Zoom B1X Bass Multi Effects Pedal with Expression Pedal Review
Zoom B1X Bass Multi Effects Pedal with Expression Pedal Feature
- Zoom ZFX-3 24-bit/96kHz digital multi-effects processor
- 46 Effects types; 8 Modules
- 40kHz frequency response
- Built in drum machine & Harmonized pitch shifter
- 46 effect types
Get the exact bass sound you're after with the Zoom B1X. Choose from 13 different amp and stompbox models, and play with 46 bass-centric effects including a full-fledged bass synth. Handy additions like a built-in tuner and drum machine take it a step further, and the convenience of AC or battery powering means you can take your tone anywhere.
Easily create exactly the bass sound that you want. Click to enlarge. |
2-bit architecture ensures outstanding performance and allows smooth and detailed signal processing. |
Simple, intuitive knob-based interface. |
The built-in expression pedal lets you adjust volume, wah, or pitch shift in real time. |
Clear and solid bass sound thanks to 96 kHz sampling
The sonic frequencies generated by an electric bass are about 40 to 600 Hz, but harmonics go all the way up to the ultrasonic frequency range. The ZOOM B1 offers ultra-high resolution signal processing with 24 bit/96 kHz sampling, rivaling the best rack-mount processors. The dynamic, wide-range bass signal retains its full impact resulting in clear, powerful tone that retains a distinct presence.
ZFX-3 -- the new-generation 32-bit DSP
The heart of any multi-effect device is its processor and decoder section. ZOOM elevates performance to the next level with its newly developed ZFX-3 chip. Its 32-bit architecture means outstanding performance and smooth, detailed signal processing. Fine nuances of fingering and touch come through without any deterioration.
13 different bass amp and stomp box modeling choices
Whether you want the massive sonic push of an all-tube amp, the sweet and mellow tone of a vintage model for melodic phrasing or the sound of a high-power wide-range modern amp, the choice is yours. There are seven bass amp settings that range from Rock and Pop to Fusion and Jazz. Plus, five unique distortion pedal sounds as well as a tube preamp for adding warmth are also available, letting you create exactly the bass sound that you want. Freely adjust the mix between drive sound and original sound to create deep distortion for real punch.
46 dedicated bass effects
Eight modules designed for bass guitar offer a total of 46 effects. A limiter/compressor lets you control peaks and ensure that levels are matched, while the three-band equalizer makes it easy to taylor your sound further. Auto wah is indispensable for playing that funky sound, and the octaver impressively enhances the low range. A defret effect gives you the special tone of a fretless bass. Detune produces a chorus effect with moderate amounts of modulation. Other studio-class effects include a long delay with settings to 5000 ms and a harmonized pitch shifter.
Bass synthesizer
The built-in full-fledged bass synthesizer uses an internal DSP sound source with triggered operation. Select one of three waveform settings (sawtooth, square, PWM) and create deep, punchy bass synth lines.
40 preset patches reproduce the sound of the pros
The unit comes preprogrammed with settings for duplicating well-known amps and stomp boxes, settings that are modeled on the signature sound of famous rock bass players, as well as totally original ZOOM effect sound creations. Right out of the box, you can enjoy professional-quality bass guitar sound. And to store your own creative sounds, a user-defined set will store another 40 patches.
User friendly interface
Editing an effect is as simple as choosing the patch with the selector knob and adjusting the parameter with the value knob. Let your imagination roam without being hampered by complicated controls.
Integrated drum machine with PCM sound sources
Realistic drum sounds derived from PCM sources are arranged in a variety of rhythm patterns for different musical genres. The 40 rhythm variations include the steady 8-beat of Rock and Pop, a funky 16-beat, "Jazzy" 4-beat, and many more choices. Rhythm training on your bass guitar has never been more convenient. A tap key is provided for easy direct tempo input.
Built-in auto-chromatic tuner for bass
The bass guitar tuner can be called up instantly. Mute tuning output offers further convenience. Bright LED indicators make the readout easy to see on a dark stage.
Ultra low noise
A signal-to-noise ratio of 110 dB and a noise floor of -98 dBm mean that background noise is virtually eliminated, resulting in clean, transparent sound. ZOOM's proprietary noise reduction technology (ZNR) is also built in, to completely shut out unwanted noise during playing pauses.
AC/DC allows use just about anywhere
Thanks to its circuit design optimized for low voltage operation, the unit will run for 12 hours continuously on a set of four IEC R6 (size AA) batteries. The AC adaptor (AD-0006) can be plugged in for extended studio work, whereas on stage you never need to worry about AC power.
Expression pedal adds further versatility
The built-in expression pedal lets you adjust volume, wah, or pitch shift in real time. But going beyond conventional pedal functions, you can also adjust the mixing ratio of direct sound and drive sound or freely control the modulation rate or other delay and reverb effect parameters. The PEDAL ASSIGN key that makes it a snap to select the function operated by the pedal.
What's in the Box
Zoom B1X Multi Effects Pedal, AC Adapter, User's Manual
ZOOM B1X Guitar Effects Pedals The sleek Zoom B1X bass effects pedal incorporates all of the features of the B1 pedal such as 80 memory locations (40 preset/40 user), built-in auto-chromatic tuner, and the PCM drum machine with tap tempo. It still has the 13 amazing amp/pedal models and the 46 effects types too. But what sets it apart is the addition of the on-board expression pedal. Now you can change effect parameters on the fly. Change chorus speed and depth, or the time on reverb and delay patches. With the expression pedal you have almost unlimited options! Zoom B1x Features Zoom ZFX-3 24-bit/96kHz digital multi-effects processor 46 Effects types; 8 Modules 40kHz frequency response Built in drum machine & Harmonized pitch shifter 46 effect types 13 amp-pedal modeling sets Onboard expression pedal 80 patches (40 user defined and 40 preset patches) Operates on 4 AA batteries or included AC power adapter (AD-0006D)