I recently got the valeton gp-5 and found the IR loader to be a bit lackluster so I'm looking for a preamp/ir loader to add to my fx chain. I stumbled upon the aforementioned pedals on FB marketplace listed for basically the same price, and I'm leaning more towards the zoom because I can use it as a standalone pedal but I also heard good things about the nux . which one should I get if I'm planning to use it for small gigs and bedroom practice?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Nux MLD or Zoom B1four?
- Thread starter NotAGoodBassist
- Start date
I have the B1 Four and had the NUX. First off, the B1 doesnt have an IR loader. I never use the B1 these days, and have never really got on with it, but it is a nice all in one.
The NUX blew me away when I had mine last last. This was the first time ive actually enjoyed using IR's. It's quite a basic padel, but one of the best ive ever owned, very good EQ. The only reason I dont have it now is I needed a bit more, and wanted to keep things to one pedal.
The new Valton GP-180 is a much better option than the B1 IMO, but more money. You can now use IR/NAM/Amp sim all at once, and the sound engine is of a higher quality and sample rate. The IR's also have LPF/HPF on them.
The NUX blew me away when I had mine last last. This was the first time ive actually enjoyed using IR's. It's quite a basic padel, but one of the best ive ever owned, very good EQ. The only reason I dont have it now is I needed a bit more, and wanted to keep things to one pedal.
The new Valton GP-180 is a much better option than the B1 IMO, but more money. You can now use IR/NAM/Amp sim all at once, and the sound engine is of a higher quality and sample rate. The IR's also have LPF/HPF on them.
Both will deliver just fine, despite the B1 being a bit outdated by now. There are a few things you need to ask yourself:
1. Do I want to use my own (or 3rd party) IR's? As @dave_bass5 says, you can't load them in the Zoom. However it does have a few amps sims/cabs included. They are sufficient, but personally I prefer the Nux on this point. It just sounds better IMO, even without any IR's active. Note that you can have only 1 IR loaded at the same time, and you can't switch without hooking it up. The Nux is more a set-and-forget kind of preamp with an added drive.
2. Do you want to use effects or do you want a basic good clean tone? Both will do the latter just fine, but the Nux only has a single drive and no other effects. Not even a tuner, which is all present in the Zoom. If you play with effects a lot, the Zoom's an easy win.
Other than that, look at the feature you may or may not need: A separate headphones out, DI-out, do I want to use a PC to make major adjustments or not and such.
I would personally pick the Nux if you don't need the effects and tuner. If you want a one-box-that-does-it-all and can live without a DI and headphones out the zoom will do just fine.
As always, YMMV. Good luck deciding
1. Do I want to use my own (or 3rd party) IR's? As @dave_bass5 says, you can't load them in the Zoom. However it does have a few amps sims/cabs included. They are sufficient, but personally I prefer the Nux on this point. It just sounds better IMO, even without any IR's active. Note that you can have only 1 IR loaded at the same time, and you can't switch without hooking it up. The Nux is more a set-and-forget kind of preamp with an added drive.
2. Do you want to use effects or do you want a basic good clean tone? Both will do the latter just fine, but the Nux only has a single drive and no other effects. Not even a tuner, which is all present in the Zoom. If you play with effects a lot, the Zoom's an easy win.
Other than that, look at the feature you may or may not need: A separate headphones out, DI-out, do I want to use a PC to make major adjustments or not and such.
I would personally pick the Nux if you don't need the effects and tuner. If you want a one-box-that-does-it-all and can live without a DI and headphones out the zoom will do just fine.
As always, YMMV. Good luck deciding
thanks for the input guys, I didn't know that the B1four doesn't have any 3rd party IR support before this so that info is very much appreciated. will be looking into the nux more now since I mostly play clean 
One of our members here has an Android app that will allow you to load IRs into the 8 user slots on the NUX and activate that slot. I use ShiftLine IRs. There was a free pack. They were better than the NUX. The drive and modelled amps on the NUX are okay maybe good but not great, but they can take pedals up front. I think NUX uses better OP amps on the input. I seem to blow out most of the budget Zooms that I have with hotter signals. MS60B+ and the B1 Four and the AFour. I do not have the B1 Four anymore. Bought one used and moved it along quickly. I still have the MS60B+. Very convenient all in one
I have used Acoustic Guitar IRs on the Nux and enhanced the sound of my cheaper acoustic. Great when gigging
I have used Acoustic Guitar IRs on the Nux and enhanced the sound of my cheaper acoustic. Great when gigging
Last edited:
Why not Ampero, or its various guises from Valeton and Sonicake?
Pro: good modelling of guitar-bass heads (Showman, JTM, Hiwatt), natural amp overdrive, can load NAM, some models include the Dimension Chorus which is the legendary Boss DC-2
Con: bass-specific heads won't overdrive, not the best pedal overdrive or pitch-based effects
Pro: good modelling of guitar-bass heads (Showman, JTM, Hiwatt), natural amp overdrive, can load NAM, some models include the Dimension Chorus which is the legendary Boss DC-2
Con: bass-specific heads won't overdrive, not the best pedal overdrive or pitch-based effects
Last edited:
I’ve still got my B1 four and have had the B2 Four a couple of times. The B2 is much better. Clearer, more features and easier to use. I also got rid of my second one for the NUX.
