Zoom B6: A dedicated multi-effects floor unit for bass
For all your low-end needs
5,0 / 5,0 | 
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.
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.
More Information on Zoom
Zoom B6 Demo Videos
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- Zoom B6 multi effects and preamp: Zoom
- Zoom B6 rear panel: Zoom
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4 responses to “Zoom B6: A dedicated multi-effects floor unit for bass”
Hi, you say in the intro that “Now, finally we have a dedicated Zoom bass multi-effect unit.”
Out of curiosity, because you don’t mention it anywhere, why do you not consider the B3n a dedicated bass multi-effect?
Just because it is an equivalent to the guitar orientated G6
I was wondering the same thing. My guess is that the B3n is very difficult to understand and the USB PC connectivity does not work on all PC’s. To me, the B3n is very hard to make sense of like many compact multi-effects processors. Almost need a class on how to use it.
I think the B3n is looking a little dated these days and it wasn’t really comparable to the G6 with its touch screen and companion software. Personally, I like that Zoom decided to make a dedicated bass system with more modern interface and functionality. As we often only see guitar orientated units from many manufacturers. I’m looking forward to hearing some user reviews of this new B6 model soon.