• 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.

Show your Zoom B2 settings!

#222
98dvl said:
As I play more with my B2.1u, I'm finding that it seems like most of the good/bad sounds from this thing come from two or three modules, the ZNR/MIX module, and the Lo Eq and Hi Eq modules.

I think I've somewhat figured out how to use the ZNR/MIX module... In general, this module seems to act like a blender, correct? And, it's other main purpose is to eliminate any noise from the compressor, or other effects.

Now, the EQ modules, I haven't quite figured out, and they really seem to play the most important role in getting a good tone (I think the effects modules are easy enough to figure out and tweak).

Can someone explain their approach to using the EQ modules? The 3 band equalizers make sense to me, you boost and cut different frequencies as you see fit.

However, I'm not really familiar with parametric EQs and how they work. What's the difference between an "narrow Q" and a "wide Q"? Just what exactly is "Q"? What does shelving do?

I think any tips/tricks on adjusting the EQ of this pedal will really help a lot of people here...
Click to expand...

I just wanted to bump this really good question. No one ever answered it.

Anyone? Anyone?
 
#223
Q refers to the amount of frequencies around the slider's frequency. A wide Q means if affects more adjacent freqs, narrow Q means fewer. That's the only question I can answer knowledgeably about EQ. I just turn knobs till it sounds good ;)

The ZNR is a noise gate, which cuts out noises from your rig when you're not playing.
 
#224
MonsterTruck88 said:
My question is: does anyone have a good setting for producing a nice, bassy crunch, similar to what the dirty channel on Gallien Krueger heads put out?
Click to expand...

I use the ODB-3 setting for overdrive. I blend the dirty and clean signal with the ZNR/MIX so I don't lose all of my bottom end. I then compensate a little more by boosting the lows slightly in the LO EQ module. I also add some light to moderate compression and a touch of room reverb.

If you're interested, I can post the patch (can't now because the gear is in the practice space).

I have a variation on this patch that adds the octaver. I sometimes use this patch when filling in lead breaks (I'm in a three-piece plus singer band) on songs where a rhythm guitarist fills a larger-than-usual void and play my part an octave up. I'm still not 100% sold on it, but it's fun to play with. I'm considering swapping out the octaver with pedal pitch an octave up so I don't have to vary what I am playing -- which comes in the most handy while I am doing backing vocals.

YMMV, but I wanted to share the alternative viewpoint. Enjoy!
 
#229
lexxmexx said:
I noticed everyone keeps talking about the custom settings on the B2.1u, what about the 40 preset patches? Do they suck so bad that no one even bothers to use them?
Click to expand...

Actually, when I got this my focus was compression, distortion, and delay. I bought mine used and it cost far less than three individual pedals -- and I liked the potential for flexibility.

Having said that, the only patch that I have used unchanged is the A5 patch, which I think the Marcus Miller SWR emulation and tone curve with some reverb. I have cycled through all of the patches, but admittedly have not spent the time to see where they can integrate into what the band is playing.

There's so much to the pedal and I know I'm barely scratching the surface. On my "to experiment list":

- A good pedal wah patch that doesn't totally lose the bottom end (ZNR blend should help)

- Some "tubey" emulation patches for recording. I'll probably focus on the Bassman, Tube Pre, Sansamp, and maybe some SWR and Ampeg. I'll include some cabinet sims and room reverb to simulate a studio situation.

- Some "Geddy Lee-specific" patches that favor his particular tone curves (not forgetting his hard fingerstyle).

- A King Crimson-era John Wetten patch like what he used on the USA live album, specifically Asbury Park.

- Some thickened, mildly distorted patches with some slapback delay to fatten up behind guitar leads and fill the void of a rhythm guitar player.

- Play more with the defret effect to emulate some favorite songs.

Happy tweaking, everyone!
 
#230
lexxmexx said:
I noticed everyone keeps talking about the custom settings on the B2.1u, what about the 40 preset patches? Do they suck so bad that no one even bothers to use them?
Click to expand...

Yes, there are 40 def. presets (00-39). But although there are 40 more (A0-d9) slots for users presets...so thats why we all talking about new good\bad\interesting settings :)
 
#232
lexxmexx said:
Well, my observation wasn't just based on this thread. A lot of the reviews I read off the internet either did not mention much about these default preset or they are simply unusable.
Click to expand...
I think the presets are usable, but I also think they need tweaking for your own personal tastes. A lot of the sounds I have in mine are based on the presets but tweaked out.
 
#233
lexxmexx said:
Well, my observation wasn't just based on this thread. A lot of the reviews I read off the internet either did not mention much about these default preset or they are simply unusable.
Click to expand...

Well, def. settings are not so bad you can play with them alot of nice songs, but, for example, I wanna play muse covers and I want it to sound like original Cris's bass, so thats why I'll looking for extra settings.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back