Zoom Multi Effects - Advice Wanted

[J.Edgar]

[shadow=orange,left,300]Zoom[/shadow]

I read Astro's comments about the Zoom pedal. And I'm keen to get one but I'm concened that it won't last past the novelty stage.

• Are they easy to use and program?
• Can you download profiles from the web?
• Is it worthwhile spending more to get the rhythm section?
• How do you convince the Minister for Home Affairs to let you buy such a self-indulgent toy?
• What are the other brands out there which are comparable products to the Zoom range of effects pedals?

Any comments positive or negative would be greatly apprecaited.

J. Edgar

[freezex61]

Zoom pedals are easy to program you can work out how to do it even without a user manual. I had a 30/30 (which I have sold because I bought a 40/40) both pedals had great sounds except for the wah.

There is a choice of models depending on what Fx you want. Most multi have the delays, chorus, reverb, flange, phase and distortion with the ability to have several on at the same time. The "Up Market" (and more expensive) models will normally have the ability to modify more parameters or fine tune settings and usually have a combination expression / volume pedal (like the 30/30 or GFX707) or separate volume and expression (40/40).

There's nothing wrong with the Zoom 505 if you only want basic effects (without real time morphing of the sound) and you can pick them up really cheap. Several of my colleagues use zoom 707 & 505 pedals and they have no desire to upgrade.

If you look on "ebay australia" you can often pick up a variety Fx pedals for a good price

Regards

Freezex61

[J.Edgar]

Freeze (did you change your name)

Thanks for the feedback. I've been keeping an eye on eBay Oz for anything that comes up. There's a 505 currently going there now. Last time I checked, it was up to about $105.

The 707 has the built in expression pedal right? I'll have to check what the RRP is in the music stores.

If your friends aren't eager to upgrade their 707's and 505's, then that's good and bad.

Good - it means that they're happy with them
Bad - it means there'll be slim pickings on eBay. Hehehe

Cheers,

[glow=red,2,300]J. Edgar[/glow]

[SpooN]

The following is only my personel opinion.

I have a 505 and find the effects rather plastic sounding. Not the good meaty distortion you get from a tube amp or great boss or Tubescreamer pedal. The wah effects are tad limp as well. Delay is fun but not configurable as it needs to be. A great pedal for the price but doesnt sound as real as i would like.

I use my pedal for direct recording now sounds pretty good for that due to my lack of uber mikes at home.

[Adder]

G'day mate. I played with a zoom pedal board for a couple of years. I can honestly say that they r easy to program and use but do sound very "digital" or a bit unnatural in the sustain of their distortion settings. Personnel opinion is you can't beat boss floor fx like the gt-6 but they do cost to so it all comes down to budget. Zoom have got value for money.
It all comes down to personnel opinion get to ya music shop make a nusiance of ya self and make em plug everything they got in. And then make up your own mind what other people like isn't neccasarily what you like. bye

[J.Edgar]

Thanks Chums,

I'm hearing what everyone is saying, and I appreciate your experience.

I especially like Adder's nuicance advice. I shall do just that.

Unfortunately (for me), it all comes down to an economic decision. Ultimately, I play for my own pleasure and my music don't put the food on the kids' table, so it's just for me. <whispers> ... then I've gotta consider the Minister for Home Affairs too.

If the ZOOM gear works out to be the best value for money, then that might be it.

Cheers dudes,

[shadow=brown,left,300][glow=black,1,100]J. Edgar[/glow][/shadow]

[buck]

I checked out the net for Boss GT6 boards.....and hows this...you can pick them up in the states for close to $630 AUD new. thats half the price they are here. Go figure......anyone want to chuck in for an air ticket and I'll bring a container of them back .

[ib3]

i've got a zoom 606



that one. its basically the same as the 505 but wit hthe builkd in expressoin pedal. i enjoy it. good shit. theyre not to expensive so i'd recommend one.

[Souwalker]

Try the Digitech RP200.