funkle Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 Hi all Just getting a little deeper into compression and effects in general recently. Didn't see the need for compression until I tried it out on my Zoom B3 and found I liked what it did to the sound and evenness of tone. I've mostly been using the dbx160a model in the Zoom B3 and really like its subtle, clean, but slightly fattening effects. The other compressors seem cool too though some are considerably more 'squashy' - cool effect though for some things. How do the compressors in the Zoom pedals stand up to the standalone pedals? (Markbass Compressore, Empress, Cali76, etc)... Ovnilabs hasn't done a review yet of the B3 compressors so your thoughts would be appreciated... Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowieBass Posted June 21, 2014 Share Posted June 21, 2014 I think the consensus will be that a dedicated stomp box compressor will be better than most integrated compressors found within a multi-effects unit, HOWEVER if you like what you hear and the B3 in-built compressor you're using adds rather than detracts from the sound of your bass then I say just carry on using it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krysh Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 [quote name='HowieBass' timestamp='1403394921' post='2482404'] I think the consensus will be that a dedicated stomp box compressor will be better than most integrated compressors found within a multi-effects unit, HOWEVER if you like what you hear and the B3 in-built compressor you're using adds rather than detracts from the sound of your bass then I say just carry on using it... [/quote] +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratman Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 +1 to that +1. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkle Posted June 22, 2014 Author Share Posted June 22, 2014 The people have spoken. Thanks chaps. The B3 really is amazing, I keep finding useful things to do with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citymariner Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 I've the B3 and have recently bought a MXR M87 (I'm sure that number is right?!?). I've found it way easier to dial in and manage especially as i run the B3 in a loop (through a LS2). I guess it depends on your rig setup and what else you have got going on. Like others have said, if it is working for you then stick with it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkle Posted June 22, 2014 Author Share Posted June 22, 2014 I just wanted to get a sense from everyone if separate compressors are so good that I should consider moving on from multifx. The answer looks like 'it depends'. Has to be said though, the Zoom's built in paraEQ and and Fishman Pre models on the B3 are really useful, and the high pass filter on the Fishman model is difficult to get without buying an actual HPF (eg thumpinator, etc). I also like a number of the effects and amp models and general utility for practicing/recording. So I'll maybe let my GAS for a pedal compressor relax for a bit. Software has come a long way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumple Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 Nothing wrong with the compressors in the Zoom IMO, saying that I use a separate MXR as I like seeing the meter Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumple Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 [quote name='funkle' timestamp='1403447756' post='2482734'] the high pass filter on the Fishman model is difficult to get without buying an actual HPF (eg thumpinator, etc). [/quote] Hmmm.... so this works like a Thumpinator? brill if it does. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lozz196 Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 I used a fair few of the compressors on the B3, but overall I think my fave was the D-Comp (MXR Dynacomp clone). Just a tad on the settings, left on all the time, gave a nice presence. Yes, some lows lost, but when using a compressor as an on all the time pedal, just up the lows on the amp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkle Posted June 22, 2014 Author Share Posted June 22, 2014 (edited) [quote name='Rumple' timestamp='1403448077' post='2482738'] Hmmm.... so this works like a Thumpinator? brill if it does. [/quote] Yes, it does. Adjustable high pass filter in the Fishman model (Ac Bs Pre) which has already saved my sound once on a very boomy wooden stage in a nightmare venue (the Caves, Edinburgh). I think I ended up cutting most stuff below 100 Hz or so! Still didn't save the overall sound there though. Edited June 22, 2014 by funkle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumple Posted June 22, 2014 Share Posted June 22, 2014 That's very interesting indeed, thanks for the info funkle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funkle Posted June 22, 2014 Author Share Posted June 22, 2014 No worries Rumple. This link has some very useful Zoom info re: EQ and high pass filtering. http://www.talkbass.com/threads/zoom-ms60-b3-para-eq-help.999053/ Here is a direct link to the Fishman manual, which tells you how the HPF operates on the actual Fishman pre and on the Zoom emulation of it. http://www.fishman.com/files/pro_eq_platinum_bass_user_guide.pdf The relevant bit of the manual says: [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]The HPF is 12 dB/octave, and range can be moved from 15 Hz (at 5:00 position) to 125 Hz (7:00). [/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]'Depth:[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]Tighten up your sound, or dial out deep-bass feedback with the Depth control. The Depth control works hand in hand with the Bass control to bring out tight and articulate lows:[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]1. Start with the Depth turned up full (5:00) with the EQ set flat on your bass amp and/or PA.[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]2. Set the Bass control to full boost.[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]3. Play the bass and back off the Depth (counter-clockwise) until you hear the sound tighten up,[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]usually between 9:00 and 1:00.[/font][/color] [color=#141414][font=verdana, geneva, lucida,]4. Re-set the Bass slider to taste.'[/font][/color] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumple Posted June 23, 2014 Share Posted June 23, 2014 I had a read of the TalkBass thread, interesting stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isteen Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 This thread is just what I have been looking for. I have both the Zoom B3 and the Zoom MS60-B. I was thinking of getting an actual compressor, but them remembered the options the Zooms gave me. As an always-on compressor, which of the Zoom-simulations would you pick? I am not slapping or popping, just looking for an even sound and tone - but fattening up the tone a little bit, wouldn't hurt anyone. Hope to find a useful simulation, so I could spend the money on strings instead of an actutal compressor pedal. Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badass Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 (edited) On 6/22/2014 at 15:35, funkle said: Has to be said though, the Zoom's built in paraEQ and and Fishman Pre models on the B3 are really useful, and the high pass filter on the Fishman model is difficult to get without buying an actual HPF (eg thumpinator, etc).# Sorry for the thread hijack, but which pre is the fishman on the B3? I don't see it here. Edited February 18, 2018 by Badass Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OmeDunk Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Ac Bs Pre is the fishman pre Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Badass Posted February 18, 2018 Share Posted February 18, 2018 Thank you OmeDunk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isteen Posted February 20, 2018 Share Posted February 20, 2018 After playing with it (B3, nothing else, I swear) I find I like the 160 with just a hair of gain from the Xotic BB. I can post the settings of anyone is interested 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osiris Posted February 20, 2018 Share Posted February 20, 2018 On 18/02/2018 at 10:26, isteen said: This thread is just what I have been looking for. I have both the Zoom B3 and the Zoom MS60-B. I was thinking of getting an actual compressor, but them remembered the options the Zooms gave me. As an always-on compressor, which of the Zoom-simulations would you pick? I am not slapping or popping, just looking for an even sound and tone - but fattening up the tone a little bit, wouldn't hurt anyone. Hope to find a useful simulation, so I could spend the money on strings instead of an actutal compressor pedal. Thank you I personally really rate the compressors on the Zoom B3 and MS-60B, and think they are among their strongest features. My personal fave for subtle compression and tonal fattening is the M-Comp model. No significant tonal colouration and it works really great with in the band mix. I've played through a couple of dedicated stomp box compressors that didn't perform half as well as the M-Comp model, IMO, IME etc. The Dyna comp model also sounds great to me and I love the squishy tone from the optical comp model (can't remember what it's called now ). I've had good results with the other models too, the only one that I wasn't too keen on was the Dual-Comp model as it had a massive mid-scoop. It might work well for slap stuff but like you, that's not something I really do either. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funky8884 Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Hi, Does anyone know if the Compressors on the MS-60B have a wet/dry blend ? thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
isteen Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 11 hours ago, funky8884 said: Hi, Does anyone know if the Compressors on the MS-60B have a wet/dry blend ? thanks Can’t remember, but dont they all have a blend knob? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funky8884 Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 1 minute ago, isteen said: Can’t remember, but dont they all have a blend knob? I don't own one yet I was wondering if the line selector could be used as a 50/50 mix with an effect ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimfist Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 The Zoom comps are good-to-go IMO. Two things where Zoom has missed the boat (For a long time) are: WET/DRY blend, and LEVEL meters for viewing gain reduction. That said, though the comps are a bit touchy an tricky to dial in, I find them to be satisfactory vs. many garden-variety dedicated comps, but with a few exceptions. For example, the TC SpectraComp (and other comps with computer interface that also implement the TONE PRINT feature) allows you to use a computer for extremely deep editing, since it is a true 3-band multi-comp, with each band having a full complement of parameters. It is really, REALLY deep in terms of features. This is hard to beat at this price point, but you really need a thorough understanding of multi-band compression or it's very easy to get lost. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funky8884 Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 Thanks Jim , it seems they are really good bang for buck and I found a company selling new for under £80 including postage - I may have to go shopping 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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