love my zoom

Swift713 · #1 10-19-2007, 09:38 PM

I just played with a pretty loud band this evening and I'm really happy with the tone I got with my Zoom B2. I basically used it as a pre-amp, using a couple amp models and the compressor.
I'll need to bring another cabinet next time to really handle the B string at that volume but I'm really happy with the way my patches held up in the mix with drums and guitars etc. For $109 this little box rips and is really flexible.

RG · #2 10-20-2007, 05:09 PM

I like mine pretty well too. I rarely use effects but I would use it for EQ and a couple of the amp simulaters ( SVT, tube, SWR). I dont use it a lot now but I used to have a bass that I just couldnt get a great sound out of and the B2 helped greatly.
Glad your having fun with it.

Puru · #3 10-20-2007, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swift713

I basically used it as a pre-amp, using a couple amp models and the compressor.

Same here, plus the tuner. Mostly using the tube pre model. With fretless I sometimes add a touch of room reverb. I usually go straight to the power amp from the B2. I recently picked up a Crate Powerblock head--I go into the back of it (line in), then to a Roland 1-12 cab. Sounds really good. I've also been happy with the B2.

Swift713 · #4 10-20-2007, 07:12 PM

So today I was fiddling around with the rig again. With the 1x15 added to the mix I'm focusing in on the "tube pre" model just about exclusively. For studio purposes I think a real tube pre would be a little nicer but in a loud band setting the zoom is definitely close enough for my budget.

jamesblue · #5 10-20-2007, 07:20 PM

The new Zooms are very good the processor seems to be one of the best on the market for the price at this time. I like the tube pre best, it takes a bit of adjusting to get it just right.

Swift713 · #6 10-20-2007, 07:32 PM

Thats the deal with multis, you have to tweak them.
I don't use any speaker simulation and I think the tube pre is especially good because it sounds like just a pre. I also keep the blend at 50% for the most part. It sounds richer, more lively, and more transparent. It's interesting how one change, like adding a 15" speaker for instance, can precipitate so many adjustments. I had to change the eq on my amp as well. We'll see how it goes at the next practice.

phat daddy · #7 10-21-2007, 01:20 AM

I checked out the Zoom B2, B2.1u, Boss ME50B and Boss ME20B. I also checked out a Korg multi for bass of some kind, don't recall the model. The Zoom's amp models were cool, but I wasn't impressed with the range of some of the effects, especially the envelope filters ( and I'm primarily a funk player, so evelopes are one of my deciding factors). I like the sound of my bass and my amp so I was looking more into the quality of the effects than of the amp modelers, and I have a great compressor, so that wasn't an issue either. Ease of use and availability of sounds that I really like was what made me the decision to go with the Boss ME20B; it's actually easier to use than its big brother the ME50B and IMO sounds just as good. Not quite as many effects, but it has everything I'll need for a long time and I love how easy it is to write patches. Now if I cared about the USB capability, amp models, # of presets and patch settings, or # of features in general I would've had to go with the Zoom B2.1u, but that just wasn't the case. In any event I'm glad all you guys dig your Zooms and I encourage anybody who is looking for a multi to weigh out their needs and examine as many options as possible before putting down your hard-earned cash.

Vic Winters · #8 10-21-2007, 03:42 AM

Would it be worth it just for compressor, eq and noise gate?

ihateusernames · #9 10-21-2007, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vic Winters

Would it be worth it just for compressor, eq and noise gate?

why not?

Swift713 · #10 10-21-2007, 08:04 AM

I'm just about the only person I seen on this forum who says he uses the Zoom's compressor. It's really squishy-aggressive and does not suit everybody. Of course Bongo hasn't reviewed it yet

. I like the envelope filter, the tube pre, the compressor, and the delay. The phaser's ok. I'm not much into modulation effects so the fact that they don't float my boat doesn't mean much. I think the bass you run through these things and how you play it makes a big difference with the compressor and the filters, not to mention other factors of subjectivity.

Vic Winters · #11 10-21-2007, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ihateusernames

why not?

The eq looks great, and you can't really screw up a noise gate, but I've heard differing opinions on the compressor. I want something that can tame my BSW and high gain distortion, but not give me a two dimensional sound.

the_fonz · #12 10-21-2007, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swift713

I'm just about the only person I seen on this forum who says he uses the Zoom's compressor. It's really squishy-aggressive and does not suit everybody. Of course Bongo hasn't reviewed it yet

. I like the envelope filter, the tube pre, the compressor, and the delay. The phaser's ok. I'm not much into modulation effects so the fact that they don't float my boat doesn't mean much. I think the bass you run through these things and how you play it makes a big difference with the compressor and the filters, not to mention other factors of subjectivity.

i happen to like the compressor too
it's quite good IMO