Zoom b3 patch Ideas

[jking138]

Thanks for the reply! Also, just to clarify, if I add a new patch like one of the ones discussed here, I would need to delete one of the pre-installed patches since it only holds 100 total, is that correct?

Yeah, you modify existing patches.

 

[TitaniumRx]

Thanks for the reply! Also, just to clarify, if I add a new patch like one of the ones discussed here, I would need to delete one of the pre-installed patches since it only holds 100 total, is that correct?

Yes,you must replace the patch.Just change the fx in it and you are ok.

 

[rydin4lifebass]

Thanks fellas. One more question here. I created a patch using just the MXR DI+ and the Ampeg SVT emulator. I was playing with the B3 plugged into my Fender Rumble 350 head (all settings flat) and I only had the volume at 1 or 2 and it was very loud. I also want to plug the B3 unit directly into a Tascam multi-track recorder. Should I be changing the master volume settings on the Zoom or worrying too much about the active/pass inputs (on zoom and amp) when hooking into my amp versus the tascam?

 

[TitaniumRx]

Thanks fellas. One more question here. I created a patch using just the MXR DI+ and the Ampeg SVT emulator. I was playing with the B3 plugged into my Fender Rumble 350 head (all settings flat) and I only had the volume at 1 or 2 and it was very loud. I also want to plug the B3 unit directly into a Tascam multi-track recorder. Should I be changing the master volume settings on the Zoom or worrying too much about the active/pass inputs (on zoom and amp) when hooking into my amp versus the tascam?

You must always set the volume off the b3 at unity.You must use your ears to see the volume with and without the patch.Use one empty patch after the SVT patch and cycle between them and make the appropriate changes to the SVT patch.Or use the tuner.Keep the global and total(patch volume) to 100 for both and change the volume and gain of the amp simulator first and the DI+ after to archive a unity volume as posible.In amp simulators make the gain and volume to match at 100 number as total.Gain 30 then volume of the amp at 70,gain 50 then volume 50 etc etc.
This strategy works really well for me and you have the control of the volume to the third party connection like the tascam.

The easiest way is to begin with an empty patch and put one by one,one effect to another until the patch is ready.Always change the volumes and then proceed to another etc etc.Begin with amp first.
Go back and forth to other patches and compare the volume between them.Press the tuner and see how loud the clear signal is.

 

[jking138]

You must always set the volume off the b3 at unity.You must use your ears to see the volume with and without the patch.Use one empty patch after the SVT patch and cycle between them and make the appropriate changes to the SVT patch.Or use the tuner.Keep the global and total(patch volume) to 100 for both and change the volume and gain of the amp simulator first and the DI+ after to archive a unity volume as posible.In amp simulators make the gain and volume to match at 100 number as total.Gain 30 then volume of the amp at 70,gain 50 then volume 50 etc etc.
This strategy works really well for me and you have the control of the volume to the third party connection like the tascam.

The easiest way is to begin with an empty patch and put one by one,one effect to another until the patch is ready.Always change the volumes and then proceed to another etc etc.Begin with amp first.
Go back and forth to other patches and compare the volume between them.Press the tuner and see how loud the clear signal is.

Thanks fellas. One more question here. I created a patch using just the MXR DI+ and the Ampeg SVT emulator. I was playing with the B3 plugged into my Fender Rumble 350 head (all settings flat) and I only had the volume at 1 or 2 and it was very loud. I also want to plug the B3 unit directly into a Tascam multi-track recorder. Should I be changing the master volume settings on the Zoom or worrying too much about the active/pass inputs (on zoom and amp) when hooking into my amp versus the tascam?

I would reduce the Global level to 50ish (or whatever you find unity to be using the bypass on the tuner) and keep each patch level at 100. Running the B3 too hot into an amp will give you distortion in the preamp section, making it impossible to achieve a completely clean signal. From there, as TitaniumRx said, when craeting a patch make sure each pedal added is set to unity with the bypassed signal.
Some effects, octave for example is difficult to guage as it changes your signal drastically. Also when you stack certain pedals, usually compression, has an effect on the following pedals and may need some thought as to how you would use your effects, as to what you want from them.

 

[rydin4lifebass]

Can't tell you how much I appreciate the responses guys. What do you mean by setting the volume "at unity"?

 

[jking138]

Unity is when the volume is the same whether the pedal is off or on.

 

[TitaniumRx]

I would reduce the Global level to 50ish (or whatever you find unity to be using the bypass on the tuner) and keep each patch level at 100

I find that when non of the fx is on,the global and patch level have unity gain at 100.

 

[jking138]

I'll check mine again, I admit I haven't thoroughly set all of my patches at unity. The ones I have set are at unity with each other and I've just reduced the overall level, it's quicker and easier and achieves the same effect as I never run the B3 without at least one thing on in a patch.

 

[rydin4lifebass]

How do we find unity exactly? Are you guys just going solely by ear?

 

[TitaniumRx]

How do we find unity exactly? Are you guys just going solely by ear?

No.In my amp i see the clip light in the gain,and in my audio interface the VU meters or the VU in the DAW.You can check it with your ear ofc but with this way you are not very precise.

And i have to tell that the volume and the perceived loudness is very deferent thinks.
Sometimes you must change the volumes because of the character of the sound.Your main concern must be the cutting in mix factor.

 

[jking138]

And i have to tell that the volume and the perceived loudness is very deferent thinks.
Sometimes you must change the volumes because of the character of the sound.Your main concern must be the cutting in mix factor.

Absolutely. Using a good amp in a rehearsal space where you can crank the volume will help as well. The low end you only get from that situation plays a big part, you don't hear it with headphones or small amps so it's hard to gauge at home. There's been times I've made patches that sound awesome at home but when I get to band practice my low end either drops out or everything goes to mud and sub frequencies.

Make one or two patches of either groups of pedals you would use, setting each to unity, to be used as individual pedals or using the patch as a whole and concentrate on getting those couple of patches spot on.
Also the volumes on the sims aren't the same, for example, 100 on the D-comp is not the same as 100 on the db160 and setting the gain at 40 and volume at 60 on the amp sims won't give you the same volume level on each. I find the SVT a lot louder then the monotone but as TitaniumRx said, theres a difference in percieved volume as well.

 

[rydin4lifebass]

Out of curiosity..how many of you guys are using the pre-loaded patches versus custom patches? I'm just going through some of these and I can't think of a song I'd use most of them for while the ones provided here seem to be much more applicable. I don't want to delete them all from the unit but again, most don't really seem useful in a sense.

Also, any recommendations for a nice thumpy rap bass sound.

Example:

 

[Joeykun]

I made one patch for Dream Theaters The Glass Prison

Nice job. My longtime friend is the new drummer in DT. We grew up in the same town and played in many bands together.

 

[jking138]

Out of curiosity..how many of you guys are using the pre-loaded patches versus custom patches? I'm just going through some of these and I can't think of a song I'd use most of them for while the ones provided here seem to be much more applicable. I don't want to delete them all from the unit but again, most don't really seem useful in a sense.

Also, any recommendations for a nice thumpy rap bass sound.

Example:

Using the edit and share software, comes with the B3 or you can download it from the zoom website (I think), you can make a copy of all the pre-installed patches, just copy and paste into a folder. That way you can always re-add them later.

I don't use the pre-sets, for me there is too much difference in volume and tone/low end to use them with each other in a song or a set and sound consistent. Sound guys would not appreciate it live. Some are good, but I've modified them for my own tastes, where as some are just useless for me. Currently I don't think I have any more then 5-6 unaltered patches, maybe even less.

For thump, try a heavy compressor with one of the exciters live the Bottom B and boost the bass a little while reducing the treble a bit as well.

 

[TitaniumRx]

Nice job. My longtime friend is the new drummer in DT. We grew up in the same town and played in many bands together.

Oh my God,you are friends with Mike?
WOW!!!

 

[TitaniumRx]

Out of curiosity..how many of you guys are using the pre-loaded patches versus custom patches? I'm just going through some of these and I can't think of a song I'd use most of them for while the ones provided here seem to be much more applicable. I don't want to delete them all from the unit but again, most don't really seem useful in a sense.

Also, any recommendations for a nice thumpy rap bass sound.

Example:

Jking138 give you the correct answer
You can always return in the default patches with the reset function.Hold the store/swap button and power up the unit.

 

[rydin4lifebass]

I hated to start deleting and overwriting stuff already but some of the patches didn't seem to have much of an effect on my sound at all and some of the others were ones that I'd never use (hintOcliff, Horror Fuzz, etc.). The ones here on TB seemed much more useful. I figure I might have 10-15 useful ones out of the preloaded stuff and the rest could be empty spots for TB patches.

Also, for heavy compression for the rap-bass sound, any adjustments on the compressor settings or just leave that as is and adjust the Bottom B?

 

[TitaniumRx]

I hated to start deleting and overwriting stuff already but some of the patches didn't seem to have much of an effect on my sound at all and some of the others were ones that I'd never use (hintOcliff, Horror Fuzz, etc.). The ones here on TB seemed much more useful. I figure I might have 10-15 useful ones out of the preloaded stuff and the rest could be empty spots for TB patches.

Also, for heavy compression for the rap-bass sound, any adjustments on the compressor settings or just leave that as is and adjust the Bottom B?

First of all,read the manual.After that you will see that the "deleting" is every day work with that unit.This is the way you learn it,period.Don't be afraid,is normal and you must do it.You can return it to default as all ready told ya very easy.
Second,experiment a lot,i mean a lot with that machine.This is the only way to find your sounds.

The default patches is there to begin with,to see how you can use the fxs for your preference.It's DEMO patches.
Dig the default patch,see how Zoom connects the amps,distortions,reverbs and delays to learn the way,the sequence etc etc.

Hope that helps

 

[TitaniumRx]

I collect together some off the patches i found here,in TalkBass forum.You can download this library from here : https://www.dropbox.com/s/l0dzwbpoqsvk7gd/TalkBass Patches 1.b3a


Some mine patches in one library : https://www.dropbox.com/s/ho0zr70zd4qzgwl/TitaniumRx.b3a

All the amps and preamps of the unit,with almost flat all the eqs and volumes/gains : https://www.dropbox.com/s/4xl6r6ivj2bo8vc/Amps.b3a

All the best