jimfist

[quote name='Al Krow' timestamp='1488751772' post='3251571'] Hey Jimfist that is massively helpful and thanks very much for taking the time to share that. Currently I have a Zoom MS60B and was thinking of replacing it with the Zoom B3n (£170). Sounds like from what you are saying, if I am going for only one multi FX pedal I should actually be thinking of the Zoom g5n (£250), even though the g5n is a guitar rather than bass focussed pedal? Have you also tried out the Line 6 Pod HD500X (£400)? If so, how does that compare to the Zoom g5n? [/quote] I like that the G5n is a smaller footprint than the Pod HD, and the B3n even smaller, but more importantly that I can choose to use one or the other, or both, depending on my needs (stage size, tone/fx demands). Certainly the HD is a great value for the money these days, and this line of ZOOM products can't touch it in terms of programmability, physical I/O, MIDI implementation, contollers, etc. If those were great concerns for me then I'd bypass the HD series altogether and either look at the Helix or Fractal Audio FX8 or AX8 (I'm also an AxeFXII owner). Sonically, I'd say the guitar amp/cab models in the G5n are easily on par with the HD, but some may argue with that (all subjective). The G5n models are definitely improved from the G3/G5 Zoom modelers IMHO. The G5n is pure serial signal path, but allows for up to 9 effects blocks (amp models eat up TWO unit/slots, though), and is dead simple to use. It is really easy to tweak live (important for me), and you can master the logic to creating patches with very little diving into the manual. The switching on the G5n is improved (dedicated tap tempo and tuner), though in STOMPBOX mode, you need to use L/R scroll buttons that allow you to fully navigate across the signal chain. This isn't a big deal for me as it's easy enough to do, even with my two left feet. In MEMORY (Preset) mode, you have 4 patches available per bank, with dedicated Bank UP/Down buttons. Though I've enjoyed the G5n for bass, I stop short of offering up the sentiment that any bassist would be happy with it. The fact that it CAN be used for bass doesn't necessarily mean that you'll really love it for bass. We were hoping that the bass amp/cab models from the B3n would also be made available in the G5n/G3n, but they will not, understandably so. And no "B5n" version is coming. Where some may get stuck is the fact that everything in the G5n is sort of "tuned" to apply to 6string guitar, rather than bass. Depending on the effect or process, this may or may not matter as there is a broad enough range across these effects to allow for adjustment that handles bass needs well enough. However, things like the Graphic EQ, Wah pedals, Drives, Compressors, pitch shifters, etc. might not be your cup of tea for bass, but are spot-on for guitar. Also, guitarists don't lean on the all-important "MIX/BLEND" feature that exists on most of the B3/B3n bass effects. In closing, here is a signal flow of my larger pedalboard setup, used when I want everything at my disposal. I've added the Iron Ether Divaricator to this setup, which acts as a bass frequency preservation device, using a variable crossover and remixer (hi/low levels) so that only the hi freqs above the crossover point get sent to the G5n front-end virtual stompboxes. Low end below x-over freq stays intact, both low and high get re-mixed for balance and then it all gets sent to the B3 (soon to be B3n) for amp/cab modeling and final compression/limiting. This is sent to my GK head where it goes to FOH via the XLR DI output (describe previously). Thus, the IE Divaricator helps the G5n "see" a limited (low end) frequency range that is closer to that of a guitar, and so the effects tend to behave better for bass this way. YMMV. ;-)

I'll do my best to keep this brief....but afraid it won't be (apologies) I own and have gigged the B3 for quite a few years, and though I appreciate the feature set dedicated to bassists, there are two things that I could never get past: the limited 3 button footswitch design, and the fact that the modeled tones, though respectable for live use, seem to my ears to be lacking in depth and definition compared to the better (more expensive) modelers I own or have owned. No knock really on the B3...fantastic at its price point. When the G5n guitar processor was introduced last year, I took a chance on it. The footprint is significantly larger than the B3, but not terribly huge, and well worth it considering how much more functionality/switching you get on the G5n. The big downside is that the G5n isn't geared specifically toward bassists, as is the new B3n (which I will own). I've punted, but been quite pleased using the HiWatt amp/cab sims for bass. Not a bad tone/vibe for bass at all, though quite midrange present. Anyone who is pre-disposed to consider the new "n" series of pedal products to simply be an upgrade built upon what was established with the B3/B1Xon and the G5/G3 may or may not be thrilled with these new pedals. They really are conceived to be different conceptually, once you get beyond the obvious similarities. The "n" series is all about the upgrade in quality of the modeling across the board, and the algorithms have been re-worked from the ground up...all about speed and simplicity (WYSIWYG)...all about added capacity having up to 7 effect slots. Having had time programming guitar sounds on the AxeFxII, I can vouch for the quality of the G5n guitar modeling and cab sims. Absolutely different leagues no doubt, but I've heard worse amp models in more expensive pieces of gear. Again, at this price point, G5n models are not too shabby, and (at least to my ears) contain more depth and detail in the amps, cabs, and drives compared to previous iterations and other modelers in the low price range. Yes, they've ditched the XLR. They've also changed the "global" feature of the Looper and Rhythm modules. Instead, now, each is considered an insert effect within a patch, so you can't change patches with the looper/rhythm modules running and have them continue in the fashion they do with the B3. However, since you have a total of 7 slots maximum, you still have 5 slots left for "stomp" mode effects. Little consolation to Looper fans, I'm sure. I suggest that you consider the B3n for the improvements in quality of the amp/cab/fx models, for the extra switches, and the extra fx slots. If you're wildly happy with the B3 and also rely on its built-in XLR, then the trade-off in sound quality and extra fx slots may not be worth it to you. Speaking for myself, I will generally only be using the B3n for its Amp/Cab simulation and tonal/dynamic post-processing, and I'm excited to hear what the new amp algorithms sound like, as well as what ZOOM will be offering for future (downloadable) amps/cabs/fx. For many gigs, it will be used in conjunction with my G5n (which will provide the stomp effects...up to 9) when I need the flexibility of sounds. For simpler gigs which require little in the way of changing sounds and effects, I'll be using the B3n by itself. My road-worn B3 will be designated for home and backup duty. A note about the XLR (or lack thereof) and how I personally am not bothered by this...I use only Full-Range cabinets for stage, thus my tones are fully baked with amp/cab modeling, and crafted to suit the needs of FOH. To account for stage acoustics, I run my pedals into the front end of a GK 1001RBII, and pull my FOH DI feed from its DI output, set to take the signal PRE the GK's preamp. I then use the tone controls on the GK to tailor the tone to my liking according to the needs of the stage, independent of the FOH feed. Over the years, this is what I've found to work best for me. A simple power amp with no tone capabilities means you only get "volume up" or "volume down", which is a bit stifling, especially when all you want to do is lop a few dB off of the high or low end bands, for example. Again, sorry for the long post.

[url="http://www.g66.eu"]http://www.g66.eu[/url] is the European distributor for the AxeFxII. I believe there is a 15 day trial period with full refund if returned (not including shipping). The Fractal Audio Systems forum is also very generous with their time and advice, and many are willing to have a meet and greet to demo the unit for anyone who may be a prospective buyer if you live within a relatively short traveling distance. No lie that the AxeFxII can be a complex beast if you want to push its limits. But it doesn't need to be difficult to get great tones out of it for bass without a lot of muss and fuss. @ Bass_Juice: let me know if you have any questions or need some pointers and I'll be glad to help out. Interested to hear what you have to say.

First post here on Basschat! Glad to be part of the online community here. As for the AxeFxII and Fractal Audio Systems support, I'm wondering, [b]Dood[/b], if you care to elaborate on what it was that turned you off to the AxeFxII and FAS? In Europe, G66 is their distributor, and both they and FAS are generally regarded to have an excellent reputation with respect to customer service. I'm curious as to what could have transpired that sent you away from them without trying the AxeFx. I believe I'm correct in saying that Fractal Audio offers a "no questions asked" return policy with a 15 day evaluation window in order to determine whether it is a keeper or not. I also believe that FAS does not offer any "rock star" endorsement deals - presumably, everyone on their endorsing artist list pays for their products. At least, IIRC the company's owner is on record somewhere saying this. As for the AxeFxII itself, I've been an owner of both the (now discontinued) AxeFx Ultra and the AxeFxII (version 1) for about 4 years, and I've found it to be an excellent processor for guitar, bass, and just about anything else that you'd want to plug into it. It's a true one-of-a-kind pro-level processor that is incredibly flexible (some get mired up in that flexibility and complexity, but it doesn't have to be that way if you prefer not to go there) and top notch sonically. I'd like to see more bassists consider the AxeFx, especially if you have the need for a bit more than the typical bassist. It's not for everyone, certainly, but if you wear a lot of hats musically, and need something that can keep up well with those varied needs, then the AxeFx is a great way to go. My subsequent gear purge paid for the AxeFx outright, plus any other (speaker system) gear I needed to replace that which was sold...and with money left in my pocket to spare. Sorry for the long first post! Thanks ~ Jim