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New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects
- Thread starter CharlieC
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- b3n multi-effects zoom
Playing around with mine today.
Moved the 70 or so factory patches to the bottom half of the patch list using guitar lab. I have no intention of using any of them.
I have found that with the zoom factory patches (in both the b3 and b3n)- even the simplest signal chain involves compression, a Graphic EQ and other utility effects weighing them down. The amp sims are buried.
I am really impressed with the improved clarity this unit has over me old b3. That always seemed to have a little bit of a blanket over the speaker.
This doesn't.
Moved the 70 or so factory patches to the bottom half of the patch list using guitar lab. I have no intention of using any of them.
I have found that with the zoom factory patches (in both the b3 and b3n)- even the simplest signal chain involves compression, a Graphic EQ and other utility effects weighing them down. The amp sims are buried.
I am really impressed with the improved clarity this unit has over me old b3. That always seemed to have a little bit of a blanket over the speaker.
This doesn't.
So, I’ve got to tell any of you that are on the fence about the FRFR approach to amplification, “Get off the fence!” Now that my Yamaha DSR112 is broken in, I don’t see myself going back to a traditional amp set up again. I hear myself better than I ever have, and don’t infringe on FOH at all. The sound guys at church love the sound they are getting out front, and I am in love with the tones I’m getting on stage! It amazes me how much better your playing is, when you can hear every nuance of your sound. And the DSR is only a two way system. I can only imagine how good a three way would sound. There may be an AccuGroove wedge in my far off future!
Merry Christmas, Zoom Dudes and Dudets! This is a great little community within a community we have going here!
Johno!
Merry Christmas, Zoom Dudes and Dudets! This is a great little community within a community we have going here!
Johno!
Oh, and thank you Zoom for the early Christmas present! Can’t wait to try my new FX and amp/speaker combo!
J!
J!
Right on, Brother @Johno Dunn!
FRFR here (amp/cab modeling) and never going back.
Cheers!
FRFR here (amp/cab modeling) and never going back.
Cheers!
I've been experimenting with my new b3n and I am loving it. Spent some time walking through the existing patches, but it's not what I want to use.
I am using my Hamer Cruise with Seymour Duncan Antiquity II. The amp is an Ashdown Mag 300 Evo II 15" speaker, all flat, no EQ, just the speaker. And the b3n!
I have spent a few hours on it when I can and have been searching for the right combination so that I have the tone I want, clean.
For now I am using the Ampeg SVT in the first slot (it needs two slots, unfortunately) and the LMT-76 in the second slot. That's it! Love it! This is my clean sound, what do you think? I am not using any cab Sims because when I turn it on it seems to dampen the sound, like it had a blanket over it.
In this patch I also added a chorus (been going back and forth with the CoronaTri and the BassStChorus) and a reverb (I am using the Hall). Not completely satisfied with the wet sound though, it's similar to what I am looking for, but not really there. Any suggestions?
In this main patch I also added the looper.
Then I created another patch with the same Clean sound, the SVT plus the LMT-76 and added the SlowAttk, very good for the intro of Spain, when Stanley Clarke uses a bow.
Then, another patch, with the Z-Syn, for things like Chameleon and similar.
Still haven't found a distortion I like, they all seem to be too imposing, I would like something more subtle. Any suggestions?
I would like a patch with a wah feel to it, or something like an envelope, can you guys help me with that?
I am not experimenting with the micro tunings of the effects, not used to it, don't feel comfortable with that. Dou you all think that this factory settings to each effect are ok?
I am very disappointed that the drum machine and the looper have to be added as an effect to a patch. When using the looper I can't change the patches to get different effects. The same thing with the drums. This is very stupid and disappointing, my old bfx-708 had this functions separated! Why did they screw up on this matter?
Other than that, I am loving it. Good, clean, loud sound, seemed a little complicated at the beginning, but it is easy to understand how it works. Love the color, love the fact that it is metal and not plastic. The cable to plug it in seems a little thin and fragile, but it's not a big deal.
If you have any suggestions regarding anything I wrote, please tell me! Thank you for reading!
I am using my Hamer Cruise with Seymour Duncan Antiquity II. The amp is an Ashdown Mag 300 Evo II 15" speaker, all flat, no EQ, just the speaker. And the b3n!
I have spent a few hours on it when I can and have been searching for the right combination so that I have the tone I want, clean.
For now I am using the Ampeg SVT in the first slot (it needs two slots, unfortunately) and the LMT-76 in the second slot. That's it! Love it! This is my clean sound, what do you think? I am not using any cab Sims because when I turn it on it seems to dampen the sound, like it had a blanket over it.
In this patch I also added a chorus (been going back and forth with the CoronaTri and the BassStChorus) and a reverb (I am using the Hall). Not completely satisfied with the wet sound though, it's similar to what I am looking for, but not really there. Any suggestions?
In this main patch I also added the looper.
Then I created another patch with the same Clean sound, the SVT plus the LMT-76 and added the SlowAttk, very good for the intro of Spain, when Stanley Clarke uses a bow.
Then, another patch, with the Z-Syn, for things like Chameleon and similar.
Still haven't found a distortion I like, they all seem to be too imposing, I would like something more subtle. Any suggestions?
I would like a patch with a wah feel to it, or something like an envelope, can you guys help me with that?
I am not experimenting with the micro tunings of the effects, not used to it, don't feel comfortable with that. Dou you all think that this factory settings to each effect are ok?
I am very disappointed that the drum machine and the looper have to be added as an effect to a patch. When using the looper I can't change the patches to get different effects. The same thing with the drums. This is very stupid and disappointing, my old bfx-708 had this functions separated! Why did they screw up on this matter?
Other than that, I am loving it. Good, clean, loud sound, seemed a little complicated at the beginning, but it is easy to understand how it works. Love the color, love the fact that it is metal and not plastic. The cable to plug it in seems a little thin and fragile, but it's not a big deal.
If you have any suggestions regarding anything I wrote, please tell me! Thank you for reading!
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No matter what multi-fx product you use, you'll invariably need to learn how to adjust various parameter settings in order to get the most and best function out of it. B3n is no different.
You generally have 3 primary knob settings to play with that have will allow you to get virtually any level of distortion/drive (mild, or killer bees) you prefer: Gain, Blend, and Volume. If you want a subtle overdrive, then dial back (counter-clockwise) the Gain and adjust the Blend to assist in allowing the uneffected tone pass through which will also minimize the effect of the overdrive. Use the Volume to make final adjustments to balance the level of the overdriven sound compared to its bypassed state.
Try the Bass-A-Wah effect.
That's just your opinion. Some agree. Some disagree. Saying that something is "stupid', or a "screw up" is a bit harsh IMO. I'm sure ZOOM understood that some people wouldn't like the way the B3n has treated Rhythm & Looper as insert effects vs. the old way the B3 had them "always available". That you prefer otherwise does not make this "stupid".
You generally have 3 primary knob settings to play with that have will allow you to get virtually any level of distortion/drive (mild, or killer bees) you prefer: Gain, Blend, and Volume. If you want a subtle overdrive, then dial back (counter-clockwise) the Gain and adjust the Blend to assist in allowing the uneffected tone pass through which will also minimize the effect of the overdrive. Use the Volume to make final adjustments to balance the level of the overdriven sound compared to its bypassed state.
Try the Bass-A-Wah effect.
That's just your opinion. Some agree. Some disagree. Saying that something is "stupid', or a "screw up" is a bit harsh IMO. I'm sure ZOOM understood that some people wouldn't like the way the B3n has treated Rhythm & Looper as insert effects vs. the old way the B3 had them "always available". That you prefer otherwise does not make this "stupid".
Thank you very much for the help, when I get a chance I will try adjusting the settings as you recommended.
As for the drum/looper thing, yes, maybe a poor choice of words, but it is my opinion, if someone disagrees there is no problem. It is a huge mistake from Zoom having this setup like this, because it basically limits those functions so much that they are almost useless. What is the point of having a looper and have to use the same sound all the time?
As for the drum/looper thing, yes, maybe a poor choice of words, but it is my opinion, if someone disagrees there is no problem. It is a huge mistake from Zoom having this setup like this, because it basically limits those functions so much that they are almost useless. What is the point of having a looper and have to use the same sound all the time?
For this iteration of Zoom effects, the "n" series is designed so that the quality of modeling and added footswitch functions have been prioritized over other features. I like these decisions and prefer them, and happy to deal otherwise with the compromises. It's OK that you disagree, certainly. You're not alone, either. But what can you do?
FWIW, for very little money, you could add a Zoom B1on or G1on pedal after the B3n and use it ONLY for the looper and rhythm section.
Yes, the quality of the device seems excellent for what it cost, I agree with that.
...which is where the G5n comes in.
I still like the B3n for the compact form factor, but always end up taking the 5n on gigs.
I’m simply not hearing anything in the amps and FX that makes the bass version a must. Funny thing- it was the same way for me with the Tech21 Fly Rig.
This is a big step forward. Back in the POD XT days, I enjoyed modelling for guitar, but hated it for bass- even with the bass packs installed.
I experimented with FRFR as far back as the late 80’s, and switched for good around ‘96.
It’s definitely not for everyone, but if you enjoy putting your tone and attack under a microscope, there’s nothing like it.
I think of Accugroove as occupying the middle ground. Very articulate, but they still have a definite “bass cab” voicing. I’ve had a couple of opportunities to pick them up at bargain prices, but didn’t pull the trigger.
Yes, you have a point. But if you have the patches already prepared, you don't need to remain in stomp mode.
But you are right, we all are, pros and cons, like you and other fellow TB'ers said.
I much prefer stomp mode over using patches. Seems to suit the way my demented brain works.
Not that I ever use a looper, other than for testing tones and patches...
We may be talking at cross-purposes...
I meant a middle ground between old school, conventional bass cabs and modern, lightweight, FRFR stuff.
I don’t know about their recent stuff, but the original models were heavy-ass bins with a pretty tailored frequency response.
If you mean “upper end” in terms of build quality and pricing, Accugrooves were always way up there. It’s what made them such a deal after Accugroove’s fall from grace. I saw a mint Tri 115 going for $800 a few years ago.
