New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

[ga_edwards]

You would just scroll left or right so that the effect you want is highlighted within the 4 slot "window". The "window" isn't locked in a static state. Granted, the example you cite REQUIRES scrolling, but that is not to say you have no reasonable access to the front end comp. You just may not also be able to access the other FX readily, and scrolling is required.

You're quite right, i could scroll everytime I wanted to switch a particular effect in and about, but you have to admit, bending over every few songs to do so isn't exactly convenient.

To be, the idea of a foot controlled pedal/unit, is just that. Foot controlled. If well designed and setup correctly, you should be able to play a whole set without bending over to interact with it.

I say this, because in my regular effect chain, I have a couple of always on effects, plus 3 others that I regularly switch about in and out, and another 1 or 2 for specific songs. Yes, I would set up specific patches for those specific songs, not a problem, makes perfect sense. But for my core sound, I want one patch, with several effects in a particular order and stomp box control over 3 of them. I do not want to make duplicate patches, as if I need to tweak something, I need to do it for each patch (I have to do this with my MS60B and it's a pain).

Surely it not beyond the realms of possibility to let the user choose which effects are 'live' and which are hidden, rather that being forced to order them in a certain way so they show up together?

 

[Jazz Ad]

I have absolutely no doubt that Zoom will forever preserve their "Bomber" effect model for generations to come.

I have found that if you turn the bomb noise volume right down it actually adds a cool sound behind the playing But as is, when you engage the effect with default settings, it's naaaasty

I used Bomber once for a song.
With a little bit of tweaking it duplicates the thunder sounds on Dire Straits' Brother in Arms.

 

[BrentSimons]

I used Bomber once for a song.
With a little bit of tweaking it duplicates the thunder sounds on Dire Straits' Brother in Arms.

Sorry to derail.
One of all-time favorite songs! That's a song that gives you goosebumps.
Brent

 

[ChubbyJerk]

You're quite right, i could scroll everytime I wanted to switch a particular effect in and about, but you have to admit, bending over every few songs to do so isn't exactly convenient.

To be, the idea of a foot controlled pedal/unit, is just that. Foot controlled. If well designed and setup correctly, you should be able to play a whole set without bending over to interact with it.

Aren't those big foot switches up front what scrolls between the effects in the patch? You shouldn't need to bend over.

 

[ga_edwards]

Aren't those big foot switches up front what scrolls between the effects in the patch? You shouldn't need to bend over.

I'm not sure - I assumed they were for switching banks. Happy to be corrected.

 

[jimfist]

Aren't those big foot switches up front what scrolls between the effects in the patch? You shouldn't need to bend over.

That's correct. Look here (I highlighted them in yellow, and they correspond with the switch to the right when it is engaged in STOMP mode:

When the unit is n MEMORY mode, the switches are for selecting presets, 3 per bank:

This allows you to get from Preset/Patches and into STOMP mode pretty easily, though perhaps not ideal.

Another thing to realize is that LCD screens associated with each STOMP location/switch has two modes: one is for editing, and one shows the name of the effect used in the slot in much larger letters.

This mode is toggled by pressing the rotary knob at the top right "Push to Enter" when in STOMP mode. If you are on the gig and only need to see what effect is in what slot, you can set it as described above. If you want to see the FX parameters exposed for editing, use your foot to lightly press on the rotary knob, and it will put each slot in Edit mode.

Also, I've made a slight modifiation/addition to the bottom row switches to make them easier to see and engage by affixing clear, round, rubber bumpers to the face of the switches, like these (just a couple bucks at Home Depot for 1/2" diameter bumpers:

 

[jimfist]

Good point. Perhaps this wasn't the best place for such a rant. For what it's worth, I'm a fan of ZOOM and LINE 6. I use their gear and my post wasn't an attempt to bash them or modelling in general, as it seems it was received.

Cool. I've got my opinions, you've got yours.

In the years I've been using modelers and engaged in discussions on gear/modeler forums, I've never once heard anyone - and there have always been a LOT of detractors and purists who have thumbed their nose at digital modeling/simulation technology - refer to cabinet simulation as a gimmick. Some people love it, some people hate it, and they both have good reasons regardless of their stance.

To say that companies like Fractal Audio and Two Notes are engaged in blatant gimmickry is quite a statement. If I worked for one of those companies I'd have a bone to pick with you, but since I don't I'll just state my opinion and move on.

 

[CharlieC]

Zoom's April 2016 G5n free update included '59 Fender Bassman Amp + Cab models.

Most likely these same models will eventually be extended and downloadable to the B3n.

Can any of you early G5n adopters comment on using these models with a bass guitar?

 

[jimfist]

Zoom's April 2016 G5n free update included '59 Fender Bassman Amp + Cab models.

Most likely these same models will eventually be extended and downloadable to the B3n.

Can any of you early G5n adopters comment on using these models with a bass guitar?

I used it early on. It was a very appropriate old-school vibe. Sounded pretty good vintage tones. For my personal taste, there are probably a dozen other amps I'd rather have modeled before it. I'm not really stuck on this type of tone as the core of my bass sound. FWIW, I feel the same way about this amp model in the AxeFxII and the Amplifire. Thankfully, modeling allows bassists to get the GOOD from this amp, without suffering the BAD things that plagued the actual original amplifier (lack of clean headroom, open back cab) that made them more desirable for guitarists.

 

[ChubbyJerk]

I've used a Bassman model on 3 different pedals, if I'm remembering right. B3, Firehawk, and Helix. I haven't liked it on any of them.

 

[CharlieC]

Very interestingly, Sweetwater now has a pre-order link for the new G3n at the suspiciously low price of $149 USD

Zoom G3n Multi-Effects Processor

Could it possibly be that the new B3n will also street for the same?

 

[djdisbro]

Also interesting that the old B3 isn't available there anymore...

 

[jwilson67]

Also interesting that the old B3 isn't available there anymore...

The B3 has been pulled from everywhere! I just checked Musician's Friend as well.

 

[jwilson67]

I do truly wonder if the the B3n going up on the Zoom website was a planned accident. The strange thing is it never did go up on the North American site. I'm sure as soon as NAMM begins next week we'll see it officially released on all the sites and ready for sale soon after.

 

[CharlieC]

I do truly wonder if the the B3n going up on the Zoom website was a planned accident. The strange thing is it never did go up on the North American site. I'm sure as soon as NAMM begins next week we'll see it officially released on all the sites and ready for sale soon after.

Zoom North America's site ( Zoom ) has now been updated with the G3n and G3Xn, both of which only appeared at Zoom Japan until now.

 

[jwilson67]

Zoom North America's site ( Zoom ) has now been updated with the G3n and G3Xn, both of which only appeared at Zoom Japan until now.

I did see that yesterday. Lack of XLR aside - I'm excited about the B3n! Chaining 7 effects has me sold as well as the possibility of upgraded sound. Also, it has lost that Zoom toy-like look and cheesy graphics that the original B3 still exuded.

 

[CharlieC]

I did see that yesterday. Lack of XLR aside - I'm excited about the B3n! Chaining 7 effects has me sold as well as the possibility of upgraded sound. Also, it has lost that Zoom toy-like look and cheesy graphics that the original B3 still exuded.

I really like how they hid the Rhythm Generator (by removing all the previously dedicated buttons.)

The hardware looks more serious now, although I would have preferred the all-black chassis over the red.

 

[jimfist]

Something to be aware of...

The G3n has people wondering about the scroll feature. It appears to be different than the operation on the G5n in that on the G3n requires TWO presses of a L/R Scroll button in order to fully enable scrolling. On the G5n, you press once to move the Scroll cursor L or R one slot, or if you press and hold, it will continue to scroll until you release the button. B3n will likely be the same as G3n. Thus, consider G3n/B3n operation will require an extra button press to enable scrolling (vs. G5n), and it seems to be an odd decision on the part of ZOOM which may dampen the enthusiasm of those looking to load up on switchable front-end stomps. FWIW

 

[jimfist]

I did see that yesterday. Lack of XLR aside - I'm excited about the B3n! Chaining 7 effects has me sold as well as the possibility of upgraded sound. Also, it has lost that Zoom toy-like look and cheesy graphics that the original B3 still exuded.

What I'm looking for more than anything is the "AHHH, THAT'S IT!!!" moment when dialing up a bass amp model & cabinet, and a compressor. If ZOOM succeeds in this alone, for my usage needs it won't matter at all whether it has XLR, what color it is, and whether the pedal/switch operation logic makes sense. I want to be able to dedicate a small pedal to performing post-fx amp/cab modeling and other finishing touches (EQ, dynamics, mild ambience, etc.). The B3n needs to sound better than the B3 for those specific needs, and I'm assuming it will. The only hesitation I have is whether Zoom delivers a B5n, which would pretty much allow me to go all-in-one and ditch my G5n and B3.

 

[BrentSimons]

The B3 has been pulled from everywhere! I just checked Musician's Friend as well.

I think I got the last one!