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New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

I still don't understand why one has to have a mic sim in conjunction with a cabinet sim. It seems to me that when running the B3n into a power amp and an FRFR cabinet in a live situation I should have the option of hearing the amp/cab combo as if it were in the room or mic'ed through a PA. The mic sim is ideal for recording or for modeling an amp/cab/mic/PA live setting but why not the amp/cab/room option?

Without knowing exactly how ZOOM is implementing IR (Impulse Response) technology in their CAB SIM block, it's hard to know whether each MIC option is its own discrete IR of the cabinet used, or whether these MIC options are themselves some sort of filter that is overlaid onto a neutral cabinet IR (in other words, an IR captured with a flat reference mic like the Earthworks M50).

In any event, it sounds like what you're looking for is a cabinet IR that is totally uncolored by the microphone, and that's a valid desire. Unfortunately, the B3n cab sim block isn't designed that way, or so it would seem, so I guess we just have to keep in mind that for $199, there are going to be a lot of pet peeves to lament. Of course, the more expensive modelers (Atomic Amplifire, Helix, AX8/AxeFxII) allow you to load in any cabinet IR you choose, including ones shot with a reference mic (no coloration).

It's of little consolation, but there are a couple of small, relatively inexpensive IR loading/playback devices available that would allow you to seek out and use 3rd party cabinet IRs (Ownhammer, 3 Sigma, etc.) which include those captured with a reference microphone.

The whole cab sim IR implementation is such a rabbit-hole, I personally have grown tired of all the chasing, and have chosen to work within the limitations of the cab sim devices I own and move on. I feel that with the wet/dry blend carefully dialed-in to my taste, things are fine. It is an interesting - though time consuming - process to go through and understand, and I found the experience valuable.
 
I unboxed the B3n last night and tooled around with it at very quiet bedroom levels last night, so my findings at the moment should be taken with that in mind. Since I've been using the G5n for a year, it was no surprise to me that the amp and cab sims sounded and felt sort of familiar, in terms of the amount of detail and depth (for lack of better terms) compared to the B3, which always sounded to me like there was a plastic overcoating on especially the cab sims.

Overall, you can easily hear the improvements over the B3n IMHO. I can't really weigh in on the drives and overdrive qualities due to my volume restrictions last night. I typically want to crank up at stage volume when I audition dirty sounds and amp models...but...from what I could tell, no surprise that these all sound much improved (again, comparing to the improvements in overdrive simulations and amp models in the G5n).

One thing that seemed apparent is that with my Schecter Studio Elite 4 string w/EMGs (neck/bridge), the output from this bass is on the hot side, and thus some effects have a hyper-sensitivity which governs the range of "play" I have with certain effects. I'll have to see how this plays out, but worst case solution is to just put a simple PEQ block first in the effect chain and back the volume down. This will allow for more "range" before the onset of triggering the effect. Compressors, synths, envelopes, and the like are the major culprits. No biggie, though.

As for the switching and operation, I was able to get around the pedal without the manual, no sweat. Of course, since I already am familiar with the new conventions as a G5n owner, working the B3n was very simple. A lot of people will probably gripe about the switching, but once you get the hang of it, it's ok. I'm personally not going to be changing a lot of presets or working a multitude of stomps when I use this, so YMMV.

Physically, compared to the B3, the B3n has a slightly larger footprint, but not much, and it is sleeker looking/feeling and lower to the ground.

I think that once B3 fans (like me!) get past some of the missing features, they'll find the B3n to be a very nice sounding pedal, and a solid value for the cost.
 
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Had a meeting yesterday around 3pm and I totally missed the B&H order time. *sighs*

So I'm looking at the layout of the B3n and it looks like phone and L/Mono is the same output? If so, can anyone tell me how we're supposed to connect this to an audio interface for recording - like what kind of chords/ cables I would need to get? Also, I'm assuming the monitors would be connected to the audio interface right (mine will be the L6 Firehawk FX for now)
 
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Like JimFist, I was able to mess around with the B3n last night at lower volumes for about an hour. I will say that for $200 this is a no-brainer. I've owned a lot of pedals over the years including ones that are simulated on the B3n, like the Darkglass B3k and the Big Muff, and I have to say they get really, really close. I'm not certain my ears could tell the difference to be honest. They're certainly close enough, IMHO, that nobody in your audience would know the difference. I've never owned a Zoom product, and I have just scratched the surface, but so far I am pretty damn impressed, and again for $200!? I have to say it's the best $200 I've spent in a very long time. If you're seriously thinking about it, stop, just do it. You won't regret it for price.
 
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Had a meeting yesterday around 3pm and I totally missed the B&H order time. *sighs*

So I'm looking at the layout of the B3n and it looks like phone and L/Mono is the same output? If so, can anyone tell me how we're supposed to connect this to an audio interface for recording - like what kind of chords/ cables I would need to get? Also, I'm assuming the monitors would be connected to the audio interface right (mine will be the L6 Firehawk FX for now)

Any standard 1/4" (TS) instrument cable can connect your B3n to most interfaces. Use the L/MONO jack. For optional Stereo applications/connections also use the second Right output jack and another cable. :thumbsup:
 
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With the B3 the effects are fixed and only patches(combinations of effects) are available as files. These new devices have whole new effects added so the new ones (at least) must exist as files somewhere.

The patch files could just reference the effects stored in the device. There must be some file you download to add a new effect. Has there been a new effect released for both guitar and bass? Is it possible to extract the existing effects as files? I still think it should be easier to compare the files. They may be encrypted which would probably make your original suggestion easier. I'd be quite interested in this sort of exercise but a B3n just isn't on the cards for me atm.
 
The files exist and they're small, and they're in a format that one would have to reverse engineer. Here's "AC-370," recently released from Zoom's site.

Screen Shot 2017-03-30 at 1.42.54 PM.png
 
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With the B3 the effects are fixed and only patches(combinations of effects) are available as files. These new devices have whole new effects added so the new ones (at least) must exist as files somewhere.

The patch files could just reference the effects stored in the device. There must be some file you download to add a new effect. Has there been a new effect released for both guitar and bass? Is it possible to extract the existing effects as files? I still think it should be easier to compare the files. They may be encrypted which would probably make your original suggestion easier. I'd be quite interested in this sort of exercise but a B3n just isn't on the cards for me atm.

MIDI SysEx interception and redirection is the ticket, IMHO.

GuitarLab is sending these messages and I believe it may be possible to get another device to read them.
 
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Decision time!

b3n_113.jpg
Now Charlie you and I have been talkbass brethren for awhile now. I greatly value your opinion when it comes to bass gear and your tutorials are fantastic! Companies should have them attached to their webpages, especially Zoom and Behringer they are invaluable.
But I think someone should tell you...your basses are upside down.:hyper:

I hope you enjoy your new gadget!
Take care,
Brent
 
Now Charlie you and I have been talkbass brethren for awhile now. I greatly value your opinion when it comes to bass gear and your tutorials are fantastic! Companies should have them attached to their webpages, especially Zoom and Behringer they are invaluable.
But I think someone should tell you...your basses are upside down.:hyper:

I hope you enjoy your new gadget!
Take care,
Brent

Thank you, Brent!

I hear the latter often and to that I provide the following picture variation :D

b3n_113_r.jpg
 
After over a year of speculation, the pedal is finally released and still no decent audio examples?

This is not a good sign to me - the fact that the B3n conversation is now shifting to modifications, potential future updates, jokes, and simply "you should buy this pedal" kinda talk.

Bass-players rarely get to celebrate, so when a great device is released - within hours, there are usually user-made soundcloud links/youtube demos to demonstrate the genuine excitement of a new product (Darkglass, Future Impact, Aftershock, Cali 76, etc).

When the B3 was released - within hours, I saw some great demo videos appear and immediately decided to sell my inferior Boss GT-10B for the superior sounding Zoom B3! :bassist:

But this time, there are people that have had this pedal for over a month now (Japan, etc), and still nothing, not even one single soundcloud link?
Surely, after all the hype, there would be something about this pedal that you would want the world to hear?

I really hope I'm wrong! ....... :thumbsup:
 
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After over a year of speculation, the pedal is finally released and still no decent audio examples?

This is not a good sign to me - the fact that the B3n conversation is now shifting to modifications, potential future updates, jokes, and simply "you should buy this pedal" kinda talk.

Bass-players rarely get to celebrate, so when a great device is released - within hours, there are usually user-made soundcloud links/youtube demos to demonstrate the genuine excitement of a new product (Darkglass, Future Impact, Aftershock, Cali 76, etc).

When the B3 was released - within hours, I saw some great demo videos appear and immediately decided to sell my inferior Boss GT-10B for the superior sounding Zoom B3! :bassist:

But this time, there are people that have had this pedal for over a month now (Japan, etc), and still nothing, not even one single soundcloud link?
Surely, after all the hype, there would be something about this pedal that you would want the world to hear?

I really hope I'm wrong! ....... :thumbsup:

I don't know if it qualifies as decent but I'm doing my part....

B3n patch library.