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New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

#3,181
ppiluk said:
Great post! Many of us are waiting to see what Zoom does next as well! Personally, I would love to see a B5n similar to the G5n.
Click to expand...

All I can really ask for is improved fuzz models and/or an effects loop that you can place within the chain of your patch .

That and maybe sharing effects between the guitar and bass models. Plenty of us use "guitar" effects anyway, so it makes sense to me to be able to add the g3/g5 models of rats and various drives. I have a feeling that if I could just try out some of the guitar fuzzes/distortions and their script mod phase, I really wouldn't be desiring to use any of my analog pedals.

Has the reason Zoom hasn't/can't enable support for those models in the B3n been brought up anywhere in this thread?
 
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#3,182
primussucks9126 said:
All I can really ask for is improved fuzz models and/or an effects loop that you can place within the chain of your patch .

That and maybe sharing effects between the guitar and bass models. Plenty of us use "guitar" effects anyway, so it makes sense to me to be able to add the g3/g5 models of rats and various drives. I have a feeling that if I could just try out some of the guitar fuzzes/distortions and their script mod phase, I really wouldn't be desiring to use any of my analog pedals.

Has the reason Zoom hasn't/can't enable support for those models in the B3n been brought up anywhere in this thread?
Click to expand...

Zoom seems to stay away from from this forum, though they do have an active Facebook presence, and toss us a few tidbits of info every so often. I'm pretty sure that if Zoom wanted to cross-pollenate the guitar and bass stuff into single units (G/B3n, G/B5n) they could do it. I own the G5n and B3n and even though some of the models in the B3n have "bass" tagged onto them, to my ears they seem virtually identical to the G5n version of the same effect.

IMO a G5n with crossover bass models in it would sell like crazy, due to the additional features. Still, I use my G5n all the time gigging with bass and it's been a pleasure.

As for fuzzes, don't be afraid to experiment, and chain a couple of different types of drives/fuzzes together in series in order to expand their sonic scope. Drives that have a comprehensive EQ section run pre/post a fuzz box can give you a ton of extra flexibility.
 
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#3,183
jimfist said:
Zoom seems to stay away from from this forum, though they do have an active Facebook presence, and toss us a few tidbits of info every so often. I'm pretty sure that if Zoom wanted to cross-pollenate the guitar and bass stuff into single units (G/B3n, G/B5n) they could do it. I own the G5n and B3n and even though some of the models in the B3n have "bass" tagged onto them, to my ears they seem virtually identical to the G5n version of the same effect.

IMO a G5n with crossover bass models in it would sell like crazy, due to the additional features. Still, I use my G5n all the time gigging with bass and it's been a pleasure.

As for fuzzes, don't be afraid to experiment, and chain a couple of different types of drives/fuzzes together in series in order to expand their sonic scope. Drives that have a comprehensive EQ section run pre/post a fuzz box can give you a ton of extra flexibility.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info!

I definitely plan on spending a lot more time with the fuzzes. Oddly enough I actually really like metal zone model. It's got an incredibly obnoxious quality on it's own, but for a lead-type line, I find that it really cuts through.
 
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#3,186
jimfist said:
Zoom seems to stay away from from this forum, though they do have an active Facebook presence, and toss us a few tidbits of info every so often. I'm pretty sure that if Zoom wanted to cross-pollenate the guitar and bass stuff into single units (G/B3n, G/B5n) they could do it. I own the G5n and B3n and even though some of the models in the B3n have "bass" tagged onto them, to my ears they seem virtually identical to the G5n version of the same effect.

IMO a G5n with crossover bass models in it would sell like crazy, due to the additional features. Still, I use my G5n all the time gigging with bass and it's been a pleasure.

As for fuzzes, don't be afraid to experiment, and chain a couple of different types of drives/fuzzes together in series in order to expand their sonic scope. Drives that have a comprehensive EQ section run pre/post a fuzz box can give you a ton of extra flexibility.
Click to expand...
I add the echoplex pre amp in front if most if the fuzz and distortion effects and it really thickens/rounds out the sound. Sounds great.
 
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#3,188
I'm digging the fuzz options more than I was at first. I should add that I'm not looking for a "practical" fuzz at the moment, more of an off the wall effect fuzz.

2 questions:
1. Is anyone using an expression pedal with their B3n? Trying to figure out how useful it would be to add one.

2. I considered adding a MS-50G for more drive options, but it occurred to me that they use the previous generation Zoom models. Is it that much worse than the B3n to make it not even worth doing?

Thanks!
 
#3,189
primussucks9126 said:
Is anyone using an expression pedal with their B3n? Trying to figure out how useful it would be to add one.
Click to expand...

I have one connected to my B3n, but it doesn't get much use. At the moment, an expression pedal can only function in the capacity of volume control or wah. I occasionally use it for volume control, but it spends most of its life wide open, or with the pedal effect just switched off.

I foster the hope that updates will eventually expand the expression pedal's capability, but I doubt that will ever happen. This is probably a niche desire, but I would personally love to use the expression pedal to control the tempo of the rhythm machine.
 
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#3,190
primussucks9126 said:
I'm digging the fuzz options more than I was at first. I should add that I'm not looking for a "practical" fuzz at the moment, more of an off the wall effect fuzz.

2 questions:
1. Is anyone using an expression pedal with their B3n? Trying to figure out how useful it would be to add one.

2. I considered adding a MS-50G for more drive options, but it occurred to me that they use the previous generation Zoom models. Is it that much worse than the B3n to make it not even worth doing?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I use an MS60B in front of my B3n as my comp>amp/cab sim>etc. Always on. Works great for me!
 
#3,194
primussucks9126 said:
I'm digging the fuzz options more than I was at first. I should add that I'm not looking for a "practical" fuzz at the moment, more of an off the wall effect fuzz.

2 questions:
1. Is anyone using an expression pedal with their B3n? Trying to figure out how useful it would be to add one.

2. I considered adding a MS-50G for more drive options, but it occurred to me that they use the previous generation Zoom models. Is it that much worse than the B3n to make it not even worth doing?

Thanks!
Click to expand...


I have the expression. Works well with the wah. You can only use it on one effect per patch either a wah or volume.
 
#3,195
Usidore T Blue said:
We as in B3n users? My assumption has been that since B3n compatibility is essentially zero cost for anything written for the G3n, that the update will work. Or do you mean it might not be forthcoming for anyone except maybe the G5? That would be unfortunate!
Click to expand...
There is an updated version supposedly coming that changes the layout of the whole sight! The other updates are pedal specific, new amps, cabs, pedals, patches etc.
 
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#3,196
I currently have way huge, tech 21 and fuzzrocious dirt pedals on board, having many other brands in the past.

When I play them in-line with my b3n, I do not hear any aspect of the zoom models as being inferior.

They don't sound digital or fake.

I can't understand people saying they want improved models. Especially when they don't A/B them to the models in question.
 
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#3,197
primussucks9126 said:
Is anyone using an expression pedal with their B3n? Trying to figure out how useful it would be to add one.
Click to expand...

I'm using the zoom Fp02m expression pedal for occasional wah and mostly for my "Charlie big potato synth" intro patch. It works well and for 30 euro it makes the things A LOT easier. Plus it's working even with my EHX enigma QBalls so, for me, money well spent.

primussucks9126 said:
The modulation and fuzz are where the pedal could use some help, IMO (though admittedly, I haven't spent extensive time with these as I've just been trying to get my base tone down). The tracking isn't the best on most of the octave/pitch shift models, but when it works, they sound as good as anything else I've used. The chorus and flange pedals are fine as well.

The weakest thing to me, is the phase models. It isn't that these models are bad, but I LOVE my phase 99. The B3n gets close when compared to just 1 of the phasers in modern mode, but my favorite setting on the Phase 99 is dual phasers in vintage mode, and the B3n is pretty weak in comparison.

The Fuzz pedals all sort of sound the same to me. I've owned Fuzz Faces, Big Muffs, Brassmasters, etc, but there just isn't that much variety of sound between the models on the B3n to me.

I haven't really messed with the amp and cab models, but they're fine. I plan on using this almost exclusively as a pedalboard replacement, so I dont have much need for them. I don't own any of the amps modeled in this pedal, but I have used most of them. Can't really say if they get close or not. The cabs are just OK to me, but I REALLY dislike almost every cab sim I've tried.
Click to expand...

In my experience octaver can be helped with one or two comp.
About the fuzz... I like them, but my Deluxe Bass Big Muff serves me better. With the zoom you have to go far lower or up with settings then you would with the real satomp. But in the end they works.
Amp and cab may be funny. Usually I'm using the SWR amp&cab simulation when playing with headphones. With the exception of the Tecamp it's maybe the only amp&cab sim that I like (talkig about pairing the same brand). But mixing swr amp and markbass cab, or ampeg or EBS amp and swr cab lead to some very good sounds, at least IMHO. Even better, since I'm using a real SWR system in stereo I've hooked up the zoom in the FX send&return using the SVT sim for trying a sort of biamping. It worked far better than I expected.

Enjoy your product and have fun!

PS: Finally my guitarist gave me back my G5N. Going to try the sitar effect soon :D YEAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
#3,198
Daniel Piper said:
I can't understand people saying they want improved models. Especially when they don't A/B them to the models in question.
Click to expand...

The fuzz models are definitely better than I initially thought. I think part of it is the stock settings when scrolling through the pedals.

I have done a/b testing with some of them (particularly the muff), and I agree that they don't sound artificial, but they don't nail them 100% (but then again, there are so many varieties of these circuits that it's gonna be hard to match everyone's ideal muff or fuzzface or whatever.


The Rage said:
I'm using the zoom Fp02m expression pedal for occasional wah and mostly for my "Charlie big potato synth" intro patch. It works well and for 30 euro it makes the things A LOT easier. Plus it's working even with my EHX enigma QBalls so, for me, money well spent.



In my experience octaver can be helped with one or two comp.
About the fuzz... I like them, but my Deluxe Bass Big Muff serves me better. With the zoom you have to go far lower or up with settings then you would with the real satomp. But in the end they works.
Amp and cab may be funny. Usually I'm using the SWR amp&cab simulation when playing with headphones. With the exception of the Tecamp it's maybe the only amp&cab sim that I like (talkig about pairing the same brand). But mixing swr amp and markbass cab, or ampeg or EBS amp and swr cab lead to some very good sounds, at least IMHO. Even better, since I'm using a real SWR system in stereo I've hooked up the zoom in the FX send&return using the SVT sim for trying a sort of biamping. It worked far better than I expected.

Enjoy your product and have fun!

PS: Finally my guitarist gave me back my G5N. Going to try the sitar effect soon :D YEAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Thanks! I'll probably throw down for the expression pedal based on what I've heard in this thread. Even if it doesn't get much use, it's nice to have the extra option.
I've come to the same conclusion about the octavers.

For amp/cab I've settled on the Acoustic 370 and Markbass cab without the tweeter for when I use headphones.

How do you feel the dirt/fuzz on the G5n compares to the B3n for bass?
 
#3,200
Luke the Fluke said:
Does the acoustic amp model sound really overdriven even at low gain for anyone else?
Click to expand...

Using a stock patch or home-brewed? Stock patches are always a YMMV prospect, and depending on your bass and other factors, the gain structure of the amp model may be a little overdriven. The good news is that you just reach for the amp's gain knob and turn it down. I know what you're talking about, but I've found the Acoustic cab sim 1x18 does a lot to tame the "hair" that can exist in the amp model, and I actually like the small amount of drive distortion on that amp. It's a pretty rich, deep sound IMHO, and to my recollection of the actual Acoustic amp, is a pretty good simulation overall. It's one of my favorites for old-school tones.
 
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