New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

[Pietro Stimoli]

Here are some audio clips. If you've ever heard some of the sound samples I've made in the past, I'm a fan of tones that have a bit of edge and grit/dirt, and are not necessarily pristine. This set of clips is no different. TOOL, RHCP, AIC, STP, and others of that ilk are among my favorite bands and bassists, so if you're looking for polite tones, you'll not like these at all, and apologies that maybe this demo series is of little value to you.

First, I've posted a clip of my Schecter Stiletto Studio 4 string bass, essentially dry with some B3n LMT-76, as a reference (tones set flat, both pickups). It's (for me) a perfectly workable tone as-is, and I've gone fully direct with this bass with nothing else and happily gigged. What I like is how much of an effect the amp/cab modeling have on the tone, and to me it is as good as a mic'd version of the real thing. Of course, you may disagree.

Next you'll hear versions of both the B3 and B3n going into the SVT model/cab sim and then the Limiter. I did spend some time to consciously make these sounds to be pretty close, and they both have a fair amount of amp gain for some hair/overdrive. You may not think that there's much of a difference in the tone, and I'd have to agree, in this context. The settings between both devices are totally different, though, and the B3n amp model has a more flexible and realistic range of sounds/settings IMO. Obviously the cab sim has a lot more flexibility now, and is a different animal than the SVT 8x10 sim in the B3.

Next, you'll hear the same signal chain SVT--8x10--LMT-76, but with the SVT's gain lowered and cleaned up. This is because I wanted the Darkglass PRE and OD to provide the distortion you're hearing, with is quite a different flavor than what you get from the SVT preamp. You may also notice that the Darkglass PRE and OD sound pretty similar the way I've set them, although the 2 slot PRE is ultimately far more flexible, while the OD gets you the flavor but not much control for the tone/EQ.

Feel free to skewer me or fire away with pointed questions. Also, I'm soon hoping to get going on some special effects comparisons and demos for the B3n.

Jimfist, you have a fractal, there are many differences of sound quality between the zoom b3n and fractal axe?

 

[Cider]

Anybody have a chance to run a guitar through the B3n? How do the effects sound?

I did for a bit with the SVT sims to get Josh Homme's "No One Knows" sound. It sounded pretty nice to my ears

 

[jimfist]

Jimfist, you have a fractal, there are many differences of sound quality between the zoom b3n and fractal axe?

I'd say that there is definitely a difference in quality, but it isn't 10x the price difference superior. The AxeFxII does a great job at guitar amp/cab modeling, and can sound very good for bass. Overall, it's just a fantastic piece of gear. Ridiculously deep set of features. The B3n gets points for being a bass specific pedal at a good price, and the quality of the modeling and effects are remarkably good for the cost.

All that said, I've listened to the amp modeling of both pieces up close via my Atomic CLR speakers, and really, for all intents and purposes, the B3n can hold its own vs. the AxeFxII for BASS tones, straight out of the box. However, the AxeFxII allows you do go down some deep rabbit holes so that you can extract things out of it that just aren't possible from the B3n. Devices like the AxeFxII, Kemper Profiler, Helix are really in a category all their own.

 

[CharlieC]

If there is one lesson learned from TalkBass, it is "do not believe everything you read." Experience it for yourself and instead form your own opinion.

With this said, I will save the time it would take to author my review of the B3n and instead provide the graphic below.

Many have waited a long time for technology to catch up with expectations (myself included) and that time has finally arrived.

Without hesitation, I give the B3n my highest recommendation!

Cheers!

 

[CharlieC]

{ Limited audience, sans @jimfist }

Did you hear that guy's sound samples from the B3n above?

To quote Steve Perry last night at Journey's RRHF 2017 induction, "Are you ******* ******** me?"

^^^

 

[GBass001]

Oh Why? Why? Why? Do you show me these things..drool

 

[Spblat]

Oh Why? Why? Why? Do you show me these things..drool

Right?! I've relaxed a little and just ordered a Pedaltrain Nano and a second USB upconverting transformer because grab-and-go is more important to me than omglookatthatgorgeousboardicanteven. the overhang will be a little awkward but it'll fit in my Mono Tick which I'm quite attached to...because it's attached to the bag with my two favorite instruments.

 

[CharlieC]

This side panel arrangement moves and improves vulnerable B3n I/O off to the side ...

Optional padded gig bag also available!

 

[GBass001]

Right?! I've relaxed a little and just ordered a Pedaltrain Nano and a second USB upconverting transformer because grab-and-go is more important to me than omglookatthatgorgeousboardicanteven. the overhang will be a little awkward but it'll fit in my Mono Tick which I'm quite attached to...because it's attached to the bag with my two favorite instruments.

Snap!!! I happen to have a Tick laying around with nothing to do... Hmmm...
Dude! Perfect fit. Finally. This tick was burrowed in and bugging me for at least 2 years.

 

[GBass001]

This side panel arrangement moves and improves vulnerable B3n I/O off to the side ...

Optional padded gig bag also available!

How do you beat quality products like that? Very cool and well thought out.

 

[Crystalman85]

I've been playing with the B3n for a few days. Here's my initial reaction. This pedal is capable of replacing my current board. The sound improvements are clear and compelling for me. I compared the Zoom effects to some of my current analogue pedals/ B3 and here are the initial ideas.

Compressor - I have an MXR Bass Compressor. Unfortunately it stopped working when I went to compare (strange). However, I've ended up putting a compressor at the start of each of my B3n patches. 160Comp and BlackOpt are my go tos, with BlackOpt being slightly more transparent.

DIs - I love the DIs on the original B3. The depth and character of tone feel that touch more enhanced.

Drives - IMHO these are a big improvement. My porkloin has a deep, rich tone with a hairy, but not agressive overdrive. The Zoom dark glass sim has been my go to so far and is capable of maintaining the rich low end. The overdrive top end "hair" is of a different quality. I haven't been able to replicate the responsive warmth exactly of the Porkloin, but I have gained low end clarity without sacrificing depth and I'm loving the overdrive vibe.

Bass Octave - This was a big one for me. I use an Aguilar octamizer. The Zoom bass octave brings the low end and has remarkable flexibility in tone. Aguilar's sound is more organic, but to my ears the distinction is one of taste and not degree of quality. The tracking on Zoom is great.

Filters - I used the envelop filters on the B3 and they were simply passable. For me there's no competition in this category. The B3n filters seem more
Natural in their response. No analogue comparison on this one.

Amp/can Sims - I play through a Tonehammer500 amp and am primarily interested in live application so I haven't played with the amp/cab sims yet.

I've dialed in the sounds I use most often and tinkered with some crazy new ones. I'm planning on gigging with the B3n instead of my board for the next three weeks to see how it goes.

I'm looking forward to seeing the patch exchange. That was one of the best parts of the B3. Always a new tone to dial in.

Thanks for the review on the effects, amp and cab models on the zoom b3n. how are the modulation effects?

 

[Crystalman85]

Here are some audio clips. If you've ever heard some of the sound samples I've made in the past, I'm a fan of tones that have a bit of edge and grit/dirt, and are not necessarily pristine. This set of clips is no different. TOOL, RHCP, AIC, STP, and others of that ilk are among my favorite bands and bassists, so if you're looking for polite tones, you'll not like these at all, and apologies that maybe this demo series is of little value to you.

First, I've posted a clip of my Schecter Stiletto Studio 4 string bass, essentially dry with some B3n LMT-76, as a reference (tones set flat, both pickups). It's (for me) a perfectly workable tone as-is, and I've gone fully direct with this bass with nothing else and happily gigged. What I like is how much of an effect the amp/cab modeling have on the tone, and to me it is as good as a mic'd version of the real thing. Of course, you may disagree.

Next you'll hear versions of both the B3 and B3n going into the SVT model/cab sim and then the Limiter. I did spend some time to consciously make these sounds to be pretty close, and they both have a fair amount of amp gain for some hair/overdrive. You may not think that there's much of a difference in the tone, and I'd have to agree, in this context. The settings between both devices are totally different, though, and the B3n amp model has a more flexible and realistic range of sounds/settings IMO. Obviously the cab sim has a lot more flexibility now, and is a different animal than the SVT 8x10 sim in the B3.

Next, you'll hear the same signal chain SVT--8x10--LMT-76, but with the SVT's gain lowered and cleaned up. This is because I wanted the Darkglass PRE and OD to provide the distortion you're hearing, with is quite a different flavor than what you get from the SVT preamp. You may also notice that the Darkglass PRE and OD sound pretty similar the way I've set them, although the 2 slot PRE is ultimately far more flexible, while the OD gets you the flavor but not much control for the tone/EQ.

Feel free to skewer me or fire away with pointed questions. Also, I'm soon hoping to get going on some special effects comparisons and demos for the B3n.

Awesome demos, jimfist. I do like what I hear from the darkglass models. I was thinking of getting one to check out it's take on of the darkglass models. now I know it sounds pretty cool. I do dig how the dark pre model sounds. I plan to get one real soon.

 

[Frellin Smesh]

Do the B3n amps overdrive when the amp gain is increased?
I'm still curious because on the B3, only the SVT & Super-Bass amps had any input gain drive.


(Still hate you all )......

 

[GBass001]

What kind of power supplies are those? And you have 2 to avoid that whine issue right?
Thanks.

 

[CharlieC]

What kind of power supplies are those? And you have 2 to avoid that whine issue right?
Thanks.

Yes, to avoid the whine issue, my board uses two of these.

 

[CharlieC]

Do the B3n amps overdrive when the amp gain is increased?
I'm still curious because on the B3, only the SVT & Super-Bass amps had any input gain drive.


(Still hate you all )......

The SVT model in the B3n does not get filthy, but the Gain is highly responsive and grinds like "Fire & Desire"!

 

[jimfist]

Do the B3n amps overdrive when the amp gain is increased?
I'm still curious because on the B3, only the SVT & Super-Bass amps had any input gain drive.


(Still hate you all )......

I posted 5 clips here. v v v

New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

The first one is dry bass, and tracks 2 and 3 are the B3 and B3n SVT models being driven with the gain of the amp only. With my bass, IIRC the gain was on 38 or thereabouts for the B3n SVT model, with plenty more room to go for much more drive than presented in the clip.

 

[GBass001]

Yes, to avoid the whine issue, my board uses two of these.

Koolio. I use this now and will be able to extend to my power source for most gigs I do. I misunderstood the earlier posts about needing to use the Zoom included power plug. It's like all of 2' long.

 

[shark561]

So interestingly, my b3n doesn't play nice with a 1spot. It buzzes loud. With the zoom power supply it's nice and silent. But not so with the 1spot...

 

[gregmon79]

I've been playing with the B3n for a few days. Here's my initial reaction. This pedal is capable of replacing my current board. The sound improvements are clear and compelling for me. I compared the Zoom effects to some of my current analogue pedals/ B3 and here are the initial ideas.

Compressor - I have an MXR Bass Compressor. Unfortunately it stopped working when I went to compare (strange). However, I've ended up putting a compressor at the start of each of my B3n patches. 160Comp and BlackOpt are my go tos, with BlackOpt being slightly more transparent.

DIs - I love the DIs on the original B3. The depth and character of tone feel that touch more enhanced.

Drives - IMHO these are a big improvement. My porkloin has a deep, rich tone with a hairy, but not agressive overdrive. The Zoom dark glass sim has been my go to so far and is capable of maintaining the rich low end. The overdrive top end "hair" is of a different quality. I haven't been able to replicate the responsive warmth exactly of the Porkloin, but I have gained low end clarity without sacrificing depth and I'm loving the overdrive vibe.

Bass Octave - This was a big one for me. I use an Aguilar octamizer. The Zoom bass octave brings the low end and has remarkable flexibility in tone. Aguilar's sound is more organic, but to my ears the distinction is one of taste and not degree of quality. The tracking on Zoom is great.

Filters - I used the envelop filters on the B3 and they were simply passable. For me there's no competition in this category. The B3n filters seem more
Natural in their response. No analogue comparison on this one.

Amp/can Sims - I play through a Tonehammer500 amp and am primarily interested in live application so I haven't played with the amp/cab sims yet.

I've dialed in the sounds I use most often and tinkered with some crazy new ones. I'm planning on gigging with the B3n instead of my board for the next three weeks to see how it goes.

I'm looking forward to seeing the patch exchange. That was one of the best parts of the B3. Always a new tone to dial in.

Dude. I don't even need this man. But I you just really made me want to buy this. Bad. Thanks buddy!