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New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects
- Thread starter CharlieC
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- b3n multi-effects zoom
A fair number of the effects have a wet/dry BLEND parameter. Not all of them (read the owner's manual to see which ones), and there is no global Wet/Dry setting. It would be nice to have, but I wouldn't call it essential.
I do appreciate the things that wet/dry parallel blending can give you, which is why I got an Iron Ether Divaricator to maintain 100% dry low end in the signal path. I find this to be even more effective than pure clean blending, and easier to set generically across all effects.
The cabinet models and implementation are even better than I had hoped and based on IRs no less!
Without having used it, I am optimistic that the new Bottom parameter present in the new cabinet models will be a great help in killing the "in your face" tendencies of the full-on cabinet sims found in the former B3.
If I had to guess, the signal path of these new cabinet models would likely be: Blend of RE-20 and SM57 mics, then EQ via the Bottom parameter, then that blended between full-on resulting cabinet sim and none at all (dry.)
The above combined with the fact that cabinet models are available for use without an amp model has me super excited to use the B3n as a stand-alone cabinet sim pedal with external dirt and preamp pedals in front of it!
That is a nice idea (using the cab sim only I mean).Without having used it, I am optimistic that the new Bottom parameter present in the new cabinet models will be a great help in killing the "in your face" tendencies of the full-on cabinet sims found in the former B3.
If I had to guess, the signal path of these new cabinet models would likely be: Blend of RE-20 and SM57 mics, then EQ via the Bottom parameter, then that blended between full-on resulting cabinet sim and none at all (dry.)
The above combined with the fact that cabinet models are available for use without an amp model has me super excited to use the B3n as a stand-alone cabinet sim pedal with external dirt and preamp pedals in front of it!
Didn't think about that while reading the manual.
Ok, I really need to try it
That is a nice idea (using the cab sim only I mean).
Didn't think about that while reading the manual.
Ok, I really need to try it
Another advantage of having cabinet sim in one's signal chain is the ability to then apply Modulation/Delay effects after the signal just as is typically done in the studio.
Ok, while I personally would prefer a DI on the B3n, let's get real for just a moment (and if I'm wrong about this, someone please correct me) - the B3 does NOT have a "true" DI - it has an XLR output jack, yes, but that output is at the same level as the 1/4" output jacks - it is NOT at the level of your bass. When I've used my B3 as a pre-amp and the sound guy asks for a direct out, I have him plug into my B3's XLR jack, but I always tell them that the output is very hot - it's not the bass/mic level that they are expecting. That's not a problem for the sound guy probably over 90% of the time, but you should let them know.
If you need a "true" DI, you need a separate box even if you have a B3.
John
That's what I'm saying too! Apparently, they're releasing late Jan to early Feb there. I'm exchanging emails with a representative from one of these music shops. Idk if these will really be available at the said dates though, still no updates when I ask if Japan really does get them first.
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As has always been the case, the Japanese market typically receives new products before other markets.
Let us hope the next few weeks pass quickly!
The B3 manual says that its XLR is a "balanced" output, and it does give some impedance and HOT/COLD/Ground specs. So, to the extent that it CAN be used as a DI feed to the PA system, it can function as a DI box...sorta. However, you are right in that if you use the settings necessary for the B3 to drive a power amp input and passive speaker, the output will be very, very hot if also sent to the PA system via XLR, as mentioned. Although a lot of modern consoles have input padding to accommodate a hot signal, I have also been told that it is still far too hot of a signal. In that context, it's not acting like a traditional direct box, which provides a reasonable MIC level for interfacing with a mixing console.
Lately, I've been powering my passive full range stage cabinets with a GK head, so I've been using the 1/4" out of the B3, and the XLR output of the GK head (set PRE - preamp) to feed the PA system. For me, this whole argument is mostly a moot point. The only times I find the XLR output handy is when I'm interfacing with a power amp that only has XLR input, and I need to feed it a hot signal. Most everything else has a 1/4" input or combo XLR & 1/4".
Also, I had some issues with the B3 XLR output being dodgey sometimes when using various mic cables. It didn't seem to always seat very well, and could be intermittent at times. I also HATE the PRE/POST processing rear button switch associated with the XLR! I always seemed to hit it in transport. I'd send the XLR to the PA thinking they were getting my processed sound, and since I was using the 1/4" output from the B3 I couldn't really tell until I was engaging a very radical effect and could sense it didn't sound right out front. ***!!
Yeah that would be a shock if there wasn't an 800rb model on the zoom b3n. they should have at least one gk amp model on it. rather if it's something modern like the 700rb-II and the 1001rb or have the classic 800rb on it. as for hartke, I do like these amps for it's clarity and punch. it also sounds great with chorus effects. which is why I liked it so much. and chorus effects also sounds great with the gk model. easily gives you that duff mckagen sound. personally, I think the new zoom b3n should include those amp models.
As a former Gk 800RB owner and a current 1001RBII owner, I totally agree! We'll see what happens.
okcrum
in your chest
I'm a former gk owner too. I use to own a gallien-krueger 700rb-II through a gk neo 4x10. I do miss owning a gk amp. and since I use bass combos nowadays, I plan to get a gk mb1x15 sometime soon.
Hi everybody... I discover talkbass as new bassist but old guitarist... First, sorry for my english, I'm french and so... I've bought B3 one week ago, thinking it will be great but after reading all your post, I'll send it and wait the B3n...
Like a lot of you, the lost of some connections disappointed me (XLR, audio card), but for XLR a DI20 or me will be good, and for audio cart I ll used my irig2 HD. But that will be great if it s not necessary but it s not the case...
The aux input it's a great plus for me and this was really missing in B3.
The real sound quality is also a great plus!
It's a little bit destabilizing to not know what we ll have in the box in amp simulation at the end. But, in my mind, I hope it ll be not less than the B3 like it happens on G3 and G3n...
A point i m not understand it's the price... Why the B3n will be more expensive than the G3n???? Bassists are richer???
At the end, really exctited by this product!!!
And it s a pleasure to read all yours opinions!
Like a lot of you, the lost of some connections disappointed me (XLR, audio card), but for XLR a DI20 or me will be good, and for audio cart I ll used my irig2 HD. But that will be great if it s not necessary but it s not the case...
The aux input it's a great plus for me and this was really missing in B3.
The real sound quality is also a great plus!
It's a little bit destabilizing to not know what we ll have in the box in amp simulation at the end. But, in my mind, I hope it ll be not less than the B3 like it happens on G3 and G3n...
A point i m not understand it's the price... Why the B3n will be more expensive than the G3n???? Bassists are richer???
At the end, really exctited by this product!!!
And it s a pleasure to read all yours opinions!
Another thing... the bigger screen like on B3 was better... more readable...
Zoom, you was so near to make a quasi perfect piece... Arghhh!!!
I know: cost, cost,cost...
Zoom, you was so near to make a quasi perfect piece... Arghhh!!!
I know: cost, cost,cost...
Most times I don't bring my amp. Just my bass and pedalboard. Into PA from my Mxr preamp. The thing is, for me anyway, is that with the zoomb3n I still have to bring my mxr pedal. I was hoping the new Zoom could replace all.
Teijo K.
Commercial User
About the price. It's probably due to smaller production. Bigger the patch, smaller production costs for a unit. So the bass effect is probably selling way way less than the guitar version.
At least for its first year of release, Zoom will supply the B3n with one new amp model per month as stated at NAMM 2017.
I believe all the classic and must-have amps not supplied on board with initial purchase will appear. They need to space them out as to highlight the benefits of the download portal.
