Zoom B1 Four users :

[TimGriffiths]

Hello, first let me state that I'm really new at all of this, just picked up the bass and thinking of getting a multi-effect pedal.
I'm considering between a used Zoom b3 (not the n version) or a new Zoom B1 Four, What do you guys think?, Which one would you go for?. I'm really interested in the Wooten patches in the b3, but I know it limits you to only 3 effects or something like that, and don't know if a similar sound is attainable on the b1 four...

I used the B3 for years but there's no patch editing software and for that alone it's worth getting a B1 Four. It's also got a better tuner and is over all just a better version of the B3. As it is they're cheap enough units that I can't imagine your saving much by going for a used B3 even over a new B1 Four.

 

[imurrx]

Can any current owner of the B1 Four please confirm if all the amp models only use one effect slot? On the B3n some amp models use two slots by themselves. ( so you can end up using up three effects slots just for an amp and cabinet simulator. )

It depend on the memory size it takes. One patch I have has 5 pedals different pedals one of which is the SVT that has multiple pages on it. In the guitar lab software is shows up to 6 "screens" in it accomidating the SVT.

Again, it all depends on the memory it has from what I experienced.

Now, I have a question.

How is the B1 Four sound quality compared to the B3n?

My current chain is Bass > Spectracomp > Le Bass > CAB M > DI/Head phones/Fender RAD amp.

I got the B1 Four when I started playing after a ~20 year break from playing but I found it great for practice but not for the tone I want. I am getting it with my current rig but I want to start using modulation and shifting in it. The B1 Four could do it but I find it coloring the sound too much for my taste. I know I can get most of the sounds I want from the ZOOM. The B3n looks like it could do the trick of being a mule for multiple pedals but if the sound is not an upgrade from the B1 Four it may lead me to but more separate pedals.

Thanks

 

[bitglaofpp]

I added a foot switch to b1four ^_^
Controls the rhythm and looper.

 

[frustum]

I bought a B1X Four as soon as it was available. I hadn't ever used effects before, other than a Mooer Tender Octave pedal (first gen). Lacking any real need for them, I couldn't justify dropping $140 or more on a single effect pedal, but being able to test drive dozens for $99 I couldn't resist.

Overall, I'm disappointed. It is still a great value for $99, but I rarely use it. One problem is I find many of the patches/effects of little interest.

• It apparently intentionally adds hum and noise to certain amp models -- useful for nostalgia buffs, but if you (like me) aren't trying to capture that exact vintage sound and just wants different colorations, the extra hum and noise is silly.
• Zoom has a forum where new patches are published. However, as far as I can tell, there have been zero patches published for it. There is a (small) community for zoom guitar multi-effects boxes, but the b1x four was stillborn.
• The expression pedal is very limited. Other than that wah effect, it seems like most effects either don't use the pedal, or use it solely as an output gain control. It would have been a lot more flexible to allow any single effect of a parameter to be controlled by the expression pedal.
• Right now the model is simple but inflexible -- a patch is a series of effects one after the other. It would have been great if there was pseudo-effect which allowed routing, which would open the the possibility of doing something like having a final stage which blends between the effect chain and the dry input, or to have two parallel effect chains and blending between them. It is true that the interface for that would be more complicated that an interface without it, but it would be simply to make such an abstraction cost nothing for people who don't care to use it and the costs borne only by those using advanced topologies.
• Many of the effects have more noise (that aren't modeling vintage amp noise mentioned before) than I would have expected. But again I'm not a pedal guy, so maybe the amount of noise is par for the course.
• The patches that come with the box have drastically different overall gain. Thus when playing through the box and stepping through the effects, the result will jump between a bit weak, to good volume, to ear splitting, then back to reasonable volume, etc. It would be nice if they had leveled things so that you can compare the effects without having to twiddle the volume for each effect.

All the same, for $99 it is an OK way to get a taste of what effects might appeal to you before dumping $$ into dedicated pedals for a given effect.

 

[crobasster]

View attachment 3703939
I added a foot switch to b1four ^_^
Controls the rhythm and looper.

WOW, but why ?

 

[NickTheFrog]

Hi, anyone knows the max current drawn by the b1 four from the 9V input? I have a 5 isolated output power supply which is limited to 120mA per output whereas the zoom manual says 500mA... I am running a Y cable (240mA max).

Otherwise, nice piece of effect to practice with. I am working on integrating it in my very small pedalboard, in parallel via LS-2. Thx!

 

[crobasster]

I use the usb power from PC .

 

[NickTheFrog]

Thanks, I'm also using a USB power supply or power bank but I am trying to integrate the zoom in my pedalboard with my cheap 9v power supply. I tried for a bit and it got pretty hot but the zoom worked ok. See picture. Zoom is bypassed most of the time (except headphone practice), currently trying to see what I can do with a parallel setup thanks to ls-2.

 

[Mechayoshi]

I've been using the guitar version with the expression pedal extensively now but I just picked up the bass b1 four.

Heres my hot take: Default patches are not great. Expect noise and inconsistency in volumes until you manually fix it. Take advantage of the desktop software to more quickly edit something good. There ARE good sounds to be had if you work for it. The software is fine, you can see details of each effect and manage how many are on memory. You'll get an update or two but that's it. Done purchase this in expectation of lots of new effects over time.

Secondly there is a notable limit on peocessing power. I can usually get the effects I want in one patch, but get too fancy and you will need to set up identical patches with the tweaks you need. In typical Zoom fashion each effect is represented graphically with perimeters.

Annoyances: Not enough buttons! There's a dedicated button to cut on and off an effect but to get to the peramiter screen or change the patch you have to hit a single button to cycle the modes.

Expression pedal: Yeah not great or sensitive enough, totally unlike the old cheap digitech multieffect . It is usable, just not by your foot. Don't stomp it!!

Overall I like Zoom's graphical based ui over Digitechs old school numeric patch stuff. I like the quality of the effects. Don't bother with the pedal version unless you need a mute/volume switch (but that takes up an effects slot)

 

[Shindig73]

I read a review on Amazon saying the B1 Four could be used as an audio interface.

Anyone know if this is true? I've been at it for hours and can't figure out how to get it done.

Plugged the USB into my computer (using a data cable) and it's not being picked up on my Cakewalk DAW.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Rik Hernandez]

As far as I can tel It cannot be used as an interfase, it does not have the capability to do so.

 

[Shindig73]

As far as I can tel It cannot be used as an interfase, it does not have the capability to do so.

Hoping to save some cash on buying an interface. Thanks!

 

[imurrx]

No it does not act as an interface. Pick up a used focusrite solo. Well worth it

 

[Shindig73]

Thanks for the responses, everyone. Much appreciated!

 

[4 Out of 5]

Hi folks. I'm feeling torn between GASing for a Zoom B1 four or a Vox Stomplab.
Did any of you B1 four owners consider the Stomplab & if so, why did you choose the B1 four?
Thanks if you're able to help.

 

[imurrx]

For me it was the screen on the pedal and the visual concept of creating chains that way. Also, lack of knowledge and interest of the Vox. They are both inexpensive but good choices for a cheap multi-effects pedal.

 

[4 Out of 5]

For me it was the screen on the pedal and the visual concept of creating chains that way. Also, lack of knowledge and interest of the Vox. They are both inexpensive but good choices for a cheap multi-effects pedal.

Thanks @imurrx. The screen on the Vox is definitely pretty basic! I guess you'd have to keep a record on a document somewhere of what you used to create a chain.

 

[MCF]

Hi folks. I'm feeling torn between GASing for a Zoom B1 four or a Vox Stomplab.
Did any of you B1 four owners consider the Stomplab & if so, why did you choose the B1 four?
Thanks if you're able to help.

I’m an old guy. Started playing before effects were a thing, unless you were Chris Squire or had a real fat wallet. I bought a B1x Four to play around with different effects and see what Ive been missing. The Vox seemed a little limited. I like the Zoom a lot. It’s easy to use (I read the instructions) even if you know absolutely nothing about effects gear.

 

[Wfrance3]

I JUST got mine. So far, I like it, but not as well as the B1on/B1Xon. In my opinion, lots of what I hear out of my B1 Four is anemic by comparison. I agree with the noise being introduced intentionally for "nostalgia" kinda wish they didn't do that. Overall, I don't think the amp models sound near as good as the ones in B1on.

In order to finish on a good note, I will add some kudos:
The HPF and LPF that they added is a good thing.
I think the compressor models are a little better than previous versions. Maybe that's my imagination, but they seem to sound better to me...

What I don't like about the amp and cab models, is outshined by how well executed the effects seem to be. I've heard the opinion that the dirt isn't awesome, but I don't use that much, so no big to me...

I have this running, because it's what I use with the B1on:
ToneLib – Complete guitar studio in your computer
Wanted to throw that in, in case someone isn't particularly crazy about the Zoom-created interface. I haven't installed the zoom software, myself. I had the tonelib one already. It seems to work. If I'm missing something not having the factory program, let me know...

 

[Wfrance3]

UPDATE
Not sure if my ears were just tired, or if this really made a difference, but I upgraded my firmware and it did seem to help. To me, the 2.0 B1 Four update seems to be an improvement.