Zoom B3 As Preamp

[MrM]

Originally Posted by CharlieC

If I had to guess, I bet you are not using the specially-wired Speakon cable (+1/+2) required for bridge operation and thus you are only getting about 200 watts max out of the amp.

This is probably my problem, I have a Neutrik NL2, not the NL4 type.

Just to be sure I understand, for bridged mono with the NL4 the speaker cable wiring should be as follows:
Conductor #1: +1 at Amp end and +1 at cab end
Conductor #2: +2 at Amp end and -1 at cab end

Correct?

[CharlieC]

Originally Posted by MrM

This is probably my problem, I have a Neutrik NL2, not the NL4 type.

Just to be sure I understand, for bridged mono with the NL4 the speaker cable wiring should be as follows:
Conductor #1: +1 at Amp end and +1 at cab end
Conductor #2: +2 at Amp end and -1 at cab end

Correct?

Correct and be sure to mark the amp side of the cable as "Amp" for when you disconnect/reconnect it in the future

Cheers!

[Shane Carter]

CharlieC, thanks for linking me to this thread, very informative for what I want to experiment with.

[CharlieC]

Originally Posted by Shane Carter

CharlieC, thanks for linking me to this thread, very informative for what I want to experiment with.

Please be sure to update us later on how things worked out for you

Cheers!

[DemonGene]

Last night as a try before you buy experiment, I took a line from the mono line out of the B3 to the power amp in socket of my Fender TB600 and it was nowhere near loud enough and certainly did not compare to the volume levels I can obtain by plugging directly into the preamp of the TB600. I was using the SVT patch with the cabinet sim turned off. Global level was 100 and patch level was also 100. Am I supposed to be using the balanced DI?

[CharlieC]

Originally Posted by DemonGene

Last night as a try before you buy experiment, I took a line from the mono line out of the B3 to the power amp in socket of my Fender TB600 and it was nowhere near loud enough and certainly did not compare to the volume levels I can obtain by plugging directly into the preamp of the TB600. I was using the SVT patch with the cabinet sim turned off. Global level was 100 and patch level was also 100. Am I supposed to be using the balanced DI?

I highly suggest the 1/4" over the XLR when feeding a power amp, but either would result in sound being heard.

The GLOBAL menu "Level" of 100 is fine, maybe too hot (see a previous post of mine), but let's continue.

Under the TOTAL menu, there exists another "Level" that is best set at 100. I am unsure if that is what you meant by "patch level." Also under the TOTAL menu is the infamous "Balance" parameter that I suggest be set at 100 (and I bet this is the cause of the problem.)

Finally, under the SVT amp simulation, there is yet another "Level" that is also best set at 100 and additionally, do not be afraid to push the GAIN upwards past 60.

With all these parameters in effect, the B3 should be able to push even the most stubborn professional power amps into clipping, let alone POWER AMP IN jacks on the rear of a bass head.

Good luck!

Edit: I just checked the specs on the Fender TB600 and found that its PWR AMP input sensitivity level is 1.0V RMS for full power, of which the B3's 1/4" output is capable.

[DemonGene]

Would you kindly share your global/total/amp model settings for your SVT patch?

[CharlieC]

Originally Posted by DemonGene

Would you kindly share your global/total/amp model settings for your SVT patch?

[Jazz Ad]

I love the GK model. It is spot on and works very well with my Berg IP112.
The SVT is very good too, well thought and ultraswitches are a nice touch.

Originally Posted by DemonGene

it was nowhere near loud enough and certainly did not compare to the volume levels I can obtain by plugging directly into the preamp of the TB600

This is a first too me.
The main reproach people do to the B3 is that the output signal is very, very hot.

[DemonGene]

Originally Posted by CharlieC

I must be missing something. I'll have to have a play with it tomorrow while my good lady is at work

[Juan Lauda]

Charlie, thanks for this very informative thread. It's a great help for getting the most from a great pedal. Subscribed...

[CharlieC]

Originally Posted by Juan Lauda

Charlie, thanks for this very informative thread. It's a great help for getting the most from a great pedal. Subscribed...

Cheers!

[JPrinos]

Where's this screenshot from?

Originally Posted by CharlieC

[CharlieC]

Originally Posted by JPrinos

Where's this screenshot from?

I created it in Photoshop

[BassikLee]

I am thinking of trying this, into two alto powered speakers. I have used the pair before as a bass amp, with an mxr m80. Worked real well.

[CharlieC]

Originally Posted by BassikLee

I am thinking of trying this, into two alto powered speakers. I have used the pair before as a bass amp, with an mxr m80. Worked real well.

The B3 is a perfect match for full-range powered speakers and IEM's.

IMHO, the resulting tones there surpass those made running the B3 through real bass cabinets, but don't count on me going cabinet-less on stage any time soon.

Cheers!

[DemonGene]

Originally Posted by CharlieC

Setting The Stage

For Live use I personally run the B3 into a Crown XLS 1000 power amp that in-turn drives varying Ampeg cabinets (gig dependent.)

My original fear upon connecting the B3 to the power amp was that, as a stomp box, it might not have an output level capable of pushing the Crown XLS's notoriously-high 1.4 Vrms sensitivity level needed to achieve full-rated power. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the B3's output was capable of sufficient voltage for this rig

Where did you find out that the B3 produces more than 1.4 Vrms Charlie?

[Shane Carter]

CharlieC, I tried the B3 straight into one side of the XLS 1500. I had to turn the volume on the amp all the way up (just running on one channel.) Global volume was all the way up on the B3. Could not really find something I liked, so connected the Ampeg SVP PRO preamp again. Only could spend 1/2 hour as I had to work, but I will try again.

[CharlieC]

Originally Posted by DemonGene

Where did you find out that the B3 produces more than 1.4 Vrms Charlie?

I never said the B3 outputs more than 1.4 Vrms, but what it does output is more than sufficient to clip my power amp that is rated at 1.4 Vrms.

With this real-world proof, I am confident that the B3 is indeed capable despite no official rating provided by Zoom.

Your Fender TB600 with its lower 1.0 Vrms input sensitivity should either be very pleased or very afraid of the B3.

Should you still not have success with your attempts, I suspect another issue, possibly hardware, is at play on your side.

Cheers!

[DemonGene]

My apologies, I understand now. I have decided to take the plunge and have sold the TB600. I'm now deliberating over which power amp to replace it with. It'll be driving my Schroeder 21015 rated at 1000w and 4ohms