Behringer Bass V-Amp vs Zoom B2

[crkempton]

so what about the V-amp specifically makes it a preamp that the Zoom doesn't have?

hmmm..... good point

 

[Mcgiver69]

You're basically saying that:

The Zoom is a multi-effects unit with modeling.

The Bass V-amp is a Modeling Preamp with multi-effects.

so what about the V-amp specifically makes it a preamp that the Zoom doesn't have?

Simple mate, just take a poweramp and connect both units and you'll see.

The V-Amp is a preamp with amp modelling, is intended to be used in studio or live coupled with a poweramp, Europower comes to mind.

The Zoom is an FX unit that happens to have amp sims included for recording; but you can't drive a poweramp with it so that doesn't make it a preamp.

That is why the V-amp is not good for switching fx between songs because wasn't made for that.

Both are really good pieces of gear, I like the Zoom more.

 

[FunkSlap89]

They're fairly similar, but if you want a piece of gear that will be easier to learn how to use/use in the live setting, get the B2

 

[mkettner]

I just bought the Zoom and love it. People have told me you lose a little bit by having everything in one pedal. It might be to soon to say, but I have no complaints.

 

[kenlacam]

anything is better than the behringer piece of crap. bought it and it only worked for 3 weeks (and I never took it out of the house)before it broke down. waste of money!

 

[niftydog]

The Zoom...you can't drive a poweramp with it so that doesn't make it a preamp.

I take that point, but by that reasoning you can't call a SansAmp a preamp, but many do. Same with the MXR M-80, the EBS MicroBass and the Radial BassBone and countless others. A pre-amp doesn't necessarily always come directly prior to a power amp.


However, we have gotten off the track a bit here. The original debate had nothing to do with preamps:

apples and oranges...

If you want amp and cab sims, get the Bass V-amp

If you want to pay with effects, get the Zoom

The facts of the matter are that both units would fulfil both requirements (fx and sims) to different extents, and therefore, they can and should be compared. It's more like the difference between Pink Lady apples and Red Delicious apples!

 

[Puru]

I take that point, but by that reasoning you can't call a SansAmp a preamp, but many do. Same with the MXR M-80, the EBS MicroBass and the Radial BassBone and countless others. A pre-amp doesn't necessarily always come directly prior to a power amp.

The facts of the matter are that both units would fulfil both requirements (fx and sims) to different extents, and therefore, they can and should be compared. It's more like the difference between Pink Lady apples and Red Delicious apples!

Right on Nifty (Tech 21 calls their Sansamp a preamp), good point.
If you look up the definition of preamp, it basically takes a low level signal, such as an instrument level, and converts it to a line level signal for use by a power amp.

I can and do drive a power amp with the the B2. For small gigs, I go directly into the power amp section of my Roland Cube 60 (like Tech 21 recommends doing with the Sanamp) and get lots of volume out- almost as much as much as going into the Cube's pre. But I prefer not going through two preamps and the B2 sounds better.
I can also go directly to my JBL EON with the B2. That's what I use for practicing at home. Sounds great.
The B2 doesn't have the same amount of gain as say, my ART Tube MP, or I presume the V-amp, but if it wasn't a preamp I wouldn't get much sound at all. The B2 doesn't have the same preamp capabilities as the V-amp in terms of gain or connectivity, but it acts as a preamp none the less. And for me, sufficiently.

 

[Justice]

Right on Nifty (Tech 21 calls their Sansamp a preamp), good point.
If you look up the definition of preamp, it basically takes a low level signal, such as an instrument level, and converts it to a line level signal for use by a power amp.

I can and do drive a power amp with the the B2. For small gigs, I go directly into the power amp section of my Roland Cube 60 (like Tech 21 recommends doing with the Sanamp) and get lots of volume out- almost as much as much as going into the Cube's pre. But I prefer not going through two preamps and the B2 sounds better.
I can also go directly to my JBL EON with the B2. That's what I use for practicing at home. Sounds great.
The B2 doesn't have the same amount of gain as say, my ART Tube MP, or I presume the V-amp, but if it wasn't a preamp I wouldn't get much sound at all. The B2 doesn't have the same preamp capabilities as the V-amp in terms of gain or connectivity, but it acts as a preamp none the less. And for me, sufficiently.

Well yes, there are lots of things you can use as a preamp. My point was ( i guess not clear enough) is that if I were looking for an amp modeler/preamp I would be looking at things like the Vamp, Pod, or Johnson J Station. If I were looking for a multi effect I might look at Zoom, Digitech or Boss ect..

But if I wanted something that does what the V-amp does, i would not be looking at the multi effects mentioned (even though you can use them as a preamp) or even the active DI's (sans amp, MXR-m80 ect).

To me they are different enough to warrant being in different categories and not the subject of a good heads up comparison.

So back to my original statement. If you want Amp models and cab sims, get the Vamp, if you want multi effect, get the Zoom.

 

[crkempton]

Well yes, there are lots of things you can use as a preamp. My point was ( i guess not clear enough) is that if I were looking for an amp modeler/preamp I would be looking at things like the Vamp, Pod, or Johnson J Station. If I were looking for a multi effect I might look at Zoom, Digitech or Boss ect..

But if I wanted something that does what the V-amp does, i would not be looking at the multi effects mentioned (even though you can use them as a preamp) or even the active DI's (sans amp, MXR-m80 ect).

To me they are different enough to warrant being in different categories and not the subject of a good heads up comparison.

So back to my original statement. If you want Amp models and cab sims, get the Vamp, if you want multi effect, get the Zoom.

well, preamp or not, the Zoom seems to be better quality.

 

[Low Fat]

if you guys would read the manual - The Zoom B2 has 2 settings one setting is used as a standard pedal to ran through the front end of an amp and the other setting actually sets it up as a preamp with cab modeling and effects - check out the mnaual!

 

[niftydog]

So back to my original statement. If you want Amp models and cab sims, get the Vamp, if you want multi effect, get the Zoom.

Well, I think they are sufficiently similar to allow a very good comparison.

Comparing them simply because they perform similar tasks is a sensible and more thorough approach than ignoring one or the other because of some loosely defined and seemingly arbitrary criteria.

Where would we be if people didn't experiment and think outside the box? I'll tell you, we'd still be banging small rocks against bigger rocks!

 

[Scott in Dallas]

I own a V-amp pro and haven't a single bad thing to say about it, but for quality sound and durability with good effects, I say go with the Zoom.

 

[fleizenkruz]

I have Zoom B2.1u and I'm impressed. Simply said, Zoom on little grasshopper...

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

I have owned a V-Amp and I am strongly thinking of getting another one. However, aside from the chorus, the effects on the V-Amp pretty well suck big time.

 

[ihateusernames]

Holy revived threads.....

The Zoom does a nice job at a lot of things and despite other reviews to the contrary I find a lot of the factory presets work pretty well out of the box. I'm speaking mainly of the B bank with different amp models. We can be certain they aren't identical sounding to the amps modelled. I feel they are quite useable, and dare I say, good sounding.

The effects are okay, no better or worse than most multi effects. I would prefer if the pitch shift sounded more natural but I've yet to use one that does.

 

[SBassman]

The Zoom has going for it:

- Good variety of effects

- Amp modelling

- Built like a truck

- Very accurate tuner [never used the Behringer tuner, but I have read it is flaky]

- A Whole lot for low dollars

The Zoom B2 is a great piece of gear. I use it every gig.

 

[::::BASSIST::::]

Just a note that I have read that the tuner on the V-amp can be adjusted to be much more accurate.

 

[Supertanker]

After reading this thread over the weekend, it was not clear to me if the Zoom B2 was a preamp or not.
Meaning can it drive an amp like say a BBE BMax or an Ampeg SVT CL can.

SO, I bought a B2 yesterday and took it to rehearsal last night. It sounds awesome BTW!

For the record the Zoom B2 cannot drive an amp like a "standard" bass preamp.
The output from the B2 is on the same level as a bass guitar.

The maximum output from the B2 is +5dBm. The maximum output from the BMax is +9.78 dBm both at 1 kohm. The output from the BMax is roughly double that of the Zoom B2.

SO, the B2 must be plugged into another preamp to get maximum effect.

All the that aside the B2 is a great unit and worth every penny. It easily rates a 10 overall.
I would like to see it with a preamp level output and an XLR out.

Great unit...

 

[dagrev]

Obviously unless one has actually used both for extended periods of time one can’t state anything defiantly beyond what one might believe about the unit not used. Having said that I like the Behringer Bass V-Amp and am very happy with what it does. (In fairness I own the V-Amp Pro model which has more features than the basic model, but I will only discuss the features that are on both V-Amps.)

Note: I am not a Behringer fan. I have used some of their stuff and not had problems but know others who said that they have. I do know their customer service seems to work well.

Before buying the V-Amp I read the manuals for the Zoom and other units to get a good understanding what each does. I also read every review I could find. I have listened to the sound clips of the Zoom and I am in no way unhappy with the quality of the sound with my V-Amp. Like the Zoom, some of the amp sims are very similar and only very slightly.

1. One thing I like about the V-Amp is that it has more amp and cab sims than the Zoom.

2. One of the major reasons I like and chose the V-Amp is that you can see almost all of the settings for a preset. I didn’t want to have to scroll through preset numbers and have to remember what each one meant (as I understand the Zoom). For example, when you have an amp sim you can plainly see which one it is. Additionally you can see what the gain, tone, and other settings are. You can also see any effects you may have as well as parameters. This was very important to me as I really don’t want to have to remember what “A4” meant with all it’s options—and have to press buttons to figure out what amp and effects are present. (With that in mind, there are a few options that you have to press a button or so to get at further within the V-Amp. But mostly everything is very clear.)

3. Related to this is its ease of use. It takes a little time, but once you get it—you get it and it’s no problem. I’m not a tech addict and want things simple. I want to play bass not push buttons. The Behringer makes that easy.

4. Some have said the tuner is shaky. It is if you don’t turn you volume up on your bass. Once this is done the quivering nature clears up and is no more shaky than other tuners I’ve used.

5. The effects sound like effects. Can you get better sounds? Sure but there will be trade offs and likely more money. I have used more expensive rack mount units that have not sounded as good.

6. It has a software feature where you can adjust and save your presets on your computer.

7. Many of the presets are just goofy sounding and no one would use them, but they indicate what the unit is capable of. They can be used as a basis and tailor them to be what you want. With 125 presets you have plenty of places to save things. If you don’t like a preset you created and saved you can easily restore an individual factory preset (or the whole thing). You can move each preset to any place in the preset list you want. You can also download and upload presets at the Behringer website.

8. It has presets for guitar and keyboard as a bonus. You can overwrite them if needed, but then restore them if needed again.

9. Cost. I think you can get better equipment—but you will pay more for it and likely get less features (especially when comparing the V-Amp Pro).

Is one better than the other? That depends on many different variables, many of which are personal and subjective. In the end I would gladly buy another one and recommend the V-Amp. But this is in part due to the fact that it has aspects I want and like.

 

[Scott in Dallas]

The OP asked which had better quality sound and which would be more durable. The Zoom wins both of those.