• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

#2,781
Stu_Bass said:
There has been something on the periphery of my actual thought process for a while now. Here goes:
There has to be something one can place on the strings above the pickup that will emit a steady test tone in order to set levels by way of a DAW or anything with a real meter in it.
First thought is tiny speaker being fed tone from an audio signal generator. I will try my phone with a signal generator app in a bit.
I'm sure you all can come up with a device to do this and allow us to set very precise levels.
Bueller?!?!
Also someone had this brilliant idea a while back and it applies not only for setting levels but also tweaking sounds. Place a looper in front of the effect which you are modifying so that you have a constant, consistent source without the distraction of playing. (Also frees up the hands and brain)
Click to expand...

I think for the kind of level matching being discussed, you could take the bass out of the equation all together and just use a tone generator with some pink noise. You won't be able to hear the sound of the effects properly, but at least for matching master output to bypass levels, this would be the easiest.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Loring, BoydG, jimfist and 1 other person
#2,782
CharlieC said:
Short Answer: The B3n works perfectly with the legitimately isolated CS7 (that I own, great product.)

Long Answer: The actual underlying issue is that the B3n requires its own 9V power tap with no other devices sharing that same tap. The quality or pedigree of the wall wart is not really a factor. Power supplies like the CS7 are not wall warts, but not all such power supplies have isolated taps.
Click to expand...

Das Jugghead said:
No screeching.
Click to expand...

@CharlieC and @Das Jugghead, thanks for the quick replies. They're supremely helpful.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Das Jugghead and CharlieC
#2,783
megarat said:
Hey all, I've been reading through this lengthy thread, it's been very helpful as I piece together a small pedal board based around the B3n.

There has been a lot of discussion around power isolation and unwanted noise, and it's been pretty well confirmed that if you use a bargain, non-Zoom power supply with the B3n, it will introduce an undesirable screeching noise. Has anyone confirmed whether or not the Zoom B3n will work fine (i.e., with no unwanted screeching) if it's powered by a higher-quality, truly isolated power supply, such as the 1-Spot Pro CS7?

Thanks again.
Click to expand...
There is also the TimeLord from GigRig. They allow you to use the B3n in a daisy chain situation. They are not cheap. I found a used one. It completely isolates the Zoom.
 
#2,784
Das Jugghead said:
View attachment 2847736

No screeching.
Click to expand...
Your board isn’t a valid test of noise issues for all cases, though.

The Boss tuner and MXR compressor are pretty typical stomps.

Put another digital processor on there, maybe a Strymon or Eventide, and you could be looking at all sorts of interesting issues.

There are lots of brick-style power supplies on the market, but only a handful offer true isolation.
 
#2,785
I realize i was not very precise in my B3n using: I use it between my bass and a GK700RB amp; as a multieffect using without amp or cab simulation. Only effects. I love my tone when plugging directly my bass in the GK; i just wanted some flavours and spices to use on several specific tunes.
Before discovering the master level, i've already balanced my patches with the patches level against the tuner bypass level. I did it by ear: really good tip to do it with a DAW !
And very good idea too to add another looper before B3n to record a bypass type sound and compare with b3n patches easily.
Thank you guys for your very helpfull replies !
 
  • Like
Reactions: Stu_Bass, jimfist and CharlieC
#2,786
For matching patches level, I use the input light on my amp (swr mo' bass)
Set input gain with my bass directly into the amp, and then match it with my b3n/g5n in tuner mode. Master is where it's left by default (think 100/12 o' clock). Then turn up volume on the amp and adjust effects level (first one by one, then mixing them) by ear.
To me it seems to work well, especially for clean sound. With distortions need to be more careful.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BrentSimons and Stu_Bass
#2,787
Zoom Japan sure dedicates major time and resources to their musical toilet seat product line. ;)

Hey guys, we B3n owners would really appreciate a Guitar Lab update as they have been far and few between!

b3n_ar48.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: ppiluk, BrentSimons, ruju and 6 others

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back