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New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

#1,081
Received the following today. Plugged it in as a system and it powers the B3n nicely. The Power Bank was about half charged when delivered so I will have to fully charge it and find a method to measure battery life. My initial intention is to come up with a method (Velcro and zip ties) to mount this under the rear of the B3n thereby increasing the angle of the unit . It seems it will work out quite nicely. My total cost was $44.98.
Amazon.com: KUNCAN Dc 5v to Dc 9v Converter Step Up Voltage Converter 5ft Am to Dc 5.5 x 2.1mm: Electronics 2A 5vdc to 9vdc up converter
Amazon.com: Godlyke Power-All C-R/R Electric Guitar Right Angle Reverse Polarity Jumper: Musical Instruments Polarity reverse cable (Center positive to center negative)
Amazon.com: EasyAcc 20000mAh Power Bank (4A Dual-Input Fastest Charge 4.8A Smart Output) External Battery Pack Charger Portable Charger for Android iPhone Samsung HTC - Black and Orange: Cell Phones & Accessories 20K mah 4A Power Bank
 
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#1,084
fcajr said:
So...I understand that the amp and cabinet modeling is much improved from the B3. What about the effects? Are they significantly improved as well? I am the same as LeonD - mostly interested in the effects vs. the modeling.
Click to expand...

All models have been revisited to take advantage of the new DSP.

Besides Amps and Cabinets, Drives and Modulations stand out to me as having been significantly improved.

In addition to the above improvements, one may now chain more than three models, with new models in development for future, free download.
 
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#1,085
One thing I have noticed, which, while it is technically correct/better, is no bueno, for me: the MXR DI patch now seems to function like the actual pedal, in that the "color" is always engaged on the dirt channel. To my ear, the dirt ON with the color OFF on the old pedals was the closest thing to the EBS Sheehan pedals I've seen in the digital world. It was almost like Billy, in ones and zeros. Oh well, progress.
 
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#1,088
BassikLee said:
Win!!! Even if it slows it down, it's great that all you need to have for an OOPS moment is a charger. Sold.

Signed, sealed, delivered.
Click to expand...
Yes. The Power bank has 2 inputs to allow for faster charging. It claims 6 hours with 2 x 2 amp sources and no outputs being utilized. My main reason for doing this is to be able to walk into a jam situation and not have to find ac power. Bass players with effects units are generally frowned upon so being able to walk on stage with the B3n in hand and the bass already plugged in will stifle at least some of the geetards. Most will still want to know why one would have such a thing since it's "just a bass". You know the whole "Just thump around a bit and don't get in the way of my virtuosic geetar meanderings" thing. I think for most gigs I would still plug it into AC although the ability to pass through the Power Bank is darn nice. I have an old Pedal Snake which allows me to plug the power supply in by my amp and run one line out to the pedal(s). Make for a nice neat setup
 
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#1,089
CharlieC said:
Heads-Up: Power Issue

In tests today I found that the B3n will not share 9V DC power with any other pedal on the same 9V DC power line. A high-pitched "whine" will occur in the B3n's output signal when the pedals are connected.

In other words, one cannot use a single wall wart adapter, split it with a "Y" or other daisy chain, and then share/send power to the B3n.

Trust me, I tried everything: different wall warts, use of an aux power out tap on a Tuner pedal, it will whine. It will even whine if the only other pedal is an MS-60B.

The only cure I found is to use an isolated power supply with dedicated taps (like my favorite Truetone CS7), or simply run the B3n with its own wall wart, and then no whine.
Click to expand...


I have an older (white) Pedaltrain Volto power tank, and I run the B3n and a Sonic Research TurboTuner off it without any issues. I don't remember if I have them going to separate power plugs on that same Volto or a chain, however.....
 
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#1,091
Stu_Bass said:
Battery life?
Click to expand...

About 2 hours playing so far (and occasional tuning with the TurboTuner also connected), and the little Volto still shows 2 of 3 bars. I need to charge it, then set up and run a synthetic test (someone suggested playing something through the looper) and run-to-fail to know for sure. If work will stop interfering with my work, I may be able to set that up tomorrow and report back.
 
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#1,093
So quick thoughts....I picked up the B3N to primarily use it as an effects processor. I wanted to use it in my live rig specifically for Modulation, Synth and Filter effects. I am running Ashdown ABM 500 hybrid heads and Eden cabinets. (No use for amp or cab modeling in other words)

My plan was to still run my Keeley Bassist Limiter into a Darkglass BK3 for light dirt then into my Cog Knightfall for mid gain and high gain dirt and finally into the Zoom for forementioned effects.

What I found is that there is absolutely NO reason to use any other pedals! I basically set up several banks:

1. Always on DB160 Comp then selectable Tube Grit, Med Gain OD and High Gain OD.

2. Always on DB160 then Phaser, Chorus and Wah

3. Always on DB160 then Synth1, Synth2 and Octaver.

I can easily swap banks depending upon the song and always have Comp running in front! KILLER pedal that has replaced about $800 worth of pedals on my board!

I had SERIOUS doubts this could replace some of the pedals I use...especially at $200....but I was WRONG!
 
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#1,094
BaltBass5 said:
So quick thoughts....I picked up the B3N to primarily use it as an effects processor. I wanted to use it in my live rig specifically for Modilation, Synth and Filter effects. I am running Ashdown ABM 500 hybrid heads and Eden cabinets. (No use for amp or cab modeling in other words)

My plan was to still run my Keeley Bassist Limiter into a Darkglass BK3 for light dirt then into my Cog Knightfall for mid gain and high gain dirt and finally into the Zoom for forementioned effects.

What I found is that there is absolutely NO reason to use any other pedals! I basically set up several banks:

1. Always on DB160 Comp then selectable Tube Grit, Med Gain OD and High Gain OD.

2. Always on DB160 then Phaser, Chorus and Wah

3. Always on DB160 then Synth1, Synth2 and Octaver.

I can easily swap banks depending upon the song and always have Comp running in front! KILLER pedal that has replaced about $800 worth of pedals on my board!
Click to expand...

cyrus.jpg
 
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#1,097
I know I know. GAS got the better of me. :meh: I plugged into a GK rig at a local music store the other day and realized how much I missed that tone? I thought it would be easier to use a preamp into the effects return of my SWR.
But the 3n is even $100 cheaper!:hyper: I guess we will see. I'm still waiting for your full review Charlie! :)
Take care,
Brent
 
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#1,098
BrentSimons said:
I know I know. GAS got the better of me. :meh: I plugged into a GK rig at a local music store the other day and realized how much I missed that tone? I thought it would be easier to use a preamp into the effects return of my SWR.
But the 3n is even $100 cheaper!:hyper: I guess we will see. I'm still waiting for your full review Charlie! :)
Take care,
Brent
Click to expand...

Your purchase pretty much ensures that the next Guitar Lab update will be a GK head and cabinet :D
 
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#1,100
bobpond said:
Got mine today but had to work in the office today so only time for a quick once over when I got home. First impression is this is going to be just what I need. iOS rig is not even close. More later.

I do want to say this is the BEST thread I've seen on TB in a while. So many great questions and great answers and great insights.
Click to expand...
It's cause most of us have been through this Zoom thing several times. AND, we've been waiting for this for awhile.
 
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