New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

[jimfist]

I think we'd all rather have the XLR on the unit than not, and although this move is questionable, it's not the end of the world nor a dealbreaker for a lot of us. For many users who need to interconnect with a PA mixer or snake via XLR only, if the cable run is under 20ft, a simple 1/4" to XLR adapter will be fine. Costs a couple bucks. These days, we have a lot of stage mixing going on with small format digital consoles that are equipped with combo inputs, so in these cases I can just go with a standard guitar cable unless the run is 20+ feet long.

Some users are interfacing with other gear that provides an XLR option (wireless systems, amps, etc). I often use a GK head to power my speakers, and thus can provide an XLR feed (switched to PRE preamp = same as input) to interface with PA systems.

For everyone else, a DI is the answer. There are tons of options across all price points, and virtually every sound reinforcement provider or venue provided system will have one available.

Otherwise, the pedal is no different than the scads of other pedals that don't provide a balanced (XLR) output. I'm sure ZOOM realized they would be taking heat for this decision. I'm wagering that they feel that the bulk of their sales are coming from users who don't need XLR interfacing, and that those who do will make the adjustment. This is only a technical matter of interfacing. For all intents and purposes, there's no tonal difference between a good balanced vs unbalanced cable run under 20 ft (over 20 ft introduces likelihood of noise in unbalanced cable runs), and in some cases, short unbalanced cable runs can provide better signal than balanced.

If the tones and effects are worthy, I'll deal with the XLR problem no sweat. JMO.

 

[CharlieC]

I think we'd all rather have the XLR on the unit than not, and although this move is questionable, it's not the end of the world nor a dealbreaker for a lot of us. For many users who need to interconnect with a PA mixer or snake via XLR only, if the cable run is under 20ft, a simple 1/4" to XLR adapter will be fine. Costs a couple bucks. These days, we have a lot of stage mixing going on with small format digital consoles that are equipped with combo inputs, so in these cases I can just go with a standard guitar cable unless the run is 20+ feet long.

Some users are interfacing with other gear that provides an XLR option (wireless systems, amps, etc). I often use a GK head to power my speakers, and thus can provide an XLR feed (switched to PRE preamp = same as input) to interface with PA systems.

For everyone else, a DI is the answer. There are tons of options across all price points, and virtually every sound reinforcement provider or venue provided system will have one available.

Otherwise, the pedal is no different than the scads of other pedals that don't provide a balanced (XLR) output. I'm sure ZOOM realized they would be taking heat for this decision. I'm wagering that they feel that the bulk of their sales are coming from users who don't need XLR interfacing, and that those who do will make the adjustment. This is only a technical matter of interfacing. For all intents and purposes, there's no tonal difference between a good balanced vs unbalanced cable run under 20 ft (over 20 ft introduces likelihood of noise in unbalanced cable runs), and in some cases, short unbalanced cable runs can provide better signal than balanced.

If the tones and effects are worthy, I'll deal with the XLR problem no sweat. JMO.

+1

For the past year the G5n has existed, Zoom has been taking much heat on the eliminated XLR output from the guitar community. For Zoom to further propagate this situation with the newer G3n, G3Xn, and B3n hardware, they must have their reasons (or insanity.)

Even if the B3n had XLR output I would not have used it for the same reasons as with the former B3 model:

As the XLR output level was a mirror of the 1/4" output level, XLR output was usually too hot based on my needs for the 1/4" out. Additionally, should one have an effect pedal or two after the B3, those effects would not come through on the B3's XLR out. Finally, FOH would much appreciate receiving your signal from a professional DI box over any other alternative.

And for our next can of worms, how about Zoom eliminating the battery compartment on the B3n?

Cheers!

 

[Jazz Ad]

Nobody uses battery with a multi that eats 500 mA.

 

[CharlieC]

Nobody uses battery with a multi that eats 500 mA.

For those that did (and there were those) this option is also extinct.

 

[Jazz Ad]

It better sound really, really good.
Can we expect downloadable effects and models or just patches ?

 

[CharlieC]

It better sound really, really good.
Can we expect downloadable effects and models or just patches ?

 

[jimfist]

It better sound really, really good.
Can we expect downloadable effects and models or just patches ?

If the G5n is an indicator, there will be updates for adding amp/cab models and new effects. I never use batteries, but I did like the fact that you could power the B3 with a USB power brick IIRC if desired. I only did that a couple times, and thought it was a cool alternative powering method. Won't really care about it that much, though, and will use standard wall wart adapter typically.

 

[CharlieC]

I am hoping this meet-up works out nicely

Zoom, you better bring it!

 

[TheBass]

Nobody uses battery with a multi that eats 500 mA.

Not batteries but rechargeables. At least I do since 3 years.

 

[dubnyk]

If this unit actually improves upon the sound of the previous model and IF Zoom actually offers downloadable cabs/amps/effects in a timely manner then I'm all over this.

 

[G On Bass]

... or if as a bass player you want a built-in expression pedal?

^^^This^^^

 

[FunkHead]

I am hoping this meet-up works out nicely

Zoom, you better bring it!

That cab looks killer. Where can I get one?

 

[oldcatfish]

For those interested in amp/cab modeling, in this hardware platform Zoom has separated the cabinet simulations from the amp models and extended the cab sims with dual microphones (for blending.)

In this way one could use the Mic/Cab sims as a standalone effect or with external pedals like a Darkglass B7K or VMT for example.

Ok....now I'm definitely interested again. I used to have an old Zoom 503 amp simulator pedal. It had a similar feature--it really makes getting a realistic amp sound live, much easier. This feature alone will make the limited number of simulations much more useful.

 

[CharlieC]

That cab looks killer. Where can I get one?

Thanks!

The cabinet is a Greenboy Audio Fearless F112 and a builder list can be found here --> greenboy.us speaker enclosures

 

[CharlieC]

... the limited number of simulations...

Limited for now.

Based on the G5n's short history, the quantity of downloadable amp/cab models should grow at the rate of one per month (TBD) or at least grow to include additional iconic/popular offerings not bundled with the B3n at time of purchase.

 

[oldcatfish]

Limited for now.

Based on the G5n's short history, the quantity of downloadable amp/cab models should grow at the rate of one per month (TBD) or at least grow to include additional iconic/popular offerings not bundled with the B3n at time of purchase.

The update part I'm not very optimistic about, based on Zooms history of not updating the B3 and MS60b very often. Even still, I use a Tech 21 VT bass when I gig instead of the ms60b's amp simulation due to sound quality...if the B3n had comparable sound quality to the VT bass, I wouldn't really need a bunch of simulations anyway. So I am still a potential buyer. I'm going to wait until I can hear some audio clips. I'd love to hear a comparison of the SVT model between the old B3 and the new one.

 

[CharlieC]

The update part I'm not very optimistic about, based on Zooms history of not updating the B3 and MS60b very often. Even still, I use a Tech 21 VT bass when I gig instead of the ms60b's amp simulation due to sound quality...if the B3n had comparable sound quality to the VT bass, I wouldn't really need a bunch of simulations anyway. So I am still a potential buyer. I'm going to wait until I can hear some audio clips. I'd love to hear a comparison of the SVT model between the old B3 and the new one.

I can understand your lack of optimism based on the mostly ignored B3 and MS-60B, but I believe differently this time.

Zoom Japan has gone to great lengths developing this new platform and methodically rolling out products in the line. Even more so, to this day they have been keeping the bass product in the line highly secretive, not even a mention or hint of development. This is their long-awaited cherry on top.

I believe that if they do this right -- in the high quality of the models, in the release of new models via the web, and above all, equal treatment of both guitar and bass on a new unified platform -- that they will completely up their game and place in the market. We shall see.

Cheers!

 

[Rocksolid]

I have a B3 and MS-60B. Like them both, but use them very differently.
60B is on my main board with an LS-2 so I can take it offline and choose the effect I want.

B3 I use with to drive K12 as a small rig, with IEM as an all in one, and I like to use it for silent practise, but I need to use a rolls PM351 for headphones and music.

The aux in is great, but for me to utilize it, a phones jack would've been awesome. ** edit** just seen the Left out is the phones output also. My bad **

xlr missing is really disappointing, however I get what Charlie C is sayng about using an external one with a pad. It does get pretty hot when driving a powered speaker.

The perfect xlr on this product for me would have routing options. Speaker sim on/off, pad etc.

If choosing an external DI for this unit I'd be running a Radial SB-2.

 

[Frellin Smesh]

Zoom always know how to infuriate their customers with a poor implementation, or a glaring omission .
Whenever you buy a Zoom product, you're always thinking - "this would be perfect, if it could just do this one thing".

Still not allowing an optional, separate cabinet simulations output for Stage Amp Vs P.A. flexibility, or an FX loop??

The B3 tonal character was/is very nice, but the fidelity in the Amp/Cab Sims was lacking in depth, space & detail.
I suspect this has something to do with the underwhelming 44.1 kHz sample-rate.

The Two Notes Torpedo makes the Zoom B3 simulations sound flat and lifeless!
Price difference aside - these are all just DIGITAL processors, so differences in fidelity shouldn't be so significant in this age.
Just listen to what higher sample rates can sound like -



I really hope Zoom significantly improved the depth, response and detail of their simulations (especially the Amp, Cab & Pedal drives/subtle distortions).

I much prefer the aesthetic of my B3 (minus the awkward scrolling implementation) - the much larger screens, the single-function menu buttons, and the understated chrome Zoom logo.....

So glad to hear Zoom FINALLY improved the terrible internal drum sounds!

 

[CharlieC]

Zoom always know how to infuriate their customers with a poor implementation, or a glaring omission .
Whenever you buy a Zoom product, you're always thinking - "this would be perfect, if it could just do this one thing".

Still not allowing an optional, separate cabinet simulations output for Stage Amp Vs P.A. flexibility, or an FX loop??

The B3 tonal character was/is very nice, but the fidelity in the Amp/Cab Sims was lacking in depth, space & detail.
I suspect this has something to do with the underwhelming 44.1 kHz sample-rate.

The Two Notes Torpedo makes the Zoom B3 simulations sound flat and lifeless!
Price difference aside - these are all just DIGITAL processors, so differences in fidelity shouldn't be so significant in this age.
Just listen to what higher sample rates can sound like -



I really hope Zoom significantly improved the depth, response and detail of their simulations (especially the Amp, Cab & Pedal drives/subtle distortions).

I much prefer the aesthetic of my B3 (minus the awkward scrolling implementation) - the much larger screens, the single-function menu buttons, and the understated chrome Zoom logo.....

So glad to hear Zoom FINALLY improved the terrible internal drum sounds!

At face value, the cabinet simulations in the B3 clearly pale against those in the Two Notes Torpedo CAB for the reasons you mentioned. I have both products and can attest to this first-hand, however the B3 does a respectable job given its price point.

As was stated by Zoom with removal of the XLR output across all new Zoom Multi-Effects, their motives were partially of "simplifying" connectivity for the user. I often refer to these moves as the "dumbing-down" of a product. With this said, any hopes for specialized signal routing for purposes of separating cab sims on different output jacks, or even the inclusion of a separate FX loop, are futile at best.

I am holding high hopes for the B3n however in the area of cabinet modeling as Zoom has indicated in the manual that these are now based on impulse responses (IRs) as are Two Notes Torpedo products. I am excited to audition these and later compare them against the Two Notes.

Cheers!