User reviews: Zoom G3 - Audiofanzine

04/06/13

SuperSwede73's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Perfect for a beginner who wants to discover the effects"

Given the amount of effects available (99 according to the doc), he should not miss much: distortion, wah, flanger, chorus, delay, reverb ...

More than 22 very different amp simulations.

They are editable on PC and Mac via software rather nice graphically but not necessarily intuitive (unless Fender Fuse I use a Fender Mustang I).

Fully digital technology.

Sufficient connectivity for home, headphone output, input / output USB handy for editing effects and backing tracks to play on (it also feeds very well G3), input for optional expression pedal and finally a balanced DI output (without useful for me).

Utilization

Configuration much easier and push the Mustang. All effects are as individual pedals with their adjustment knobs (gain, level, decay, shape, ...) easy to adjust thanks to the screens very readable.

The manual can be run but when you start in the effects ... must try to understand his ears with the influence of each setting. Long but educational.

Sound Quality

I play the guitar recently (following in the son ...). I wanted to start with good material to keep long: Hagstrom Super Swede, Ibanez Tube TSA15H.

The amp sounds beautifully but has no other effect than its TubeScreamer integrated, which is sometimes a fair bit as songs played.

I hesitated to take a multi-effect to not spoil the sound.

I do not regret anything Zoom: input façade, TS off ... a real pleasure!

The effects are very clean and had a few factory presets breath were manually corrected (reduced gain on the amp simulation or the overdrive / distortion and noise gate at an end just in case).

The distortion is probably what happens the less, other effects are ... as I hoped.

Warning against by the power source multi. Nickel battery, AC adapter or USB on all depends on your circuit. Taken on the same circuit as the TV or the steam plant ... awful big buzz assured. Even after an inverter connected computer.

Taken on a circuit without interfering device plugged nickel, no buzz even on presets "hards".

I played with two humbuckers on my guitar ... to do with less hefty single coil output. But I doubt that it plays a lot.

Overall Opinion

I discovered intensively as a kid with a Christmas gift.

This is my first multi effect and I think to keep a long time.

The scope of irreplaceable analog pedals but overpriced ... it is not for me. This is a hobby, albeit taking, but not a profession and this little computer all digital fine with me.

By fiddling I found a sound way of my guitar models and € 150 to take to the Shadows, Nirvana, The Beatles (factory preset also very clean), Metallica or ACDC in a round knob, it is very motivating to learn, again and again ... and if the sound is not perfect, it is the guitarist who is concerned that little box in quality / price ratio definitely unbeatable at the moment.

I especially like the sound very convincing, ergonomics at home, and the price can play with headphones and with backing tracks at night without light ...

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01/06/13

legwenosor's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " excellent!"

Characteristics

looking on the net or visit ZOOM!

;)

missing an entry or to cd! damage!

Utilization

I am not a keen and several devices have discouraged me ... but then I saw!

simple and easy ... even the looper is disconcerting ease that I'm galley with RC2.

the only fault so far is that the effects are all one after the other ... when we seek the one you want, if at the end of the list .... must scroll all!

attention also to the direction of effects, this affects the sound!

Sound Quality

there nothing to say, I'm happy .. delay, chorus, reverb ... auto-wah, octaver ... even the fuzz ... all for me!

both at home and on the blackstar HT100 snooze!

Overall Opinion

I month ... 505 after a zoom, a Tonelab SE .... I'm really happy with this camera!

for 120 €, I bought it to have effects that I used in the few feet (delay, chorus, flanger, octaver) ... well it gives me much more!

the drum machine and looper are super simple (like the camera) .... I who usually hugely wrong ... then it comes out very well.

damage the looper deserves to be a bit longer (40 sec memory 1mn would have been) ... and does not back her curls!

if not for the rest, I am really very happy.

PS: I do not have to register again served ... an edit later

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11/17/12

8oris's review ( translated ) Improve this translation "The Holy Grail of multi-effects"

Characteristics

# What are the effects or types of effects available?

22 amp models, 94 pedal simulations (7 dynamic effects, 10 EQs / filters, 20 overdrive / distortion / fuzz, 12 delays, 20 modulations, 8 reverberations, 4 Sound FX, FX 7 twin, 5 expression pedals, acoustic simulation 1)

# What technology is used? (Analog, digital, lamp ...)

100% digital. Based on the new processor effect Zoom: ZFX IV.

# Are they editable? Via an editor Mac / PC?

Edited directly on the device or via a PC by connecting the G3 with USB cable

# What is the connection? (Audio / MIDI)

Stereo inputs and outputs, input for expression pedal, USB.

# Is this a rack or rack-mount model?

No.

Review:

The case is brushed metal appearance of solid as well as three switches. 9 knobs are molded plastic, they are serrated. The box contains some "general" with 7 buttons and 3 small block effects to independent settings (2 buttons and 3 knobs per block).

The operations are very pleasant to perform. 3 displays two screens are in color (yellow / orange, black).

All feed with a center negative power supply, 9 V, 500 mA. Note that the supply is protected outlet (to avoid inadvertent disconnections) and the G3 has two power modes: normal, eco, it goes to sleep the G3 after 25 minutes if it does not receive signal.

Only missing an effects loop which would allow use 4 cables.

Utilization

# The general configuration is it simple?

Yes, very simple. There are 10 banks (A to J) of 10 patches (0-9). Each patch consists of a maximum of 6 blocks independent effects. For each block, there are settings for the selected effect.

Each block can be freely moved within a patch.

The user has two additional settings:

"Total" settings are specific patch level output patch name, organization blocks effects

"Global" settings are effective multi output type (direct, head amp, returning from a head amp.

Note that there is a tuner (very reéactif and easy to read), a drum machine and a looper.

The looper, more than 40 seconds, with or without payment, is super simple to use and overdubs recorded remain audible even when there are multiple (which is not the case on the M9 makes its saturate slightly if was recorded over five overdubs).

The drum features 40 classic designs but very practical to chock.

# Editing sounds and effects is it easy?

Yes.

It navigates among the proposed models by clicking "Type", then done with potentiometers different effect settings. The "Page" to manage the effects settings that have more than 3 parameters.

Note that the chosen settings appear on the screen once you are out of edit mode. In short, as a true pedal effects, it is very readable and suddenly ultra convenient.

Then adjust the output level and then choose what will be connected to the G3. Pressing "Store" to save and you are done. Note that the patch can save what (s) pédéale (s) (s) must be t acitvées or not when you re-call the patch.

If ever you want to move a block or insert a block effect, it is still possible via the setting "Total" that can rearrange the blocks effects.

Icing on the cake: it is possible to appoint the patches.

# The manual is clear and sufficient? ...

As usual with Zoom, the manual is clear, illustrated, clear, and well translated. There are a few tricks cleverly highlighted.

Review:

Level grip, it is hard to beat. The level of detail is sufficient to adjust the G3 taste and not too pushed to avoid getting lost in that parameter settings we never imagined (ModFactor friends of eventide, hello).

Too bad the looper can not save her ideas via internal memory or an SD slot.

Another somewhat unfortunate passing a patch to another, although no latency is just evil thought must activate the patch (based on a long switch), select desired with knobs and return to the home. Impossible for the live or so delicate.

Sound Quality

# The effects are they effective, responsive and realistic enough?

First of all I want to say that I had a slew of multi-effects pedals, and it is clear that the G3 is that it is better in my opinion. He literally fucks in terms of quality and Pod M series at Line 6, Boss GT and Digitech RP. For having a lot of models from Zoom (505, 505 II, G2.1u, B1X), there really is a giant step forward compared to previous models in terms of sound quality. If one could blame them to sound a bit "plastic", that era is over.

Firstly: simulations of amplifiers sound very dynamic, you obviously take the time to adjust the EQ, adding EQ to raise or remove certain frequencies but SONNE CA.

I obviously do not know all the original models, but the sound clear crystalline slap with a good dynamic. Ditto for the crunch, juicy. As for the large saturations, they are there, they breathe and I doubt that a listener can not tell the difference connoisseur. Plugged directly into a console, this is much better than my old Line 6 Pod XT, or a Boss GT.

I noticed that the effect of setting "Tube" amps, which corresponds to the compression due to the lamps (?) Was very light.

Modulations side, too: the slap. I always felt the effects of multi-modulations were "veiled", "muted", the chorus tend to quickly flangerisés, the vibes were rude. Here, nothing like that. It's simple, everything sounds perfectly. No stupid pun names in reminding us of the simulated models (Line 6 friends, hello!), It's just simple and effective.

It might even make me separate, ultimately, my old Boss DC-3, which I thought was my "invincible chorus."

In short, flangers can be discrete or supersonic vibe sounds very "vintage" (at least not digital or modern), the chorus is "watery" (?).

Reverbs and delays are, as often this type of equipment, very clean and sympatic. The settings allow versatility in the use that may be made.

Finally, the pedals to overdrive, fuzz and distortion are very credible. They add a nice grain to the sound, it dirty "cleanly".

The Sound FX are more anecdotal, allow some delusions. I myself am not too retarded.

As usual in this kind of digital multi-effects, equalizers, filters and other synth sound good but are very sluggish, but can effectively change the sound of your guitar ... something else.

Note that some of the effects sound better when they are plugged in facade in the loop.

# Which instruments do you use?

LTD MH400 NT. The G3 is plugged into the loop of a preamp AMT SS-20, any spell on Orange PPC 112 cab via a power amp EHX .44 Magnum.

# Which ones you prefer, you hate?

I love the base period of "Delay" and reverb "TiledRoom" I defaults to all patches.

The vibe is very friendly, and the "Vintage Flanger." The bend-echo allows some delusions, "Pitch Delay" too!

For computer music, I use simulations "Dz Drive" (Simulation Diezel) and "MS Crunch" (Marshall 1959).

Review:

Zoom back strong in recent years with intelligently designed products, which actually renewed (not like the Boss GT100 from home for example) and especially striking. The G3 is no exception.

Forget your preconceived ideas about multi-effects and this brand has too unfairly bad press and is cataloged "entry level / equipment for beginners." G3 sounds really good and worth seeing.

Overall Opinion

How long have you been using?

Daily for a few months. I really put in the nose to fully explore.

What is so special that you like most and least?

I love the "tweakable" to death, using computer music as good in that amp input.

Did you try many other models before buying it?

Yes, I had an M9, a boss GT-8, other zoom, a Pod, etc ...

Ever multi-effects appeared to me also sound good.

How do you rate the quality / price?

Again, this is amazing. For less than 200 euros, it was really a complete and sound. When we see that the M9, which was released several years ago, offers less posssibilité costing twice as much, ca breathtaking.

With experience, you do again this choice?

Altogether. I hesitated for:

- A G3X (model with expression pedal) but I could buy an expression pedal another brand that I can always reservir

- A G5 because I thought it offered an effects loop, which is not the case.

Review:

Really a great product. It's been awhile since I had not bought a product I raced at this point.

I had the habit of having pedals quite substantial (ten pedals) and I confess that the G3 makes me change my way of viewing the configuration. This is currently the only multi-effect that made me pull a lot of pedals to replace them.

Therefore recommend:

- For beginners who want to invest in their first multi-effect because it is a comprehensive tool to work alone at home while having a really good sound

- The "Pedal Geek" because the G3 perfectly replace a lot of your pedalboard pedals and at lower cost, lower weight.

And do not be fooled by its price does not reflect its excellent quality.

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09/24/12

StratoX's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " bluffing"

Characteristics

I will not repeat the description of the product since version 2 firmware: 94 effects, 22 amp models / up to 6 simultaneous effects modeling or subject to the ability of the processor.

based on the new processor ZF X IV

Patches editable / savable .. via software edit and share. But the setting and construction of patches live on the bike are simple and intuitive.

Sufficient connection

case solid / compact

Very readable screens

Utilization

Very easy to control (it's as simple as my desktop VOX TONELAB but power is no comparison (six simultaneous effects / numbers and simultaneous effects, manipulating the order of effects as you want it active and off the effects of a patch with a push on the pedal .. the settings buttons are simmples access to the menus easy and intuitive. Only complaint no logic in the classification of effects (not classified by type)

I really struggled to update the firmware v1 to v2 because of windows. But I got there thanks to the south map. I also had problems with the asio driver. So I use the generic driver asio4all and it works perfectly.

So no problems using the G3 interface for audio recording on cubase or sequel.

As the G3 looper is a bit limited (but it works very well) I do not work well with the boss RC3 and again no problem connecting to stereo.

I use my Roland EV5 Expression Pedal, once assigned (without difficulty) she serves as a volume pedal or expression for wha simuls or pitch shifter (nikel!!)

Sound Quality

Well then I'm impressed. The processor is ex-zoom-this action slower.

We found all the sounds you want

Honestly whether sounds clear, saturated or crunches distos I'm not disappointed

effects are for some produce impressive (reverb hd Ouahhh, flangers ...).

I do not use my VOX TONELAB I loved (for G3 sounds much better and especially the power is not comparable see above.

Overall Opinion

Use 3 to 4 months

In terms of multi-effects I'm getting experience. Well here is the best I've ever had.

Work for the instrument, home studio and live use (such as pedal effects without amp simulation or live console then) it is a very good tool

given its price, its quality and power competition is buried!!

No equivalent on the market today.

The icing on the cake is the free upgrade firmware 1 to 2 (can use 6 effects simultaneously against 3 for V1 and new amp simulation and adapting all the ergonomics of a very clever - ZOOM engineers have really done a great job).

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09/10/12

daymon's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Pleasantly surprised!"

Characteristics

You can download the manual for free online c is interesting.

Utilization

What I like is its versatility c .. In frontage of an amp or in loop (without playing with distortion) and sound card to record. More downloadable software is very pleasant and simple, it is like on guitar rig. More tuner and looper.

Sound Quality

I wanted to use a multi effects pedalboard effects buy one as a back quickly expensive and therefore we limit the effects that we use a lot .. Thanks to the zoom that I have this I need the size, weight, use of grouping with multiple child and his bidouillable so that it rings (j've already had one in my possesion Tc electronic Nova system that I have since sold the sound quality was not suitable to my expectations, I found the sound very cold and digital).

What I love above: delays (sold my flashback to AC and I do not regret anything, really) => I made the patch U2 PHP Script (note I am not pro) and I have a guitar with humbuckers .. .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xI2cxESFzE&feature=youtu.be

on the other hand I prefer my looper rc20xl (entree plus micro) and navigate quietly leaving me in my patch zoom.

Overall Opinion

I don not expect any miracles or even a return al sender (because I already hack my boss pedals so that they sound ..) but I must say I am delighted. There are fewer parameters than a Nova system but I always find a sound that suits me (and I spend less time fiddling with the settings to play that even if it takes time even when.).

J I hesitated with a zoom g5 or G3X but I prefer the format of g3 (the update is super simple to do and did ASKED no problem) and I used with headphones (ie distortion) or with my amp as a source of additional effects (modulation effects) and this adds a touch of creativity to my songs.

Over my old pedal Behringer FCV100 of expression that costs almost nothing works, then what more ..

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07/15/12

voxy33's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Excellent!"

Characteristics

numerical simulation of everything (amp, HP, indeed ...)

With the update was 6 simultaneous effects instead of three, it's great.

Utilization

everything is simple and logical.

Sound Quality

I bought it for use in the effects loop of my mesa boogie MARK3 therefore delay, chorus, equalizer, compressor, etc. ...

I will not comment on distortion / wha, I do not use.

The amp simulation, it is to play with headphones at home, and it's better than the pod I had (XT Live, X3 live, HD400). but sound, no idea, not tested.

So I had an eventide time factor that is perfect but too complicated ... I went on a tc electronic nova delay, which is super transparent (too?) and so I was looking for something super quality to replace all these people and I found this lens, which replaces but does more for less ...

I love deadlines, flanger (which I find better than my ibanez flanger pedals or harley benton), the chorus is better than the boss that I had too ... these effects are usually not good at multi effects, there they are bluffing.

it is more transparent than the G Major or the pod ... no doubt!!

I play with a musicman petrucci, that makes him great!

Overall Opinion

I have for some weeks, I like to play with headphones quiet sounds good, but more importantly, what it brings to my pedalboard, gives me more time, flanger and even a boost for solos .. . I hesitated a long time with the line 6 but I found them too expensive for the quality line 6 ... I regret absolutely not! Yet, I always zoom criticized for the poor quality of their equipment ... but there: BRAVO! for the price, I know no better, and it replaces several pedals each costing twice its price ... zero regrets!!

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06/10/12

Jumikael's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Currently the best in its class."

Characteristics

It's digital, with stereo outputs, XLR, USB, an input for an expression pedal, and that can run on batteries.

The case seems strong, the switches really inspire confidence (unlike those at Line 6).

Comes with complete instruction manuals in different languages, and an AC adapter small enough, which is handy. Also cubase LE. In short it is complete. And that with the other brand in the same price range was just one effect at a time (the M5). However, we should compare it more to M9 (beauuucoup more expensive, and ultimately well below), as it offers three effects at once, and a looper.

Utilization

It takes time to adapt, but overall it's well thought out and intuitive. The looper function is great, very simple to use. The tuner is also practical and simple (I would still prefer my pitchblack).

Sound Quality

For possession of the M5 at Line 6, I'm not going to deprive a small comparison to the honor of any zoom g3.

Generally, DSPs are much better on the G3, sounds more organic.

I prefer the delays and the od / distortion of g3. I just sold my Malekko Echo 600D and my Empress Superdelay, and the G3 comes to me to lift your heart.

The simulation Big Muff I liked (and all the better because I have to save money right now, and I planned to take a muff). Also, flangers! Ah, finally a good flanger pedal on a digital! Do not get carried away too much on the od / crunch / distos because we are still far from good old analog. But it is quite usable!

I have not been satisfied on a first impression, by the simulation or Harmonizers of pog.

Oh yes: I did not notice any background noise.

Overall Opinion

I recently, and this is a hot view.

I warn that I'm not trying to say: "this is my hardware, so it's good".

I had nearly a hundred of various multi-effects and analog effects, so I end up knowing a little.

The zoom is just extra g3: for some, the less difficult it will be nirvana. I recommend it especially for beginners, because it is a great investment.

For connoisseurs or the hardest, most demanding, it will be at least a great toolkit, far ahead of the M-Series Line 6, both in price, build quality (aaah these switches), quality of numerical simulations.

Zoom was a builder too often maligned (as they have done good things already - some analog effects, and many digital) returns to center stage with this little pedal. A monitor: they released a larger version and incorporating an expression pedal.

The product is well finished, and I wonder what the updates will improve :)

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03/25/12

Makos's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " The digital maturity?"

The previous opinions perfectly describe this little box ... For my part, I let myself tempted because by visiting ZOOM, I saw the demo videos home. Zoom did not cheat. Means exactly what happens when the demonstrator moves from real amp to that modeled the G3. Not perfect and that I was rather impressed. So I said if he did not need to bidonner their demo (as often since the advent of digital) is that their DSP was worth it (and the cost ;-).

Purchased, tested and connected with a dozen guitars. From metal to jazz the G3 is doing really well. The only kind of multi-effects I have made the same good impression was the Digitech GSP1101. Not the same price. Zoom offers with its new range built around their latest DSP, higher quality in distos, reasonably priced, an intuitive and well finished product. The digital matures .... finally.

EDIT: I forgot to say nice things about the series of Fender Mustang. There also becomes credible Digital ... maturity I say!

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03/01/12

detune's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Not so far from the Lethal Weapon"

Characteristics

complete list of effects here: http://www.zoom.co.jp/products/g3/spec/

I think it's editable by pc (usb) although I've never tried,

and it's all digital, no midi (What?) but a jack, a microphone and an XLR to stereo output and an input for expression pedal.

Utilization

it takes the system inaugurated by line6 on m5, m9, m13,

it's like having three pedals in series which could be assigned the desired effect,

we can therefore make a pedalboard standard type drive + delay + reverb and stuff like expés three more delays as a result. Basically, it is about what you want, there are just some effects (like reverb and some HD amp simus) that use too many resources and prevent the use of three effects simultaneously.

In this case the machine does not bug, it cuts just a fact.

Otherwise the issue is very simple, the knobs react to velocity to go from the most precise setting the fastest, it's pretty annoying when it does not rotate to the desired speed is good but not of analog and it has its good points (like set the delay in ms for mania).

And for some effects require more than three knobs, one can access several pages of settings to really refine his sound.

Too bad the effects are not stored by category (like the line6 stompbox). As-and to measure it gets to know the order in which the effects are arranged but you will first make a bunch of turns of the dial ...

Basically it is best to patch as soon as we find her a nice, there is room for that and it's very simple to do.

Sound Quality

That's what interests everybody I guess;

so it complies with the sound of the guitar, it is transparent, there is no buzz except for large distos.

are even distos simus and amp that I find very good (where I was expecting the worst) and respond well to the game

The strongest effects are generally very good standard.

There are just the phaser and flanger that I do not use so I will not comment.

And there are some fairly exotic effects that transform his guitar into electric machine which I'm starting to get a taste:

I love the trigger delay and hold the slicer example synths and effects (in the tradition of the POG ehx) that work well until three strings, beyond what is porridge. The pitch delay is really good too, the group must have a Health equivalent. By linking all that we can create really trippy stuff.

I love it!

But there is one full foot in the digital, to love, and overall it was never the warmth of the analog, although it still maintains a good momentum.

And I feel for having tried playing with headphones (where the quality was really bluffing) it is not all-in-fact optimized for guitar amps.

It is designed for a guitar effect ...

Overall Opinion

I bought this pedal while waiting to pay me a real pedalboard piece by piece so I was not looking for the grail, it is not, but it is largely fulfilling its functions see.

I would not be surprised to use it again in ten years to see some effects even for distos.

Compared to what can line6 (I tested the M13 from a friend), I do not see too many differences in sound quality, there is always this lack of musicality inherent in digital (but for how longer?) but equivalent price (at line6 is the m5 which offers much less opportunity), I see no better.

Very good quality / price ratio and the choice I would do without hesitation, in relation to my budget.

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02/21/12

Tube18's review ( translated ) Improve this translation " Versatile, good sound"

Characteristics

One hundred effects / amp modeling. They can be edited on a Mac / PC via USB and download the application at the site of zoom.

The connection is very complete. Another plus: a built-in tuner, the drum machine and loop 40 seconds.

Utilization

Super simple setup as a standard pedal indeed. Failure? To find a pedal you have to scroll the 100 responses resulting there are no classification by type, which makes access faster.

The unit is configured with a combination package of pedals / amp pre-defined, allowing to discover new sounds, very nice.

Sound Quality

Honestly I am amazed by the sound quality. I am only a modest amateur but I have no complaints at this point of view.

Overall Opinion

I use it for about 6 months, in a "private" (ie not of group), I am very satisfied. For the price you can hardly do better. It allows especially to discover or test different types of pedals then left to pay for the original pedal.

The down side is the navigation between the pedals available, maybe 4 pedals instead of three would have been helpful.

Material quality is excellent, it smells like a quality product.

I bought this product "blind" convinced by the seller (I was gone to buy a BOSS), I do not regret it.

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Zoom G3

Zoom G3 user reviews ( 9/10) - 15 user reviews