New Zoom B1X Four $99

[JohnArnson]

New Zoom B1X Four $99 just announced, it is cheap but are we excited?
the B1 Four is $79. Looks like a watered down plastic B3X that should have come out 3 years ago.

BassBrad sez '0 Meh, will keep what I got and spenda ma money on other goodies.'

Well giving it has the exact same effects as the B3n, which utilize a new better and more advanced modeling technique compared to the old B3 and B1on and their multi stomp box pedals, just with fewer foot switches available and a couple of effects lower maximum capacity per patch, I am pretty happy that I can get one a good deal cheaper, about half the price if I don't need an expression pedal, than what the B3n would cost me.

I think it's great news.

Just checkin' in.
Did they ever add new effects or amps?

Compared to the stock effects that was available when the B3n initially came up, they did since come out with a new firmware version featuring a few new effects and a couple of more amps, but that's long ago and nothing has happened since, all in all a bit disappointing and underwhelming.

But when that I said, there's still ought to be enough options for effects and amps to satisfy most, just not as many as there is on their multi effect stomp boxes for example that utilize the older less advanced modeling technology that was used for the older B3 multi effect.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Well giving it has the exact same effects as the B3n, which utilize a new better and more advanced modeling technique compared to the old B3 and B1on and their multi stomp box pedals, just with fewer foot switches available and a couple of effects lower maximum capacity per patch, I am pretty happy that I can get one a good deal cheaper, about half the price if I don't need an expression pedal, than what the B3n would cost me.

I think it's great news.



Compared to the stock effects that was available when the B3n initially came up, they did since come out with a new firmware version featuring a few new effects and a couple of more amps, but that's long ago and nothing has happened since, all in all a bit disappointing and underwhelming.

But when that I said, there's still ought to be enough options for effects and amps to satisfy most, just not as many as there is on their multi effect stomp boxes for example that utilize the older less advanced modeling technology that was used for the older B3 multi effect.

I"ll just hang on to my B1on and B1xon for now and continue to wait

 

[bassbrad]

Well giving it has the exact same effects as the B3n, which utilize a new better and more advanced modeling technique compared to the old B3 and B1on and their multi stomp box pedals, just with fewer foot switches available and a couple of effects lower maximum capacity per patch, I am pretty happy that I can get one a good deal cheaper, about half the price if I don't need an expression pedal, than what the B3n would cost me.

I think it's great news.



Compared to the stock effects that was available when the B3n initially came up, they did since come out with a new firmware version featuring a few new effects and a couple of more amps, but that's long ago and nothing has happened since, all in all a bit disappointing and underwhelming.

But when that I said, there's still ought to be enough options for effects and amps to satisfy most, just not as many as there is on their multi effect stomp boxes for example that utilize the older less advanced modeling technology that was used for the older B3 multi effect.

1. Have they done away with the processor noise that is on all the previous models? It is audible thru good headphones or when recording.
2. The limited number of amps and effects is a real problem for my uses, the ones they have chosen are the same ones every other manufacturer limits us to. No thank you, please very much.

 

[JohnArnson]

1. Have they done away with the processor noise that is on all the previous models? It is audible thru good headphones or when recording.
2. The limited number of amps and effects is a real problem for my uses, the ones they have chosen are the same ones every other manufacturer limits us to. No thank you, please very much.

Huh, I haven't seen any other multi effects that models a Trace Elliot amp, just as one example.

And in fact it got more bass amp models to chose from than any other multi effect I know of.

Which effects are you referring to that got more options?

Also what are all the previous models are you referring to, the only I know of that uses the same modeling technique is the B3n?

Have you actually looked at the effects list of the B1 Four and B1X Four, or are you just assuming stuff based on their old multi effect line of pedals?

If that is in fact the case your OP and other claims in this thread seems like a really strange thing to post to me

 

[spigmu]

Still using my B1Xon, whose case didn't survive being stepped on by a large person on his way to the other side of the room, and it's stuck on the 0 bank. I knew when I got it that it was crappy plastic, but I was into the small footprint and the cheapness, and thought it sounded as good as anything I'd need. I considered just getting another and putting metal bracing around it for safety. But there are a few things in the new lines that appeal to me for better live use. I don't think there's much in the price range that's as good a tool for bass, which is how I felt then and seems to still hold. I haven't had a chance to try any, but I have gone through a few other $100 small footprint bass multifx (Vox, Digitech). Didn't feel anything that made me want to pull the trigger before seeing if these new Zooms sounded at least as good and were better built and better live than the B1Xon.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Still using my B1Xon, whose case didn't survive being stepped on by a large person on his way to the other side of the room, and it's stuck on the 0 bank. I knew when I got it that it was crappy plastic, but I was into the small footprint and the cheapness, and thought it sounded as good as anything I'd need. I considered just getting another and putting metal bracing around it for safety. But there are a few things in the new lines that appeal to me for better live use. I don't think there's much in the price range that's as good a tool for bass, which is how I felt then and seems to still hold. I haven't had a chance to try any, but I have gone through a few other $100 small footprint bass multifx (Vox, Digitech). Didn't feel anything that made me want to pull the trigger before seeing if these new Zooms sounded at least as good and were better built and better live than the B1Xon.

Open it up if you haven't and see if you can unstick the button-microswitch.

 

[bassbrad]

Huh, I haven't seen any other multi effects that models a Trace Elliot amp, just as one example.

And in fact it got more bass amp models to chose from than any other multi effect I know of.

Which effects are you referring to that got more options?

Also what are all the previous models are you referring to, the only I know of that uses the same modeling technique is the B3n?

Have you actually looked at the effects list of the B1 Four and B1X Four, or are you just assuming stuff based on their old multi effect line of pedals?

If that is in fact the case your OP and other claims in this thread seems like a really strange thing to post to me

The most recent Zoom product I own is the MS60b which does have amp and speaker models that interest me, in particular the Polytone MiniBrute III and sealed 15 and the Bassman 100. I will always download and go over the amp and effects list to see if the listing appeals to me and whenever possible give the unit a hands on going over. As the OP I am a long time Zoom fan and user anticipating each new product in hopes of replacing my aging, older, well served previous models only to find the current offerings very lacking in the depth of the library in comparison to what was included in the past. In the case of Zoom it seems as though more steps back to make steps forward especially compared to other products they are currently offering for recording.

 

[JohnArnson]

The most recent Zoom product I own is the MS60b which does have amp and speaker models that interest me, in particular the Polytone MiniBrute III and sealed 15 and the Bassman 100. I will always download and go over the amp and effects list to see if the listing appeals to me and whenever possible give the unit a hands on going over. As the OP I am a long time Zoom fan and user anticipating each new product in hopes of replacing my aging, older, well served previous models only to find the current offerings very lacking in the depth of the library in comparison to what was included in the past. In the case of Zoom it seems as though more steps back to make steps forward especially compared to other products they are currently offering for recording.

Well, the MS60b effects uses the older modeling technology used in their older multi effects line, the new more advanced modeling technology used in the B3n and B1 Four effects, while of course at that price point not exactly at the same quality of the ones in the Line 6 Helix, uses the same basic principles of emulating the individual electronic components of the original effects and amps it seeks to emulate, giving more authentic, and overall better sounding, emulations, unlike the older modeling technique used, for example in the multi stomp you got.

I also believe that while admittedly having fewer, but overall considerably better quality, effects, that it actually got more amp models, as well as separate cab models you can freely chose for, that uses real IR impulses, unlike again the the cab sims used in the older models.

So while I agree it is disappointing that Zoom hasn't updated the newer multi effects line with more effects, it is indeed a good step forward, and at the price point the quality of their multi effects is still unmatched on the market.

I simply don't think your claims are true in any possible way.

 

[bassbrad]

Well, the MS60b effects uses the older modeling technology used in their older multi effects line, the new more advanced modeling technology used in the B3n and B1 Four effects, while of course at that price point not exactly at the same quality of the ones in the Line 6 Helix, uses the same basic principles of emulating the individual electronic components of the original effects and amps it seeks to emulate, giving them a more authentic, overall better sounding emulations, unlike the older modeling technique used, for example in the multi stomp you got.

I also believe that while admittedly having fewer, but overall considerably better quality, effects, that it actually got more amp models, as well as separate cab models you can freely chose for, that uses real IR impulses, unlike again the the cab sims used in the older models.

So while I agree it is disappointing that Zoom hasn't updated the newer multi effects line with more effects, it is indeed a good step forward, and at the price point the quality of their multi effects is still unmatched on the market.

I simply don't think your claims are true in any possible way.

While I agree that the hardware and the limited library are an improvement, the library is so lacking the improvements do not make a difference to me for my uses. I really don't understand why you do not see that, granted for most bassists the limited choices will fill most if not all the needs. In short I don't want to be skimped on tools given what Zoom has in their library, update all those cool amps and effects then i will be happy to spend my money.

Given how and what I use the Zoom effects for the new offering just do not deliver either the utility ( number of effects), selection (specific type of amp and effects) and access (UI and performance controls) that the previous models do so I will keep using the older models despite the lower resolution and noise issues to get the sounds and performance.

 

[DJ Bebop]

While I agree that the hardware and the limited library are an improvement, the library is so lacking the improvements do not make a difference to me for my uses. I really don't understand why you do not see that, granted for most bassists the limited choices will fill most if not all the needs. In short I don't want to be skimped on tools given what Zoom has in their library, update all those cool amps and effects then i will be happy to spend my money.

Given how and what I use the Zoom effects for the new offering just do not deliver either the utility ( number of effects), selection (specific type of amp and effects) and access (UI and performance controls) that the previous models do so I will keep using the older models despite the lower resolution and noise issues to get the sounds and performance.

Amen!

 

[vaesto]

Hello,

Can anyone confirm all the B1Four amp/preamp models use ONE SLOT and they have the same functionality comparing to the same models on the B3n which take TWO SLOTS?

 

[DJ Bebop]

Hello,

Can anyone confirm all the B1Four amp/preamp models use ONE SLOT and they have the same functionality comparing to the same models on the B3n which take TWO SLOTS?

I am just guessin' here but, I think two are used. One for the amp sim, one for the speaker sim.
So, if you just need an amp that's one slot, if you need the speaker that will be another slot.
And again, I think therefore, I don't know

 

[moles]

Huh, I haven't seen any other multi effects that models a Trace Elliot amp, just as one example.

Just an FYI the Boss GT-10B has a Trace model, which I frequently use. I guess they removed it for the GT-1B-?

 

[CaptainWally]

Interesting product. I see where they are going with that. What a price point!

I had the B3, G5 and B3N. All three were pretty cool, but ultimately not for me. Without a doubt, Zoom provides outstanding value for the money. They offer a *lot* of functionality, good sounds and nice form factor.

At least, *I* think the Zoom sounds are good....if you haven't seen/heard my little challenge....it's kind of fun.

Take the sound clip challenge: Zoom B3 vs (MXR BCD, Big Muff Nano, MXR envelope)

I also own/owned the GT10-B, GT-1B, and ME-50B.

I also have a Helix Effects box.

Wow, that's a lot of multis.

I'm curious....if you own the B3 or B3N, why would you be remotely interested in this thing? Sounds like it's noisy with a power cord attached, and it....doesn't seem to have a power switch at all? This was one of my major gripes about the GT-1B.

My favorite multi was the ME-50B. Decent sounds. No USB, firmware updates or scroll menus Super easy to set up and nice real knobs and buttons....like a pedal...

I will say, the Helix stuff is really impressive. Of all the multis I've owned....it seems to be the most professional....in terms of sound and execution. A lot of thought and engineering went into that product. I suppose for the asking price, one would expect this.

I kinda hate the form factor of pedals myself....velcro strips, messy power cords poking out everywhere...no power switch. Sure, you can spend a fortune and many hours optimizing this.....but it seems so archaic. So I chased the multi holy grail. I'm back to a Pedal Train Nano with a couple analog pedals now. Only because....that's all I need, and I ultimately prefer to deal with the pedal issues over the multi issues.

Ok, wow....that was all over the place and off topic. Bottom line: Zoom makes good stuff, and I'm guessing this is a screaming value at $99.

 

[vaesto]

I am just guessin' here but, I think two are used. One for the amp sim, one for the speaker sim.

Thanks, but I meant a little bit different thing: in B3n some single effects/models use 2 slots. E.g. Ampeg SVT uses two slots (without a cab sim). Whereas in B1-Four it looks to be one slot only, although, it have all 8 controls somehow...

Can actual owners check and clarify?

 

[dr_gonzo]

I am also interested in this. If they use one space, how can one activate the "solo" mode? By duplicating the patch and increasing the output volume and just chanching patches? Given that there are not footswitches...

 

[wattsman]

I just got the B1 four and sounds really good. Has anyone done a real a/b comparison with the B3n?

 

[BassmanNate]

So I got one of these and I have to say, the workflow is a huge improvement over the b1xon. The only issue I have with it is this:
"Built-in expression pedal for control over any parameter (B1X FOUR only)"
However, if you look at the effects list, it marks what parameters are controllable with the expression pedal. It's basically only the ones in the "pedal" category. In this respect, the b1xon is more capable and I wish the wording on the product wasn't misleading.

 

[DJ Bebop]

So I got one of these and I have to say, the workflow is a huge improvement over the b1xon. The only issue I have with it is this:
"Built-in expression pedal for control over any parameter (B1X FOUR only)"
However, if you look at the effects list, it marks what parameters are controllable with the expression pedal. It's basically only the ones in the "pedal" category. In this respect, the b1xon is more capable and I wish the wording on the product wasn't misleading.

How do you find the quality of the sounds over the B1xon?
I am still using mine, haven't made the leap yet. Still looking for more of the stuff I like about the B1xon
to make it over. I like the look and maybe the workflow of the B1X FOUR

 

[BassmanNate]

How do you find the quality of the sounds over the B1xon?
I am still using mine, haven't made the leap yet. Still looking for more of the stuff I like about the B1xon
to make it over. I like the look and maybe the workflow of the B1X FOUR

I like the sound quality. Seems like there's less noise but I could just be using lower gain effects than I was on the b1xon. It also seems like there was a bigger effort to model a lot of popular analog circuits like some of the darkglass stuff. I was kinda surprised that I can get an uprightish sound using the darkglass pre along with flats and playing closer to the neck. The darkglass counters the dark sound of the flats and playing away from the bridge to provide a bit of an open, woody sound. Also, some things that people were using such as the preamp model on the b1xon (can't remember what the name is) that had a high pass can now be done with the lo eq effect and they actually say what the frequency is. Makes it easier when tweaking that to not have to remember what setting is which frequency.

But between the stompbox mode and if they would make some more parameters open to using the expression pedal, you could theoretically have access to switch 2 effects on and off rather easily without scrolling through stuff.