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Boss GT-1B vs Zoom B3N vs ???

Zooberwerx

Zooberwerx

Gold Supporting Member
Dec 21, 2002
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Virginia Beach, VA
#1
The story thus far...I had a Zoom MS60B and traded it off. Nice pedal but the size and scrolling process rendered it impractical for live application. I need something a little bigger with individual foot switches so I can readily kick-thru or on/off 3-5 patches. Really don't need loopers and such but, given the state of digital tech, these appear to be options irrespective of price-tier. A few considerations:

*Ease of programming.

*Sound quality / low noise.

*Ease of patch / FX selection on-the-fly.

*Prefer XLR DI but that looks like a no-go in my price range.

*Used / well under $150.

I really don't need all the bells, bangs, and whistles others may find desirable. I'm also sure I may be overlooking some other attractive options. Thanks for the consideration!

Riis
 
#2
I preferred the form factor and programming in the Boss using a computer. I preferred the Zoom for editing in the pedal itself. I ended up keeping the Boss and adding a FS-7 for extra triggers. They both are adequate for their price ranges and each does something better than the other depending on which effects you are looking for.
Most like individual effects pedal board: Zoom
Most like Helix type and full patches: Boss
 
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#3
furym said:
I preferred the form factor and programming in the Boss using a computer. I preferred the Zoom for editing in the pedal itself. I ended up keeping the Boss and adding a FS-7 for extra triggers. They both are adequate for their price ranges and each does something better than the other depending on which effects you are looking for.
Most like individual effects pedal board: Zoom
Most like Helix type and full patches: Boss
Click to expand...

Think you nailed it.

Riis
 
#4
I have the GT-1B and *really* like it. I don't gig, but have played off/on since '73, and tried a variety of things. I am very fussy about "tone", though my use-case is quiet settings, not "cutting through the mix". I like having effects to give me some variety to my sound, in keeping with what I hear in the broad variety of music I listen to (in addition to having one bass with flats, and one with rounds).

I went with Boss, because based on reviews, it sounded like the sound was a bit better than Zoom. In any case, it is cleaner than the Line6 BassPod I had years ago.

While I would buy the GT-1B again hesitation, limitations include:
  • The tuner? Don't bother.
  • Tweaking/creating patches? You will probably want a PC, USB cable and the free Boss software.
  • Bypass switch? It does not have one, but you can create a patch with all effects turned-off that works just fine.
  • Foot-switching between patches? Yes, but the display is small, so I wouldn't use the footswitch for anything more than 2-3 patches. I sit my GT-1B on my combo, and change patches by turning the knob, so I can see the display.
 
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#6
lokikallas said:
The button layout on the B3n is perfect for live use. 2 levels of 3 buttons, with the bottom layer for scrolling through patches or within patches and the top 3 as on off for specific fx or patches. Works great, completely hands free all gig for me.
Click to expand...

Excellent! Also ran across a long-discontinued Zoom B9.1 with tube and XLR DI's. Problem is people are asking far-too-much for older technology.

Riis
 
#7
Zooberwerx said:
Excellent! Also ran across a long-discontinued Zoom B9.1 with tube and XLR DI's. Problem is people are asking far-too-much for older technology.

Riis
Click to expand...
I used to own that pedal too. Sold it and got the B3, and a mb60, now the B3n is my only pedal. The 9.1 was ok, but too complex and was outdated quickly. The B3n fixed all of the short falls I found in the B3. I use my heads DI so that was never a consideration for me, just ease of use and patch/fx switching live.
 
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#8
I went with the B3N. I don't need the volume/wah pedal and it was extra space. I needed something small/compact and easy to edit on the fly and the Zoom fit the bill. Sounds great, I use it live with a Sushibox Finally tube DI and an added tuner. The tuner on the zoom ... Meh.
 
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#10
A few years ago my bass rig consisted of a Zoom B3n, a Carvin DCM2000 PA amplifier, a BBE rack mount Sonic Maximizer, and a pair of Yamaha 12" wedges. The crazy thing is I got more compliments on my tone from that setup than I did from the SWR combo I bought after that and the Trace Elliot I currently use. Before shows I would drag all my patches for songs into sequential set-list order using the computer program and could easily switch sounds on the fly. Sometimes I miss the effects, as playing in a 3 piece let me get a little more creative than a bassist in a larger band could get away with.

You won't be disappointed!
 
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#12
The Boss GT-1B is superb. It has 99 user banks. You can programme the three foot pedals plus the expression pedal with a different effect to form a bank. You can switch banks by programming the left+middle pedal to move up a bank and right+middle to move down a bank. It’s like having 99 pedal chains. You press the pedal pairs together with your foot. Saves turn the dial to switch banks.
 
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#13
Arrived yesterday...powers-up but that's as far as I've gotten. Somewhat confused as to the "Memory" vs "Stomp" modes of operation. Doubt if I'll ever use any of the FX singularly as I'll be adding a HPF and Compressor to virtually every patch and building upon that foundation. The operation is not completely foreign as it smacks of the MS60B.

Riis
 
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#14
Zooberwerx said:
Arrived yesterday...powers-up but that's as far as I've gotten. Somewhat confused as to the "Memory" vs "Stomp" modes of operation. Doubt if I'll ever use any of the FX singularly as I'll be adding a HPF and Compressor to virtually every patch and building upon that foundation. The operation is not completely foreign as it smacks of the MS60B.

Riis
Click to expand...
I believe memory takes you through the patches (collection of amps/effects) while stomp mode puts the effects of that patch on the screen(s) so you can scroll through them to turn on or off individual effects.
 
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#15
furym said:
I believe memory takes you through the patches (collection of amps/effects) while stomp mode puts the effects of that patch on the screen(s) so you can scroll through them to turn on or off individual effects.
Click to expand...

Thank you. For the record: I'm entering each and every one of you in Follow & Favorites and I can be a whiney little b**** when unable to figure stuff out.

Riis
 
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#16
Zooberwerx said:
Thank you. For the record: I'm entering each and every one of you in Follow & Favorites and I can be a whiney little b**** when unable to figure stuff out.

Riis
Click to expand...
I sold/traded my B3n and kept my GT-1B so I can’t be of too much help unless you get a Boss unit later too. I did like the pedalboard format of the Zoom but ended up preferring the multi-trigger programming within the Boss unit.
 
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#18
I was able to scroll & dissect the patches and did the same with the individual FX / sims. Pretty much smacks of the MS60B...half is usable in real-world applications, the other half not so much. Some of the pedal pre's are noteworthy, the full-blown amp / cab sims need some work (editing).

Riis
 
#19
My take:

Boss:
+ Sounds are more professional/quality
+ Can be used for recording with a DAW
+ Expression pedal, although I don't like/want it there
- No power switch... you must plug in instrument cable
- Extremely cumbersome and uninitutive UX and crappy software

Zoom:
+ Much better UX and software; more intuitive and manageable
+ Better form factor overall
= Sounds are decent, but sometimes a little toy-ish
- Can't be used to record with USB

Not that anyone asked, but, ugh, I wouldn't want either one of these.

I hate scroll menus and crappy software - you have to work *hard*, esp w/ the Boss, to get it set up how you want it. I'd rather have a Boss ME-50B, and that's an ancient piece of gear.

I full admit they are astoundingly function-packed for the money.
 
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#20
CaptainWally said:
My take:

Boss:
+ Sounds are more professional/quality
+ Can be used for recording with a DAW
+ Expression pedal, although I don't like/want it there
- No power switch... you must plug in instrument cable
- Extremely cumbersome and uninitutive UX and crappy software

Zoom:
+ Much better UX and software; more intuitive and manageable
+ Better form factor overall
= Sounds are decent, but sometimes a little toy-ish
- Can't be used to record with USB

Not that anyone asked, but, ugh, I wouldn't want either one of these.

I hate scroll menus and crappy software - you have to work *hard*, esp w/ the Boss, to get it set up how you want it. I'd rather have a Boss ME-50B, and that's an ancient piece of gear.

I full admit they are astoundingly function-packed for the money.
Click to expand...

I scrolled thru and trialed each of the patches and then the individual FX / sim options. Some were truly "magic"...I'll dissect and employ in some usable patches. As expected, the balance was "bleech" and will be mothballed. Some addt'l observations:

*It would help immensely if the patches were properly balanced in terms of gain & volume. I kicked-in to a few where the wife asked "...what the **** was that?!?".

*Some of the FX are questionable when solo'd but really shine when paired with another.

*Still looking for the best one-size-fits all comp!

Riis
 
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