Zoom B6: A dedicated multi-effects floor unit for bass For all your low-end needs Zoom B6, finally a dedicated bass multi effects floor unit · Source: Zoom The new Zoom B6 follows on from the Zoom G6 which launched at the beginning of this year. Now, finally we have a dedicated Zoom bass multi-effect unit, with all the effects and preamps models you could want in one compact unit. ADVERTISEMENT Zoom B6 The new Zoom B6 is an integrated pedal board with 9 foot switches, a user-friendly 4.3-inch colour touch screen and an easy–to-use, app-based technology that allows you to work your way to new sounds via drag-and-drop and swipe. Effect-chains with up to 6 effects + amplifier emulation are also possible. And, you can import your own impulse responses, or use the 12 classic bass speakers that come with it as standard. Zoom B6 Inputs and DI Boxes The B6 has two variable-impedance inputs which covers both electric and acoustic bass, along with a very handy A/B switcher that allows you to seamlessly swap between the two instruments. Zoom has also included four legendary DI box emulations to provide you with a wide range of sound options. Tube 1 gives you a “vacuum tube DI with strong overtones and powerful bass”. Tube 2 is the same, but with a “clean attack and tight bass”. Then, Solid State 1 provides moderate compression and a high-rich sound image for electric bass and finally, Solid State 2 has a transistor DI character with clear sound and subtle distortion. Preamps Some legendary preamplifiers have also been recreated, so you have a good choice of core tones. These include Clear Drive, Super Low Preamp with Bass Enhancer, Djent Preamp (combines an undistorted low-end with a strongly distorted high-end) and the good old 1073 Preamp. Zoom B6 rear panel Effects & Looper As mentioned earlier, you can chain up to 6 effects, which includes the amp emulations. And Zoom has included a wealth of studio-quality effects and stompbox emulations for you to experiment with. Effects of note are the onboard synth bass, synth vocal bass and analogue style octave. Notable amp emulations include the Sunn (Sun CB) and the Polytone Combo, which is popular with double bass players. You also get an onboard looper, along with 68 rhythm patterns to play along with, and up to 2 hours of recording time, or a 45-second looper without an SD card. Expansion & Connectivity Elsewhere on the B6 you’ll find an onboard SD/SDX card slot for recording and an integrated USB audio interface to record straight to your DAW of choice. There is also an external expression pedal input, plus an optional Bluetooth BTA-1 expansion port for wireless control of the B6 unit via the dedicated Guitar Lab app and the obligatory effects loop, which allows you to integrate your favourite pedals. Price The recommended retail price is EUR 534.31, so hopefully the street price will be under EUR 500. There is a lot on offer here, and it looks as though Zoom has included all the basics and more. Gigging bass players and home users alike are sure to appreciate this new bass multi-effects processor from Zoom. |
