I used MS CoPilot because it's part of our 365 subscription! But yes, I just asked it. Q and A in full.
What's the best settings on a Zoom B3n to get JJ Burnel's bass tone, specifically from the first three albums
Copilot said:
Copilot
To emulate JJ Burnel's iconic bass tone from The Stranglers' first three albums using a Zoom B3n, you'll want to focus on a few key elements:
Bass Guitar and Playing Style
Bass: JJ Burnel primarily used a Fender Precision Bass.
Pick: Use a pick to get that aggressive attack.
Action: Set the action low to get more string noise and growl.
Zoom B3n Settings
Amp Model: Choose a model that emulates a vintage tube amp, such as the "SVT" or "Bassman" models.
Distortion: Use a distortion effect like "BassDrive" or "SansAmp" to add grit. Set the gain high but keep the level balanced.
EQ:
Bass: Cut the bass slightly to avoid muddiness.
Midrange: Boost the midrange to emphasize the growl and punch.
Treble: Keep the treble moderate to retain clarity without harshness.
Compressor: Use a compressor to tighten the sound. Settings like threshold at -25, ratio at 3 or 4, gain at 6, and hard knee can help
Cabinet Simulation: Use a cabinet sim that emulates a 4x10 or 8x10 setup for a fuller sound.
Example Patch
Effect 1: SVT Amp Model
Gain: 70
Bass: 45
Mid: 65
Treble: 50
Effect 2: BassDrive Distortion
Drive: 75
Level: 50
Blend: 60
Effect 3: Compressor
Threshold: -25
Ratio: 4
Gain: 6
Knee: Hard
Additional Tips
Experiment with the EQ settings to match your specific bass and playing style.
Adjust the distortion level to find the sweet spot between grit and clarity.
Use the Zoom B3n's noise reduction feature to cut unwanted noise during pauses
I am not saying it'll be right out of the box, nor even if it's going to not be a total mush, but it could be ballpark at the least. I was interested to see what happened more than anything else.