Clipping problem with Zoom B3

[Worldeeeter]

I recently purchased a Zoom B3, and I play Spector basses, which all have pretty powerful OBPs.
When I go direct through the Zoom into my amp's input, even with no effects selected, I get an awful "clipping" sound when I hit the low B, or if I pop any of the other strings aggressively. I have tried using the compressors on the B3, and lowering the master level (in the GLOBAL settings), but even at very low levels, I get a loud, popping noise.
Will running the B3 through the effects loop in my amp correct this?
Has anyone else had the same problem?
I use it with my Mesa Carbine M6 and with my Cafe Walter headphone amp, and I have the same problem with both.

 

[chrismuzz]

Sounds like its the Zoom clipping and not your amp. Does it still do it if you turn the volume down on the bass itself? And does pressing the passive/active button make a difference?

 

[Means2nEnd]

Mine does the same thing with any of my basses with active pickups and that's with the pad engaged. I thought it was me the way I play heavy handed.

I'm guessing the world of passive pickups and preamps would be so much easier. I just wish I liked the way they sound...
It’s just my home toy anyway.

 

[gravesbass]

Try running the B3 thru the effects loop. Carbines are sensitive to some effects in the input stage of the amp.

 

[Means2nEnd]

Mine does it with my MarkBass 2/10 combo and my Warwick 10.1 Tubepath. That's what I have at home..could be hot basses maybe.

 

[Worldeeeter]

Sounds like its the Zoom clipping and not your amp. Does it still do it if you turn the volume down on the bass itself? And does pressing the passive/active button make a difference?

It is the Zoom clipping. It does it even when I turn down the volume on my basses. I have tried both basses with different preamps.
The active/passive button doesn't change anything.

 

[Worldeeeter]

Try running the B3 thru the effects loop. Carbines are sensitive to some effects in the input stage of the amp.

Running it through the effects loop eliminates the problem. However, the problem occurs with every amp I run it through. My headphone amp doesn't have an effects loop.

 

[Means2nEnd]

Good to hear I got go through the piles and find another cable I'm going to try that right away. I love TB.

 

[RitchS]

My B3 just started doing this. It only occurs when I dig in on lower notes. It's a clipping/distorted/staticky sound. I get it with both passive and active basses with the pad on and off and even at low volume. Anyone gotten relief from this yet? Do I need to send it in for repair?

 

[BrentSimons]

I just noticed that my G&L L2000 clips my B3 like crazy even with the active button in. I'll have to work on this.G&L's have really hot pickups but wow! Yucky noises.
B

 

[FunkHead]

How bout lowering the output volume on the B3's Global settings?

 

[BrentSimons]

I'll give it a try but I think it's more of an input than output issue.
B

 

[Joeplanet]

I think I'm getting the same issue with passive P basses.

 

[Jools4001]

Read through the B3 as preamp thread....there are lots of different ways to adjust gain on a B3.

1) each amp model has a gain and master on page 2, it may be that the gain is high and you're actually getting an overdriven sound
2) each patch has a separate level..on the total button
3) global level...does exactly what it implies to all patches

Haven't got the B3 in front of me so going from memory, but there is loads of useful info in the thread I mentioned

EDIT: My GB Rumour has an 18v pre and is also quite hot, so I know the sort of digital clipping you mean, but I've sorted it out by means of the various gain stages in the device and I now have sets of patches that equalise the relative volumes of each of my basses and all without clipping...also, many of the models that you can put into the three slots have their own level controls....this is a double-edged sword in that it makes the device very flexible, but you also have to watch the cumulative gain....as I recall it there are also tips in the above mentioned thread about how to set each of your chosen devices in the chain to unity gain

 

[BrentSimons]

Oh sweet! Thank you. Looks like I have some homework to do this weekend!
Thanks a bunch Jools!.
Take care,
Brent