There will be with anything that has any compression. If you want to avoid that happening, you'll need some sort of A/B switch that has level compensation, like a Radial Bassbone.
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Zoom B3 As Preamp
- Thread starter CharlieC
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There will be with anything that has any compression. If you want to avoid that happening, you'll need some sort of A/B switch that has level compensation, like a Radial Bassbone.
Or have a duplicate set of patches for each bass, and set patch levels accordingly.
Exactly. However, I use an AB switch for instrument switching that supports volume settings for each input. But in my case that was not good enough and I also adjust volume levels between bass and e-cello with an additional device: the MXR 6 band EQ from Dunlop. See my wiring diagram and some overview photos here or here.
BTW, of course you could adjust for volume levels when switching instruments with only the B3's possibilities. However, this works only, if you switch instruments "slowly", say between songs.
In my case, that would be too slow, since I switch instruments in the middle of songs back and forth very fast (Invalid Link Removed). Thus, having to stomp on an AB switch and then on a next patch of the B3 (even with my modification) would all be way too cumbersome and too slow. This is the reason I went this, I admit a bit elaborate, route with additional devices. Then stomping on the AB switch AND picking up the bow or throwing it into my quiver is "all" I need to switch instruments (BTW I needed to practice this to be fast enough, e.g. see Invalid Link Removed).
Yesterday I found exactly the same problem. Do not know how to fix it and have not the slightest idea where it came from. I did nothing than turning the B3 on. BTW CharlieC, it does NOT help to turn all 3 effects off. The problem persists.
My B3 just has now a fourth uncontrollable effect regardless of what I do otherwise. Turning off the power does not help. This state is remembered.
Wonder how to really get rid of it? The overall sound is not that bad though, and I could at least practice these last two days. Yet on the longer run this is unacceptable and I have to find a way to get out of this mode. But how to kill it?
Anyone any idea? Similar experiences?
Sorry to hear of this!
If I recall correctly, I believe a common thread here is that this occured while under USB power.
I, myself, do not use the B3 under USB power, nor have I ever experienced this issue.
I would suggest a factory reset while under 9V @ 500mA power and hope the issue never returns.
Please keep us posted.
Cheers!
Indeed I run it under USB power. I also think factory reset is the only remedy. Will inform you all of success (or failure).
Yes, factory reset was the remedy. Fortunately I had a backup of all my settings on my Mac and had my same B3 up and running again soon thereafter. Lesson to be learned: Make sure you regularly back up on the computer all your settings, since you never know when this problem is going to hit you.
I picked up a lightly used B3 this week.
I've had the B9.1 ut for years and it's never been more than a frustrating paperweight. It sits on my desk hooked up to the Mac editor program through that goofy midi connection, with the manual open, and it mocks me. It's just too dang complicated. I kept it around to cool my pedal gas.
I've done more with the B3 in a few hours, without reading the manual, that I ever did with the B9. The editor software and USB power option is super cool, the program opens on my mac when I plug the B3 in.
Yeah, the patches have lots of junk and the levels are wildly different, but with this thread and a few trips through the patches, I'll be able to put some useful stuff together. The sound quality is much improved and the return of the drum machine and a looper that actually makes sense, it very nice. And it runs on batteries and has a decent headphone sound! And the tuner mutes! Zoom really got it together on this go round.
I've probably said too much for a guy who is about to post a B9.1 ut with all the original packaging in the classifieds...
Short story, I'm loving the B3.
I'm going to have a pedal sale here soon.
I've had the B9.1 ut for years and it's never been more than a frustrating paperweight. It sits on my desk hooked up to the Mac editor program through that goofy midi connection, with the manual open, and it mocks me. It's just too dang complicated. I kept it around to cool my pedal gas.
I've done more with the B3 in a few hours, without reading the manual, that I ever did with the B9. The editor software and USB power option is super cool, the program opens on my mac when I plug the B3 in.
Yeah, the patches have lots of junk and the levels are wildly different, but with this thread and a few trips through the patches, I'll be able to put some useful stuff together. The sound quality is much improved and the return of the drum machine and a looper that actually makes sense, it very nice. And it runs on batteries and has a decent headphone sound! And the tuner mutes! Zoom really got it together on this go round.
I've probably said too much for a guy who is about to post a B9.1 ut with all the original packaging in the classifieds...
Short story, I'm loving the B3.
I'm going to have a pedal sale here soon.
hmmm... this is very interesting...
ever notice that the patch files have a 4th unused effects slot?
I wonder if these are related, somehow...
I've always wanted to manually enter something something there and see what happens...
hmmm... when I find some time... when I find some time.
Greetings from the BASS-ment!
I have thoroughly enjoyed the B3 for the past ten months and have played my American Jazz Bass through it every week during rehearsals (alternative rock cover stuff and some of our own stuff) and a few gigs. My prior prized (mainly MXR) pedal board is now living a sad life on the shelf in our band bunker.
For a bit more tonal flexibility (re: cover band), I got myself a new Ibanez SR600 to try out. It looks great and is very nimble due its compact weight and dimensions. This is a bass with two bartolini pickups (passive) with a rather nice three band EQ setup (active). How this affects output levels: I DO NOT KNOW... The difference between the active and passive setting on the B3 did change the behaviour a bit but not really that much - so I put it on active.
Now, our band is trying out in-ear monitoring and we are running all we have into our mixer. I connected the B3 as well and experienced the following problem. No matter how low we dialled the gain of the channel on the mixer or how low I dialled the MASTER output on the B3, the signal was WAY too hot (constant clipping @mixer). In fact, altering the MASTER output level of the B3 hardly affected the signal arriving at the mixer.
I have now resorted to using short patch cable to a passive DI box and running the XLR from there. Why is the B3's output level at the XLR out so da*n hot? This is equally applicable when activating the rhythm machine (and is thus independent of the passive/active discussion above) which also clips at minimal gain (@mixer)...
I have thoroughly enjoyed the B3 for the past ten months and have played my American Jazz Bass through it every week during rehearsals (alternative rock cover stuff and some of our own stuff) and a few gigs. My prior prized (mainly MXR) pedal board is now living a sad life on the shelf in our band bunker.
For a bit more tonal flexibility (re: cover band), I got myself a new Ibanez SR600 to try out. It looks great and is very nimble due its compact weight and dimensions. This is a bass with two bartolini pickups (passive) with a rather nice three band EQ setup (active). How this affects output levels: I DO NOT KNOW... The difference between the active and passive setting on the B3 did change the behaviour a bit but not really that much - so I put it on active.
Now, our band is trying out in-ear monitoring and we are running all we have into our mixer. I connected the B3 as well and experienced the following problem. No matter how low we dialled the gain of the channel on the mixer or how low I dialled the MASTER output on the B3, the signal was WAY too hot (constant clipping @mixer). In fact, altering the MASTER output level of the B3 hardly affected the signal arriving at the mixer.
I have now resorted to using short patch cable to a passive DI box and running the XLR from there. Why is the B3's output level at the XLR out so da*n hot? This is equally applicable when activating the rhythm machine (and is thus independent of the passive/active discussion above) which also clips at minimal gain (@mixer)...
Have you tried lowering the patch level?
Also, try the active padding mode if you haven't already.
The rhythm has a separate volume level also.
Also, try the active padding mode if you haven't already.
The rhythm has a separate volume level also.
When the B3's XLR mode switch is set to POST, the output level is 100% controllable via LEVEL parameters found at EFFECT level, at TOTAL (patch) level, and at GLOBAL level. Therefore the XLR output level could be set as weak as MIC level, as modest as INSTRUMENT level, or as hot as LINE level, as need be.
For example: changing the GLOBAL level parameter from 100 to a lower number should have a very noticeable affect on the XLR output level, provided that the XLR mode switch is set to POST.
Cheers!
- Jun 26, 2012
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- Owner/Operator of Cotten Patch Sound Design. Burns of London Guitars and Basses retail. I do sound design, resetting, and education for churches, organizations, and small venues with no Sound personnel. Studio for "self-produced" rental use.
Okay, I haven't had time to go through this all so forgive my repeating a question. I have a B3 that I like to play with but then discovered that I can get "close-ish" to the warm tube sound that I've been wanting. I'm really loving that motown/staxx warm thumpie bass sound. So, I've been contemplating just buying me a tube pedal. (Mainly because I don't gig and can't honestly justify another amp $$ purchase to myself or spouse.) Any good suggestions. Oh and currently I run a pf-350, b3 through the effects loop, and a 410he cab.
After glancing through this thread and other b3 threads I'm thinking that maybe I really don't need anything else. (Also when I play at church next time I'm thinking if I can get it tweaked I'll just create a "church preset" to run as a di.)
I've sub'd and welcome suggestions.
James
PS sorry I'm rambling a bit but I've only had one cup of coffee this am.
After glancing through this thread and other b3 threads I'm thinking that maybe I really don't need anything else. (Also when I play at church next time I'm thinking if I can get it tweaked I'll just create a "church preset" to run as a di.)
I've sub'd and welcome suggestions.
James
PS sorry I'm rambling a bit but I've only had one cup of coffee this am.
I forgot to mention that it is not possible however to independently set levels of both the B3's 1/4" OUTs and the XLR out.
That very reason is why I, myself, use an external DI box when feeding both a hungry power amp and a FOH system that generally expects MIC or INSTRUMENT level.
When using only XLR out, rest assured that its level can be set as weak or hot as need be without issue.
That amp and cab are a great rig just by themselves and with the B3, you should be all set for warm and thumpie and everything else.
I am unsure if adding a tube pedal will actually justify purchase, but please let us know how it works out if you do.
Cheers!
Oh yeah, I forgot the pre-post issue. I did an entire recording session before I figured that out. Thanks Charlie!
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