As another means of cost savings and simplicity, I do not believe so.
The larger G5n hardware does continue in that capacity should one require that functionality.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects
- Thread starter CharlieC
- Start date
-
- Tags
- b3n multi-effects zoom
As another means of cost savings and simplicity, I do not believe so.
The larger G5n hardware does continue in that capacity should one require that functionality.
Where did you hear audio samples?? AND you're going to keep this from us??
Looks like one big difference is adding switches to scroll up and down each bank. There's a very cool thread on here somewhere showing how to mod the B3 to have this feature. I think there's also a mod in the same thread to add a tap tempo switch. Great useful and easy mods, I did the bank up and down mod for about $15 and about 20 minutes of my time.View media item 1340View media item 1339
Where did you hear audio samples?? AND you're going to keep this from us??
The DSP inside the B3n is the same as in the G5n and more recently the G3n/G3xn available for the past few months in Japan.
YouTube can be of help to you for the above audio samples for guitar/amps/cabs/effects.
Our own @jimfist has posted bass clips on another TalkBass thread and I am hoping he will eventually share them here as well!
Seems really odd that an "all-in-one" unit wouldn't have an xlr though?
Zoom© All In One Except For One Additional Item™ B3kbgn
The n stands for no DI.
The n stands for no DI.
Yes and to-date Zoom has eliminated XLR outputs on all products on this new hardware platform (G5n, G3n, G3Xn, B3n) despite their existence in the previous generation's products.
Boo! Hiss! *throws fruit*
It seems like there are some design flaws with these newer ZOOM mf. First there is no need for three screens. Line 6 gets it right with a single screen and separate physical stomp switches for each patch. That said I like that ZOOM keeps their models small and hopefully this size creep trend doesn't continue as ZOOM models keep getting larger. Line 6 has really jumped the shark with their huge pedalboards lately.
The omission of the XLR DI output makes it seem like this was designed by a guitar player. Also, they should add a headphones output with separate volume adjust.
The omission of the XLR DI output makes it seem like this was designed by a guitar player. Also, they should add a headphones output with separate volume adjust.
- Jan 26, 2014
- 1,525
- 1,946
- Disclosures
- I teach lessons and perform live music in and around San Diego CA. Sometimes I even make money doing it!
you both have valid points. On one hand, it would be very convenient to have an XLR output from the device. On the other hand, the Radial DI would send a better sounding, easier to mix signal to any board, whether live, or much more importantly, in the studio. I can understand zoom not wanting to drive up prices. It's not as easy as just wiring an xlr jack into the pedal, and rather than do it badly or make it more expensive, zoom chose not to do it at all.
I guess the question is, what do you want the XLR out for? If it's just for convenience in rehearsals, or you have some amp setup that uses XLR input, so be it. Other than that, a $100 investment in a PRODI will perform better in every situation. I promise I don't work for Radial
I wrote a really long post, with lots of detail and anecdotes to support my supposition. It was REALLY GOOD but I like this better.
Worldwide, for every 3 people who won't buy/upgrade to the B3n because it doesn't have an XLR/Battery compartment, there are 98 who will buy it because at it's price point it has more looping time, more up to date modeling, more drum patterns, more simultaneous effects etc. Your "pet" feature/usage costs more (parts,design,case space) to have than the loss of sales caused by its absence. To (humorously) paraphrase something I've been hearing a lot lately, "The consumer voted, your side lost. Get over it."
If you don't think price point isn't a big consideration, think upon the PS3. When Sony announced that they were dropping (expensive) PS2 backwards compatibility, PS2 users lost their shinola but when the price point finally went under $350, Sony finally started selling enough units to make the program (consoles/games) profitable.
Mugre
you both have valid points. On one hand, it would be very convenient to have an XLR output from the device. On the other hand, the Radial DI would send a better sounding, easier to mix signal to any board, whether live, or much more importantly, in the studio. I can understand zoom not wanting to drive up prices. It's not as easy as just wiring an xlr jack into the pedal, and rather than do it badly or make it more expensive, zoom chose not to do it at all.
I guess the question is, what do you want the XLR out for? If it's just for convenience in rehearsals, or you have some amp setup that uses XLR input, so be it. Other than that, a $100 investment in a PRODI will perform better in every situation. I promise I don't work for Radial
+1
IMHO, in the gig bag of every bassist should be a DI box.
Even a budget DI box like this one can prove better and more flexible than many XLR outputs offered built-in on pedals and other equipment.
Invalid Link Removed
Once you own a DI box, you never have to be without, no matter the situation.
What makes you think it won't be usable as a recording interface?
If they want to save costs, they will use the same hardware and software as the G5n.
If they want to save costs, they will use the same hardware and software as the G5n.
Zoom's product comparison of their G3n, G3Xn, G5n on their web site indicates that USB Audio is only a feature on the G5n hardware.
The B3n is clearly based on the G3n hardware and therefore should also be sans USB Audio.
Time to buy a B3 for backup, I don't like the looks of this new one at all.
One person's 'pet' feature is critical functionality in their world. I guess it all depends on what each person uses it for. Some feed an power amp so cabs and sims are crucial so this is a huge step forward. Others used the DI functionality, so the new product is a step back for them. Others need it to be more a standalone practice box, so drums are good but no headphone is not. Some use it as a convenient platform for having multiple effects, and they have to decide if they need 7 over 3. As I said before, I'm perfectly happy with my old B3 and there's nothing here to get me to upgrade, but for some there is plenty. I have never used the XLR, drums or looping and I have other solutions for quiet/headphone practice. Something as simple as an integrated expression pedal like the Guitar products have would have done it for me. How expensive could that have been? They already have multiple chassis from the guitar things.
And that's been going over well hasn't it....
For me, it's a very important feature for home recording and practice. I know people who use the B3 live in an ampless band setup. A mixer handles XLR input way better than any other setup, and usually these sound better, to me, when the XLR is built in, rather than relying on 3rd party solutions and more stuff to hook up. What is sad is that Zoom really started to seem to make things that worked for both Pro and Amateur musicians with the Zoom B3 and MS-60B. They have since been going south, this product represents that direction to focus only on the Amateur musician.
For those interested in amp/cab modeling, in this hardware platform Zoom has separated the cabinet simulations from the amp models and extended the cab sims with dual microphones (for blending.)
In this way one could use the Mic/Cab sims as a standalone effect or with external pedals like a Darkglass B7K or VMT for example.
In this way one could use the Mic/Cab sims as a standalone effect or with external pedals like a Darkglass B7K or VMT for example.
I'll start by posting a couple of clips I've made since getting the G5n guitar processor last March (2016). First one is 100% G5n using the Hiwatt amp/cab sim. Second clip shows how I add hi-passed FX of the G5n (dirt) in the loop of the Iron Ether Divaricator pedal (B3 is actually used as the core SVT amp/cab emulation). Last clip is 100% G5n, set up to demonstrate a simulated fretless preset I made (the third take from that clip).
As a fan and user of the B3 for hundreds of gigs plus rehearsals, I got away from it due to its switching limitations, which is why I took a flyer on the G5n. Beyond the fact that the extra switches on the G5n and overall concept design suits my needs almost perfectly, I was very pleasantly surprised at how much better it sounded overall (completely subjective, so JMHO) compared to the G3/G5/B3 series. Quantifying the sonic upgrade is an evasive thing, and many may not hear much difference at all. I thought that the new algorithms just had a more realistic dynamic "feel" with increased realism. That's a pretty loose description, but that's how I feel about it. YMMV.
Clearly, the G5n is aimed at guitarists, and so I've done my share needling ZOOM about getting in the game with a new bass product featuring this platform. The B3n is what we're being offered (at least for the time being). As was the case with the G3/G5 vs G3n/G5n, there are a lot of users lamenting the B3n for almost the EXACT same reasons: no XLR; few amp models; limited number of effects; etc.
My take on this new series of Zoom pedals is that you really have to throw out what you assume a ZOOM product should be based on past pedals, and appreciate the new stuff for what it is and what it is designed to do (and do well). The lack of XLR never bothered me, although I used it a lot on the B3. I get why people are peeved about its omission. I'd rather have it than not, but it's not a dealbreaker for me. What matters most to me is the upgrade in sounds and simplicity of on-they-fly patch creating and editing. USB recording is a bonus. The patch software is pretty unimpressive, though it does its stated job. I'd really like to see this updated to be a fully functioning patch editor (not holding my breath).
Aside from the fact that the B3n is populated with bass-specific amps and features, it would be otherwise unfair for me to compare this to the G5n since I prefer the physical format of the G5n vs. the smaller B3n. For this reason, I'm probably going to hold out hope that a B5n is not far behind. If so, I'll definitely purchase one. If it's not in the cards, I'll gladly go with the B3n, if only for the amp/cab models, compression, and other finishing touches as a post stomp FX processor.
As for the limited initial offerings, I personally am not upset by this. Zoom did a respectable job updating the G5n with regular additions monthly for about 6 months or so. The G5n still doesn't have as many models and fx as previous units, but the software patch librarian indicates that there is room for another 40% of capacity for ZOOM to provide future additions, which I believe they will. I'll also say that the models that they do offer are really very good, especially for the $$$. I'm glad that I gave the G5n a chance. I think it's a worthy pedal, and based on that alone I'll say the same thing about the B3n. Since the B3/G3/G5, I think it's really hard to bet against ZOOM in the bang-for buck category. The new series is just a different direction, but certainly worthy IMHO.
As a fan and user of the B3 for hundreds of gigs plus rehearsals, I got away from it due to its switching limitations, which is why I took a flyer on the G5n. Beyond the fact that the extra switches on the G5n and overall concept design suits my needs almost perfectly, I was very pleasantly surprised at how much better it sounded overall (completely subjective, so JMHO) compared to the G3/G5/B3 series. Quantifying the sonic upgrade is an evasive thing, and many may not hear much difference at all. I thought that the new algorithms just had a more realistic dynamic "feel" with increased realism. That's a pretty loose description, but that's how I feel about it. YMMV.
Clearly, the G5n is aimed at guitarists, and so I've done my share needling ZOOM about getting in the game with a new bass product featuring this platform. The B3n is what we're being offered (at least for the time being). As was the case with the G3/G5 vs G3n/G5n, there are a lot of users lamenting the B3n for almost the EXACT same reasons: no XLR; few amp models; limited number of effects; etc.
My take on this new series of Zoom pedals is that you really have to throw out what you assume a ZOOM product should be based on past pedals, and appreciate the new stuff for what it is and what it is designed to do (and do well). The lack of XLR never bothered me, although I used it a lot on the B3. I get why people are peeved about its omission. I'd rather have it than not, but it's not a dealbreaker for me. What matters most to me is the upgrade in sounds and simplicity of on-they-fly patch creating and editing. USB recording is a bonus. The patch software is pretty unimpressive, though it does its stated job. I'd really like to see this updated to be a fully functioning patch editor (not holding my breath).
Aside from the fact that the B3n is populated with bass-specific amps and features, it would be otherwise unfair for me to compare this to the G5n since I prefer the physical format of the G5n vs. the smaller B3n. For this reason, I'm probably going to hold out hope that a B5n is not far behind. If so, I'll definitely purchase one. If it's not in the cards, I'll gladly go with the B3n, if only for the amp/cab models, compression, and other finishing touches as a post stomp FX processor.
As for the limited initial offerings, I personally am not upset by this. Zoom did a respectable job updating the G5n with regular additions monthly for about 6 months or so. The G5n still doesn't have as many models and fx as previous units, but the software patch librarian indicates that there is room for another 40% of capacity for ZOOM to provide future additions, which I believe they will. I'll also say that the models that they do offer are really very good, especially for the $$$. I'm glad that I gave the G5n a chance. I think it's a worthy pedal, and based on that alone I'll say the same thing about the B3n. Since the B3/G3/G5, I think it's really hard to bet against ZOOM in the bang-for buck category. The new series is just a different direction, but certainly worthy IMHO.
