Zoom b2.1u vs. Yamaha Magicstomp

it's a rhythm pattern player on the zoom rather than a drum machine. it sounds good, just not programmable or editable so it's just a throw on bonus that doesn't add to the value of the unit imho.

Pearl_jammin said:

I'm looking for something small, I'm only likely to be using an overdrive (something as tube sounding as possible) and an auto-wah (or manual wah) in band situations but I'd like to mess around with more. However the drum machine and recording option of the Zoom are really appealing for home use.

Yamaha
Cons- More expensive
No Manual pedal
No recording capabilities

Click to expand...

I have the Magic Stomp (bass version) and am very pleased
with it. There's no built-in drum machine, but that's ok.
The Zoom looks like a good alternative although I've never
tried it.

As for recording, you're wrong. There are 2 [jack] outputs
from the MagicStomp: default Left (mono) and Right (stereo).
These you plug into your mixing board or recording equipment.

'No Manual pedal' : what do you mean? It's a big stomp box.
You hit the switch in the middle and it's on; you hit it again
and you're in bypass mode.

The MS costs about 20% more than the Zoom.

Lot's of luck.

well Pearl Jammin, the Magic Stomp ALSO has a USB cable
which is used to interface between the unit and the editing
software (on the pc). I don't use the computer for recording,
but maybe one could record (in cubase, etc.) via this connexion.

if you find the right expression pedal, let me know as I'm
interested.

It's a shame you missed out on the $79.99 sale on the MagicStomp line a few months ago - I picked one up simply for a quality (I've never had a problem with a Yamaha product, own 2 basses that are my "go-to" fretted and fretless, and have done multiple pro-level sessions with a Yamaha BBN5A bass - the older mid-range version of the Nathan East signature) portable multi-effect unit even though I've very much a "quality over quantity" guy and was amazingly surprised at the sheer quality of the unit. The vast majority of the patches are usable from the get-go as opposed to most multi-efx that overload their patches with unusable sounds, the tracking on suboctave and multistring (doubled string, 8/10/12-strings) effects is absolutely amazing and I'd put it up to units costing far more - my POG beats it only in polyphony, which you very much pay for - and even the "special effect" patches I find to be usable in a fun way. Plus the different amp simulations are *killer* - I'd have no regrets tracking a demo or low-budget session over a POD with this in my secondary pedalboard... and I haven't even looked at Deep Edit, which I find to be a major plus.

The only negative that comes to mind is the same as the Zoom unit - construction-wise, it's mainly plastic on top and not super-sturdy. But in this price range I wouldn't expect any manufacture to be. All in all I'd absolutely choose this over the Zoom (having had experience with Zoom as a former user of a 506) and would recommend checking eBay or the For Sale or Wanted (Accessories) forums here - with so many being sold at cut-rate prices back a few months ago, I'm sure people picked it up simply to try out and now would be willing to sell it off.

i'm sitting here with my b2.1u i wouldn't consider the construction a negative.

this is a solid piece of gear and well put together.

two reasons why i didn't go magic stomp

1) price
2) I was also looking for something to do a little recording

from what I can see, the magic stomp is probably superior in the effects department...although for amp sims, the zoom ain't half bad...

I don't use many effects live, anyway...just a little limiting or compression and a bit of EQ (which isn't really an "effect")

I picked up my Zoom for $240 AU ($187 US) new and delivered to my door...given the price of things here in Oz...I'm thrilled.