Zoom B3 Bass Multi-Effects Pedal

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Choose from a huge range of bass effects and amp models with this versatile and powerful multi-effects unit.

Zoom's B3 Bass Effects and Amp Simulator combines the ease of a stompbox pedalboard with the power of a multi-effects processor and a USB audio interface. With complete control over individual effects and amp modeling, you can change your tones on the fly for both stage and studio.

Three stomps. One pedal.

The B3 offers three large LCD displays and corresponding footswitches that form a graphical interface, allowing you to utilize up to three stompbox and amp effects simultaneously. The interface has also been simplified with three control knobs for each display. This intuitive design makes creating, saving and rearranging the effect chain of your sounds a breeze and provides easy navigation in live and studio settings.

Evolution of tube amp simulation.

A sigmoid curve clipper re-creates the smooth clipping of a tube amp's waveform. From the warm, fat sound of R&B to the intense, aggressive tone of metal, the B3 can simulate amplifier sounds that are authentic to the original models while maintaining the nuances of fingering and picking techniques.

Super-real amp modeling.

The B3's 12 super-real amp models range from vintage to the trends in amp technology, each with its own distinct cabinet modeling that can be used to alter its tone characteristics. By combining different amplifiers and cabinets, you can digitally create your own custom rig. The B3's modeling technology provides the best tone for both live performance and direct recording.

Modeled bass read more amplifiers:
Ampeg SVT / Fender Bassman 100 / Hartke HA3500 / SWR SM-900 / Ampeg B-15 / Acoustic 360 / Aguilar DB750 / Polytone MINI BRUITE III / Marshall Super Bass / Gallien Krueger 800RB / Eden WT-800 / Mark Bass Little Mark III

99 world-renowned stompbox effects.

The B3 offers 99 diverse types of stompbox effects, including some of the world's most popular bass pedals and rack-mounted processors. You can use up to three effects in any combination, as well as its high-quality stereo tube presets and bass synthesizers. It also includes patches personally designed by four of the world's top bassists: Victor Wooten (Bela Fleck & the Flecktones), David Ellefson (Megadeth), Frank Bello (Anthrax) and Doug Wimbish (Living Colour). In addition, the B3 can store up to 100 of your original creations without a hitch.

The next generation of DSP: ZFX-IV.

The ZFX-IV DSP effects processor boasts amazing power and clarity, upgrading everything from sound to functionality and operability over previous ZFX versions. By using 32-bit floating-point processing, the B3 can produce amplifier sounds that are more realistic than ever before.

Looper function with 40-second phrase recording/overdubbing.

The B3's Looper capabilities include 40 seconds of phrase recording and overdubbing. The "sound-on-sound" function allows you to layer bass sounds as many times as you want in real time and use looped sounds as simple backing tracks. You can even create a "full band" feel with the built-in drum machine and DSP effects for a live solo.

Note: When the UNDO/REDO function is enabled, the recording time is limited to 20 seconds.

USB audio interface for DAW recording.

The B3 operates as an audio interface, letting you record directly to your computer via USB. All of your sound settings used during rehearsals or live performances can be recorded to your favorite DAW such as the included Steinberg Sequel LE recording software. The pedal's direct monitoring capability eliminates latency issues, assuring realistic studio conditions and hassle-free operation.

Your personal drummer.

Every bassist needs a drummer, and with the B3 you can choose from 40 different rhythm patterns, including 4, 8 and 16-beat, shuffle and many others. The tap key also makes it easy to set the tempo and start a one-man jam session anytime.

Balanced XLR output for DI use.

With its built-in XLR output, you can avoid DI boxes completely and connect the B3 directly to any mixing console to maintain a balanced, high quality signal. Its convenient Pre/Post switch can direct an effected sound to the main outputs while sending the original analog bass guitar signal directly to the XLR output without passing through an A/D converter.

Add a B3 to your pedalboard.

The B3 is perfect for use in combination with traditional stompboxes. By adding a B3 to your pedalboard, you can decrease the size and complexity of your setup, while expanding your system's effects and modeling capabilities.

Accurate, real-time Tuner function.

The pedal's Tuner function offers smooth, real-time response with precise bass tuning accuracy. Whether you're in the middle of a performance or practicing alone in your room, simply hold down the pedal's center footswitch to start getting your strings back in tune. In addition, the B3's LCD displays and LED indicators make the Tuner easy to see on a dark stage, where you can also mute the output to tune silently.

World's fastest patch change speed: 1ms.

With the B3's amazing 1ms patch change speed, you'll never miss a beat. Change from rhythm playing to a solo in an instant by simply tapping a switch.

Runs on batteries, AC adapter, or USB power.

The B3 can operate on three different power sources: AC adaptor (included), batteries or USB bus power when plugged into your computer. Four AA alkaline batteries provide over six hours of continuous use. Whether on stage or in the studio, the B3 gives you reliable power options.

Super-low noise design.

The B3's "noise floor" of -100dBm virtually eliminates background noise and the ZNR noise reduction removes feedback and other unwanted sounds, providing you with clear tones, along with natural release decay and reverb tails.

Optional expression pedal and footswitch.

Connect an optional FP02 expression pedal to the B3 and control effect parameters such as wah, pitch shift, volume, drive gain, modulation rate and delay/reverb mix in real time. Use an optional FS01 footswitch to tap the tempo used for the drum machine, looper and effects. You can also use an FS01 to mute the Delay/Reverb input or turn Delay Hold on or off.

Free Edit and Share software for Mac/PC.

Zoom's Edit&Share software, which is available as a free download, allows you to create, edit and save your personalized amp and effect settings on your computer. Use its "radar charts" to access visual representations of each preset's tone characteristics, the "amp/effect" sorting feature to easily locate your sounds and drag-and-drop options to rearrange patches for editing. With Edit&Share, you can download patches online, as well as share your patches with others.
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- Effect Types: 111
- Simultaneous Effects 3: 3
- Patch Memory: 10 patches x 10 banks
- Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz
- A/D Conversion: 24bit, 128times over-sampling
- D/A Conversion: 24bit, 128times over-sampling
- Signal Processsing: 32bit floating point and 32bit fixed point
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz +1dB-3dB(10k Ohmload)
- Display: LCD3
- Input: 1/4'' phone jack
- Rated input level: -20dBm
- Input impedance: 1M Ohm
- ACTIVE/PASSIVE(Switch selectable)
- Output: R: 1/4'' phone jack
- Maximum output level: [line]+5dBm(Output load impedance 10k Ohm or higher)
- L/Mono/Phone: 1/4'' stereo phone jack (LINE / PHONES)
- Maximum output level: [line]+5dBm(Output load impedance 10k Ohm or higher)
- [PHONES] 20mW+20mW(32 Ohmload)
- Balanced Output: XLR jack
- Output impedance: 100 Ohm(HOT-GNDCOLD-GND)200 Ohm (HOT-COLD)
- PRE/POST(Switch selectable)
- GND LIFT(Switch selectable)
- Control Input: For FP02 / FS01
- USB: Audio Interface: 16bit / 44.1kHz
- Supported OS: Windows XP / Vista / 7, Mac OS X v10.4 / 10.5 / 10.6 / 10.7
- Noise Floor: -100dBm
- Power: AC adapter: DC9V/Center negative/500mA(ZOOM AD-16)
- Batteries: AA/LR6 battery x 4
- Battery Life: 6 hours (with alkaline batteries)
- USB: Bus power
- Dimensions: 170(D)x234(W)x54(H)mm
- Weight: 1.2kg (without batteries)
- Options: FP02 expression pedal, FS01 foot switch

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 631-542-5270
Email: info@zoom-na.com
Web: https://zoomcorp.com/en/us/contact/

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (15 ratings)
Submitted November 11, 2012 by Alex L in columbus, OH

"Most versatile piece I own"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I was considering getting the SansAmp Bass Driver pedal. For the same price, I got the Zoom B3, which has a model of the SansAmp. As much as I love Tech 21, it was a no-brainer to get the Zoom. I'll admit, the Zoom "SansAmp" modelling is not exactly like the real-deal, but it's pretty close (and Zoom added a mid control, which I actually like more anyway). For most of the modeled effects, Zoom added an extra parameter that isn't on the original, while still retaining the function and character of the original. Regardless if you think any of the models sound like the original, they're close and still sound good! At a recent practice, my OneSpot daisy chain stopped working. The OneSpot, itself, was fine, but the daisy chain extension wouldn't work, so I was only able to run a single pedal. Within a few moments, I was able to create a Zoom patch that had my dual-band compressor (DigiTech Bass Squeeze), my bass 7-band EQ (Boss Geb-7), and my exciter (BBE Sonic Stomp), plus the built-in tuner. I was able to retain my "stock" pedals with one Zoom. Now, I have that preset to use if I ever need it again. I don't need a practice amp anymore! The headphone out lets me practice silently, but it also let's me find a sound at home, preventing having to waste my band mates' time trying to dial in a setting during practice. With over hundred different effects, a tuner, a 40 second looper, metronome/beat machine, pre/post DI XLR out, stereo out, headphone out, interface with bundled read more software, free updates, exceptional build quality, and affordable price, it's a no-brainer. Get the Zoom B3.

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