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Zoom B3 As Preamp

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Has anyone used an active 5 string with the B3?

Just noticed the B3 does not have a clip meter, and I'm wondering if this unit can handle a low B with an active preamp boosted (even with the active/passive switch set to active).

Thoughts?

I use an active 6 string with mine and it's fine....

Note to self: really must get into some deeper dives with the Zoom, if only I could find the time!
 
O guru of the B3 (that's you, Charlie), I humbly approach to ask a couple of meager questions (apologies if these have been covered elsewhere in this most magnanimous thread)-

1- I routinely use the B3 as a preamp to FOH, and love it; so does my back. I'm starting a new position with a Praise Band that uses an old Peavy (sorry I don't have the model) for the back line and DI's to FOH. When running through the amp, it sucks the life out of my tone. What is the best way to utilize the amp's effects loop to avoid the Peavy preamp and preserve, as best possible, all the goodness from the B3?

2- Intermittantly, when going into tuner mode and to MUTE, the sound still comes through the system; irritating, but not a deal breaker. Am I missing a setting somewhere?

Overall, I couldn't get along without this thing; this thread is a great benefit-thanks!
 
B3 community - two (noob) questions that'd be good to have answers for, considering I just ordered one last night!

1) I know there's a limit of 3 simultaneous effects, but does an amp/cab model count as an "effect" in this case, or is it model + 3?

2) Has anyone used a non-Zoom expression pedal, like the Invalid Link Removed, or do you think this one would work OK? I already have it, so that'd save some $s.

Thanks in advance!
 
O guru of the B3 (that's you, Charlie), I humbly approach to ask a couple of meager questions (apologies if these have been covered elsewhere in this most magnanimous thread)-

1- I routinely use the B3 as a preamp to FOH, and love it; so does my back. I'm starting a new position with a Praise Band that uses an old Peavy (sorry I don't have the model) for the back line and DI's to FOH. When running through the amp, it sucks the life out of my tone. What is the best way to utilize the amp's effects loop to avoid the Peavy preamp and preserve, as best possible, all the goodness from the B3?

2- Intermittantly, when going into tuner mode and to MUTE, the sound still comes through the system; irritating, but not a deal breaker. Am I missing a setting somewhere?

Overall, I couldn't get along without this thing; this thread is a great benefit-thanks!

Thanks!

Without knowing the exact amp model, most effect loops bypass most all of the coloring provided by the amp's preamp section. It is normal that there is a difference in the resulting B3 tone between the full-range FOH system and a traditional bass amp/rig. This disparity is a major topic of discussion in this thread and it can be overcome with some creative compromise. IMHO, use of powered speakers or full-range cabinets with the B3 is the most effective solution, but it is one that comes at additional expense and consideration. Please review the thread posts for details.

Hold down the tuner button for longer than a few seconds to engage the B3's tuner in silent MUTE mode. Holding the same tuner button down for any shorter time will result in the somewhat-audible BYPASS mode as you have found.

Cheers!
 
B3 community - two (noob) questions that'd be good to have answers for, considering I just ordered one last night!

1) I know there's a limit of 3 simultaneous effects, but does an amp/cab model count as an "effect" in this case, or is it model + 3?

2) Has anyone used a non-Zoom expression pedal, like the Invalid Link Removed, or do you think this one would work OK? I already have it, so that'd save some $s.

Thanks in advance!

The amp models count as effects. Your expression pedal may very well work, verify in field.
 
B3 community - two (noob) questions that'd be good to have answers for, considering I just ordered one last night!

1) I know there's a limit of 3 simultaneous effects, but does an amp/cab model count as an "effect" in this case, or is it model + 3?

2) Has anyone used a non-Zoom expression pedal, like the Invalid Link Removed, or do you think this one would work OK? I already have it, so that'd save some $s.

Thanks in advance!

Welcome!

Yes, the amplifier model (and its cabinet sim) counts as 1 of the 3 possible effects.

Although I have not tried that particular pedal, I have a feeling that many third-party expression pedals (with a TRS cable interface) will play nicely with the B3.

Cheers!
 
Thanks guys for the help. I'll check the pre/post button- it can get jostled around in my gig bag.
Would going from the B3's L/mono out to the amp (for stage sound) and then taking the DI from the B3 directly to FOH be the best way to go?
 
B3 community - two (noob) questions that'd be good to have answers for, considering I just ordered one last night!

1) I know there's a limit of 3 simultaneous effects, but does an amp/cab model count as an "effect" in this case, or is it model + 3?

2) Has anyone used a non-Zoom expression pedal, like the Invalid Link Removed, or do you think this one would work OK? I already have it, so that'd save some $s.

Thanks in advance!

1) amp/cab model counts as 1 effect out of 3
2) if you have it, try it out. To work properly as a true expression pedal, though, remember that the cable must be of a TRS (Tip Ring Sleeve, aka Stereo) plug. If it is a TS (mono) it can only be used to tap tempo or for on/ off functions regardless of the pedal settings "wanting" to support a true expression function such as gradual volume, wah etc.
 
1) amp/cab model counts as 1 effect out of 3
2) if you have it, try it out. To work properly as a true expression pedal, though, remember that the cable must be of a TRS (Tip Ring Sleeve, aka Stereo) plug. If it is a TS (mono) it can only be used to tap tempo or for on/ off functions regardless of the pedal settings "wanting" to support a true expression function such as gradual volume, wah etc.

+1

Cheers, brother Andreas!

:bassist:
 
Thanks guys for the help. I'll check the pre/post button- it can get jostled around in my gig bag.
Would going from the B3's L/mono out to the amp (for stage sound) and then taking the DI from the B3 directly to FOH be the best way to go?

Your method should work.

I run my B3 in the effects loop of a Radial bassbone so I use the DI on the radial. I cable two and sometimes three basses on stage. So the Bassbone and an SFX Micro Mix are already on my board along with a Korg Pitch Black.

I take the output the Radial back to my amp. It makes for a nice clean rig. If I were using only one bass, I would be tempted to try the B3 on it's own though I am not in love with the tuner. Not terrible but I do prefer the PB
 
Picked up a near new B3 yesterday at a good price. I already have a MS-60B on my board, but i wanted something to record with, and also a smaller option than taking my entire board that has an xlr out. The need for this was highlighted to me on the weekend when I had a fly in fly out gig interstate, and the back line supplied was a SVT-3 Pro with a 410classic cab. Both had seen better days. Next time I'm asked about back line instead of saying an amp and 410, I'll ask for 2 powered monitors instead. I took my MS-60B with me, I should have just gone into the fx return but of the Ampeg but I ran out of time.

I've borrowed a QSC K12 from the local shop to tryout at home over the next couple of days - I'm looking forward to hearing it.
 
On another note - I think Zoom should bring out a B3W - A B3 with a built in Line6 G30 or similar. What a winner!

I love an all in one option like the B3, but I like to run wireless. Having a B3 and then having to daisy chain power to a wireless etc is a pain!

What do you think?

The new Shure GLX-D lives on a pedal board, uses the same power source as your other pedals, and it would love to sit in front of your Zoom MS-60B:



:bassist:
 
On another note - I think Zoom should bring out a B3W - A B3 with a built in Line6 G30 or similar. What a winner!

I love an all in one option like the B3, but I like to run wireless. Having a B3 and then having to daisy chain power to a wireless etc is a pain!

What do you think?

I use the wireless before the B3. Works fine. My Invalid Link Removed (search for B3). I use a Line 6 wireless G30 system, which works fine and I got excellent support from the company (when I needed it once). The following picture shows my setup (Line 6 receiver G30 is hard to see in the dark top left corner of the board. My apologies :-[]).
 

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I use the wireless before the B3. Works fine. My Invalid Link Removed (search for B3). I use a Line 6 wireless G30 system, which works fine and I got excellent support from the company (when I needed it once). The following picture shows my setup (Line 6 receiver G30 is hard to see in the dark top left corner of the board. My apologies :-[]).

Nice setup, Andreas!

I am curious, how is the Amp Selector pedal used in this arrangement?

Cheers!
 
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