Stupid question: How much more colored a signal if you run the output of, let's say, the B3n to an audio interface into, let's say, Reaper as opposed to the B3 through USB?
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New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects
- Thread starter CharlieC
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IMHO, little to no difference under a comparative microscope, even less when the track is used in a mix.
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!
Whoa! Asking the cab sim portion of a sub-$200 multi-fx stomp/amp/cab simulator to compete with a $495 piece of gear that can dedicate 100% of its resources to cabinet modeling is a bit of a stretch, don't you think? And I'd contend that this has much less to do with the sampling rate than it does to the fact that the 2 Notes CAB is a fine-tuned instrument with algorithms created to really only do one thing and one thing well. It would be big news if the 2 Notes C.A.B. did NOT blow away those (cab sims) in the B3.
What I'd expect from the B3n is better, more detailed amp modeling and cabinet simulations, with the cab sims being a bit more tunable. In budget pieces of gear, the cab sim generally tends to be the glaring weakness, unless the product is only concentrating on ONE single type of cabinet emulation. For example, with the Sans Amp BDDI, you really only get one flavor of cab sim, and it's not an impulse response, but rather uses filtering.
Anyone who is looking for "next level" cabinet simulation is likely going to find some type of stumbling block with a sub-$300 all-in-one multi-fx. Otherwise, look for another device that has more sophisticated cab modeling (allowing for 3rd party cab sims, like the Atomic Amplifire, Fractal AX8, Line 6 Helix, etc.) and pay the price for the improvement.
I get a chuckle at how insatiable the consumer can be with respect to the "ghetto" price point gear, and not just here on TalkBass. IMO, it's a miracle of technology that this equipment even exists at this price point, give what this stuff is capable of doing. The G5n can be had now for around $250. I paid original offering price at $299, and have used it for every gig for almost a year now. Money well spent IMO.
Again, JMHO.
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With the G3n pre-selling for $149 USD at Sweetwater, I almost wish they would inflate the street price a little for the sake of user dignity.
I found the XLR out on the B3 unusable also. The signal was way too hot to go direct to a mixing board no matter what I tried. I take the DI out on my Ashdown which is very high quality anyway. I'll take improved sound and more effects over a direct out any day of the week to keep it at the same price point.+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!
"indicated in the manual". I was not aware there's a manual floating around. Would you care to share a link?
My apologies for the confusion, I obtained that information from the current G3n manual as one for the B3n is still unavailable.
For those familiar with the B3, effect parameters are usually distributed across page tabs in the user interface. For instances where there are more than 3 parameters on a given effect, those additional parameters are accessible on another Page/Tab.
In keeping with the other products in the new line, the B3n may also inherit Zoom's new parameter design, i.e. there are now only Standard class effects with up to 4 parameters and Large class effects with up to 8 parameters.
Large effects span more than one display/slot and there is now no need to navigate pages/tabs.
As a new and interesting bonus, Large effects can make use of the foot switch below the second display as another real-time switching parameter. As in the case of the G3n below picture, the 8th parameter is a "Solo" boost level that is engaged with the foot switch. Very cool!
In keeping with the other products in the new line, the B3n may also inherit Zoom's new parameter design, i.e. there are now only Standard class effects with up to 4 parameters and Large class effects with up to 8 parameters.
Large effects span more than one display/slot and there is now no need to navigate pages/tabs.
As a new and interesting bonus, Large effects can make use of the foot switch below the second display as another real-time switching parameter. As in the case of the G3n below picture, the 8th parameter is a "Solo" boost level that is engaged with the foot switch. Very cool!
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Very cool! Thank you Charlie for being all over this!For those familiar with the B3, effect parameters are usually distributed across page tabs in the user interface. For instances where there are more than 4 parameters on a given effect, those additional parameters are accessible on another Page/Tab.
In keeping with the other products in the new line, the B3n may also inherit Zoom's new parameter design, i.e. there are now only Standard class effects with up to 4 parameters and Large class effects with up to 8 parameters.
Large effects span more than one display/slot and there is now no need to navigate pages/tabs.
As a new and interesting bonus, Large effects can make use of the foot switch below the second display as another real-time switching parameter. As in the case of the G3n below picture, the 8th parameter is a "Solo" boost on an amp model. Very cool!
Brent
Thanks!
A few of us posting here have been all over this new platform for the past year on the "Zoom B5n Multi-Effects?" thread
From recent clues I have gathered, I believe a new Multi-Stomp pedal based on the same processor as the B3n (and latest generation of Zoom Multi-Effects) will soon be announced.
This new Multi-Stomp would then be able to leverage Zoom's new download portal and model library, and of course, will feature much improved sound quality over its predecessors.
This is my latest prediction
Cheers!
This new Multi-Stomp would then be able to leverage Zoom's new download portal and model library, and of course, will feature much improved sound quality over its predecessors.
This is my latest prediction
Cheers!
From recent clues I have gathered, I believe a new Multi-Stomp pedal based on the same processor as the B3n (and latest generation of Zoom Multi-Effects) will soon be announced.
This new Multi-Stomp would then be able to leverage Zoom's new download portal and model library, and of course, will feature much improved sound quality over its predecessors.
This is my latest prediction
Cheers!
Good: Up to 7 FX at once
Bad: No XLR
No xlr?...that's too bad. it looks nice and I would guess it would have the same effects as the zoom b3.
From recent clues I have gathered, I believe a new Multi-Stomp pedal based on the same processor as the B3n (and latest generation of Zoom Multi-Effects) will soon be announced.
This new Multi-Stomp would then be able to leverage Zoom's new download portal and model library, and of course, will feature much improved sound quality over its predecessors.
This is my latest prediction
Cheers!
Keep up the good work Charlic, and...
Thanks!
Perhaps similar effects, but all new models with improved sound quality using next generation DSP and future models offered as free downloads.
Both the Operation Manual and Effect List PDFs are now available:
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