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New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

Uh oh. As somebody predicted before, you can't seem to power the B3n via USB. I like using a portable USB battery pack to power my B3. Anybody have a line on a USB to 9V adapter you like? B3n wants center minus, 500ma.
 
Well, well, well, spend a couple of months not checking the Zoom site and THIS happens! Looks promising for my purposes even if the firmware load right out of the box is a little on the spare side. IF Zoom would actually address that over time with downloadable firmware updates as they do on their guitar pedals that complaint will evaporate in the months ahead. Everything else looks and more importantly, sounds, great!

I really do not understand why Zoom has guitar and bass specific multi-effect pedals in the first place. It costs a ton of money to have two product lines simply from things like marketing and maintaining multiple part numbers in their production and distribution system. They even have to have two colors of paint! It would make more sense economically to just make a single pedal platform common to the two worlds and let users download the effects modules they need to make their personal hardware as bass or guitar specific as they need. As far as I can tell this would add nothing to the hardware cost or the firmware cost or the cost of production, it would only save them money on all the hidden costs that multiple product lines incur. "Cross pollination" is not an evil to be suppressed, it is the most efficient way to deliver these units to the market and it should be embraced with vigor!
It would be nice if there was a generic unit plus add-ons either a la carte or in packs for a nominal charge. Perhaps the pedal would come with one pack free to tailor it to the user and then a fee based menu of add-ons.
 
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If you're looking for a more high end modeling pedal, have you looked at the Two Notes Torpedo CAB? Pair it with a Le Bass and you'll have a pretty high end setup.

I have both on my main gigging board and based on the sound bites I have heard of the B3n I soon will be downsizing substantially ;)

lebass_2016_s.jpg
 
Could a ts210 handle a bass through B3n at bedroom volumes?

I'd say yes, pretty easily. I gig with a low-key acoustic duo playing electric bass, using a pair of JBL EON 610 powered speakers to amplify 2 vox, acoustic guitar, and bass. It handles the bass fine.

You have to be aware that if you're ever creating tones this or any other speaker at bedroom levels, that if you attempt to use those tones in a much louder performance situation, the EQ and balance of effects is likely to be a hot mess needing total readjustment.

But otherwise, for home playing at low volumes, you should be fine.
 
I have both on my main gigging board and based on the sound bites I have heard of the B3n I soon will be downsizing substantially ;)

lebass_2016_s.jpg
What's your opinion of the Two Notes Pedals, Charlie? I've heard the Le Bass is awesome, apart from the inability to send only one channel through the speaker sim and keep another clean. The C.A.B is second to none, I've been told
 
What's your opinion of the Two Notes Pedals, Charlie? I've heard the Le Bass is awesome, apart from the inability to send only one channel through the speaker sim and keep another clean. The C.A.B is second to none, I've been told

Between Le Bass and Torpedo CAB, Two Notes really has two winners on their hands for bassists. Sonically the most impressive I have heard to date, but not completely ideal in other areas. If you are interested there is plenty of good reading to be found in the other Two Notes Le Bass Players Club thread. :thumbsup:

Cheers!
 
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It's a pretty large unit. It's essentially an entire pedalboard on its own IMO. I downsized to the G3xn so it would fit more nicely as part of a larger pedalboard.

I considered the HD500x, AX8 (which has no exp pedal), Helix, and other multi-fx modeler pedals. I pretty much ruled out AX8 and Helix since I wasn't looking to go top shelf with this pedal selection.

For pedals that have integrated expression pedals (which I wanted included), the G5n is the smallest of the lot (in terms of width). There are definitely a few other pedals with exp pedals integrated that are smaller, but they don't have the features or switching capabilities of the G5n.
 
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I considered the HD500x, AX8 (which has no exp pedal), Helix, and other multi-fx modeler pedals. I pretty much ruled out AX8 and Helix since I wasn't looking to go top shelf with this pedal selection.

For pedals that have integrated expression pedals (which I wanted included), the G5n is the smallest of the lot (in terms of width). There are definitely a few other pedals with exp pedals integrated that are smaller, but they don't have the features or switching capabilities of the G5n.
Yes, you do lose one stompbox section on the G3xn. Not a huge deal for me though. I'm using mine as sort of an "always on" amp modeler, and I have an MS-70CDR if I need to add in a lot more modulation effects on top.
 
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Looking at the list of FX on the B3n, it's uncredbibly frustrating that they'd include models like a Boss Metal Zone or the Bomber. They could've modeled a couple different distortions (Rat with clean blend?) that bass players actually ever used, instead of totally useless trash.

Let's hope they add a Stompshare kind of store like they've got for the MS100BT.
 
Looking at the list of FX on the B3n, it's uncredbibly frustrating that they'd include models like a Boss Metal Zone or the Bomber. They could've modeled a couple different distortions (Rat with clean blend?) that bass players actually ever used, instead of totally useless trash.

Let's hope they add a Stompshare kind of store like they've got for the MS100BT.

A lot of users here actually get creative using those effects because of the blend, you just have to be patient and creative in making patches.
As for the Stompshare, why purchase when the new effects they are releasing monthly are free?
 
Since I got free time after work, I tried my new GK Plex today with the Zoom B3n going through the effects loop. This time, I tried the cabinets along with their microphone settings. I love the Fridge and Fender Bassman Cab emulations! The first one eliminates the "boominess" when one goes direct without losing the low end. The Aguilar one has that "papery" cut-through-the-mix sound. Also, you can correct me if I'm wrong.

I'm loving my little pedalboard right now.

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