New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

[Dels]

I'm sorry you got a bad one. I'm sure the replacement will be fine.

Yep, got the replacement today and no problem! on to making sounds with it now

 

[FuzzFacetious]

I really hope I can get one soon... I should sell the MS60B!

I'm kinda wondering whether to keep the B3 or the MS for the effects loop...

B3 will be better for easy live switching, and with a b3n in front I wouldn't need more than 3 slots there as I can shove all the other stuff before the amp in those 7 slots. Also the B3 is already set up for effect loop use, while the MS has been programmed as a before-amp clean tone, dirty tone and amp sim pedal.

 

[BrentSimons]

Hey Guys,
Have any of you tried the "splitter" effect? I'm hoping someone can chime in to it's strengths and ability to shape the tone with other effects going after it or does it affect other effects going after it?
Thank you in advance!
Brent

 

[Jazz Ad]

From the description, the splitter appears to be the same as in the B3, with the same flaw. You can't separate hi and low signal, they are both fed into whatever comes next.
If they wired it stereo, with lows in one output and highs in the other, it would be a killer crossover.
So far the only uses I have found for it were as a hpf and for violent lows with no highs in metal mixes.

 

[jimfist]

Hey Guys,
Have any of you tried the "splitter" effect? I'm hoping someone can chime in to it's strengths and ability to shape the tone with other effects going after it or does it affect other effects going after it?
Thank you in advance!
Brent

[LOL! @Jazz Ad beat me to it! ]

I suppose you could use this as a type of hi/low pass filter. To filter out excessive low frequencies, set the x-over point to 80hz and put the low Ratio at zero, high ratio at 100. To high pass, select 2.5k as the x-over and reverse the balance (hi ratio = 0, low ratio = 100). The frequency selections could go lower to 40hz and higher to 5khz IMO if used this way, but oh well.

I guess you could use the Splitter as a way to re-balance your overall tone without the need to resort to touching anything else in your signal chain. Perhaps if you have different basses with drastically different EQ and output, you could use the splitter as a simple one-slot means of keeping the EQ balance and level more similar...but you could use the simple Bass Pre for this too, but it eats up a lot more cpu processing (Splitter = 6 vs. Bass Pre = 18).

I've tried it before and haven't found a real good use for the Splitter, personally. Now, if ZOOM allowed for dual signal path processing with the Lo/Hi bands providing the split, then that's a different story. Without it, the Splitter is just another variation on a tone/level balancing effect.

 

[Jazz Ad]

YOu can think of it as a poor man Baxandall EQ.

 

[Cider]

Yep, got the replacement today and no problem! on to making sounds with it now

Really happy to hear that you didn't let one faulty unit ruin your experience with the B3n. I hope you get to enjoy yours now

 

[Spblat]

For my new B3n and my new Korg Pitchblack.

 

[BassikLee]

Are you putting strap locks on the B3n? I hadn't thought of that. Seems like a wise plan.

 

[Fight4Bottom]

I am very interested in buying the B3n, but I wanted some opinions on my planned effects chain.

I currently use a Tech 21 VT Deluxe for dirt and EQ, then using its effects loop to feed my modulation pedals. I'm thinking of using the B3n to replace the modulation pedals in the loop, feeding it the gritty sound from the VT.

Current setup:
Bass -> Tuner -> Compressor -> Octaver -> VT Deluxe -(send)> Chorus -> Delay -> Tremolo -(return)> VT Deluxe

Planned setup:
Bass -> Tuner -> Compressor -> Octaver -> VT Deluxe -(send)> Zoom B3n -(return)> VT Deluxe

Do you see any problems doing it that way? I want to keep the VT because I like its tone and its DI.

 

[BassikLee]

I see no issue that that. You might be able to get away without the tuner, compressor, octave, by using the ones in the B3n tho. Otoh, you might prefer the ones you have.

 

[Johno Dunn]

I am very interested in buying the B3n, but I wanted some opinions on my planned effects chain.

I currently use a Tech 21 VT Deluxe for dirt and EQ, then using its effects loop to feed my modulation pedals. I'm thinking of using the B3n to replace the modulation pedals in the loop, feeding it the gritty sound from the VT.

Current setup:
Bass -> Tuner -> Compressor -> Octaver -> VT Deluxe -(send)> Chorus -> Delay -> Tremolo -(return)> VT Deluxe

Planned setup:
Bass -> Tuner -> Compressor -> Octaver -> VT Deluxe -(send)> Zoom B3n -(return)> VT Deluxe

Do you see any problems doing it that way? I want to keep the VT because I like its tone and its DI.

Do you have any experience with the Zoom Sims? In my opinion, the SVT sim crushes the VT. You may find you don't need it either.
J!

 

[Fight4Bottom]

Do you have any experience with the Zoom Sims? In my opinion, the SVT sim crushes the VT. You may find you don't need it either.

I have never used Zoom products before. I wasn't planning to use the B3n's modelling, but I may have to give it a try if it's as good as you say.

 

[BrentSimons]

From the description, the splitter appears to be the same as in the B3, with the same flaw. You can't separate hi and low signal, they are both fed into whatever comes next.
If they wired it stereo, with lows in one output and highs in the other, it would be a killer crossover.
So far the only uses I have found for it were as a hpf and for violent lows with no highs in metal mixes.

[LOL! @Jazz Ad beat me to it! ]

I suppose you could use this as a type of hi/low pass filter. To filter out excessive low frequencies, set the x-over point to 80hz and put the low Ratio at zero, high ratio at 100. To high pass, select 2.5k as the x-over and reverse the balance (hi ratio = 0, low ratio = 100). The frequency selections could go lower to 40hz and higher to 5khz IMO if used this way, but oh well.

I guess you could use the Splitter as a way to re-balance your overall tone without the need to resort to touching anything else in your signal chain. Perhaps if you have different basses with drastically different EQ and output, you could use the splitter as a simple one-slot means of keeping the EQ balance and level more similar...but you could use the simple Bass Pre for this too, but it eats up a lot more cpu processing (Splitter = 6 vs. Bass Pre = 18).

I've tried it before and haven't found a real good use for the Splitter, personally. Now, if ZOOM allowed for dual signal path processing with the Lo/Hi bands providing the split, then that's a different story. Without it, the Splitter is just another variation on a tone/level balancing effect.

Thanks Guys! I completely forgot about the signal paths! Yes that would be heading into Fractal and Line 6 land where you can pick your paths. I've never used the Splitter on my B3.
Thank you,
Brent

 

[Stu_Bass]

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[/QUOTE

Have been running it with a loop and drum machine for 2 hours so far. All 4 lights are still lit!

 

[lemueldave]

Any more love for the amp sims other than the SVT?

 

[Noshtero]

Any more love for the amp sims other than the SVT?

I'm using the SM-400. Love it.

B7K into the SM-400 is perfect!

 

[ppiluk]

Long and McQuade in Canada still doesn't have any in stock and can't tell me when they will be able to get them. I am not too surprised and I guess I will have to be patient for a bit longer. I did pick up a Boss ME-20B and a Zoom B1on to tide me over.

 

[Johno Dunn]

Any more love for the amp sims other than the SVT?

I'll eventually build a patch around all the amp sims, just so I can see how they react to my rig.

 

[mysteryclock]

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.....

Update - So I apparently stated some Alternative Facts here. I was playing amplified (not headphones) today at a pretty good volume, and I'll be dammed...there is a whine when both are plugged into the Volto, even on its separate outlets. It isn't loud, but I did notice it finally.

WTH?

So...now what? Do I go with a cheap 9v battery adapter for the TurboTuner since it doesn't use much juice and isn't often on, or find another, even higher-capacity battery pack I can shove under the Pedaltrain just for the B3n.