New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

[Frellin Smesh]

For simple gigs, I like to have simple, efficient, effective gear. I don't like carrying more than I need, and that's where the Zoom stuff fits in.

@jimfist - No offence, but you're really starting to sound like a Zoom Effects salesman, posing as a casual forum user.

When other forum members express any kind of disappointment at what is obviously lacking in this new pedal - you're right there to tell them how they are wrong, or how the features they need are unnecessary?

Many of us who are posting here have used, or currently use Zoom FX processors, and are quite aware of what to expect.
So, when those 'reasonable' expectations are clearly not met - there will be some justifiable disappointment (newer, more expensive pieces of gear should surpass their predecessors with flying colours, but with Zoom, there are always frustrating omissions)

The B3n is more expensive than the G3n, but with less features? - Why?

- No AcBs Pre (the only high pass filter that many needed is now missing?)
- No M-Filter (which is awesome! - also missing)
- No XLR
- Only one expression parameter can be adjusted at a time?! (many pedals already had this feature 15 - 20 years ago)
- Much smaller LCD displays that will be very difficult to read from any distance.

Even with some improvements in audio fidelity; compared to The Zoom B3 - this new B3n 'appears' to be a relatively inferior product (at a higher price-point!).

I think I'll stick with my Zoom B3, Thanks .

 

[jimfist]

@jimfist - No offence, but you're really starting to sound like a Zoom Effects salesman, posing as a casual forum user.

When other forum members express any kind of disappointment at what is obviously lacking in this new pedal - you're right there to tell them how they are wrong, or how the features they need are unnecessary?

Zoom fanboi? Yup. So, shoe on the other foot, I'm supposed to be upset and butthurt that ZOOM didn't include features that a lot of other people want? Oh well. We'll both just have to live with the fact that I see things differently than you. I'm not intending to challenge anyone else's widely held beliefs, but feel free to defend them if you like. No skin off my back.

Buy what you like, like what you buy.

I SHOULD be a Zoom salesman (and I'm definitely no salesman) b/c they seem to pretty much suck at promoting their own stuff.

 

[Frellin Smesh]

Zoom fanboi? Yup.

I used to be a Zoom Fanboi....... until I took a jimfist to the face!

 

[Imfrasersneddon]

So much negativity on this thread!

People need to get a grip... it's a piece of budget gear. If you want a multifx to do everything you need to dig deep into your pockets and pay for one of the big boys! This is cheap, probably mainly for the bedroom player.. or the musician down the local pub... budget gear .

Most people can life without a DI. You might feel like you sound more 'pro' if you say you need one but at the end of the day there is so many other options other than relying on the b3 DI. 7 effects and an apparent upgrade to sound quality from the b3?? Thats amazing news!!

If you expect the moon on a stick then you need to spend more than 200 cabbage!

 

[Crystalman85]

Crystalman85 Zoom should give you one for free for all the great patches you have made for the B3

That would be cool. don't know if the zoom guys themselves knew about my zoom b3 patch ideas thread.

 

[Crystalman85]

The cabinet models and implementation are even better than I had hoped and based on IRs no less!

That's pretty cool that they added mic models on the amp and cab models. interesting way to improve the sounds. makes me think of the mic modelings on garage band.

 

[Crystalman85]

Perhaps similar effects, but all new models with improved sound quality using next generation DSP and future models offered as free downloads.

Okay that's cool. if it's ever released, I'll check it out.

 

[Teijo K.]

I used to be a Zoom Fanboi....... until I took a jimfist to the face!

I used to be a Zoom fanboi, but then I took the user interface of the B3 to the knee.

 

[Teijo K.]

So much negativity on this thread!

People need to get a grip... it's a piece of budget gear. If you want a multifx to do everything you need to dig deep into your pockets and pay for one of the big boys! This is cheap, probably mainly for the bedroom player.. or the musician down the local pub... budget gear .

Most people can life without a DI. You might feel like you sound more 'pro' if you say you need one but at the end of the day there is so many other options other than relying on the b3 DI. 7 effects and an apparent upgrade to sound quality from the b3?? Thats amazing news!!

If you expect the moon on a stick then you need to spend more than 200 cabbage!

As a hobbyist sound guy, I am really not happy about the cheap honestly not that great DI outs on many of the multis out there. Zoom included. As a hobbyist player I really wish my B3 had a tr00 bypass switch in it. That would have made all the difference for me between "this is really great for me " and "meh".

 

[Stu_Bass]

I own 20yo multis that let you control any effect parameter with the expression pedal. It shouldn't be too difficult to implement. Here it's only 1 fixed parameter for choosen effects.

You should be able to freely assign parameters and even assign multiple parameters. It is very common these days.

 

[jwilson67]

@jimfist - No offence, but you're really starting to sound like a Zoom Effects salesman, posing as a casual forum user.

When other forum members express any kind of disappointment at what is obviously lacking in this new pedal - you're right there to tell them how they are wrong, or how the features they need are unnecessary?

Many of us who are posting here have used, or currently use Zoom FX processors, and are quite aware of what to expect.
So, when those 'reasonable' expectations are clearly not met - there will be some justifiable disappointment (newer, more expensive pieces of gear should surpass their predecessors with flying colours, but with Zoom, there are always frustrating omissions)

The B3n is more expensive than the G3n, but with less features? - Why?

- No AcBs Pre (the only high pass filter that many needed is now missing?)
- No M-Filter (which is awesome! - also missing)
- No XLR
- Only one expression parameter can be adjusted at a time?! (many pedals already had this feature 15 - 20 years ago)
- Much smaller LCD displays that will be very difficult to read from any distance.

Even with some improvements in audio fidelity; compared to The Zoom B3 - this new B3n 'appears' to be a relatively inferior product (at a higher price-point!).

I think I'll stick with my Zoom B3, Thanks .

I'll call your XLR output, AcBs Pre, and M-Filter and raise you chaining 7 effects, upgraded sound processing, and downloadable effects as they're released.

 

[John Swartz]

The endless loop appears to me as follows:

1. Zoom releases a new guitar product
2. Product shortcomings are identified
3. The bass community hopes for a similar device less the shortcomings
   
4. Zoom releases yet another guitar product with same shortcomings
5. The bass community is doubtful
6. Zoom finally releases the bass product with identical shortcomings, but costing $50 more than the guitar product
7. Disappointment ensues
8. Zoom sells fewer bass units than guitar and further de-values the bass market

With that now off my chest, I say

Well, I fall into the category of a satisfied B3 user who just doesn't need the latest wiz-bang gear to get a good (or, depending on your opinion of my playing, bad) sound out of my rig for the type of music I play. So, I haven't been one clamoring for the next offering from Zoom beyond the B3. The B3n has it's plusses and minuses for sure, but I don't see it as any sort of quantum leap forward in dramatically improving my own sound, nor does it appear to be a huge improvement on the overall live playability of the B3 (which has it's quirks, but they are manageable).

But hey, whatever works for you, that's what you should use.

Rock on!

John

 

[Silas Stingy]

I'm very positive about it and really glad that one of the major companies are still giving thought to the poor relation bass player!
Pretty sure I'll invest in one, as I said before dependant on reviews, if I do then the ms60b will stay on the board for the hpf, and I'll invest in a passive DI.
But can you imagine a multistomp with DI? That would be an outright winner for me.

 

[CharlieC]

Zoom is really providing some great responses to recent Facebook comments.

I do not think they will change these particular minds, but good on them for trying!

 

[jwilson67]

Zoom is really providing some great responses to recent Facebook comments.

I do not think they will change these particular minds, but good on them for trying!

I'm just going to have to go with people don't know what they're talking about. I mean, am I the only one who thinks the ability to run 7 effects isn't enough already?? My biggest gripe with the B3 is being limited to 3. Also the B3n promises improved sound ability.

That guy cracks me up who says the aesthetics are worse than the original B3 too. I think it's a much better looking device than the B3 - which in my opinion still has kind of toy-ish appearance.

 

[jimfist]

I'm all about the quality of the amp/cab sims, and am very interested in the new comps and B7k model. For $199US (and probably less when the dust settles, internet specials, etc.), if all you get is good quality amp models, usable cab sims, and a handful of worthy stomp FX, that alone is worth the price. I'm happy to set and forget the pedal for the amp model/cab sim and just enjoy improved tone. I have my G5n to provide front end stomp fx.

Has anyone asked ZOOM if they have a B5n in the works?

 

[CharlieC]

I'm all about the quality of the amp/cab sims, and am very interested in the new comps and B7k model. For $199US (and probably less when the dust settles, internet specials, etc.), if all you get is good quality amp models, usable cab sims, and a handful of worthy stomp FX, that alone is worth the price. I'm happy to set and forget the pedal for the amp model/cab sim and just enjoy improved tone. I have my G5n to provide front end stomp fx.

Has anyone asked ZOOM if they have a B5n in the works?

A recent reply by Zoom to a person upset that the B3n was not in fact a B5n contained verbiage that bass product sales do not support the existence of a B5n equivalent to the G5n.

Regardless, Zoom would never answer your above question directly as they recently stated they like keeping secrets from us!

 

[jimfist]

My hopes for a B5n pretty much went in the tank once I saw that they announced the B3n first. In order of priority by release date: G5n, G3n/G3nx/B3n. Oh well.

 

[Daniel Piper]

I agree with zoom on the FB feed pic above.

A not included XLR is better than a rubbish one. For the price point, I DONT WANT an included XLR. As long as the bypass is decent, I'm good to go.

My b3 XLR wasn't good at all.

If the models and effects sound great- then in my books it will be successful for me.

When discussing this 'end' of gear (low to mid priced) here on TB it ends up being a total crapshoot of 'I wants' and 'I wishes'.

How about a discussion on tone?

Or conversely, how about going into a dark glass or 3leaf or SA or FEA or fractal thread and wah on about 'missed opportunities' or how their products 'feel cheap' even though they aren't out yet.

If the modelling is a step up, this is gonna be great- because the previous gens modelling was already pretty great!

 

[still learning]

Most importantly has anyone heard this unit yet..report?