New: Zoom B3n Multi-Effects

[VonSledgehammer]

Well, here's all I've had time for to this point...playing warts, farts, and all. Let me know if you can tell what is what from these short clips.
I wanted to post .wav files to avoid compression artifacts, but talkbass didn't allow me to do this, so you'll have to download the raw wave files to audition them.

Here's a dropbox public link:

Invalid Link Removed

riff_01_direct_track_01
riff_01_direct_track_02
riff_02_direct_track_03
riff_02_direct_track_04

of these tracks, only one is the B3n in tuner bypass mode.

riff_01 is pop and slap; riff_02 is played with a pick. FWIW, the tone settings are: both pickups, tone knob for each picke is wide open

Just had a listen using Sennheiser HD380 Pro headphones. I couldn't hear any difference.

 

[FuzzFacetious]

The b3n kicks serious buttholez!

 

[TodaysTomSawyer]

Not sure why you're talking about assumptions.
I own and use old pedals from various eras as well as new one, digital and analog alike.
I try to go with what sounds the best to me and it's not always the most expensive units.
There are worthless boutique units as well as fantastic retail products.

Filters for example, I'll take digital filters from the B3 or Korg 300b rather than even a MuTron III or Moog because they sound better to me. I however stick to the EHX BMS because nothing sounds like it.
Multis offer a lot of models because it sells but also original effects that often are unique and interesting.
I try not to be a snob, however if what I want only comes from an obscure Albanian builder I will gladly pay the price.

"If Zoom decided to use gold plated jacks, switches with a louder clank, industrial looks and double their price, they'd get a completely different appreciation." That's the assumption I was talking about

"Latency is inherent to signal treatment, it is one of the reasons you don't get analog bypass or blend on multis"
My old Line 6 M9 let me choose analog bypass? The Helix has analog bypass

 

[-Asdfgh-]

A slightly time just now with my audio apps falling over on Linux means my audio quality testing is postponed a little as it's now getting late in the UK and it was 23 hours of travel for me yesterday.

I'm not going to try and debug library loading and compatibility now, as there are probably tentacles all over the place, and even now Linux audio internals are a bit messy. I might pull out a different audio interface tomorrow, or even try Windows.

 

[Johno Dunn]

So, with the firmware update for the MS60B (finally!) that just rolled, I have gained an amp sim that I longed for, and a new compressor that has replaced my go to comp. I am now running the 60b at the front of my chain with; ZNR>Rack Comp>Flip Top>AcBsPre. This allows me to use the N as an FX board, and cab sim. Don't know if it will stay this way, but I'm diggin' it for now.

 

[Johno Dunn]

Oh, and I used this set up @ church today, and my tone definitely did not suck.

 

[Jazz Ad]

"If Zoom decided to use gold plated jacks, switches with a louder clank, industrial looks and double their price, they'd get a completely different appreciation." That's the assumption I was talking about

I often see straight copies of brand pedals and amps that sell for thrice the price of the original unit. It's an assumption based on previous observations.

"Latency is inherent to signal treatment, it is one of the reasons you don't get analog bypass or blend on multis"
My old Line 6 M9 let me choose analog bypass? The Helix has analog bypass

M series are cool in this regard because they let you choose between true bypass and DSP and understand the différences of each way to do it. With a digital effect, the difference in impedance and level between true bypass and affected signal is unbearable if you use other pedals after the M box, especially with passive instruments.
Helix is 100% DSP or rather, if it has an analog bypass choice (true bypass or buffered) I haven't been able to find it.
This wasn't my point anyway, which had more to do with the difficulties of analog blending a digital signal because of latency.

 

[Fight4Bottom]

I applied a combination of scientific methodologies to systematically, epistemologically and ontologically evaluate the aural characteristics of the Zoom B3n, accounting for myriad variables including otological tympanic response, neural response (specifically dextral hemispheric response), as well as its effect on phalangeal articulation.

My methodology was as follows:
1. Took B3n out of box.
2. Plugged in.

Result:
1. Liked sound.
2. Kept it.

Control:
If didn't like sound, would send back.

I hope this has been helpful. I have applied for a grant, hoping to B̶U̶Y̶ ̶M̶O̶A̶R̶ ̶G̶E̶A̶R̶ fund further research.

 

[Stu_Bass]

I applied a combination of scientific methodologies to systematically, epistemologically and ontologically evaluate the aural characteristics of the Zoom B3n, accounting for myriad variables including otological tympanic response, neural response (specifically dextral hemispheric response), as well as its effect on phalangeal articulation.

My methodology was as follows:
1. Took B3n out of box.
2. Plugged in.

Result:
1. Liked sound.
2. Kept it.

Control:
If didn't like sound, would send back.

I hope this has been helpful. I have applied for a grant, hoping to B̶U̶Y̶ ̶M̶O̶A̶R̶ ̶G̶E̶A̶R̶ fund further research.

It didn't happen if we don't see the full spectral analysis!

 

[Johno Dunn]

I'm hoping for full rectal analysis....it being the bottom end and all.

 

[BoydG]

Well, here's all I've had time for to this point...playing warts, farts, and all. Let me know if you can tell what is what from these short clips.

I can't tell a difference among 'em. Then again, I'm an old fart, and naval aviation and playing rock music have all had profound negative effects on my hearing.

 

[jimfist]

I can't tell a difference among 'em. Then again, I'm an old fart, and naval aviation and playing rock music have all had profound negative effects on my hearing.

I hear ya! (pun intended) Decades of rock and roll and live mixing hasn't helped my cause, which is why I rely on other tools which help me see what I'm hearing. When it comes to tone-suck, just about anyone can tell if the low end is severely rolled-off, regardless of high end hearing loss.

My audio clips are .wav files, and anyone can import them into a free DAW like Audacity, which allows you to look at the digitally sampled recordings, and also will do a spectrum analysis on the content. Very helpful to better "see" the differences when hearing them isn't so easy.

 

[khutch]

This thread is starting to sound like a science research project.

You say that like it's a bad thing.

 

[bdowd]

I'm liking the B3n so far. I have it running in the loop of my basswitch, and I'm not hearing any tonesuck..... I did hear some with the B3, and some some slight digital artifacts, but I'm not hearing any of that so far with the B3n. I like it, will gig it soon and see if it stays. Running in the loop might have helped with impedance matching, not sure, could get out spec sheets and all but I'm going to go with my ears on this one.

 

[SirMjac28]

You say that like it's a bad thing.

I've always been afraid of science seems like witchcraft to me

 

[SirMjac28]

I'm hoping for full rectal analysis....it being the bottom end and all.

 

[Stu_Bass]

I can't tell a difference among 'em. Then again, I'm an old fart, and naval aviation and playing rock music have all had profound negative effects on my hearing.

Navel navigation?

 

[Stu_Bass]

I've always been afraid of science seems like witchcraft to me

 

[BoydG]

I've always been afraid of science seems like witchcraft to me

According to the late author Arthur C Clarke, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."

 

[-Asdfgh-]

According to the late author Arthur C Clarke, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."

Cue Queen guitar solo here. Take it away Brian...