Zoom B6

[mcnach]

Not sure if it's documented but, apparently, the b6 provides a 'professional' signal, separate to the line output - a nod towards understanding the needs of some users.

I suppose it's all a thing of learning, and finding where you want to make your trade-offs - from my reading, users tend to mix the same cabs, with the same amps! Preset me, then, and take up just one patch!

The G3xn had an immediacy to the controls, that i kinda miss.

The B6 has a potential in its spec, that i might never see fully realized.

Zoom should hire you! Zoom, are you listening?
I may not share your... let's say enthusiasm about these matters, but I think you're not wrong about their insufficient research about what the end users would really find useful.

 

[stubbsonic]

When Convolution was first described to me, and how amps/cabs could be modeled in this way; the idea that a single snapshot at one specific volume, made an impression. Even then I wondered if it was possible to have impulse responses at different levels (I even remember searching "dynamic convolution" way back then).

Zoom is the first company (that I know of) that has actually brought a version of dynamic convolution with their multi-layer thing on the B2 Four (et al). I don't know that users were clamoring for this feature, but it does set them apart.

 

[arlypbarley]

Zoom should hire you! Zoom, are you listening?
I may not share your... let's say enthusiasm about these matters, but I think you're not wrong about their insufficient research about what the end users would really find useful.

I was certainly trying to make a +ve point! if users have a stronger belief in the b6 than zoom do, let them have at it!

Or just wrap a bunch of small things in one update. just to say you remember us! it could still happen but, after all this time, surely won't.
I might've even been misled by my Novation Circuit experience of user-support, and expect to much from zoom but, the b6 manual deffo mentions firmware - they made the idea an update valid, and reasonable!

 

[ClusterFlux]

I was certainly trying to make a +ve point!

Yes, we get it. But I mean... complaining about the direction of the power switch? C'mon.

Zoom does, in fact, put out firmware updates. Like most companies, they're primarily for bug fixes, not new features.

If getting new features at some random unknown future date is important to you, that's fine. But it makes no sense to dump on people who are happy to get exactly what's on the tin. If I really need an analog octaver, I'm likely to need it now, rather than 2 years from now.

Zoom produces affordable gear that sounds pretty good. This involves compromises, such as limited CPU power or no MIDI. But in other cases, they add features you just can't get at that price point. Who else makes a multi-FX pedal with XLR out, dual inputs, switchable impedance, DI emulation, 130 loadable IR slots, a color touch screen for anywhere near $500? You have to spend at least double that just to get an XLR out on a Boss GT-1000.

This arrangement doesn't work for everyone. But it works for lots of musicians, who use Zoom gear for years on end, even sticking to discontinued units that will never get another firmware update.

Saying why gear doesn't work for you makes sense. But don't conflate "does not work for me" with "does not work for anyone."

 

[arlypbarley]

When Convolution was first described to me, and how amps/cabs could be modeled in this way; the idea that a single snapshot at one specific volume, made an impression. Even then I wondered if it was possible to have impulse responses at different levels (I even remember searching "dynamic convolution" way back then).

Zoom is the first company (that I know of) that has actually brought a version of dynamic convolution with their multi-layer thing on the B2 Four (et al). I don't know that users were clamoring for this feature, but it does set them apart.

'Convolution'! The word i was looking for, and didn't look up!
the b6 convolution is not dynamic! When you select your patches, you're, essentially, configuring an algorithm, that the b6 computes, before you can play.

You might notice the pause/silence, when selecting patches

Yes, we get it. But I mean... complaining about the direction of the power switch? C'mon.

Zoom does, in fact, put out firmware updates. Like most companies, they're primarily for bug fixes, not new features.

If getting new features at some random unknown future date is important to you, that's fine. But it makes no sense to dump on people who are happy to get exactly what's on the tin. If I really need an analog octaver, I'm likely to need it now, rather than 2 years from now.

Zoom produces affordable gear that sounds pretty good. This involves compromises, such as limited CPU power or no MIDI. But in other cases, they add features you just can't get at that price point. Who else makes a multi-FX pedal with XLR out, dual inputs, switchable impedance, DI emulation, 130 loadable IR slots, a color touch screen for anywhere near $500? You have to spend at least double that just to get an XLR out on a Boss GT-1000.

This arrangement doesn't work for everyone. But it works for lots of musicians, who use Zoom gear for years on end, even sticking to discontinued units that will never get another firmware update.

Saying why gear doesn't work for you makes sense. But don't conflate "does not work for me" with "does not work for anyone."

i hurt you! i'm sorry.

where you say 'conflation', i say 'projection' - you're projecting, and hurt people might do that.

i realised, after my 1st comment, i meant to post on basschat! Something 'bout the honesty they apply to their b6 experience, that i appreciate.

but, for me, the idea of chiding someone for wanting completion on a part-baked, multi-tool is unappealing.

my user-expectations are wrong. i should be a better user.
zoom corp'n are right! they shift units and, if you touch it two, maybe three times, you get touchscreen controls, for less than $600!

i'll leave you stakeholders to your agm .

 

[jid]

if the power switch were, say, 10 way, it could see it being a problem. It is 0/1. On/off. There is probably some engineer sitting in his cubical laughing at us Americans saying ‘I’m going to drive someone crazy by flip-flopping the direction of the binary switch! Bwahahahahahahaha!!!!!!

Don’t give him the pleasure.

too late!

 

[stubbsonic]

but, for me, the idea of chiding someone for wanting completion on a part-baked, multi-tool is unappealing.

I hate to sound like "that guy". I'm getting older. I've bought and enjoyed enough gear over my decades to have gained some perspective. I've also explored this idea of disappointed expectations through a kind of trial-by-fire.

I've written a few reviews over the years. When I find a piece of gear that exceeds my expectations, I get pretty fired up (in a good way). But when a particular piece of gear has stupid/sloppy/half-assed design aspects, they just go into the list of CONS. Like you, I notice things like upside power switches, etc. But they don't rise to the level of being worth mentioning-- except in passing.

A couple months ago, I bought a Nektar keyboard controller. A pitch-bend wheel is supposed to generate 14-bit resolution, but this keyboard's pitch bend only has 7-bit resolution (1/128th of the resolution). I think my disappointment is justified as there is an established specification, and Nektar cut corners and got away with it by not publishing any specs. I find that stuff so irritating!!

Since I often dwell at the budget end of gear, I've gotten used to assuming the worst, and doing really careful pre-purchase research. Unfortunately, YouTube reviews often lack details-- and it's hard to know how honest the reviewers are when A. they've not taken enough time to get annoyed, and B. they don't want to ruffle feathers of manufacturers.

But at the end of the day, perfect gear is rare, and in this price range-- my expectations are usually pretty low. When I list "cons", I hold out hope that Zoom might hear and correct via firmware. If I definitely want that kind of action, there are better brands: Fractal, Line6, even Boss.

 

[DJ Bebop]

I hate to sound like "that guy". I'm getting older. I've bought and enjoyed enough gear over my decades to have gained some perspective. I've also explored this idea of disappointed expectations through a kind of trial-by-fire.

I've written a few reviews over the years. When I find a piece of gear that exceeds my expectations, I get pretty fired up (in a good way). But when a particular piece of gear has stupid/sloppy/half-assed design aspects, they just go into the list of CONS. Like you, I notice things like upside power switches, etc. But they don't rise to the level of being worth mentioning-- except in passing.

A couple months ago, I bought a Nektar keyboard controller. A pitch-bend wheel is supposed to generate 14-bit resolution, but this keyboard's pitch bend only has 7-bit resolution (1/128th of the resolution). I think my disappointment is justified as there is an established specification, and Nektar cut corners and got away with it by not publishing any specs. I find that stuff so irritating!!

Since I often dwell at the budget end of gear, I've gotten used to assuming the worst, and doing really careful pre-purchase research. Unfortunately, YouTube reviews often lack details-- and it's hard to know how honest the reviewers are when A. they've not taken enough time to get annoyed, and B. they don't want to ruffle feathers of manufacturers.

But at the end of the day, perfect gear is rare, and in this price range-- my expectations are usually pretty low. When I list "cons", I hold out hope that Zoom might hear and correct via firmware. If I definitely want that kind of action, there are better brands: Fractal, Line6, even Boss.

I enjoyed the Spark amp review by Rudy Sarzo. It struck a chord with me as a dad and grandpa how much he earnestly enjoys the little tabletop amp/practice tool. Even though he is a pro, he seems to have the same joy as a hobbyist and understands the place and use for it. He is enthusiastic about it but doesn't overhype it beyond what it is. I felt the same way about my first Zoom pedal, B1on, about trying different pedal combinations of pedals to see how they work.

 

[JCW308]

Can someone confirm....does the tuner function automatically mute the bass signal or does it let it come through?

 

[Acoustic356]

Can someone confirm....does the tuner function automatically mute the bass signal or does it let it come through?

It mutes. I don't recall if you can change that programmatically in the settings, but I don't think so.

 

[Appogee]

Confirming you can't change the muting behaviour of the tuner in settings.
B6 Manual is here.

 

[BatBasstard]

You know what dude? Maybe this isn’t the right tool for you. Zoom are certainly not going to change their attitude to updates based on Talkbass rants. You’ll be waiting a mighty long time if that’s your strategy here.

I’ve never wasted this many words complaining about a product I’d apparently researched and bought with open eyes.

You don’t like it. It’s not for you. Sell it and stop letting it live rent free in your head ‍

If I buy a pedal, I buy it for what it can do for me now - potential is a thing!

I knew the risks of not getting updates when I bought the B6. In fact, I never expected any - but the original manual talks of firmware updates - you have every right to anticipate one!

Oh, and the, even-newer, zoom G4, has ALREADY received an update, to my misunderstanding! Did they have the right to expect one?!

The B6 has a few quirks sure. I did my research before buying, so I knew what they were - Where? How, outside of reviews, which so many of us might rely on? By buying it, and, after a while, being stuck with it and, after a longer while, realising that zoom never knew you, and never cared!

And everything you say, while absolutely true, will not stop me.. but, it almost certainly will stop me. as some sort of multitool pedal, the b6 is interesting, but it has no future. as a techie guy, i can sort of see all of the wasted potential and, as a reader of your comments, i can see that none of this potential might ever be met.

if potential buyers can completely anticipate all the requirements that they NOW have, and be sure that they won't have any developing needs in the FUTURE, that they hope might be met in the b6, they might be alright to buy it.

Otherwise, zoom aren't the bedfellows you seek. They seem to treat users like Johns - there is no mutual love - you just pay, and leave.

even if they supported some user-community project, it might stand a chance - make guitar labs a portal for sharing patches, open-source patch dev, stuff like that.

As it is, the buyer has to realise that zoom aren't musicians, and any feature that zoom didn't consider, won't be coming down the pipeline.

It's a crying shame and, despite some of the staunch devotion shown here, that i'd like to show here, also, i might just cry-off from investing much more into the b6 project.

 

[Baker69]

I received my Zoom B6 today so have been messing around with it tonight. I bought it to replace my Boss GT-1B unit.

So far am really pleased with it and it has exceeded my expectations. I was careful not to accidentally alter things but I think I still made a schoolboy error in not copying the original patches I’ve been modifying to an empty slot, it’s early days with it so I suppose I could do a factory reset and start again?

For the most I’ve been messing around and modding the SVT Drive and SVT Clean patches which seem to be my favourites as a basic sound, on the Clean patch I’ve added Chorus and Reverb. I find the B6 very intuitive and it hasn’t taken a great amount of time to learn how to navigate around the settings etc.

I could tell pretty much right away that it’s definitely a step up from my GT-1B which until now I have always rated fairly highly.

The unit is a bit more robust than I imagined, having read that the housing is basically plastic I was a bit wary but I think it’s fairly strong.

So far I’ve only tried it through headphones which I know to a degree gives a false impression of what it will actually sound like live, and I’m aware that the DI models do colour the sound going to the amp through the 1/4” socket.

No doubt I will need some help at some point, I hope you B6 users will be able to point me in the right direction when the moment comes!

 

[BatBasstard]

I was careful not to accidentally alter things but I think I still made a schoolboy error in not copying the original patches I’ve been modifying to an empty slot, it’s early days with it so I suppose I could do a factory reset and start again?

You can download them again direct from Guitarlab (Zoom desktop editing app. There is a mobile phone app too, if you’ve bought the Bluetooth adapter).

Also- I can’t recommend enough that you read the manual.
There is very, very little information I’ve seen on this, extremely helpful, TalkBass page that isn’t also in the manual

 

[mcnach]

Also- I can’t recommend enough that you read the manual.
There is very, very little information I’ve seen on this, extremely helpful, TalkBass page that isn’t also in the manual

Indeed.

 

[Baker69]

You can download them again direct from Guitarlab (Zoom desktop editing app. There is a mobile phone app too, if you’ve bought the Bluetooth adapter).

Also- I can’t recommend enough that you read the manual.
There is very, very little information I’ve seen on this, extremely helpful, TalkBass page that isn’t also in the manual

I have a downloaded copy of the Owners Manual plus the document giving a complete list of all the amps, cabs, effects etc.

I’ve started reading it last night but I was too tired and couldn’t concentrate on it.

Yes this thread looks very useful too, I feel a combination of the manual plus hands on trial & error experimentation and TB B6 users’ advice and I’ll get there.

 

[Baker69]

Indeed.

I haven’t decided yet whether to get the Bluetooth adapter yet, I don’t think I’ll be doing too much deep editing but if I have the spare $ I may get one.

 

[Baker69]

Why do certain default Presets on the Zoom B6 have a Preamp in addition to an Amplifier, for example patch 001 SVT Drive which has the 1073 Preamp + SVT Amp and patch 004 Natural AG which has a Solid Preamp + AG 750 Amp?

 

[Baker69]

You can download them again direct from Guitarlab (Zoom desktop editing app. There is a mobile phone app too, if you’ve bought the Bluetooth adapter).

Also- I can’t recommend enough that you read the manual.
There is very, very little information I’ve seen on this, extremely helpful, TalkBass page that isn’t also in the manual

I’ve downloaded the list of presets that the Zoom B6 comes loaded with, and it details the ‘components’ of each patch including the actual setting for each parameter, so no need to download any patches, from the information given it’s easy to build an identical stock patch from scratch.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Why do certain default Presets on the Zoom B6 have a Preamp in addition to an Amplifier, for example patch 001 SVT Drive which has the 1073 Preamp + SVT Amp and patch 004 Natural AG which has a Solid Preamp + AG 750 Amp?

Because some of the kids today like to stack an additional preamp in the mix for dirt and stuff. Something this grandpa doesn't do much of but understands that the youth and some into the various Mental genres of music do like to do.

Also some like how the preamp makes their bass sound before it hits that amp, like the Neve 1073 preamp.