Model Year: 2008
Price: $189.00 (new)
Where Obtained: Sweetwater.com

The new Zoom B2.1u has really expanded the options from past Zoom pedals. Each effect has 3 parameter controls to allow the user to get exactly the sound wanted, there is also a mix function that allows you to keep your bass tone and add any amount of amp or distortion. The amp, cab and effect models are spot on, the EQ, 6 band EQ or 2 band parametric is actually one that you can use (not presets). All of the usual sounds are there but there are some new ones like Ring Modulator and the synth sounds are quite good (better than any other multi effect IMO). It comes with a power supply but can also operate on 4 AA batteries. It has a stereo out that will adequately drive a pair of headphones and it also has an XLR DI out as well as a USB output for computer recording and it even comes with a free Cubase LE CD Rom. There is a comprehensive 40 pattern rhythm machine including metronome that has good sounds and patterns. About the only thing missing is a line in for practice with a cd or mp3 player. The only other complaint is the 2 character display and the slightly cumbersome user interface.

The B2.1u is working well with all my basses and in all my situations. The sound is significantly improved over the older Zooms and I could almost just use the Zoom for my sounds. There is a slight very high pitched sound on some amp model and cab combinations, in most situations this would not be noticed but on headphones and studio monitors it is present. The XLR out is very useful for recording and also for playing live.

This unit offers a lot of user control but the interface is complex as the parameters change from effect to effect, so I made a spreadsheet with all of the parameters on one sheet for quick reference. One of the challenges is understanding the display which is another area where the Zoom suffers, all of the other comparable units have better graphic displays but the Zoom's sounds more than make up for this short coming.

The new Zoom is in a metal case with a metal pedal and switch and have good quility jacks, it seems that they have listened to the concerns of many musicians over the durability of plastic. OTOH my older Zoom pedals are still working fine.

Model Year: 2007
Price: $111.00 (new)
Where Obtained: sam ash music

This thing is great! This thing has a 6 band EQ, 47 differnt types of effects that you can store in the zoom 9amp/pre-amp modeling. It also has a built in drum machine, with some 20 beat patterns. It comes with a AC adapter, or you can power it with four "AA" batteries. It also has a tuner to eliminate have to unplug to tune up your bass. Although I've got to say that, Sometimes I find the tunning is a bit off. It could also be the way I usually tune my bass, too.

This thing has alotof effects, there's really something for just about every style. The pedal works real well with my Hartke

This unit is programmable. It is really easy to edit your patches.

Model Year: 2005
Price: $0.00 (new)
Where Obtained: Sam Ash

AC Powered or Battery operated this effect pedal does everything accept record. A great tool for those of us who do not have a lot of money to spend.

The tones are wonderful. A joy to the ear no matter what style you play. I have a Hartke amp which is pure junk that I use for practice and this effects pedal allows me to get over what a horrible amp the Hartke is. Once I plug the Zoom effects pedal into my Crate amp WOW! Boom goes the bass line!

This baby is easy to program and set up. In 2 sec you will be enjoying the units easy to change controls to find your sound.

I carry the effects pedal in a bag that is banged around alot and Zoom effects just keeps on performing for me day in day out.