New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

[CharlieC]

What Peddleboard is that?

Temple Audio

^^^

 

[jimfist]

I'm very happy with the B3n and IMO it is well worth the price...a fine addition to anyone's tool kit. It's the first multi-fx modeler that I'm 100% comfortable QUICKLY navigating edits on the unit itself in any performance situation, on-the-fly. That, by itself, has tremendous value to me. I don't necessarily do a lot of live tweaking, but there are times when a key adjustment is the difference between distraction and a happy, inspired performance. Easy as pie on the B3n. =)

 

[David Sutkin]

Funny how the sentiment on the B3N (from this thread) starts off as fairly pessimistic. How most feel the B3 was a better unit and had better functionality. Now that the B3N has had some usage time .... it seems like it's getting a lot of love. Maybe we're just afraid of the unknown

 

[jimfist]

I think that those who have closed their minds, comparing the differences of the B3 to the B3n, will always have a bug up their ass about it. (Same is true for the G3/G5 vs. G3n/G5n comparisons from guitarists). The B3 was a really cool piece of gear for the money. The B3n may not be quite as eye-popping, but it's definitely a cool piece of gear. I'll enjoy using it live MUCH more than the B3, due to the better switching and more effects slots available.

 

[Spblat]

I said near the beginning of this thread that those who really need a DI can get one, and one that's better than the one in the B3. That's what I have done :-D

View attachment 1125882

 

[Silas Stingy]

I've spent a little more time playing with the B3N today. The feature I'm finding most useful is the ability to place the looper before all other fx, so I can mess with settings with 2 hands and no need to touch the bass whilst finding a tone or effect.

 

[CharlieC]

I've spent a little more time playing with the B3N today. The feature I'm finding most useful is the ability to place the looper before all other fx, so I can mess with settings with 2 hands and no need to touch the bass whilst finding a tone or effect.

Well done, @Silas Stingy !

I am declaring this post a power-user tip

Cheers!

 

[Askia]

I've spent a little more time playing with the B3N today. The feature I'm finding most useful is the ability to place the looper before all other fx, so I can mess with settings with 2 hands and no need to touch the bass whilst finding a tone or effect.

Only problem, when you have already filled the available slots or memory. But this is a "half empty" way of thinking, it's a good feature!

 

[-Asdfgh-]

I'm tempted to rationalise my collection (two bass vamps for synth sounds, pod xt, zoom b2, b9, B1on, various pedals). To be fair the B9 is also a great midi controller. Are the synth sounds much the same as the B1on? I'm not really unhappy with what I have, though, apart from the best sounds being over multiple units.

 

[CharlieC]

I'm tempted to rationalise my collection (two bass vamps for synth sounds, pod xt, zoom b2, b9, B1on, various pedals). To be fair the B9 is also a great midi controller. Are the synth sounds much the same as the B1on? I'm not really unhappy with what I have, though, apart from the best sounds being over multiple units.

I think a B3n would greatly help you consolidate.

Zoom has stated that the bass effects in the B3n are their best ever and I believe many here would agree.

 

[Jantelagen]

I'm tempted to rationalise my collection (two bass vamps for synth sounds, pod xt, zoom b2, b9, B1on, various pedals). To be fair the B9 is also a great midi controller. Are the synth sounds much the same as the B1on? I'm not really unhappy with what I have, though, apart from the best sounds being over multiple units.

I'm sure you're familiar with all the "opinions", specs, and/or issues. So, the best objective advice, as with all gear, is to demo the B3n in person!

 

[BrentSimons]

I know it's been said before but I would love to see a B3 vs B3n preamp and amp/cab sim comparison before I'm hooked. I've been playing with my GK Plex lately and have been quite happy. My B3 is currently collecting dust.
Brent

 

[Ram Srinivas]

The Darkglass emulation effects are pretty sick, IMO. Mine arrived last morning, yet to test all the various permutations and combinations, of course. I expect good things from the SansAmp one as well, although the Boss OD is eh.. over the top.

 

[Spblat]

Well done, Zoom!

I tweaked and tweaked with LMT76 and could not really figure out how to balance input against output, nor could I get REL to have any affect at all on anything. Hooked it up to an RMS/spectrum analyzer in my DAW and everything. I was trying to prove to myself that I could establish a hard limit and never really got there. Any suggestions? How did you prove to yourself that REL has a purpose?

 

[CharlieC]

I tweaked and tweaked with LMT76 and could not really figure out how to balance input against output, nor could I get REL to have any affect at all on anything. Hooked it up to an RMS/spectrum analyzer in my DAW and everything. I was trying to prove to myself that I could establish a hard limit and never really got there. Any suggestions? How did you prove to yourself that REL has a purpose?

Without metering or an LED indicator on the B3n we are at a great disadvantage, but here is how I use the 1176LN.

The values in the REL param of course correspond to the release knob on the actual unit (1-7), with the highest number being the fastest (quickest) release times. I simply set mine to 70 on the B3n and leave it there, as like you, I find it of little to no influence.

This leaves the 1176LN model with just 3 knobs and the truth.

For bass, start with a 4:1 ratio and ride the INPUT param until the signal catches the compression. Do not worry about make-up gain with the OUTPUT param just yet, but back it down to a safe place as not to inadvertently clip the B3n. Right away, even before signal catch, the signal takes on an enjoyable, musical sweetness. Be sure you are auditioning this FRFR as you will otherwise not as easily notice it. Now hit the INPUT hard until you are pleased with the resulting compression. Finalize the OUTPUT for unity gain. For harder limiting, increase the ratio. By all means, experiment and audition this model with other source signals besides bass guitar, it is awesome!

 

[-Asdfgh-]

I'm sure you're familiar with all the "opinions", specs, and/or issues. So, the best objective advice, as with all gear, is to demo the B3n in person!

Sadly, I'm not sure there's a music shop with 40 miles that would have one... But I'll see.

 

[Johno Dunn]

Another gig full of awesome tones last night. I love this box!

 

[Spblat]

Sadly, I'm not sure there's a music shop with 40 miles that would have one... But I'll see.

You know you want it. Buy it online and promise yourself you'll return it if it's not to your liking. You won't be returning it

 

[Spblat]

For bass, start with a 4:1 ratio and ride the INPUT param until the signal catches the compression. Do not worry about make-up gain with the OUTPUT param just yet, but back it down to a safe place as not to inadvertently clip the B3n. Right away, even before signal catch, the signal takes on an enjoyable, musical sweetness. Be sure you are auditioning this FRFR as you will otherwise not as easily notice it. Now hit the INPUT hard until you are pleased with the resulting compression. Finalize the OUTPUT for unity gain. For harder limiting, increase the ratio. By all means, experiment and audition this model with other source signals besides bass guitar, it is awesome!

Like this?

 

[Stu_Bass]

Like this?

I don't see where the "limiter" is coming from