New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

[BrentSimons]

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?

Wow! If I can get one for $149 I'll be psyched!

But then the B3nx will come out 2 months later and then I'll buy that one...and then the B5n will come out during the summer and I will just have to have that one too...sigh.

 

[BrentSimons]

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.

Blue. I'm not sure why dedicated bass multi have red in them. I would love a blue one.
Brent

 

[CharlieC]

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.

If Zoom allows cross-pollination of downloadable models to all same-generation hardware (G5n, G3Xn, G3n, B3n) then this product line will surely be an amazing one!

Imagine the possibilities if one plays both Bass and Guitar or if as a bass player you want a built-in expression pedal?

That is the paradigm shift I am waiting for!

 

[jwilson67]

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.

I'm with you on this. My hope is that the dirt and modulation effects will be a significant upgrade from the B3. That will effectively end my search for everything I need.

 

[jwilson67]

Wow! If I can get one for $149 I'll be psyched!

But then the B3nx will come out 2 months later and then I'll buy that one...and then the B5n will come out during the summer and I will just have to have that one too...sigh.

I'd pretty much guarantee that the B3n will be $199. It's the same as the G3 vs B3 which were $149 and $199 respectively.

 

[jwilson67]

If Zoom allows cross-pollination of downloadable models to all same-generation hardware (G5n, G3Xn, G3n, B3n) then this product line will surely be an amazing one!

Imagine the possibilities if one plays both Bass and Guitar or if as a bass player you want a built-in expression pedal?

That is the paradigm shift I am waiting for!

Cross pollination would also eliminate separate product lines for Zoom - much like the route Boss and Line 6 have taken where the units are non-specific and based strictly off what you want to download to the unit itself and what your needs dictate. THAT, however would probably drive the price up significantly.

 

[CharlieC]

I'd pretty much guarantee that the B3n will be $199. It's the same as the G3 vs B3 which were $149 and $199 respectively.

The change to red paint on the same hardware is most likely why this is!

 

[jimfist]

If Zoom allows cross-pollination of downloadable models to all same-generation hardware (G5n, G3Xn, G3n, B3n) then this product line will surely be an amazing one!

Imagine the possibilities if one plays both Bass and Guitar or if as a bass player you want a built-in expression pedal?

That is the paradigm shift I am waiting for!

I wish, but sorta doubt that Zoom would go this route. It'd be great to see Zoom prove me wrong.

 

[jimfist]

I'm with you on this. My hope is that the dirt and modulation effects will be a significant upgrade from the B3. That will effectively end my search for everything I need.

The dirt stomps in the G5n are a serious step up in quality vs. the B3, and that's even considering I'm playing bass through a guitar FX pedal. No reason to think that this won't also be the case with the B3n. I'm really itching to see what all Zoom has jumped on first for dirt stomps and other core bass fx (octaves, envelope filters, comps, etc.). WHERE'S THAT LIST?

 

[CharlieC]

I wish, but sorta doubt that Zoom would go this route. It'd be great to see Zoom prove me wrong.

I am curious to learn how much room there is on the hardware for the downloading of new models before space runs out.

Equally, I am curious to learn if it is possible to delete the default included models (in addition to the downloadable ones of course.)

Perhaps G5n owners can answer this already?

The answer to question 2 above may also answer if it would be feasible then to turn a G5n into a true B5n (and not a G5n, with stock guitar models, and with a finite amount of bass downloadables also on board.)

 

[banditcosmo]

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

Amazon still has some in stock.

 

[jwilson67]

The dirt stomps in the G5n are a serious step up in quality vs. the B3, and that's even considering I'm playing bass through a guitar FX pedal. No reason to think that this won't also be the case with the B3n. I'm really itching to see what all Zoom has jumped on first for dirt stomps and other core bass fx (octaves, envelope filters, comps, etc.). WHERE'S THAT LIST?

Maybe a Darkglass B7K and Human Gear Animato model?? I can dream can't I?

 

[jwilson67]

I'll start by posting a couple of clips I've made since getting the G5n guitar processor last March (2016). First one is 100% G5n using the Hiwatt amp/cab sim. Second clip shows how I add hi-passed FX of the G5n (dirt) in the loop of the Iron Ether Divaricator pedal (B3 is actually used as the core SVT amp/cab emulation). Last clip is 100% G5n, set up to demonstrate a simulated fretless preset I made (the third take from that clip).







As a fan and user of the B3 for hundreds of gigs plus rehearsals, I got away from it due to its switching limitations, which is why I took a flyer on the G5n. Beyond the fact that the extra switches on the G5n and overall concept design suits my needs almost perfectly, I was very pleasantly surprised at how much better it sounded overall (completely subjective, so JMHO) compared to the G3/G5/B3 series. Quantifying the sonic upgrade is an evasive thing, and many may not hear much difference at all. I thought that the new algorithms just had a more realistic dynamic "feel" with increased realism. That's a pretty loose description, but that's how I feel about it. YMMV.

Clearly, the G5n is aimed at guitarists, and so I've done my share needling ZOOM about getting in the game with a new bass product featuring this platform. The B3n is what we're being offered (at least for the time being). As was the case with the G3/G5 vs G3n/G5n, there are a lot of users lamenting the B3n for almost the EXACT same reasons: no XLR; few amp models; limited number of effects; etc.

My take on this new series of Zoom pedals is that you really have to throw out what you assume a ZOOM product should be based on past pedals, and appreciate the new stuff for what it is and what it is designed to do (and do well). The lack of XLR never bothered me, although I used it a lot on the B3. I get why people are peeved about its omission. I'd rather have it than not, but it's not a dealbreaker for me. What matters most to me is the upgrade in sounds and simplicity of on-they-fly patch creating and editing. USB recording is a bonus. The patch software is pretty unimpressive, though it does its stated job. I'd really like to see this updated to be a fully functioning patch editor (not holding my breath).

Aside from the fact that the B3n is populated with bass-specific amps and features, it would be otherwise unfair for me to compare this to the G5n since I prefer the physical format of the G5n vs. the smaller B3n. For this reason, I'm probably going to hold out hope that a B5n is not far behind. If so, I'll definitely purchase one. If it's not in the cards, I'll gladly go with the B3n, if only for the amp/cab models, compression, and other finishing touches as a post stomp FX processor.

As for the limited initial offerings, I personally am not upset by this. Zoom did a respectable job updating the G5n with regular additions monthly for about 6 months or so. The G5n still doesn't have as many models and fx as previous units, but the software patch librarian indicates that there is room for another 40% of capacity for ZOOM to provide future additions, which I believe they will. I'll also say that the models that they do offer are really very good, especially for the $$$. I'm glad that I gave the G5n a chance. I think it's a worthy pedal, and based on that alone I'll say the same thing about the B3n. Since the B3/G3/G5, I think it's really hard to bet against ZOOM in the bang-for buck category. The new series is just a different direction, but certainly worthy IMHO.

That second clip with the dirt sounds amazing!! Far better than any of the dirt in the B3. I hope they keep that quality in the B3n. I'm getting excited now!

 

[jimfist]

That second clip with the dirt sounds amazing!! Far better than any of the dirt in the B3. I hope they keep that quality in the B3n. I'm getting excited now!

Thanks! Not sure if I'd qualify it as a night vs. day improvement, but I found it pretty easy to dial in dirt with the available G5n dirt pedals with far more ease than anything on the B3, which felt like I was forever tweaking to no avail no matter what I did. And the G5n tones hold up better on the gig, sonically, than the B3 dirt pedal tones. This is why IMHO the difference in quality over quantity isn't a trivial thing, and it IS a significant upgrade. But if having a million bells and whistles to sift through floats your boat, the G5n isn't there yet. It does have a solid core of very good usable sounds across the board, if not yet very glamorous, which suits me fine.

 

[jwilson67]

Thanks! Not sure if I'd qualify it as a night vs. day improvement, but I found it pretty easy to dial in dirt with the available G5n dirt pedals with far more ease than anything on the B3, which felt like I was forever tweaking to no avail no matter what I did. And the G5n tones hold up better on the gig, sonically, than the B3 dirt pedal tones. This is why IMHO the difference in quality over quantity isn't a trivial thing, and it IS a significant upgrade. But if having a million bells and whistles to sift through floats your boat, the G5n isn't there yet. It does have a solid core of very good usable sounds across the board, if not yet very glamorous, which suits me fine.

The dirt sounds are richer with the G5n and do sound like they would actually stand out in a gig situation. The B3's just get lost sometimes. I'm hoping the octaver is going to be better on the B3n as well.

And yes, I'm interested in a solid core of sounds. I don't use about 70% of the effects on the B3.

 

[jbybj]

Not interested. No XLR, no MDA, no STP, no LSD, no THC, no WMD, and no BBQ.

 

[jwilson67]

Blue. I'm not sure why dedicated bass multi have red in them. I would love a blue one.
Brent

I've tried to come up with logical reasons why so many bass multi effects get the red treatment. Perhaps they feel bassists need more color in their lives?

 

[CharlieC]

Not interested. No XLR, no MDA, no STP, no LSD, no THC, no WMD, and no BBQ.

The BBQ is in fact available with download of MSG!

 

[jbybj]

The BBQ is in fact available with download of MSG!

I'm allergic to MSG, puts me right to sleep.

 

[musicman7722]

Yes I need the DI out. I go direct with no amp.