The *NEW* Zoom G2 Multi-pedal

[Nelskie]

Just wondering if any other Fret.Net members have purchased, or played through one of these new Zoom pedals? I just picked up mine a couple of weeks ago, and am still becoming familiar with some of its features. This is the next generation of pedal from Zoom, taking the 505II's place. Besides having a built-in drum machine (which is great for practice!), the G2 has a full array of classic amp & stomp-box models, as well as (40) presets - so you can save your favorites!!! Like any multi-pedal, some sounds / features are better than others. At $100 US (or a bit more than your average-priced $75 dollar pedal), if there are (2) or (3) that suit your fancy, you've already gotten your money's worth.

Here's the link: http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/g2/index.php

[Robert****]

Sounds interesting, I'll try to check one out. Are you happy with it? Does it work well for direct recording?

[Nelskie]

Robert - The G2 seems to have been designed speficially with recording in mind. I am still "experimenting" with it at this point, but have discovered many of its sounds and effects very useful. The clean amp models are very nice - airy and open, with a lot of head room - like those in the Vox ADVT's. The distortion stuff I am still trying to reign in a bit, although the excellent EQ feature helps when adapting it to smaller amps. Bearing in mind my limited use of the pedal to this point, the OD and feedback models seem to be a little too "transistor-y" for my tastes. I did coax a very nice OD tone with the one of the Mesa Boogie models through my little Epi last nite. The best thing about finding that tone was the fact that I was able to save it into memory, so I can call it up again later. I'm planning on posting a review on the G2 later on, after I've had a chance to put it through its paces with different gear.

[Nelskie]

Here are a few updated comments about my Zoom G2 pedal:

The acquisition of my new Tech 21 Power Engine has allowed me to run the Zoom G2's amp models through it, and to great effect I might add. The Marshall JC800 is a very solid sounding emulation, as is the Fender Deluxe. On top of that, the Zoom also has a variety of effects that can be implemented with the amp models, or as stand-alone effects (i.e. without using an amp or pedal sim). I frequently use my G2's effects banks when playing my Valve Jr., and they really add a lot of dimension to the already great Class A tone. The other thing I really like about it is that if you find a nice tone / effect combination, you can save it to memory. I dialed in a very nice reverb / chorus / stereo tape echo effect the other night, and can now call it up at the press of a button.

Zoom, having foresight in the aspect of using the G2 for recording, has designed features for use in both live and studio settings. For example, the amp / pedal sims have a separate presets for both live, and line-in recording (which allows for the cabinet sim to be implemented into the tone). Another cool feature is the built in drum machine, which is a fantastic practice tool. With over (40) pre-programmed beats (and never a complaint about what you what to play), the drum machine is a feature that I use all the time, and it's very realistic sounding to boot. Another thing I use a lot on the G2 is the very accurate built-in tuner. Over the past few months, I've replaced some of the hokier-sounding thrash metal presets with tones of my own creation, and I have those tones lined up in sequence on one of the banks for quick call-up. Being able to save cool tones and effects settings is a great feature, and something with immediate benefits - esp. if you use the pedal live.

At $100, the G2 has a number of very useful tones & features that will add value to you playing. I've only mentioned some of the features I use most frequently, but in reality, this is only a small part of what this pedal offers. Having used the 505II (the G2's predacessor), I can honestly say that Zoom has really taken this pedal to the next level both tone and feature-wise. Like I've said before, if there are 3-4 tones or features on this pedal that you end up using a lot, you've gotten your money's worth. The simple fact of it is that you will undoubtedly find a lot more than that, and that being the case, it gets a solid 4 out of 5 stars from me. It's a piece of gear I use a lot, and definitely a pedal / effects processor worth having.

Since my first post, they have added some G2 sound sound clips at the Zoom website. Check 'em out here:

http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/downlo.../demosound.php

[tot_Ou_tard]

I'm certainly not at the recording stage, I don't use too many effects, and I have an amp modeler in the AD30VT (I wish the line out that I use with headphones came after the valvereactor circuit), but the drum machine idea sounds interesting. I have a digital metronome, but that ain't the same thing. Does anyone know of a good drum machine? Or is the one in the Zoom so good, that I might as well get that and have the rest of the stuff just to boot.

[tot_Ou_tard]

I just realized that I would probably need to hook a drum machine up to my stereo in order to hear it while playing.

[tot_Ou_tard]

I think that the cheaper way to go for a drum machine is via drum software for the computer. I can try free software & see if it works well for me. It's a bit of a pain as I don't usually play near my computer, but so be it.

Back to your regularly scheduled discussion of the Zoom pedal...

[Nelskie]

Tot - You run the pedal right into your amp. If you want to just use the that feature, you can turn off all the others. The drum volume is set by the loudness of your amp, and can be also be further adjusted via the controls on the pedal. The sounds of the drums are very good, IMHO. No fills, and transitions are pretty barebones. But it works good for what it is. When I practice, I just like to have something going on in the background to help me keep time, and the G2's drums work out very well. And that is but one of the pedal's many features.

[tot_Ou_tard]

Tot - You run the pedal right into your amp. If you want to just use the that feature, you can turn off all the others. The drum volume is set by the loudness of your amp, and can be also be further adjusted via the controls on the pedal. The sounds of the drums are very good, IMHO. No fills, and transitions are pretty barebones. But it works good for what it is. When I practice, I just like to have something going on in the background to help me keep time, and the G2's drums work out very well. And that is but one of the pedal's many features.

Yeah, I'm rethinking this. I might be able to use this for headphones playing much easier & more poratble than dragging the AD30VT around. The only question is don't the drums get ragged if you crank up the distortion on the amp?

[tot_Ou_tard]

Tot - You run the pedal right into your amp. If you want to just use the that feature, you can turn off all the others. The drum volume is set by the loudness of your amp, and can be also be further adjusted via the controls on the pedal. The sounds of the drums are very good, IMHO. No fills, and transitions are pretty barebones. But it works good for what it is. When I practice, I just like to have something going on in the background to help me keep time, and the G2's drums work out very well. And that is but one of the pedal's many features.

So Nelsk, can the features be independently selected? Say, I want to use the EQ, drum machine & an overdrive pedal, with no amp modeling. Is that possible?

[Nelskie]

Yes, all the settings can be used independently of the amp / cab models. And yes, the drum sound does get a little "dodgy" as you crank up the volume - mostly because it's also contending with whatever effects or amp / cab models you're running with the pedal. Remember, it wasn't designed as a stand-alone drum machine - it's mainly for lower-volume practice purposes, and to keep time. For that, it fits the bill nicely.

[tot_Ou_tard]

Ah, yes thanks.

Does anyone take their guitars on trips to play in the hotel room? This might be nice for that. Does a guitar in a hard case hold up well in luggage or is that just to risky?

I still haven't decided whether I need it(or *want* it--to reference a recently chastised thread).

[tot_Ou_tard]

OK, I am back to possibly wanting the G2 and in searching the internet I came across the G7 & G9 models. Now these are too steep for what I need it for, but was wondering whether anybody here had experience with them & how they compare with the Tonelab. The G9 for example has two 12AX7 tubes, but I am not certain how they fit in the architecture. One comes before the OD section I believe. Is the other used as a clipping diode? My question is whether the tubes are gimmicky or integral to the feel as in the Valvetronix/Tonelab.

[Spudman***]

The Tonelab sounds way better than the Zoom imho.

[SuperSwede]

The tube (12AX87) in the tonelab simulates different kinds of power amps (Class A / AB and so on). It really makes a difference and I can really recommend it.

[tot_Ou_tard]

Thanks all.

[tot_Ou_tard]

I just got the Zoom in & had a few minutes to play around with it. It's a little confusing to figure out, but you soon get the hang of it. I turned off everything but the amp models the eq and the extra eq. I tried the JC clean & the Fender Clean.

First impressions:

Negatives:

This ain't no valvetronix. If I had the dough, I'd get the Tonelab.

Positives:

I'm untethered from my amp!!!

It sounds good enough for what I need it for.

The drum machine.

Chromatic tuner

The 6 band eq

low mid high
low-mid presence harmonics

is very nice.


I'll have to spend some time putting it through its paces.

Best line from the the addendum to the manual:

"When you use guitar amp for recording patches, not only intended modeling sound will not existing but also you hear harsh-sounding sometimes. Please adjust guitar amp setting as above reference."

Also JC Clean is labeled as JC Crean.

[tot_Ou_tard]

Clearly I'm gonna have to give this pedal some time. I am liking the JC Clean a whole lot better the longer I play it.

[tot_Ou_tard]

Well now that 'splains alot. I was using the Zoom with headphones and the Extra EQ (low-mid presence harmonics) turned on. This turns off the cab emulation and puts it into "pedal in front of amp" mode! Back to the ol' listening board!