Zoom B2.1U owners - how are the amp models?

fourstringbliss · #1 08-26-2007, 05:55 PM

I used to own one of these (I know, I know...

) but I don't remember how they sound and I don't have the soundclips I made anymore. I need an external preamp with a good EQ, tuner, volume pedal, and a drum trainer - I know this has all of that.

How are the amp models?

I sold mine to get a Line 6 Bass PODxt and found I liked those amp models better, but the Bass PODxt is really impractical for live use. The Zoom B2.1U is totally practical for live use!

But how are the amp models for running direct to the soundboard? What have you done to clean up the sound so it isn't so bassy (which was a problem for me, if I recall).

I don't care about affects at all, I just want good, basic, clean bass tones.

Thanks!

Swift713 · #2 08-26-2007, 06:27 PM

I have the B2, I think the models are pretty good. Especially for live sound. I've been playing mine through my little rig and I usually keep the cabinet simulation off. I've been getting into the Sansamp and Tube Pre models with just a little drive and the blend on 50%. I also like the Ampeg model for less subtlety. I don't know why you found it "so bassy", I find it pretty easy to control. Although I've been using the EQ on my amp and leaving the B2's flat.

fourstringbliss · #3 08-26-2007, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swift713

I have the B2, I think the models are pretty good. Especially for live sound. I've been playing mine through my little rig and I usually keep the cabinet simulation off. I've been getting into the Sansamp and Tube Pre models with just a little drive and the blend on 50%. I also like the Ampeg model for less subtlety. I don't know why you found it "so bassy", I find it pretty easy to control. Although I've been using the EQ on my amp and leaving the B2's flat.

When you say "the blend on 50%", what do you mean by that? Are you going into the ZNR/Mix section and setting the mix to 50%? If so, I had thought about that when I was considering owning a B2.1U again. I think I was using too much of a "wet" sound and I needed a blend of affected and direct tone.

Swift713 · #4 08-27-2007, 05:50 AM

Exactly, that mix is great. I had been trying to tweak some of the models with the EQ but found that mixing in my bass's direct sound was more natural sounding. It allows me to keep the character of the bass and the model intact rather than compromising one or the other, if that makes any sense.

fourstringbliss · #5 08-27-2007, 07:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swift713

Exactly, that mix is great. I had been trying to tweak some of the models with the EQ but found that mixing in my bass's direct sound was more natural sounding. It allows me to keep the character of the bass and the model intact rather than compromising one or the other, if that makes any sense.

It actually makes a lot of sense! When I had one before I found the models a bit too intense if that makes any sense. I've had Sansamps and the tubiness with them seemed more natural but I knew there must have been a way to make the Zoom seem more natural as well. The other difference, though, is now I have a bass that truly sounds great direct so any modeling etc is just icing on the cake.

Does adjusting the blend affect the EQ, though? I need to be able to scoop my mids when running direct at my church. Is it possible to use the EQ when the amp model is off? Can you have a 50% blend of amp model and still have 100% effect of EQ?

Thanks!

bassbrock · #6 08-27-2007, 08:35 AM

I've found that for the most part, I completely turn off the EQ on most of the patches. I get a great sound Front of House and on my amp that way.

Most of the preset EQ settings weren't right for my two main basses and either sounded too bright with no bottom or way too boomy on the bottom end.

Otherwise, I really enjoy the tube pre and sansamp settings.