Zoom B3 Bass Effects and Amp Simulator

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.

A newly developed 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.

The B3's 12 super-real amp models range from vintage to the latest 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.

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 all-new 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The B3 can operate on three different power sources: AC adaptor (included), batteries or USB bus power when plugged into your computer. Four AA/LR6 alkaline batteries provide over six hours of continuous use. Whether on stage or in the studio, the B3 gives you reliable power options.

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.

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.

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 the latest patches online, as well as share your patches with others.