Zoom B1XON VS ZOOM B3

[Thunderbird]

Hi all I know this is an effects question but I thought it would be better if I posted here (mods please move if needed )

Anyway my question is I have been using a Zoom B1XON for a couple of weeks and I really like it so I thought it may be worth upgrading to the Zoom B3 are there really any advantages of doing this and are the effects the same on both units? I do like how the display looks on the B3 as I do find it a bit small on the B1Xon so really what would be the pros or cons of upgrading thanks in advance

[barkin]

The B3 only allows 3 effects, rather than 5 on the B1. It also doesn't have an aux input or an expression pedal built in - although you can add one.

I haven't scrutinised the effects lists, but they're pretty much the same IIRC.

In a gig situation, I'd take the B3 every time. For me it's much easier to use - the 3 footswitches can be used just like they're individual pedals - and much easier to tweak 'on the fly'.
And it's 3x the price...

[Thunderbird]

[quote name='barkin' timestamp='1480019456' post='3181132']
The B3 only allows 3 effects, rather than 5 on the B1. It also doesn't have an aux input or an expression pedal built in - although you can add one.

I haven't scrutinised the effects lists, but they're pretty much the same IIRC.

In a gig situation, I'd take the B3 every time. For me it's much easier to use - the 3 footswitches can be used just like they're individual pedals - and much easier to tweak 'on the fly'.
And it's 3x the price...
[/quote]Thanks I was hoping some one was going to say it was easier to use lol

[Geek99]

I have a b2 and use a tiny fraction of its capabilities- I'd go for cheapest if the b1 has what you want

[elephantgrey]

If you want to easily bypass multiple effects at different times during a song, go for the b3.
If you want a smaller footprint, go for the ms60b.
Anything else (cheaper/more effects at a time/etc) go for the b1(x)on.

[Dood]

The B3 is a metal shell, the B1 is plastic. They have similar processors, ZFX3 for the B1 and ZFX4 for the B3 - but the effects quality is lower on the B1 so that it can run 5 effects at the same time without running out of steam. That said, for the money, the effects are very good, no doubt.

B3 operates in a different way to the B1. Think of the B3 as three separate pedals, the B1 in more familiar multi-effects territory.

Here's someone banging on about the B1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V81vx86c5h0

[Dood]

Oh good grief, he's done the MS60B by Zoom too:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2AG3n8KVzA

[Dood]

And someone let him loose on the B3 with the MS60 too: https://www.iguitarmag.com/magazine-editions/guitar-interactive-issue-21/reviews/zoom-b3-ms60-bass-fx/

[rushbo]

I've used them both. They're ace. The B3 has the edge for me as you've got the facility to use it as if it were three easily tweakable pedals. It's sturdier, but I never had an issue with the B1....
As I needed a multi fx for live work, I went with the B3 as I find it easier to use. The B1 is great, but if you use a number of patches, it can be a faff to swap between them quickly, unless you plan out your pedal changes in advance. Sound quality wise, I'd say there's nothing in it. Both are really logical to use and build quality is great for both.
For noodling at home or recording, I'd go with the B1. Great sounds at a pocket money price. For live work, it's the B3 for me.

[Thunderbird]

Thanks for the comments guys think I will keep using my B1Xon

[Number6]

I have a B1on on my pedal board for the delays / reverbs and the Octaver. Does the job admirably imho.

[Norris]

I'm glad there's some love for the B1 - I've just ordered one as a "my first multi-fx pedal" for my lad

[Number6]

[quote name='Norris' timestamp='1480027776' post='3181210']
I'm glad there's some love for the B1 - I've just ordered one as a "my first multi-fx pedal" for my lad
[/quote]

I don't think he'll be disappointed it is a really good pedal and exceptional value.

[BassApprentice]

Sorry to dredge up an oldish topic. Currently looking at these Zoom units. For people with the B1Xon, is having the expression pedal a big bonus? I assume it can be set as a volume pedal where an expression pedal is not needed?

Cheers!

[Chiliwailer]

Does anyone know what the drums are like on the B1XON / B1ON?

I've got an old B1 that I use when noodling on the couch with headphones. I'm not expecting great drums, but an upgrade from the B1 would be nice.

Ta

Edited February 24, 2017 by Chiliwailer

[jimbartlett]

I’ve not got the unit with the expression pedal and I don’t use the drums I’m afraid.

I have both units and have noticed they sound different when using the same effect. I actually prefer the sound of the BX1on over my B3.

[NickD]

The B3 is built for idiots... so it's great for me. I have a patch set for each tune and treat it like 3 pedals for each. I have the Zoom expression pedal and find it a really useful addition. Some patches I just use it as a volume pedal, which is useful enough in itself, I also use it assigned to pitch shift. My favourite though, in a one guitar band is to assign it to gain on the Sansamp sim. I have the sim set for the bulk of the tune but then use the pedal to slide in a little more grunt when the guitard isn't filling out the song so much in solo passages.

 

[jimbartlett]

Sounds good!

I pretty much just use the B Man amp sim. It’s this that sounds different between the two units. Exactly the same settings on both but the version on the BX1on sounds better to my ears. I use the B3 for gigging as it’s more robust though.