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New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

But will this sound just like a B3? Or is this really an upgrade? If 7 effects are simultaneous, it doesn't sound like they're going to be more processor intensive, providing anything more that what we've already got. I'm hoping there's more under the hood than it would appear.

It is new generation DSP, sounds amazing from what I have heard from the G5n running on same platform.

The cabinet sims are based on impulse responses (IRs) :thumbsup:
 
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Let's hope it was worth the wait! :thumbsup:

Cheers!

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zoom_b3n.jpg
Thanks for posting this I haven't seen any other mention of it.
 
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Still liking the Zoom B3 over this new model as of right now. Seems they forgot some basic hardware and went for over the top software. This is fine for practice jams from what it seems.

I'll keep an eye out after NAMM for more info, I'm curious how it performs in the hands of real gigging bass players.
 
Dimensions are very close. B3n is a bit higher and deeper.
B3 170 mm(D) x 234 mm(W) x 54 mm (H)
B3n 181 mm (D) X 234 mm (W) X 58 mm (H)

Same : ADA converters (they're great), output level (+5dBm line)

B3 :
- Accepts batteries and USB power (only AC adapter for the B3n)
- More effects (99 instead of 67 on the B3n)
- More models (12 instead of 5 on the B3n)
- Up to 9 parameters per effect/model (only 4 on the B3n)
- Passive/active input PAD
- Built-in DI with physical pre/post and ground lift
- More powerful phone output (20 mW instead of 15 mW, irrelevant for most uses I guess)

B3n :
- 7 simultaneous effects (instead of 3)
- Aux in
- Arguably more accurate and musical models (based on TBer comparisons between B3 and G5n)
- Doubled looper time with direct controls
- Tap tempo footswitch (only a manual tap switch on the B3)
- More rhythms available (68 instead of 41)
- Patch updates offered by Zoom (not new effects, just patches)
- 150 fully adjustable patches (100 on the B3)
- Fully assignable expression pedal input (preset for each effect on the B3)
- Direct control of patches by footswitch (you had to select between effects and patches manually on the B3)

Did I forget anything ?
I think Zoom could program the stereo L output to be used as a balanced line at no cost, while using the mono R to go to the amp. It would be an interesting mode.
 
Exactly. I don't understand why everyone is freaking out over the XLR issue. You can buy a solid direct box for dirt cheap. I haven't used that function on my B3 once anyway.
Just because you don't use it doesn't mean it's useless.
A lot of people, myself included use the B3 as a preamp to feed a power amp or in my case, an active cab.
I use the XLR output most of the time.
A decent DI (the one used in the B3 is very decent and silent) will cost you about the 3rd of the price of a B3n, assuming it is priced the same as a B3.
It also means one more thing to power, more cables and more room taken in the gigbag.
 
Happy Zoom small bass multiFX user since 2000. Been thru' the BFX708, 708II (which is amazing, I kept it and use it regularly), B2.1u and MS60B, which I'd keep until they do both the XLR output thing AND the exp pedal too (B3nX?). Like the "twin footswitch front" thing in fact. Always good news to see them evolve their products which, IME, blow the competition out of the water.

Love me some Zoom. I'd just like to see them expand on the MS100BT concept (effects -basically giant config files- can be downloaded/bought on a mobile app and uploaded to the device via bluetooth), this time making an app for Android too (so far only available on iOS), and maybe even publish a developer API for anybody to create/share/sell their own effects, I'm sure if such "platform" grew enough even manufacturers could get interested, I mean, same as they develop ProTools plugin versions of their products, i.e.
 
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I'll be waiting for reviews on the pitch shifting capabilties as the existing zoom units don't do a great job, hopefully this won't be the same deal. Good to see a company like zoom continuing to produce multis for bass.

+1, pitch shifting is a weakness in the zoom line. Hopefully they overhaul the quality of their existing effects to make them better than previous releases and compete with their higher priced competitors.
 
Yes and no - it was cheap, and could be chained with the B3n or used as part of your practice rig if you have a mini setup at work, in your room, or that you leave in a practice space, while you use the b3n with your main rig :)

The bad thing was I only bought the B1xon to chain it with a B3 I already have. Oh well. Guess I have to wait for the manual and reviews of this one.
 
For ecological reasons, it is now not uncommon that manufacturers (like Darkglass) do not offer battery compartments or battery power options.

For this use an external rechargeable power supply like Pedaltrain Volto.

Pedaltrain Volto 2 Analog 9V - Rechargeable Power Supply

If a product does not offer XLR balanced out, use an external DI box like this very inexpensive one that is still a much better and flexible one than most manufacturers would offer on-board.

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Break free from what is offered you and control your own destiny! :thumbsup:

Cheers!