Zoom B2.1u, B2 or Behringer BDI21

sk8 · #1 09-26-2007, 08:25 AM

I'm not happy with my amp sound and really liked the tones i got out of my Line 6 lowdown before they both went fizzle. Primarily i liked the SVT model and would like to have this back but the floor pod has got some issues and i don't want to spring for a Pod XT to use a tiny amount of its capability. I was originally considering the BDI21 for its SVT like quality but the more I thought about it and with the comparisons on the site wondered whether I should spring for a Zoom. I want it for the models but as I don’t have a tuner would use it for this purpose to or should I just stick to the BDI21?

I currently have as separate pedals

Marshall ED-1 Compressor
Marshall Echohead Delay
EHX Big Muff Pi
EHX Small Clone
EHX Nano Small Stone
Daphon TS808 modded OD
Morley Power Wah

Should I just get the BDI21 and save up for a tuner or is the Zoom a good compromise?

I’m not sure I want all the hassle of separate effects and just having one box to cart around set-up seems like a good idea but I guess I’m going to sacrifice sound/effect quality.

The other option is I just get the B2 without the expression/wah pedal to use the amp sims and tuner

Thanks in advance

ihateusernames · #2 09-26-2007, 10:04 AM

I've got both, I prefer the B2.1U Ampeg modelling to the BDI SVT settings.

Swift713 · #3 09-26-2007, 06:50 PM

I really like the Ampeg model on my B2 as well as the Tube Pre (and sometimes even the Sansamp model) but I'm saving up for a better compressor.

sk8 · #4 09-27-2007, 01:52 AM

anyone else got any input?

Asa Samuel · #5 09-27-2007, 03:54 AM

zooooooooooooooooooooooooooooom *woosh*

PilbaraBass · #6 09-27-2007, 04:25 AM

zoom...b2.1u

great tube sound
other really good hittin' amp sounds
great eq
good tuner
great chorus
very useful expression pedal
other cool features like the rhythm track for practicing those passages at home...and a very cool computer recording interface....

all around a very good spend of less than $200 US...

go for it!

Tomass · #7 09-27-2007, 04:51 AM

Defently a Zoom B2.1u. I love mine and you will too. The synths are unbelievably great on these.

alangoldstein · #8 09-27-2007, 04:52 AM

zoom makes great ****

sk8 · #9 09-27-2007, 05:00 AM

is the B2.1u worth the extra over the B2?

Swift713 · #10 09-27-2007, 05:44 AM

depends what you want. It has an expression/vol pedal and USB for recording. The price difference is worth it if you want either of those things.

sk8 · #11 09-27-2007, 06:07 AM

volume pedal would be useful but other than that not really going to use the usb but i suppose it would be good to have it should i need pluse the 2.1u has xlr out but the 2 doesn't

bassbrock · #12 09-27-2007, 07:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk8

is the B2.1u worth the extra over the B2?

Absolutely.

I bought the B2 first to try and save a little money because I already owned a Zoom expression pedal that I could use as a volume pedal.

Problem is, the external expression pedal is by default dedicated to volume _only_. This was not the case with my Zoom 506II Bass.

And yes, I can change it in the patch, but that was a hassle.

Enter the Zoom B2.1u. The internal pedal is dedicated to expression pedal usage on most patches, and if I want it to do something else I can simply press a single button to make the quick change. On top of all that, my external expression pedal is dedicated to volume control regardless of what patch I'm on or what the patch has set the internal expression pedal to control. Extremely flexible.

I also like the DI out, it sounds fantastic direct to mixer and then direct to an amp. I'll occasionally bypass my SansAmp RBI just to hear the beautiful tone of the Zoom by itself.

Interestingly enough, as a SansAmp owner (both RBI and BDDI), I also like the SansAmp tone of the Zoom B2. Very accurate.

My default tone has quickly become my Bass -> Zoom B2.1u set to a customized tube preamp patch with a little bit of compression and a little bit of noise reduction -> SansAmp RBI set with the blend knob about half way up and the drive and presence knobs at about 9 o'clock. EQ's on the Zoom and the SansAmp either bypassed or set flat. Huge, phat sound (to my ears anyway).

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk8

...not really going to use the usb but i suppose it would be good to have it should i need pluse the 2.1u has xlr out but the 2 doesn't

I haven't found a use for the USB output at all. Nice if I need it, but I haven't. I have a plethora of recording interfaces (MOTU, M-Audio, Apogee) that I simply have no need for it.

sk8 · #13 09-27-2007, 10:33 AM

the price difference in the B2 and B2.1 is £46 to £85 so its quite alot for a volume pedal!!

manicbassman · #14 09-27-2007, 10:46 AM

you get the expression pedal, the XLR balanced out, switch to select whether the XLR is before or after the effects, the case is metal (not sure if the B2 case is just plastic or not), the aformentioned USB interface, with which you can also power the Zoom via the USB cable, and to cap it all off, you get Cubase LE bundled in as well...

I have the Zoom B2.1U and the BDI21

I use both, not together, but the Zoom generally sits by the computer and I woodshed with it on headphones and the BDI21 is on a pedal board along with a limiter and a TU100 tuner pedal with the BDI and limiter set up for a nice Blues tone...

bassbrock · #15 09-27-2007, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk8

the price difference in the B2 and B2.1 is £46 to £85 so its quite alot for a volume pedal!!

Umm... it isn't just a volume pedal. It is an expression pedal.

And... you get everything below

Quote:

Originally Posted by manicbassman

you get the expression pedal, the XLR balanced out, switch to select whether the XLR is before or after the effects, the case is metal (not sure if the B2 case is just plastic or not), the aformentioned USB interface, with which you can also power the Zoom via the USB cable, and to cap it all off, you get Cubase LE bundled in as well...

+1

Having now owned both the B2 and the B2.1u I believe the B2.1u to be a much better value.

Oh, and I got a non-factory sealed unit from American Musical Supply for $160. Came looking brand new.

Mcgiver69 · #16 09-27-2007, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sk8

the price difference in the B2 and B2.1 is £46 to £85 so its quite alot for a volume pedal!!

I had the B2 and decided to upgrade to the B2.1, for live situations is more flexible, unless you only want it for the amp simulation and some effected patches you create. I'm selling mine and I live in UK so would be no problem if you decide to buy one.

Sorry for the shameless plug guys ...

A9X · #17 12-22-2007, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PilbaraBass

zoom...b2.1u

great tube sound
other really good hittin' amp sounds
great eq
good tuner
great chorus
very useful expression pedal
other cool features like the rhythm track for practicing those passages at home...and a very cool computer recording interface....

all around a very good spend of less than $200 US...

go for it!

Late I know, but I was looking at one of these the other day (I can get one for a fantastic price too), but didn't get to try it. Looks like I'll have to now.

Magneto · #18 12-22-2007, 04:25 PM

I have both as well.. Started with the BDI21 and really liked it. Thought I'd be using it along with the Zoom, but the Zoom sounds so much better, that I didn't even consider trying them together. It's not overly complicated and has some great amp/cab modeling settings, not to mention effects.. Compressor/limiter isn't the best, but still works ok and can be used.

Mag...

bassbrock · #19 12-22-2007, 07:26 PM

I am extremely happy with my B2.1u.

santucci218 · #20 12-22-2007, 07:38 PM

I work in a music store. Last week we ordered 12 B2.1U's and we sold all of them by today. After testing them out for moms who want to get their kids something, i have to admit they are pretty sweet.