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New Zoom B3 has arrived!!!!

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#461
I've been reading this thread with great interest and have a few questions. Other than cosmetics, does the difference between the G3 and B3 come down to programming/internal software? In other words, if you had a G3, could you simply update it's or supercede it's internal effects programming by downloading B3 software into it, in effect, turning it into a B3? If that's the case, couldn't you therefore purchase a G5, and when the B5 became available, convert it to a B5 by downloading B5 software into it. The reason I ask is that, as cool as the B3 is, I think I might rather just get a B5, but it won't be coming out for several minths, if at all.
 
#463
Boostedrex said:
One thing I haven't heard mentioned are comments on the envelope filters on the B3. Could anyone weigh in on how well that portion works and how the tone is please?
Click to expand...

The M-Filter is the best of the touch wah type filters. It's the most analog of the bunch with some deep, thick sounds. But it's definitely not a Moog replacement, doesn't have that driven/harmonic tone, and doesn't have deep frequency range for some reason. But still sounds the best IMO.

Also, the ZTron and A-Wah sound pretty good depending on what type of sound you're going for.

Just one man's opinion. :)

Let your ears do the judging - added a filter clip to my Zoom page (check sig) comparing those three filters mentioned above to a couple filter-only patches on my Octavius Squeezer. Let me know what you think!
 
#465
Aceonbass said:
I've been reading this thread with great interest and have a few questions. Other than cosmetics, does the difference between the G3 and B3 come down to programming/internal software? In other words, if you had a G3, could you simply update it's or supercede it's internal effects programming by downloading B3 software into it, in effect, turning it into a B3? If that's the case, couldn't you therefore purchase a G5, and when the B5 became available, convert it to a B5 by downloading B5 software into it. The reason I ask is that, as cool as the B3 is, I think I might rather just get a B5, but it won't be coming out for several minths, if at all.
Click to expand...

I would say that the difference is probably just in the software, but I can't say for sure that you could just mod the G3 into a B3.
 
#467
Aceonbass said:
Other than cosmetics, does the difference between the G3 and B3 come down to programming/internal software? In other words, if you had a G3, could you simply update it's or supercede it's internal effects programming by downloading B3 software into it, in effect, turning it into a B3?
Click to expand...

Interesting question, but unlikely to be possible. If it were, I'd assuming Zoom would simply sell one box and let users change the firmware to meet their instrument needs.

I don't know a lot about flashing firmware from one device to another but I'm assuming the utility used to flash the firmware would be intelligent enough to realize you're attempting a mismatched firmware update and simply block the operation.
 
#471
Each patch also has a master blend to take your raw input signal and blend it with the entire FX chain. You could use a combination of drive, EQ, filters, etc., etc. to only drive your highs then blend it with your input signal to get whatever sound you want.

But trust me, many of the drive effects are only driving the higher frequencies. Which is why I personally dislike most of them.

Provide a link to the tone you're desiring and I'll spend a few minutes seeing if I can reproduce. Keeping in mind I'm not Billy Sheehan, or anything even close. :P
 
#472
Aceonbass said:
I've been reading this thread with great interest and have a few questions. Other than cosmetics, does the difference between the G3 and B3 come down to programming/internal software? In other words, if you had a G3, could you simply update it's or supercede it's internal effects programming by downloading B3 software into it, in effect, turning it into a B3? If that's the case, couldn't you therefore purchase a G5, and when the B5 became available, convert it to a B5 by downloading B5 software into it. The reason I ask is that, as cool as the B3 is, I think I might rather just get a B5, but it won't be coming out for several minths, if at all.
Click to expand...

I own both the G3 and B3 and did not ever think about it. Earlier on when I had the B2.1U and the G2.1U I did though and compared the two in that way, but with no luck. So I would assume there is differences in the newer series as well.
 
#474
I got mine on Friday, and had an hour or so to tweak it before my gig and then the same on Saturday. I'm pretty impressed so far. I want to thank Gastric for the clips and Ebelow for the video. Both were very helpful in making up my mind.

A couple of thoughts on the unit: First of all, for me to be able to feel confident using it live after such a short familiarizing period is amazing. I quickly dialed up usable patches for SVT emulation, A very clean U5 sound, a patch for "Uprising" (sans the LPF, because I don't have the exp pedal yet), a punchy chorus for "Don't Stop Believing" (I know, ugh), a good slap filter, and a good fingerstyle filter. They all worked out well with minimal tweaking in a live situation. My drummer even complimented the tone and said he was surprised that I could get down with a digital multi.

Octaver- Not bad. Not nearly as bad as I feared after reading other's thoughts. I think it is versatile, tracks reliably down to A flat of the E string, and tracks very fast playing as well. I can live with it.

Filters- Very good. Worlds better than those in the other multi's I've tried (Line 6, Boss, Digitech), IMO. Fully adjustable and don't sound like total turd.

Reverbs- OK. I'm a bit of a reverb snob though. If I didn't have a Nimbus, I would get a lot more excited about them.

I'm gonna keep it for now and keep using it live. It is a great tool for what I do. I may do some clips if anyone would like to hear anything in particular.
 
#475
Hi just joined so first post..
My rig includes a Tech 21 VT bass. How does the SVT amp simulation compare to the quality of the Tech 21..anyboby compared or used these features yet? I love the Tech 21 but would also be interested in this multi effxx unit, especially with all the extra's you get.
Thanx
 
#478
herbey11 said:
Hi just joined so first post..
My rig includes a Tech 21 VT bass. How does the SVT amp simulation compare to the quality of the Tech 21..anyboby compared or used these features yet? I love the Tech 21 but would also be interested in this multi effxx unit, especially with all the extra's you get.
Thanx
Click to expand...

I have both.
Let's put that this way: VT makes me :bassist:, SVT model on B3 makes me :hmm:
Not even as good as the VT to me. But it's pretty decent.

Also, you know you can overdrive your VT til you get a real distortion (which I love). The B3 SVT model's basically clean.

phillm47 said:
Could you expand your opinion of the HD reverb in the B3?
I would be very interested in hearing a clip of the octaver.

thanks
Click to expand...

I had an EBS Dynaverb, which I sold and replaced it with the B3. When I need it, I use the HD and Hall models now. The point is, I don't miss the EBS, although I think it was slightly better.
 
#480
The amp models aren't too great when it comes to distortion modelling, if you crank the gain they get super compressed and lifeless without much actual distortion. Only the SVT, Bassman and Superbass get dirty. The B15 sounds good when pushed though for a round Motown sound.
 
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