Hey guys, I'd like to collect opinions on the B3 and MS60B. I'm really on the line because they each have bizarre pros and cons, but I think the b3 is better for me. I'm looking for these because I like how you can have, for example, an eq'd, amp simmed grindy channel for riffing then you can click into a channel with reverb or delay and compression and play something pretty, and switch back. Basically, I like how you can switch patches quickly with these things. Problem is, with me, I would rather have 4 than 3 effects, and the price on the MS60B is better, but I also want to record direct into my PC, use the drum machine and use the wider selection of effects on the B3. I'd also like to use it to go direct to the board, but I *can* use the MS60B into my BG250 amp's XLR out and do that too, but I'd rather have just one thing. Would someone like to throw in their $0.02?
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Zoom B3 vs MS60B
- Thread starter J03YW
- Start date
Sounds like you want the B3. Getting by with three effect slots seems like a fair trade for the home recording and DI wants. FWIW, the MS-60b manual warns against using all four slots in a patch if you are using process-heavy effects like amp sims. I've never had an issue with it, but that seems relevant to your decision making.
Never knew about that. I can only think of a few times I'd use all 4, and they'd really just be the 7 band EQ. I think you're right, I've been notorious my whole life for not being able to set my mind on a purchase so thanks for the help.
Also, the ms-60b has a better bypassed tone then the B3 (sounding slightly muffled). I've had both. The Ms-60b is better for my needs because I can switch between patches constantly. I also use a TB Looper to bypass while I'm playing to find another patch I want and click it in when I need it. I've never had a problem with over processing but I have always only used one amp sim. When I had the B3 I always needed one more effect and when I got the ms-60b I use 4 effects on every patch. I'm very happy with the ms-60b. It has outlasted all my other pedals. It's lots of fun to match other pedals sounds and start removing them one by one off my board (like the B3k or chorus). With this pedal you never get board.
B3 and MS-60 share the same ADA converters and both sound pristine in bypass mode.
It is the first multi, rack or pedal with which I don't use a true bypass loop, because I can't hear the difference.
Not a valuable element of choice between the two IMHO.
It is the first multi, rack or pedal with which I don't use a true bypass loop, because I can't hear the difference.
Not a valuable element of choice between the two IMHO.
I own both and agree with Jazz Ad. I hear no difference in the bypass'.
I love them both and they have replaced all my other pedals. For live use and ease of switching, I would get a B3, but the 60b is an amazing unit, and dirt cheap. Just get both!
J!
I went with the B3 because it has more of the effects I am after, the B60 packs an amazing lot in a single size pedal.
I don't think you can go wrong with either pedal! Everybody should have a 60B on their board! Tuner and compressor functions pay for the thing!
J!
ok, so either way i'll be happy. that's good. can the B3 switch between patches quickly, as in the entire thing? Like if I had one patch with a noisegate, comp/dist, then an amp sim could I switch it to a delay, flanger and amp sim by clicking one button and nothing else, or is there menu surfing/button holding/ do i have to hit all 3 stomps to turn on all the effects? the speediness of the ms60b is drawing me, but the b3 seems more useful for recording. I kinda wish the b3 did 6 effects like the g3, but maybe that'll come in a firmware update. idk.
I've used the MS60 as a replacement for two pedals on my board - my tired old Qtron and OC2. I also take it to upright gigs and use the parametric; it was invaluable at a festival gig I did recently! It's also great for extra synth sounds I need for cover gigs I sub on. The best bit is the ability to use an amp modeler to thicken the sounds up.
Ok, I think I've figured out how the switching goes for each of them but I'm still not sure. On the MS60B I am 100 percent sure you set the A, B, C, etc values and just stomp through the patches. easy peasy. but on the B3, don't you hold down the leftmost button to go into patch mode and scroll around? my question is if i have a patch with distortion, eq and an amp and i want to switch to delay, flanger and an amp, can i throw it in patch mode and flip over between the two without having to exit patch mode to turn on the pedals? switching between patches is ignored in pretty much every demo.
Yep. In patch mode it just switches to the next patch. You just line them up in the order you want with some clean/dry patches in between. So, in patch mode you instantly switch all 3 fx or you can be in stomp box mode and turn the 3 fx on/off manually.
Actually page 9 of the B3 manual contains the same warning, which coincidentally is found on page 9 of the 60B manual. It is only more of an issue on the 60B because 4 effects can be active at once. It would be nice if Zoom would publish a processor percentage number for each effect. Then you would know in advance if the chain you want adds up to more than 100% and you might be able to pick a substitute for one of the effects that would get you below 100%.
It would also be nice if these pedals had digital signal inputs and outputs that would allow you to daisy chain pedals for more processing power while bypassing the D/A => A/D conversions that otherwise take place between pedals.
Ken
It allows an extra effect to be used, but
it has the same processing power. I really wish the B3 allowed a fourth 'master' effect that could be one all the time like in the M60b, so you could put a noise gate or an amp sim on while the three stomps are freed up for more specific tools.
Maybe a firmware update or something that could make it like a G3 with 6 active effects?
HI there everyone...
Just got my MB60 this weekend...its a truly, truly AMAZING unit. Right out of the box I tried all of the presets and in no time I programmed a few of my own...the A,B,C,D etc function it´s heaven....quick, no glitch.....
BUT..here´s the thing
...when I tried to connect the MB60 to my interfase (Zoom H4n...it has interfase functions)...it was horrible...the signal of the MB60 was SOOOO loud that came out distorted...tried to turn down the level of my interfase..no good...then I went and tried by turning down the levels of the effects on the patches I created..no good....
Any ideas how can I work this out?
Thanks
Just got my MB60 this weekend...its a truly, truly AMAZING unit. Right out of the box I tried all of the presets and in no time I programmed a few of my own...the A,B,C,D etc function it´s heaven....quick, no glitch.....
BUT..here´s the thing
...when I tried to connect the MB60 to my interfase (Zoom H4n...it has interfase functions)...it was horrible...the signal of the MB60 was SOOOO loud that came out distorted...tried to turn down the level of my interfase..no good...then I went and tried by turning down the levels of the effects on the patches I created..no good....
Any ideas how can I work this out?
Thanks
.
This has been discussed at length in other B3 topics.
Email Zoom and ask them if they are going to do it.
Many of us did, to no avail so far, but the more emails they receive, the more chance of them looking at it.
I do recall someone suggesting that the processor in the B3 might not handle 6 effects in a patch.
Whether or not this is the case I don't know.
This has been discussed at length in other B3 topics.
Email Zoom and ask them if they are going to do it.
Many of us did, to no avail so far, but the more emails they receive, the more chance of them looking at it.
I do recall someone suggesting that the processor in the B3 might not handle 6 effects in a patch.
Whether or not this is the case I don't know.
