New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

[Spblat]

Please post your settings. my experience is hit and nmiss

Same here, mostly miss. Only octaver I've been happy with is one where I blend a natural low note with a high one instead of the other way around.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

Coming back to this forum today I realise that at least the Zoom doesn't have a bizarre name.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

Hi to all!

I'm searching for a good multifx unit. I' ve read about a lot of units and I'm intrigued by line 6 500hdx/bass pod xt live and Zoom B3n.
Obviously there is the new Helix LT, but I just need something to avoid carrying loads of effects around and something for recording, so don't think I would use Helix 100%.
Maybe (for half the price) a B3n + GK plex pre could give me all I need, plus the ability to use both or just one unit depending on the band I'm playing.

But how does the zoom sounds compared the HD500x/bass pod xt live?

PS: In my old B2.1U there was a mono synth for which I can choose the wave form. Is still possible in the B3n?
Thanks to all and sorry for my english^^

I assume the B3n monosynth is similar to the B1on, so you might want to try that first and keep that as a backup if you get the B3n.

 

[The Rage]

Thanks. I will try it

 

[Pietro Stimoli]

I assume the B3n monosynth is similar to the B1on, so you might want to try that first and keep that as a backup if you get the B3n.

For me not only the monosynth...

 

[David Sutkin]

Kind of a lame question BUT ....... I have a B3n and I use it often but I haven't dug much deeper then the standard presets at their standard levels... I'm a simple plug and play kind of player and so "tweaking" settings and "usb patch downloads" have never been my thing..... think "old dog, new tricks"

So here's my question ... am I doing myself a dis-justice by not digging in deep playing with the unit to design all kinds of complex, layered tones? Is there much of a difference between what you can create by tweaking knobs (reading the manual ) vs. just using the standard patches?

Before someone writes "It depends on what you want to achieve" (we should have an acronym for that I hear it so much on TB = IDOWYWTA) ... I like to experiment with different tones as that helps the inspiration to write new lines.

Bottom line: Is this B3n worth the time to roll up one's sleeves and look under the hood?

 

[Spblat]

Bottom line: Is this B3n worth the time to roll up one's sleeves and look under the hood?

Not a lame question. I think the answer is definitely. I've never been an effects tweaker and I'm a bit of an old dog myself. But I am very glad to have dug in and made my own patches. I certainly don't have a solid grasp of all of the available effects but I'm narrowing in on the sound I want to achieve:

• Compressor to even things out a little
• EQ to scoop out the 400Hz mids just a bit, I do this with an amp model
• Access to chorus, flange, fuzz, delay etc. when needed

So my process has been to pick a compressor, fart around with it until I feel like I understand how it works, add some other effects, notice somebody ranting in this thread about a different compressor and how awesome it is, gig with it and realize it's not quite right, repeat. I haven't documented my current set of patches yet but my strategy is similar to what I wrote here. Compressor-wise, first I tried the 160, then the Lmt76 and now I'm using BlackOpt.

 

[David Sutkin]

Not a lame question. I think the answer is definitely. I've never been an effects tweaker and I'm a bit of an old dog myself. But I am very glad to have dug in and made my own patches. I certainly don't have a solid grasp of all of the available effects but I'm narrowing in on the sound I want to achieve:

• Compressor to even things out a little
• EQ to scoop out the 400Hz mids just a bit, I do this with an amp model
• Access to chorus, flange, fuzz, delay etc. when needed

So my process has been to pick a compressor, fart around with it until I feel like I understand how it works, add some other effects, notice somebody ranting in this thread about a different compressor and how awesome it is, gig with it and realize it's not quite right, repeat. I haven't documented my current set of patches yet but my strategy is similar to what I wrote here. Compressor-wise, first I tried the 160, then the Lmt76 and now I'm using BlackOpt.

Thanks for the response brother, time to find the manual!

 

[Stu_Bass]

Not a lame question. I think the answer is definitely. I've never been an effects tweaker and I'm a bit of an old dog myself. But I am very glad to have dug in and made my own patches. I certainly don't have a solid grasp of all of the available effects but I'm narrowing in on the sound I want to achieve:

• Compressor to even things out a little
• EQ to scoop out the 400Hz mids just a bit, I do this with an amp model
• Access to chorus, flange, fuzz, delay etc. when needed

So my process has been to pick a compressor, fart around with it until I feel like I understand how it works, add some other effects, notice somebody ranting in this thread about a different compressor and how awesome it is, gig with it and realize it's not quite right, repeat. I haven't documented my current set of patches yet but my strategy is similar to what I wrote here. Compressor-wise, first I tried the 160, then the Lmt76 and now I'm using BlackOpt.

I Like the Black Opt as a front end compressor because it adds a bit of fatness and the LMT76 for end of chain limiting to tame octaver and filter effects that add a bunch of transients and bottom

 

[FuzzFacetious]

Please post your settings. my experience is hit and nmiss

Same here, mostly miss. Only octaver I've been happy with is one where I blend a natural low note with a high one instead of the other way around.

Sure, I'll try to remember tomorrow. I am playing into an amp though so you'll have to adjust the patch for your method of hearing it if it isn't an amp set up the same way.

Kind of a lame question BUT ....... I have a B3n and I use it often but I haven't dug much deeper then the standard presets at their standard levels... I'm a simple plug and play kind of player and so "tweaking" settings and "usb patch downloads" have never been my thing..... think "old dog, new tricks"

So here's my question ... am I doing myself a dis-justice by not digging in deep playing with the unit to design all kinds of complex, layered tones? Is there much of a difference between what you can create by tweaking knobs (reading the manual ) vs. just using the standard patches?

Before someone writes "It depends on what you want to achieve" (we should have an acronym for that I hear it so much on TB = IDOWYWTA) ... I like to experiment with different tones as that helps the inspiration to write new lines.

Bottom line: Is this B3n worth the time to roll up one's sleeves and look under the hood?

Not a lame question. I think the answer is definitely. I've never been an effects tweaker and I'm a bit of an old dog myself. But I am very glad to have dug in and made my own patches. I certainly don't have a solid grasp of all of the available effects but I'm narrowing in on the sound I want to achieve:

• Compressor to even things out a little
• EQ to scoop out the 400Hz mids just a bit, I do this with an amp model
• Access to chorus, flange, fuzz, delay etc. when needed

So my process has been to pick a compressor, fart around with it until I feel like I understand how it works, add some other effects, notice somebody ranting in this thread about a different compressor and how awesome it is, gig with it and realize it's not quite right, repeat. I haven't documented my current set of patches yet but my strategy is similar to what I wrote here. Compressor-wise, first I tried the 160, then the Lmt76 and now I'm using BlackOpt.

I Like the Black Opt as a front end compressor because it adds a bit of fatness and the LMT76 for end of chain limiting to tame octaver and filter effects that add a bunch of transients and bottom

Yeah, making your own patches is the best thing, the thing is for me, is that my patches tend to follow the following pattern:

1. ZNR to cut any noise
2. Dirt/boost/comp
3. Amp (2 blocks)
4. Cabinet

So before I even start doing anything, I've already used at least 5 blocks. I do play into a physical amp BUT I really like using an amp sim and cab (mixed low) anyway. This also helps if I'm ever playing live and forced to go direct, far less adjusting needed. I only miss out an amp model if I want to use the amp's dirt channel or in one patch that I use as a modulation/synth/effect pedalboard.

For this reason, and because I like to keep an XLR available, have a drum beat and keep a looper on tap without using slots or being forced to stick to the one patch, I chain the B3n to a B3 that has my always-on effects (comp/limiter, delay, verb usually) so I can use my remaining slot(s) for modulation, wah, EQ, pitch shifting, synth or whatever I fancy.

IMO it's worth figuring out what basic layout of effects you like (like my example template I use, the 5+ blocks) which really speeds up the patch building process, and then work out how you can make each one unique and how to make it serve the song you're playing or the riff you're writing/jamming.

 

[VonSledgehammer]

Please post your settings. my experience is hit and nmiss

You likely know this already, but make sure the Octaver is early in the chain, e.g.,
Compressor => Octaver => Amp Sim => Cab Sim
If you do this instead:
Compressor => Amp Sim => Cab Sim => Octaver
or
Compressor => Distortion => Octaver
you will find the tracking much less reliable. And if you are cranking the gain on the compressor to add some color, then you may need to put the Octaver before it as well.

 

[Krakmann]

Bottom line: Is this B3n worth the time to roll up one's sleeves and look under the hood?

If you use it without an amp, or even if you use one, I would definitely spend some quality time testing the amp models in isolation and playing with their controls. They can add so much to your "basic tone". The rest is (great) icing on the cake. For example, I haven't yet explored the nuances of each delay, I'm just Ok with having basic repetitions.

 

[Stu_Bass]

You likely know this already, but make sure the Octaver is early in the chain, e.g.,
Compressor => Octaver => Amp Sim => Cab Sim
If you do this instead:
Compressor => Amp Sim => Cab Sim => Octaver
or
Compressor => Distortion => Octaver
you will find the tracking much less reliable. And if you are cranking the gain on the compressor to add some color, then you may need to put the Octaver before it as well.

Always Bass>Comp>Octaver

 

[David Sutkin]

You likely know this already, but make sure the Octaver is early in the chain, e.g.,
Compressor => Octaver => Amp Sim => Cab Sim
If you do this instead:
Compressor => Amp Sim => Cab Sim => Octaver
or
Compressor => Distortion => Octaver
you will find the tracking much less reliable. And if you are cranking the gain on the compressor to add some color, then you may need to put the Octaver before it as well.

Always Bass>Comp>Octaver

I'm thinking about taking the financial plunge and buying an Eventide H9 Max ...... (chronic GAS sufferer) ...... I'm assuming these 2 units, the B3N and the H9 are not even on the same plane?

The YouTube videos and online reviews show this as "one" of the top of the line multi effects units.

I know there are threads solely related to the pros and cons of the H9 but can the BN1 even be compared to it?

I'd hate to drop that kind of cash and find out I can pretty much create most of the H9 patches with the B3N?

Apples to oranges?

 

[BassikLee]

What is a BN1?

 

[David Sutkin]

What is a BN1?

Look back on previous thread posts....

It's a Zoom multi effects pedal.

 

[BassikLee]

Are you referring to the B1on?

 

[Stu_Bass]

I'm thinking about taking the financial plunge and buying an Eventide H9 Max ...... (chronic GAS sufferer) ...... I'm assuming these 2 units, the BN1 and the H9 are not even on the same plane?

The YouTube videos and online reviews show this as "one" of the top of the line multi effects units.

I know there are threads solely related to the pros and cons of the H9 but can the BN1 even be compared to it?

I'd hate to drop that kind of cash and find out I can pretty much create most of the H9 patches with the BN1?

Apples to oranges?

My problem with the H9 is that it is one effect at a time, one top of the line effect mind you, but I would want like 5 of them and then some. Anyone have any experience with the Hotone Xtomp?

 

[David Sutkin]

Are you referring to the B1on?

Yup, my bad, sorry

Actually, I'm referring to the B3N

 

[David Sutkin]

My problem with the H9 is that it is one effect at a time, one top of the line effect mind you, but I would want like 5 of them and then some. Anyone have any experience with the Hotone Xtomp?

Agreed, one effect at a time could be a deal breaker. For that price ($700) ... you'd think they would have taken that into consideration.