Zoom B1-4 & B3N - Effects patch ideas and tips

[Si600]

I asked a Machine Learning Algorithm (Commonly, but incorrectly, called AI) to suggest a patch to emulate JJB's sound on Rattus Norwegicus and this is what it came up with...  I have no idea if it sounds any good, I'll find out this evening.

 

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

[JohnDaBass]

25 minutes ago, Si600 said:

I asked a Machine Learning Algorithm (Commonly, but incorrectly, called AI) 

Now that's interesting, is my understanding correct, you simply entered the tone you wanted and the machine provided the settings?

Which MLA did you use?

Finding tones and sounds on Zoom B1FOUR would be a breeze if the MLA did all the hard work, even if the suggested settings needed tweaks.

Edited yesterday at 08:29 by JohnDaBass
Grammar

[Si600]

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.

Edited yesterday at 08:38 by Si600

[PaulWarning]

18 minutes ago, Si600 said:

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.

that is about what I've got my B1on set at which I don't think is a million miles away, most people do add too much treble when trying to get his sound

[Si600]

Well, the suggestions from the machine of SVT into a Bass Drv (Sansamp clone) and then into my own GK head sounded bloody awful TBH!  I ended up with this:

 

DarkPre:

• Gain: 75
• Bass: 50
• Mid: 70
• Treble: 55
• Level: 55

Graphic EQ:

• Boost: 800 Hz to 1 kHz
• Cut: 200 Hz
• Boost: 3 kHz

Which may not be exactly accurate, but it sounds really nice.  On the off chance we record anything I'll post it up.

Edited 7 hours ago by Si600

[JohnDaBass]

On 03/04/2025 at 09:35, Si600 said:

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.

Tried the MLA out on a Jack Bruce specific tone on the 69 Goodbye album and it worked a treat.

Thanks Si for the heads up.