New Zoom B1Xon Or Used Boss ME-20B?

.
We're talking (I think) near 8-9 year old technology for the Boss and probably 3-4 year old for the Zoom.
Amp sims and digital effects are improving all the time.
I'd definitely be going for the Zoom myself.

 

Some might understate Zoom compared to Boss... but I say their effects products are good. I don't have Boss ME-20B but I do own GT-10B... still I had GAS for B1Xon cause it seemed more practical. So eventually I bought B1Xon few weeks ago.

So far I've brought B1Xon to studio practices couples of times and planning to use it on next live gig whereas my GT-10B has been residing inside its gig bag for months. ME-20B might not as bulky as GT-10B, but still B1Xon beats it portability-wise.

 

If you happen to be the creative type, I would say go with the zoom b1xon. there's more variety of effects, amp, and cab models that it's easy to create a totally awesome patch. it's useful for both recording and live performances.

 

many have said and I concur that although B1Xon upper shell is mostly plastic, but it's sturdier than it appears.

 

I am not fond of Boss' digital effects, they sound sterile, cold and bland to my ears, I am even less fond of Zoom's old digital effects which sounded cheap and artificial.

When that is said I think the B1 is after they oped their game, I own a B3 my self and am supprisingly pleased with it, so I'd go for the Zoom.

 

I only have experience with the Boss, but the modulation effects and compressor on it are great in my opinion. The distortion and overdrive kill/suck the low end, so I wouldn't use those if I were you.