Zoom B2.1u Vs Line6 Bass POD XT Live

[lexxmexx]

I am contemplating about getting these 2 multi-EFXes. Apart from the price differences, what's your take over these 2 multi-efxes in terms of sound and usability?

[bassbrad]

It really depends on what you want or need.
The Line 6 Bass POD XT Live has a great compressor, amp models and some excellent models of effects including synth tones. The down side is it is not all that flexible Eq wise plus if you need reverb, delay or want to use multiple effects at a time you are SOL.
The Zoom has a great selection of effects, some you will not find anywhere else, decent compressor/limiter, better than average amp models, interesting synth sounds, some really good effects with enough variability and control to be useful and it is quite flexible with a decent EQ and the ability to use multiple effects at a time.

[xikbastard]

Originally Posted by lexxmexx

I am contemplating about getting these 2 multi-EFXes. Apart from the price differences, what's your take over these 2 multi-efxes in terms of sound and usability?

lexx!! well i am using a zoom b2.1u to start off with and than it just grew and grew ;p

check it here -->Post Your Pedalboard: Part XI, This one goes to eleven!

[Dave Muscato]

?

The Bass POD xt Live has delay, etc. Even a dedicated switch for it and tap-tempo?...

[kissmybASS01]

Yay! Ressurecting dead threads.....at least better than starting new ones

Recently my Pod XT Live bit the dust. While sound checking at a gig, it just quit working. The repair tech I took it to diagnosed it as a dead logic board (due to Line 6 making everything integrated on one circuit board - or something to that effect)

Anyways, I'm looking at a Zoom B2.1U at about 1/3 price of my Pod new.(Zoom $190 new at L and M, Pod $500 new). My XT Live had everything that I found useful:
- mutable on-board tuner
- great amp models and the ability to "micro-manage" them. I can choose both a head and cab separately, change the type of mic, and even change the distance of the mic from the cab. That was pretty cool!
-the effects were great.
- The kicker for me was using the supplied software and usb cable, hook it up to my mac (or a pc, I suppose) and edit/tweak, re-name and backup-restore ALL MY OWN CUSTOM patches on my computer!! Not only that, there is an online database with user uploaded patches that you can access free. I had downloaded a few auto wah patches directly to my Pod from my mac.
-I also used my Pod as a pre-amp (and volume pedal via the programmable foot-thing) for my piezo-equipped EUB.

That said, how would the Zoom B2.1u compare? I play in a 5-pc blues/r&b,classic rock band. The things I would be looking for:
-basic effects like chorus, reverb and delay
-a good funky wah, or envelope filter (auto wah)
-Ability to use direct to PA, and as a preamp (and volume/tone control) with my EUB.

The little bits I've read on the Zoom suggest that people find the patches more tweakable. The built-in drum machine would never get used, and I really don't think I would trust the "cordless" AA battery option at a gig, but at least the option is there.

This version of the Zoom has been out for a few years already, so the honeymoon is over. Any revelations? Regrets? Bare your soul please

(When I see the zoom model, for some reason it keeps reminding me of Sinead O'Connor )

[bassbrad]

I'm still using and digging the B2.1u and B2 pedals I have. Except for the micro manipulation of cabs & mics it does everything else. There still is no software interface for the B2.1u but you can always go with the Zoom B9ut which does offer that and has a tube utilized for the preamp. The modualation, delay and reverbs are very good and i find the envelopes quite useful and organic for digital efx. The B2.1u and B9 are set up for interfacing with a PA with XLR outs, the B9 has stereo XLRs and works great as long as the sound tech realizes it is a line level XLR and not a mic. For some gigs all I take is the B2.1u and a bass if we are using PA and in ear monitors.

[kissmybASS01]

Originally Posted by bassbrad

I'm still using and digging the B2.1u and B2 pedals I have. Except for the micro manipulation of cabs & mics it does everything else. There still is no software interface for the B2.1u but you can always go with the Zoom B9ut which does offer that and has a tube utilized for the preamp. The modualation, delay and reverbs are very good and i find the envelopes quite useful and organic for digital efx. The B2.1u and B9 are set up for interfacing with a PA with XLR outs, the B9 has stereo XLRs and works great as long as the sound tech realizes it is a line level XLR and not a mic. For some gigs all I take is the B2.1u and a bass if we are using PA and in ear monitors.

Helpful, thank you!