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Boss ME-20b vs. Zoom B2.1u

j_micho

j_micho

Aug 19, 2007
121
1
Montréal, Québec, Canada
#1
I'm looking for a cheap but decent quality multi-effects pedal. I've narrowed down my choice to these two : Boss ME-20b and Zoom B2.1u.

They both have good reviews and are about the same price. What do you guys think?

Is there another similarly priced multi-effects you think is better than these?

Thanks!
 
#5
First of all, thanks to the TB members who share their input on effects.

I have come down to this same pair of FX and am trying to make a decision between them, hence I'm bumping this thread instead of starting a new one. What I need in a multi box is a decent compressor/limiter, a tuner, and (less important) a "soft attack" envelope of some kind. Both pedals seem to meet my needs, from external appearance.

Can anyone share - is there any reason to choose differently based on the above criteria? Or should I just go ahead and get the ME-20B?

Thanks...
 
#10
I feel like I should say what others have said in many other threads regarding multi-effects vs. single pedals. Buy a multi-effect used, figure out what effects/settings you like, then go buy those singles, and sell the multi-effect for what you paid for it.

I took that advice, bought an me-50B. I figured out that I use the volume, tuner, noise suppressor, compressor, dialed in one distortion I like, and every now and then delay and octave. So now I'm getting those effects in singles, and just put the ME-50b up on the 'bay.

I think it was good advice. It was definitely useful to figure out what effects I'd use or not, and what parameters of each effect I liked.
 
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#11
i have a little kinder opinion of the zoom. i have the b2 because i didn't need an expression pedal, and i thought it was a pretty good deal. none of the sounds are exceptional but a lot of them are pretty darn usable. but i would probably go for boss if choosing between the b2.1u and the me-20b. at $100, those sounds are pretty darn good. at $180, i start getting a little pickier.
 
#12
The ME50 B lasts around 24 hours, or so, with new batteries. Very impressive, IMO. Very easy to use as well. I sold mine on the "Bay"and got the Zoom G7.1ut and i am hoping now to be able to double this pedal as a amazing guitar box, but also able to use for the limited amount of effects I need for the bass. I haven't started it with the bass though, still working out the right guitar sounds I need. Any one have any good advice on a multi effects that can double for bass and guitar nicely?:help:
 
#14
Gaetano Paul said:
a multi effects that can double for bass and guitar nicely?:help:
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure there are some threads around here discussing that.


Greg I saw your bid on my ME-50b. It made me realize it will actually be gone :crying: I've only spent a few months with it, not sure if I'm emotionally ready to let go. but I've got replacements on the way already, so it must.

I hope you get it, I'd like to know it's going to a happy home with a TB'er. I would have sold it via the TB classifieds, but I honestly can't afford the cash for a supporting membership at the moment. (soon I hope).
 
#16
If you ask me, I'd say go with boss. I once had a zoom b2.1u and I was a little disappointed with it. although I do give zoom credit for their distortion channels and their amp and cab models, there were a few minor drawbacks I was disappointed with. their distortion channels were quieter than the amp models(which was a major bummer because I did like the distortion channels that it provided). their amp models tend to distort if the bass boost on your active bass is turned up. their compressor and limiter makes a loud whistling noise(which is caused by the gain being turned up). disappointed by those minor drawbacks, I ended up returning it. I've tried boss processors before. they're not too shabby. I can honestly say that boss has better sound quality than zoom. zoom is more suitable for beginners. boss is definitely a good choice for advanced players. if you want a multi-effects processor that has decent sound quality, boss would be a good choice.
 
#17
I'm using a passive bass, so gain might not be an issue. If I end up with the ME-50B, the choice will be moot; nonetheless, the prevailing opinion seems to be that the Boss pedals are preferred and I'll be guided by that.
 
#19
I currently have a B2.1u, and I used to have an ME-50B. I'm really having some fun with the B2.1u so far. I think there are a lot of sounds that are usable, but it definitely requires a good read of the manual.

The ME-50B is pretty easy-to-use and has some pretty good sounds except for the Synths. I've had amps with built-in compressors, so I haven't really used the compressors/limiters on the effects pedals. The ME-50B doesn't have any amp modelling if that's important to you.

One interesting thing about the B2.1u is the USB connectivity, which, apparently, makes it pretty easy to do recording on your computer. I've heard the included Cubase software is kinda hard to use, but I read a review that said they used Audacity, and that worked well.
 
#20
Well, I've had the ME-50B for about a week now. It really didn't take all that long to dial in my desired sound - a little bit of dynacomp with some chorus just to thicken it up, and depending on what I'm playing, either some bottom boost or the slow gear mode to fit the mood.

Interestingly, this box seems to be a complement to my BP-200; each has things that the other lacks so it will be nice to have both at hand. I much prefer the bypass on the ME-50 and its flexibility, though, so combined with the ability to run on batteries it will certainly be used for gigs.

I love the drive/synth sounds, but they won't get any use in my current band. Classic folk/rock really doesn't benefit from heavy fuzz or a biting solo synth tone. :p I might switch it on briefly just to mess with the acoustic guitarist though.
 

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