NEW: ZOOM B2 FOUR...

[stubbsonic]

Often with multi-fx like this, I need to commit a significant time investment on the front end to get to know which amps/modules I'll use, set up my own presets, and starting points (like FX chains I know I'll use often), and maybe come up with some naming/organization system (maybe).

A desktop editor is nice because I like being able to do mass organizational tasks on a laptop, and typing names on a physical keyboard.

Theoretically, most of that work I'd only have to do once, or once in a while.

 

[oysterphish]

Has anyone messed around with the B2 four vs. The helix stomp? Curious about the differences sonically. I tell you what, the zoom is pleasantly transparent and the patches I made sound great. I don't like any of the preloaded patches. The zoom to FOH or zoom>amp>house sounds great. Hard to imagine it sounding better, but can it with a stomp?
Using a Fender Jazz and Sting Ray, BTW.
Edit: only interested in what you notice in live scenarios. Not recording.

 

[CDL]

Has anyone found a good travel case for this?

 

[lildrgn]

Has anyone found a good travel case for this?

Someone on Twitter used this, I thought it looked decent.

 

[Steve Fox]

Someone on Twitter used this, I thought it looked decent.

View attachment 5089798 View attachment 5089799

That fits in there in a way that is tickling my thinky parts

 

[stingray69]

For any Zoomers who have any older models (like B3n, MS60b, or B1 Four) and now have the B2 Four-- I'm curious what differences/improvements you notice in terms of dynamic range, low-end, general sound quality, and FX quality.

On some YouTube comment threads (mainly for the B6), I've seen a few off-handed remarks that dismiss all Zoom FX as being similarly mediocre (in a word). But in my experience, Zooms are more than decent, and I've seen a fairly steady progression in sound quality from the earlier units. I didn't spend much time with the B1 Four, but I've found the B2 Four to have more pleasing bottom end, better dynamics, and usable FX (compressors). I'm guessing it has something to do with overdrive/distortion, which is not my area-- and for me that it comes down to "flavors of dirt" (as in: literal metaphor).

I'm guessing this topic has been worn out on the Zoom mega-thread, but I've not cracked the spine on that tome.

Can't speak directly on the B2 Four - I jumped on the B6 a couple of months ago, then very shortly thereafter the B2 FOUR was announced. But, I have (still own) the B3n, MS60B and B1 Four. My experience directly mirrors yours. The dynamic range is better than all the previous units. The lows are greatly improved as are the highs. The tonal quality across the spectrum is the best I've heard to date from any previous Zoom units. Maybe this comes down to the sample rates involved, I dunno. But it's more than wishful thinking or "wanting" to hear an improvement. At the B6's price, I was just itching to return it if it didn't completely convince me of a major tonal improvement first & foremost above all else. Well, it didn't fail to impress and it's definitely not going back to the store. I just wish Zoom would publish some sample rates specs on the B2 Four, for inquiring minds - we want to know. Hope it helps.

 

[lildrgn]

That fits in there in a way that is tickling my thinky parts

I found this camera case new at a thrift shop a year or so ago. I've converted it from my other pedal board bag to my Zoom B24 pedal bag.

 

[Steve Fox]

I found this camera case new at a thrift shop a year or so ago. I've converted it from my other pedal board bag to my Zoom B24 pedal bag.

View attachment 5090033

I have an Apache 2800 case from harbor freight that is doing the job for now.

 

[stubbsonic]

I've found that many cheap laptop bags on a popular online retail site work well for little multi-fx rigs like this. You can pick the config with the number of pockets and amount of padding you want. If the internal dimensions aren't listed, close the tab & move on.

 

[Steve Fox]

I have an Apache 2800 case from harbor freight that is doing the job for now.

 

[CDL]

Checked out a few options on Amazon. I’m finding soft sided lunch boxes seem to be just about the perfect size and they’re way cheaper than laptop/camera bags. Any opinions on this? I’ve never carried around pedals before so I just want to make sure I’m not missing anything that’s obvious to you more experienced folks out there. I’m not a touring musician or anything like that, so I don’t need anything super heavy duty. I just need something that makes it easy to carry.

 

[AchimII]

Is the B2 Four the only thing you will use? I‘m asking for other pedals, power supply etc. If that‘s not the case, why not.

I have a cheap (but bigger) laptop-style case from Thomann for the B6, which has enough space to keep the B6 with the power cord attached, XLR cable, instrument cable, but the B6 needs more space. I guess the first thing that will break is that tiny power plug. But beside, a pro solution will have more weight than the B2 Four.

 

[CDL]

For the foreseeable future, I’ll only be carrying the B2four and it’s power supply.

 

[Bassist30]

A Multi-effects unit at this price, you can't go wrong. I am guessing they will sell many units.

 

[stubbsonic]

A Multi-effects unit at this price, you can't go wrong. I am guessing they will sell many units.

There aren't many options that are bass-focused in this price range. Some of the guitar-based effects do offer some bass options, but this one holds its own.

 

[stubbsonic]

BassTheWorld finally has a review vid up. It's quite positive.

 

[munnkyboy]

I've been using this for FLY gigs for a month now. It's freaking spectacular. For most POP ROCK Gigs...this thing is just amazing. I love the DI Models...I have three settings...General Rock with a bit of Hair...a Zepplin Setting and a Rush Setting (we do classic rock stuff, and Zep and Rush). Inside the settings I have Octavers, Flangers, Tremelos etc to punch in when Needed..The XLR works perfectly. I've been doing comparisons with analog pedals...I'm keeping the pedals, but keeping them for home studio use. You really can't beat this thing. My son has the Helix...There's not a huuuge difference in sound that I would choose that over this. For the Shoe Gazer Synth Player...prolly not a good option, but if you play live, alot to the general public..well, it's killer.

 

[Steve Fox]

I've been using this for FLY gigs for a month now. It's freaking spectacular. For most POP ROCK Gigs...this thing is just amazing. I love the DI Models...I have three settings...General Rock with a bit of Hair...a Zepplin Setting and a Rush Setting (we do classic rock stuff, and Zep and Rush). Inside the settings I have Octavers, Flangers, Tremelos etc to punch in when Needed..The XLR works perfectly. I've been doing comparisons with analog pedals...I'm keeping the pedals, but keeping them for home studio use. You really can't beat this thing. My son has the Helix...There's not a huuuge difference in sound that I would choose that over this. For the Shoe Gazer Synth Player...prolly not a good option, but if you play live, alot to the general public..well, it's killer.

I’ve had mine for almost a month as well and it has been awesome. The presets are pretty meh, but making your own patches it very intuitive, not much of a learning curve which I appreciate. Zooms Guitar Lab app makes it even easier but it’s certainly not necessary.

Most of my patches I’ve been using are either the SWR or Bassman model, some compression and occasionally an effect or some drive. And it sounds completely stellar, whatever I’m looking for is right there. The only outside pedal I feel the need to use is an Mxr BOD, which is a lot more forgiving to my playing than the in built octavers.

 

[CDL]

Perhaps it’s not the most orthodox looking pedal case, but it’s fits pretty well

 

[stubbsonic]

Perhaps it’s not the most orthodox looking pedal case, but it’s fits pretty well

Will lock freshness in.