy new/used gear while still considering the products specs. Now, I've been using my Eden 410xlt cab lately with LMII or F1 so maybe that, tighter tone the XBE410 gave me more felt more familiar, IMHO. The Uber cab did seem louder and of course this was in a med size store but the XB3 did not lack for volume and offered a very nice tone that I preffered.

I can't seem to find any XB3's at online stores. I prefer a store that lets me return the cab, this local store offers store credit or just a trade in, no cash back

The specs read alot like my XB-2 cabs specs from what I recall, I forget the weight of the XB2 to know if its close or not.

So sorta my main question; is the XB3 a brand new cab, just a remade-smaller cabbed-XB2 and most importantly, are my ears wrong this time and is the Uber cab really that great over other GB cabs and I'm missing something here? And as always in fairness I could not crank the cabs up a whole lot in this store, vibrations all over, glass front wall. Maybe the Uber will blow the XB3 away in real life at gigs and the XB3 will give out since it seems much tighter(??) and I get no PA support. That is in the TX blues band where I felt the Uber tone will work out well. Heck of an expensive lesson to learn finding it out at a gig.

I felt like I heard alot of my GB Neox 212T in the Uber and I've been eyeing Epi-Bergy and others just for a new toned, 410. I'll keep searching here now for more info on the XB3, I've done alot of reading up on the Uber cab here and I'm a little confounded now with what I just experienced. I know I'm stating my preference here on a short but what seemed like a very telling sound check using my ears and def no expectations with the XB3 cab at least. Thanks for any input to this longa$$ thread. Peace.

RickenBoogie · #2 09-15-2010, 04:58 PM

I did read the whole thing, and I'm a HUGE Uber fan, but I haven't done the side by side like you just did. One thing I'd suggest, have them put both cabs on the floor, and try them again, literally side by side. If you still feel the same, go with your gut.

ErnieD · #3 09-15-2010, 05:30 PM

I thought about going back there and doing just that. And I plan to bring my F1 and maybe my 55-02D or other bass; just something to keep it close to my sound as possible. Still doing searches here, I see where Roger (hasbeen) states in a thread that they can't seem to get dealers to stock the XB series much what with the Neox/Uber/Shuttle and all that lighter gear being so much more popular. So I just stumbled across this cab by chance, aint it always that way.

Now, to throw more mess in the mix, I've got a cab deal pending with a TBer for his Epi UL410-II cab. As always I've been reading up a whole lot on the UL410 cabs here. Reading many good things about that cab as well. I like that its a 4 ohm, lighter weight 410, tho more folks rave of the Series I UL cabs and some even say to avoid the newer Series II cabs.

So I now hope I'm not in the spot again of going with all the great things I've read; never having even tried a Epi UL cab and again finding that the hype does not match up with my ears. I know these are all good quality brand cabs and I played crappy gear for years so its all a step up for me.

But at these price point, it hurts more shelling out for gear that does not work, so you send it off at maybe a small loss or worse.

This whole bird in the hand thing comes to mind when I'm able to play a cab, knowing what I'm getting rather than going with only specs and a good reviews but not knowing what I'm actually getting into. Damn, another long thread. Well I don't expect a bunch of replies on this topic, so hell I'll take up the space. Thanks for the reply RB. Sign me: Pondering Thoughts (never too deep tho).

RickenBoogie · #4 09-15-2010, 06:17 PM

well see, I had an Epi UL2 212 a few years ago, and though I liked it for what it was, I ultimately sold it off in favor of my present GB Uber 212, which, to my ears, is a perfect blend of old school fat and round, and modern tight and punchy. By comparison, the Epi UL2 was all modern tight and punchy, and no old school nuthin' Food for more thought.

ErnieD · #5 09-15-2010, 06:54 PM

I did see the Uber 212 there today. I played thru that cab at that store last fall. It did not seem to do enough different than my Neox 212T to entice me. But by that point I was already getting into my liking 410's mode, so was not really looking for any 12"s cabs.

One other reason I was shooting for the Uber 410, 1000rms, is to use my B1500 more often. I've been mostly using my LMII, F1 or Neopak with one or two cabs, all at about 500-550 watts or so. So I felt the Uber 410 would let me (sorta safely) use my B1500 more for gigs. I've used it with two 212Ts' its very cool, just alota gear to carry. I guess I need to go see how those 410 cabs, Uber/XB sound with my Markbass heads. I prefer to just use a single 410 with either MB head, so maybe I dont even need all that the Uber can offer.

Abit of rationalizing here prolly but TBer says he's about ready to ship that UL410. I don't wanna stall him out and again, I've heard the XB-3; never heard a UL410 but for KJung's vids back awhile, now he's all Berged-up. So I'm still researching. One online store has replied they can order me the XB-3, delivered straight from GB to Me. Cool. So we'll see. Anyone can speak as to why I should go with the UL410-II, besides its used so less $ but anything else. Bring it.