Zoom B6

[stubbsonic]

Just a general note, dB meter apps for iOS ALL suck. The built-in mic has hard-wired limiting, and I don't believe this can be bypassed-- even behind the scenes with the software, so they're all non-linear. It's one of the dumb secrets about those apps. A connected audio interface should work fine.

I think using a meter is probably a good idea, though. Maybe you have access to something with level meters besides your phone. Does the B6 have output meters on it?

 

[Sachelis]

Just a general note, dB meter apps for iOS ALL suck. The built-in mic has hard-wired limiting, and I don't believe this can be bypassed-- even behind the scenes with the software, so they're all non-linear. It's one of the dumb secrets about those apps. A connected audio interface should work fine.

I think using a meter is probably a good idea, though. Maybe you have access to something with level meters besides your phone. Does the B6 have output meters on it?

There isn't an output meter on the B6. I was "hoping" the iOS meters would suffice if I aimed for the same db on all of the patches (so non-linear wouldn't matter, although inconsistencies would). From what I've seen online, the problem with iOS db meters isn't with consistency, it is the need for calibration. And what I was really hoping for is that someone else already did this, but I do welcome suggestions if I end up doing it (in which case I'll probably only "balance" the patches that I use). Thanks, @stubbsonic.

 

[stubbsonic]

I think if you hit the mic on the iOS device very lightly, so the limiter doesn't kick in, it should be work ok. It's when you hit the mic hard, and the signal becomes limited/compressed-- the meter reads quieter than what is actually in the room. So at the louder end, you won't get useful readings.

 

[jimfist]

@Sachelis
This is a common practice, to use a loop to balance presets. I would recommend you not use a static tone, but a loop of your playing representative of all styles and note ranges, and auditioning be done at stage volume through whatever type of speaker reinforcement used to monitor your sound.

 

[stubbsonic]

In that case, definitely DON'T use the iOS dB meter. Use those meat flowers on the sides of your skull.

 

[jimfist]

In that case, definitely DON'T use the iOS dB meter. Use those meat flowers on the sides of your skull.

Exactly. Thanks for completing my thought there.

 

[Appogee]

I am considering playing a constant tone on the B6 (probably using the looper), setting up a db meter (aka sound pressure meter) on my phone (I don’t need an accurate db reading because I will be setting the relative volume), going through all of the patches and adjusting the individual patch volumes to equalize them.

Brilliant idea. If you do please share your patch library with us so we too can benefit from your effort. Cheers.

 

[Sachelis]

In that case, definitely DON'T use the iOS dB meter. Use those meat flowers on the sides of your skull.

Yeah, that's how I've been balancing the patches that I created.

 

[Heisenbass]

@Sachelis
This is a common practice, to use a loop to balance presets. I would recommend you not use a static tone, but a loop of your playing representative of all styles and note ranges, and auditioning be done at stage volume through whatever type of speaker reinforcement used to monitor your sound.

Wouldn’t pink noise be a viable option? I have a Zoom H2n. I figure the following setup: feed the noise into the H2n and set the recording level that it hits 0 dB or maybe something below. Then plug the B6 into the H2n and feed the noise into the B6. Then start adjusting the first patch volume that it hits the level above. Rinse and repeat.

 

[BatBasstard]

Could you not do this with a Daw?

 

[Heisenbass]

Could you not do this with a Daw?

Guess you’re right. See no reason why not.

 

[stubbsonic]

Noise seems like a reasonable idea, the only issue would have to do with the kinds of subjective level perceptions that come from compression (attack vs sustain) about which noise might not give you a proper read.

 

[Heisenbass]

I thought of that also. But OTOH, attack and sustain are only shapes of loudness. I won’t rule out I’m wrong, but if you define noise as a random dispersion of frequency and loudness, you should be covered

 

[StrivingOn]

Can anyone confirm whether you can send the loops and rhythms out independently, like through the XLR to a full range system for better drum sounds rather than putting them through a bass amp?

 

[jimfist]

Can anyone confirm whether you can send the loops and rhythms out independently, like through the XLR to a full range system for better drum sounds rather than putting them through a bass amp?

Flying by the seat here....IIRC you have 2 choices for where to put the looper: per effects or post effects. It's not treated like a standard effect where it shows up on the layout so that you can put a SEND block before or after it, which might allow you to treat it separately. Look here:

B6 Multi-Effects Processor Operation Manual

Changing the looper position
The looper position can be changed.

1. Touch LOOPER SETTINGS on the Looper Control Screen (→ Using the looper while playing)
   
   
2. Touch the desired looper position.
   
   
   
   This places the looper before effects.
   This places the looper after effects.
   HINT
   By placing the looper before the effects, the sound of a looped performance can be altered to craft the sound without continuing to play.
   
   
   

 

[Sachelis]

I'm the guy who started this recent discussion on balancing the preset patches in the Zoom B6.

This is what I ended up doing:

1. I recorded a very short loop (e.g., a few seconds) of a C note. I didn't record noise or a variety of tones as others suggested--I am simply trying to keep the volume similar when I change patches. I did position the loop before the effects.
2. I connected the output of the B6 to my DI and launched my DAW.
3. I played the loop while an empty patch was selected and noted the volume level that was displayed in my DAW.
4. I selected each of the ~10 patches that I use frequently (both presets and patches that I've created) and adjusted the patch's volume level so it was similar to the empty patch's volume.

FWIW, I accessed the patch volume setting by selecting Edit All > Patch Settings. After doing this once I could use the footswitches to select a new patch, turn the volume knob so that patch's volume was as desired in my DAW, select the next patch, and repeat.

This resulted in a significant improvement. I.e., there is no longer a significant change in volume when I change between patches (or bypass patches).

Thanks for the guidance (even if I only adhered to some of it)!

Steve

 

[StrivingOn]

Changing the looper position
The looper position can be changed.

Since I don’t own a B6 yet I’m not sure I understand your response. Does changing the placement of the looper enable it to be routed out of the unit differently, XLR s 1/4”?

 

[jimfist]

Since I don’t own a B6 yet I’m not sure I understand your response. Does changing the placement of the looper enable it to be routed out of the unit differently, XLR s 1/4”?

No. I don't think so.

 

[StrivingOn]

So at all times the loops, rhythms and bass go out of the same output, whether it’s the XLR or the headphone/amp out?

 

[Sachelis]

Since I don’t own a B6 yet I’m not sure I understand your response. Does changing the placement of the looper enable it to be routed out of the unit differently, XLR s 1/4”?

The looper can be (digitally) positioned before the effects in which case the effects are applied to the loop, or after the effects in which case the loop is played as recorded and only your bass is affected by the effects.