Hey sir... when I downloaded the Lab and hit manual, that's where the new documentation is.
--J
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New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects
- Thread starter CharlieC
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- b3n multi-effects zoom
Hey sir... when I downloaded the Lab and hit manual, that's where the new documentation is.
--J
Cool. I was just referring to the linked documents on their downloads page, but it's good to know the updated documentation is included.
Thanks!
Thanks!
BeyerDynamic custom Studio...
I have some awesome buds with 4 drivers that I will try though just to see what they're like...
I think the B3n sounds great in headphones. It has no problem driving mine. It's got plenty of compression options, including an 1176, it's got an Avalon DI, and quite a few EQ options, so you should be able to get a great clean tone out of it.
Firmware v2
- Supports Guitar Lab version 3.
- Improved the encoder operation.
- Added OutputVP that takes over the volume setting when switching patches.
- Added effects already distributed online.
I think it is better suited to drive headphones designed for cell phones with a lower impedance. Mine are at 80ohms I think and most cell phone designed phones are are 32ohms... Although I didn't find it loud enough with my samsung level on pro headphones either....
Seems to be ok when it's just bass but as soon as I add music to play along with - I tend to want more volume...
Installed the new GuitarLab 3.0 and updated B3n to firmware to 2.0. Connected via USB and everything seemed to work without a hiccup. I noticed that I didn't need to MANUALLY install any of the new items (Ampeg B15 & Cab, 8x10+tweet, Glam Comp, etc.) as they appeared in the drop-down list for the slot effect TYPE. Not sure whether this was in the new firmware, or whether GuitarLab did this by itself, or in some sort of automated fashion. I also didn't dig into trying to add or remove effects from the unit, and I'm hoping this is still a feature.
As for the new sounds, the FlipTop & companion cabinet sound just as I expected. The FlipTop and SVT can sound awfully similar through the same cabinet sim, so IMO the 15" cabinet sim actually has more impact to the sound than the amp/preamp FlipTop vs. SVT. JMO.
It's great to have the new Hi EQ, which has a Low Pass setting w/variable frequency. Between it and the Lo EQ (hi pass), you can pre/post treat your signal at the extremes of the frequency spectrum as desired. Nice.
The Glam Comp is cool, mainly due to the Dry Blend parameter. Interestingly, you have a level for the compressed sound, and a discrete level for the Dry Mix blend. The SHAPE parameter seems to highlight different parts of the EQ spectrum (full clockwise is really bass heavy). Generally, I find most of the comps in the B3n to be of the "a little goes a long way" variety, but you can get some pretty good sounds using this compressor. I like it.
Overall, this was a solid effort from Zoom IMO.
As for the new sounds, the FlipTop & companion cabinet sound just as I expected. The FlipTop and SVT can sound awfully similar through the same cabinet sim, so IMO the 15" cabinet sim actually has more impact to the sound than the amp/preamp FlipTop vs. SVT. JMO.
It's great to have the new Hi EQ, which has a Low Pass setting w/variable frequency. Between it and the Lo EQ (hi pass), you can pre/post treat your signal at the extremes of the frequency spectrum as desired. Nice.
The Glam Comp is cool, mainly due to the Dry Blend parameter. Interestingly, you have a level for the compressed sound, and a discrete level for the Dry Mix blend. The SHAPE parameter seems to highlight different parts of the EQ spectrum (full clockwise is really bass heavy). Generally, I find most of the comps in the B3n to be of the "a little goes a long way" variety, but you can get some pretty good sounds using this compressor. I like it.
Overall, this was a solid effort from Zoom IMO.
That 1x15 sounds good on a lot of the heads
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That's what I'm using, and they are indeed 32ohms.
The Aux in can definitely overpower the bass signal, but I've had no issues just lowering the volume on the device plugged into the aux until I get the mix that I'm comfortable with.
So I got GLv2 to load, but once I plug in my B3n I get a msg saying “New firmware available for my device”, but when I click on OK, I just get spinning! How do I upload the v2 to my B3n?
Just a couple quick tips for updating firmware and GuitarLab...
As always, before embarking on any device firmware updates, do a full backup of your presets if you've got anything created that you wish to keep.
- First, download the firmware 2.0 update for the B3n, and unzip the file (B3n NOT connected to computer)
- Fire up the B3n while simultaneously holding down the FS1 and FS2 buttons (firmware update mode)
- connect B3n to computer via USB
- open the firmware .exe file and follow instructions to update the firmware
- keep your fingers crossed, and hopefully you'll see a successful update
- disconnect the B3n USB cable
...then...
- uninstall the existing GuitarLab software
- download the new GuitarLab 3.0, and unzip the file
- launch the software installer from that zip file, and follow instructions
- keep your fingers crossed, and hopefully you'll see a successful update
- Connect the B3n via USB and re-launch GuitarLab
- you may get an initial "device not detected" message from GuitarLab, and if so, just follow instructions to search for the device, or try closing and re-opening GuitarLab (this happened to me, but quickly rectified itself).
This is what worked for me. If you don't do the firmware update FIRST, the new GuitarLab and the B3n won't be able to communicate with each other, as it seems that the editor and hardware are now linked together.
As always, before embarking on any device firmware updates, do a full backup of your presets if you've got anything created that you wish to keep.
- First, download the firmware 2.0 update for the B3n, and unzip the file (B3n NOT connected to computer)
- Fire up the B3n while simultaneously holding down the FS1 and FS2 buttons (firmware update mode)
- connect B3n to computer via USB
- open the firmware .exe file and follow instructions to update the firmware
- keep your fingers crossed, and hopefully you'll see a successful update
- disconnect the B3n USB cable
...then...
- uninstall the existing GuitarLab software
- download the new GuitarLab 3.0, and unzip the file
- launch the software installer from that zip file, and follow instructions
- keep your fingers crossed, and hopefully you'll see a successful update
- Connect the B3n via USB and re-launch GuitarLab
- you may get an initial "device not detected" message from GuitarLab, and if so, just follow instructions to search for the device, or try closing and re-opening GuitarLab (this happened to me, but quickly rectified itself).
This is what worked for me. If you don't do the firmware update FIRST, the new GuitarLab and the B3n won't be able to communicate with each other, as it seems that the editor and hardware are now linked together.
This makes sense, as they probably had to add, or at least update, functionality for the B3n to allow GL to control it. That doesn't necessarily mean they're permanently tied for every update. In fact, I'd be surprised if they updated the firmware as frequently as they update GL, but anything's possible.
I'm psyched about the update!
Really what I want though is a GK 800RB sim, a Hartke 4x10XL sim, an Orange AD200B sim AND a bASSmaster fuzz sim.
Then I'll be done!
Take care,
Brent
Really what I want though is a GK 800RB sim, a Hartke 4x10XL sim, an Orange AD200B sim AND a bASSmaster fuzz sim.
Then I'll be done!
Take care,
Brent
I've decided to sell all of my Zoom pedals. GuitarLab version 3 broke accessibility for screenreader users, meaning I would have to try and accurately write out, then memorize menus on three different pedals in order to use them, and would never be able to participate in preset exchanges. The B3N is where this is really a problem. It's not worth the hastle compared to using VST effects. I have been asking Zoom repeatedly for years to consider accessibility, and obviously they've now provided an answer. Unless things drastically change at the company, I'll be staying away even though the sounds are generally great.
I see somewhere else that he plans to have a Tonelib update in a week or so.
I've only had a quick look at the Zoom update (on a G3n) and the really big news (I think) is that they've implemented full MIDI control of the pedal. This differs from the how Denis so far has done things (ie reloading the patch for any change.) It means that real-time midi control of these pedals should now be possible. Any one interested in a ZPI adaptation for the B3n/G3n? (No promises, mind you...)
