Zoom B2 Bass Effects pedal

Rick in Dixie · #1 08-11-2008, 03:51 PM

Can someone give me a quick review of this effects pedal ? None of my local music stores stock this item and I have to order it, I would hate to get it to find out that it is junk.

niftydog · #2 08-11-2008, 04:27 PM

Use the search function and you'll find plenty of comments about it. Also, how's about clicking the link at the top of the page to go to the reviews section of the website and reading the 2 reviews that have already been posted?!?

dunce180 · #3 08-11-2008, 04:49 PM

I have the pedal myself (the b2.1u model) its a good pedal, it has good modulation effects, good amp models, very good eq section and decent compression. The only downside to the b2 to me is the distortion, fuzz effects, which are pretty bad. But if you can live without that, its a good buy.

One thing you have to keep in mind though though is that you have to spend some time tweaking and tinkering to get good sounds.

fireincairo · #4 08-11-2008, 05:00 PM

I find it to be excellent for direct recording or headphone amp use. Through an amp or PA, I haven't appreciated it as much. It just doesn't sound as good to my ears. That being said, I absolutely love it for what I'm using it for.

badboy1984 · #5 08-11-2008, 05:04 PM

Use this site for review on stuff:

http://reviews.harmony-central.com/r...t/Zoom/B2/10/1

Joe Nerve · #6 08-11-2008, 05:14 PM

I have the b21u and use it all the time as my computer interface. I think it's awesome for the amp models and recording. I bought a B2 for stage use and used it a couple of times. Think it's good for the price, but I agree that the distortion leaves a bit to be desired. Compression too. I also don't like that you can only shift one effect at a time using it live. If you want to go from effct #2 to #30 - you either have to set it up so their right next to each other, or start stompin like crazy.

I guess I should add that I really don't like any kind of effects. Having tried lots, I'd say it's decent for the amount it offers at such a low price. If I put more time into it I'm sure I'd get a lot more out of it.

PS. It's an awesome tuner, better than my $80 korg that can't handle a B string. :/ Almost worth the price just for that.

tomzilla23 · #7 08-11-2008, 09:35 PM

IMO this is a good pedal

I've had mine for about two years now and i love it.
It has alot of cool features and the tuner is a big plus for me.

fireincairo · #8 08-11-2008, 09:37 PM

The modulation and delay effects are nice for recording, I don't see myself using it on my pedalboard, though. I considered it, but decided it wasn't simple and easy enough.

GreyBeard · #9 08-11-2008, 09:44 PM

This is one of the most popular bass pedals going. I have the B2.1u and find it great. It IS digital and it does have a bit of digital hash in its' tone. I go into the pedal 1st and then into my SVP-Pro all tube preamp. The preamp seems to smooooth out a lot of that brittle hash we all hate. All the patches are tweekable and it comes with several usable ones right out of the box. I had a Line6 POD-Pro for some time which cost several time more than this pedal. I like the Zoom better.

lexxmexx · #10 08-11-2008, 11:32 PM

I want to get the new B9.1ut but it is not available in my area yet. I need a multi-effects urgently so I am considering getting the B2.1u for temporary use while waiting for the arrival of the new baby.

My question is I don't really want the B2.1u to become a white elephant when the B9.1ut arrives. Besides selling it off, will it serve any useful purpose to connect and use both Zooms simultaneously?

xikbastard · #11 08-12-2008, 12:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lexxmexx

I want to get the new B9.1ut but it is not available in my area yet. I need a multi-effects urgently so I am considering getting the B2.1u for temporary use while waiting for the arrival of the new baby.

My question is I don't really want the B2.1u to become a white elephant when the B9.1ut arrives. Besides selling it off, will it serve any useful purpose to connect and use both Zooms simultaneously?

do what i do. add the b2.1u as part of your pedal board ;p and so far it been working really well for me.

ihateusernames · #12 08-12-2008, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lexxmexx

I want to get the new B9.1ut but it is not available in my area yet. I need a multi-effects urgently so I am considering getting the B2.1u for temporary use while waiting for the arrival of the new baby.

My question is I don't really want the B2.1u to become a white elephant when the B9.1ut arrives. Besides selling it off, will it serve any useful purpose to connect and use both Zooms simultaneously?

Maybe using one as a feed to FOH and the other for your stage amp? Or leaving the B2 hooked up to a computer for practice only, or leave it at the practice studio to save dragging the higher value gear around? I can think of lots of uses for more than one multi, that's why I've kept all but one in the last 15 years. As hard as I try, I can't find any reason to run two in series though.

edit: it will get you going for not much cash until you get the B9, you'll also be able to shake out which models you prefer so it 'should' give you a head start on dialing in the B9 once you have it.

lexxmexx · #13 08-12-2008, 10:41 AM

Good suggestions here guys.

I heard that the B2 does not allow multiple effects to run at the same time, not sure if the B9 will allow that. So connecting both B2 and B9 might solve that issue?

tmart937 · #14 08-12-2008, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lexxmexx

Good suggestions here guys.

I heard that the B2 does not allow multiple effects to run at the same time, not sure if the B9 will allow that. So connecting both B2 and B9 might solve that issue?

I'm pretty sure you can run more than one effect at a time. (Although I've only had my pedal for a few weeks.) It's just that you can't easily switch effects on and off on the fly.

OliverH · #15 08-12-2008, 10:51 AM

One thing I don't like about the B2.1u is that the expression pedal control is "fixed" for any one particular effect.

So for example it might control the amount of modulation but not the modulation speed of an effect. I don't know, maybe that doesn't bother most people but I was going for a particular effect and couldn't get it.

Aside from that it's a great pedal and I've also used it with my 7-string electric viola with much success. If anyone wants to buy my B2.1u I'm selling it on Ebay right now! (want to get a a bass synth pedal)

bassbrock · #16 08-12-2008, 11:19 AM

One thing that was cool about the B2.1u is that you can add yet another expression pedal and it becomes a dedicated volume pedal by default, regardless of what patch you have. You of course can change that, so that it affects any parameter that you want.

Puru · #17 08-12-2008, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lexxmexx

Good suggestions here guys.

I heard that the B2 does not allow multiple effects to run at the same time, not sure if the B9 will allow that. So connecting both B2 and B9 might solve that issue?

Sure you can-at least 4 plus compression and amp modeling, as long as they are in different effect modules.

Lync · #18 08-12-2008, 12:19 PM

To get rid of the "hints of digital" and warm it up a bit, don't be afraid of messing with the tone and shelving eq.

bassbrock · #19 08-12-2008, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lync

To get rid of the "hints of digital" and warm it up a bit, don't be afraid of messing with the tone and shelving eq.

+1 - I also found the tube preamp simulator to be quite warm.

Lync · #20 08-12-2008, 01:47 PM

Yeah, the tube amp is my favorite. I also am lately digging the sansamp although I turn the grind down on it.