I have. I find myself lowering levels dramatically on multi-effect patches in order to keep overall volume consistent.
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New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects
- Thread starter CharlieC
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- b3n multi-effects zoom
First thing you need to do is set the global output level so that when the B3n is in a "bypass" state, the level matches the same as if your bass were plugged directly into your speaker system (amp) without the B3n in line. I use the Tuner Bypass mode to set my bypass level going through the B3n, set it, and then forget it.
Then try this method: from a totally empty/blank patch, add your first item/effect. When you've got the sound you want, use that effect's output level to balance it with the level with that effect bypassed. If you do this carefully for every successive item/effect you add to the signal chain, and you should be able to keep your patch levels within a reasonable level compared to "bypass". Some items/effects - like amp models with preamp gain and overdrives that add gain - can boost the signal level quite a bit, and if you don't compensate for this at the effect's output, you'll find that when running a number of effects in succession you're creating a build-up of added gain + added gain + added gain etc.
I should add that, your blank/empty patch should also be level matched to the (for example) Tuner Bypass level, with all switches in their "off" state, before you start. Then engage the effects one-by-one and continue the level matching procedure.
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What I haven't done, is the first step. I've set the global volume to max, thinking, that this is the best way to get the best signal to noise ratio. I'll try that!
But I'm doing your "method" when I put the effects after another.
If you think of the B3n as a traditional analog stomp pedal, would you want that pedal to drastically add or reduce the volume of your signal compared to when the pedal is bypassed? Unless it is a lead boost pedal, in which case the increase in gain is intentional, generally you want the bypass and engaged states' levels to match fairly closely.
Level matching your bass plugged direct (no B3n in line) with that of the B3n in-line, in (tuner) bypass mode, is a critical step IMO.
This, to me is the biggest drawback with some multi effects as opposed to individual stomps. With my original B3 it took me some time to learn how to equalize everything from patch to patch but eventually I just figured out that I would just get the sound I wanted and then go to the TOTAL setting and adjust the patch volume from there.
IMO, a small sacrifice for all of the other "wins" we get with these small format multi-effect pedals. Nobody gets nuttin' for nuttin'!
I always just ask for one big gift for Christmas so with the holidays coming I was thinking if I wanted a B3n but after much thought I realize I'm happy with the B3 as a tone shaper. So...that leaves me to ask for a Source Audio Aftershock since the distortions are the B3's only real weak spot.
One of the things to watch out for, is amp sims.
If you pump up the gain to get an angry SVT sound, you will need the master volume fairly low.
Large boosts on EQ's will also drive up the overall level. Try cutting the mids rather than over-boosting the bass and treble, for instance.
I am able to get all my patches at equal volume by managing the master volume on amps and compressors, and balancing them against the overall patch volume. Nothing has to go lower than 40 or so with that approach.
The main difference I found between the guitar and bass versions is that on a guitar version you can blend the gain from an amp with the gain from a dirt pedal. I found that this sounds nasty with bass and that meant to set up amps to be as clean as possible if I'm using a dirt pedal in the chain, and get all the dirt from a the pedal. An amp can get away with mild gain but not really wild amounts if you're using dirt pedals.
That's just me though.
That's just me though.
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One of the nice things about the bass modelers (MS-60B/B3n) in comparison to the guitar versions (G3n/G3Xn/G5n), is that many of the bass-specific sims contain a blend control.
Bypassing some clean signal in parallel around your cab IR or distortion pedal, keeps things fat and punchy.
I have to be much more conservative with high-gain amp models on my G5n, because the signal path is serial all the way from input to output. If I push an amp into heavy saturation, then the low end and punch go away.
Of course, if you own something like a Boss Line Selector, you can run some clean signal around the G5n, and approximate that effect, albeit in a less sophisticated way.
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If everyone will pardon a minor digression, I'm curious how you'd do this, Steve. Would you just run a jumper from Send back to Return? Is it really that simple?
When using the effects from a digital device in a parallel loop - in other words, blending a "through" dry signal via an analog loop selector with an effect through a digital processor - we have to be aware that the digital device will introduce a couple msec of delay. Depending on the type of effect used, this may not show itself to be a problem at all. However, in the scenario where your effects pedal is in a "bypass" state (however you do this) and the loop selector is left on, the problem will be glaringly apparent.
Just something to be aware of. Because of this, it would be nice to see a loop selector with some micro delay adjustment for the DRY part of the signal passing through it, in order to combat any possible negative artifacts resulting from this time offset from a digital effect being returned to the loop selector.
Just something to be aware of. Because of this, it would be nice to see a loop selector with some micro delay adjustment for the DRY part of the signal passing through it, in order to combat any possible negative artifacts resulting from this time offset from a digital effect being returned to the loop selector.
I believe there's a mix mode on the LS-2, where you wouldn't need a jumper. However, I have no personal experience- just seen other people talk about doing this.
Now that I think about the latency issue that jimfist raises, I don't think I'd want to do it at all...
I use my LS2 as a clean blend. If you plug nothing on one of the loops, it's like having a jumper between the send and the return. Then, you can use the level to blend it as you like.
I ran into this problem putting the G5n in the send/return loop of my Iron Ether Divaricator. It's a neat effect when dry tones offset by 2 msec are blended, but I'd not want to use this tone for a whole performance, or anything other than just a momentay effect (cocked wah?). BTW, the Divaricator is a neat pedal WRT its loop selector, which has a crossover freq knob which acts as a HPF to send only those frequencies to the effect(s) in the loop insert. The LPF portion passes through uneffected, and you have return level knobs for both the high (fx return) and low (dry) signals. It works great for retaining low end consistency while special effects are engaged, especially envelopes and OD/Distortion fx.
Maybe one of you more boo-teek-ee players will know:
Will my b3n give a signal strong enough to get good performance out of a berg IP310?
Will my b3n give a signal strong enough to get good performance out of a berg IP310?
Can't imagine it wouldn't. I'm currently running my Zoom board through a Mackie Thump 15, and I'm getting great tones. Awaiting the arrival of a Yamaha DSR 112, and I expect great results. A powered Berg should sound phenomenal.
That's what I wanted to hear!
Johno- what's your go-to patch for a nice fat clean sound?
