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Zoom B3 As Preamp

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#121
CharlieC said:
If I had to guess, I bet you are not using the specially-wired Speakon cable (+1/+2) required for bridge operation and thus you are only getting about 200 watts max out of the amp.
Click to expand...

This is probably my problem, I have a Neutrik NL2, not the NL4 type.

Just to be sure I understand, for bridged mono with the NL4 the speaker cable wiring should be as follows:
Conductor #1: +1 at Amp end and +1 at cab end
Conductor #2: +2 at Amp end and -1 at cab end

Correct?:help:
 
#122
MrM said:
This is probably my problem, I have a Neutrik NL2, not the NL4 type.

Just to be sure I understand, for bridged mono with the NL4 the speaker cable wiring should be as follows:
Conductor #1: +1 at Amp end and +1 at cab end
Conductor #2: +2 at Amp end and -1 at cab end

Correct?:help:
Click to expand...

Correct and be sure to mark the amp side of the cable as "Amp" for when you disconnect/reconnect it in the future

Cheers!
 
#125
Last night as a try before you buy experiment, I took a line from the mono line out of the B3 to the power amp in socket of my Fender TB600 and it was nowhere near loud enough and certainly did not compare to the volume levels I can obtain by plugging directly into the preamp of the TB600. I was using the SVT patch with the cabinet sim turned off. Global level was 100 and patch level was also 100. Am I supposed to be using the balanced DI?
 
#126
DemonGene said:
Last night as a try before you buy experiment, I took a line from the mono line out of the B3 to the power amp in socket of my Fender TB600 and it was nowhere near loud enough and certainly did not compare to the volume levels I can obtain by plugging directly into the preamp of the TB600. I was using the SVT patch with the cabinet sim turned off. Global level was 100 and patch level was also 100. Am I supposed to be using the balanced DI?
Click to expand...

I highly suggest the 1/4" over the XLR when feeding a power amp, but either would result in sound being heard.

The GLOBAL menu "Level" of 100 is fine, maybe too hot (see a previous post of mine), but let's continue.

Under the TOTAL menu, there exists another "Level" that is best set at 100. I am unsure if that is what you meant by "patch level." Also under the TOTAL menu is the infamous "Balance" parameter that I suggest be set at 100 (and I bet this is the cause of the problem.)

Finally, under the SVT amp simulation, there is yet another "Level" that is also best set at 100 and additionally, do not be afraid to push the GAIN upwards past 60.

With all these parameters in effect, the B3 should be able to push even the most stubborn professional power amps into clipping, let alone POWER AMP IN jacks on the rear of a bass head.

Good luck!

Edit: I just checked the specs on the Fender TB600 and found that its PWR AMP input sensitivity level is 1.0V RMS for full power, of which the B3's 1/4" output is capable.
 
#128
DemonGene said:
Would you kindly share your global/total/amp model settings for your SVT patch?
Click to expand...

b3_svt.gif
 
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#129
I love the GK model. It is spot on and works very well with my Berg IP112.
The SVT is very good too, well thought and ultraswitches are a nice touch.
DemonGene said:
it was nowhere near loud enough and certainly did not compare to the volume levels I can obtain by plugging directly into the preamp of the TB600
Click to expand...
This is a first too me.
The main reproach people do to the B3 is that the output signal is very, very hot.
 
#136
BassikLee said:
I am thinking of trying this, into two alto powered speakers. I have used the pair before as a bass amp, with an mxr m80. Worked real well.
Click to expand...

The B3 is a perfect match for full-range powered speakers and IEM's.

IMHO, the resulting tones there surpass those made running the B3 through real bass cabinets, but don't count on me going cabinet-less on stage any time soon.

Cheers!
 
#137
CharlieC said:
Setting The Stage

For Live use I personally run the B3 into a Crown XLS 1000 power amp that in-turn drives varying Ampeg cabinets (gig dependent.)

My original fear upon connecting the B3 to the power amp was that, as a stomp box, it might not have an output level capable of pushing the Crown XLS's notoriously-high 1.4 Vrms sensitivity level needed to achieve full-rated power. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the B3's output was capable of sufficient voltage for this rig
Click to expand...

Where did you find out that the B3 produces more than 1.4 Vrms Charlie?
 
#138
CharlieC, I tried the B3 straight into one side of the XLS 1500. I had to turn the volume on the amp all the way up (just running on one channel.) Global volume was all the way up on the B3. Could not really find something I liked, so connected the Ampeg SVP PRO preamp again. Only could spend 1/2 hour as I had to work, but I will try again.
 
#139
DemonGene said:
Where did you find out that the B3 produces more than 1.4 Vrms Charlie?
Click to expand...

I never said the B3 outputs more than 1.4 Vrms, but what it does output is more than sufficient to clip my power amp that is rated at 1.4 Vrms.

With this real-world proof, I am confident that the B3 is indeed capable despite no official rating provided by Zoom.

Your Fender TB600 with its lower 1.0 Vrms input sensitivity should either be very pleased or very afraid of the B3.

Should you still not have success with your attempts, I suspect another issue, possibly hardware, is at play on your side.

Cheers!
 
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