One thing i love about Zooms is you can beat them up real good and they will keep working. I have a GFX-4 from many decades ago and that thing has been used as a surfboard on asphalt and 'ollied' and body-boarded a few times. Its held together with black gaffer tape and that thing still makes noise when you plug it in. Obviously its nowhere near as good as todays devices with all the updates in technology but i cant remember having an effects unit that i whaled on so much in my youth that Iived to tell the tale such as my GFX-4.
Not true. Switches for G2xx, G3xx, G5xx, G9xx are notorious for failing on Zooms. I've owned all of them. The main rub against big MFX is ones single point of failure makes the unit unusable. Repair is costly (time, price) That's why old fashion physical pedal boards will always prevail since you can just physically drop in a new one if one fails. You can also use a midi switch to change order.
I love the G11! Rehearsed with my band last night, plugged it in direct to the PA, a few quick tweaks and boooom! A great night’s jam. I’ve used it to record too and it’s awesome!! I’ve been a pro guitarist for nearly 30 years and I hate overly complex gear. I need things to be quick to set up, a piece of piss to operate and sound fab. The zoom G11 does all three 😊
@@ardentthrasher3508 You’re welcome! For me it’s the most guitarist friendly operating system out there and as long as you use your ears and common sense to get the sounds you want you can’t go wrong 😊 I’m sure all the techy nerds out there will hate it because it’s too simple to get your head around haha! If tech slows me down in finding a great tone I’m out! I’m all for idiot proof editing 😜
These zoom pedals are very very durable, even the 505, g1x, g1xn are still goin out there unbroken, intact, jaja and even work for pro escenarios if you know how to program properly. They are really good pedals, don't hesitate to buy one. I'm very greatful with my zoom pedals. Nice review.
Too true. Many times I've bought into the Line 6 marketing and hype over the years and when compared to zoom boss DigiTech etc never been much difference
Still rocking my g1xn , could never justify buying another processor for the present experience i possess. Now that I've invested some years in learning music and bought a decent guitar, got this beauty some time back.
I love my G71ut. It had the tube in it. I got some of the best metal tunes I ever programmed out of that thing. I now have a Helix floor and I swear that the metal tone I got out of that was just as good.
Excellent review mate! I have had the g11 for about a month or more now and I love it. But, yeah this is one of the best most clear and simple reviews on YT. Also, great energy and you keep it funny.
i own the g11...great easy to use unit, sounds great to me. I also just bought the g6...same concept just a different way to go about using it and programming it...both are great boards !!! Love my Zoom gear...
I bought the G6, have couple of months and sold it because all is concentrated in the LCD. Bought the G11, and find it much more easy to access, using. All is there in plain view you to tweak, small screens, like my old G5n, each one for any effect. Much friendly interface. Just for the record, the G5n is still in force, great pedalboard
This is what "BAL" does in the IR block: Bal -- Adjusts the balance between original and effect sounds. When it is set between -100 to -1, the polarity of effect sound is reversed I'm not sure why this is necessary if (I assume) the Zoom does not allow dual IRs to mix them or send them to L and R outputs.
I Didn't think I was going to like this and or want sit through the review, I was wrong! Really interesting modeler, and I'm in the market for a new one. I really like the fact that I don't need to hook this up to a laptop for editing, huge plus for me! As for the tones, I believe with some modest editing you can get some great sounds out of this.
I own this and have owned nearly every zoom pedal since 2000. Let me just say they all need a little tweaking. This one needs less immediately, but you are right, with a little tweaking you can get some really great sounds. The IR (impulse response) effects are really where you can dial in real amp tones.
Thank you for an excellent walk-through and overview. And having seen how many other great vids to watch are on your channel... liked and subscribed! 🎸 The Zoom 9.2tt was an older flagship that also had innovative features.
Hey. Nice job. I just bought one of these. Your sounds in the beginning combined with navigating the interface is what finally convinced me to take the plunge. Thanks!
Is there any way to copy settings between patches? Say you have a few patches that all use the same amp type, you get to a venue and need to change the amp setting. Do you have to go into every preset and make the change?
If it hasn't already been said... i would think the 1in , 12in, and Room are telling you the position of the mic on the speaker ...like 1in from center of speaker or 12in off center...etc.
I am a beginner, normally I am looking for melodic rock tones with light saturation and surf rock, I can not think of the big one, but the small G3XN is a great and surprising wonder, I easily get all the tones I need, easy to set if you know the tone that you seek, (less is more). Together with my Blackstar HT1R it makes a great pair to use at home. As always impeccable revision. Thank you. 👍🎸🤘🦊🐵😺🦒🐷🐰🐔🐴🦍🦮🐄🐪🦘🐀🐍🐬🦖🦢🐦🐣🐌
Zoom g5 is the diamond in the ruff ! Best multieffects ive ever owned ! Now getting the ashbass full mod no more dancing around !Every video ive watched on zoom g11 has bunch of effects on cant even here the amp modelling but sounds alot like the zoom g5n which to me doesnt sound as good as the Zoom g5
Henning. There is obviously two irs that can be "balanced" to each other. One would likely be a close mic and the other a room mic further away. It's all about finding the balance between the two and likely a phase adjustment knob as well.
İ think you tested this with some prejudice. Zoom’s are awesome the latency the response attack including the feedback are really close to a real amp. I think you assumed in background that it is a cheap helix. It isn’t. I owned the Helix and sold it and gone back to Zoom G3 and bought G11. (Sure the flexibility of Helix is also awesome) The development from g3 to G11 isn’t that big that I expected. But Zooms are the devices that I use in the lower price range. Kemper and Fractal are most probably better but is an other price range. I love zoom.
My take: 1. Most processors sound similar. 2. Even after editing you'll likely find a factory preset that sounds like it. 3. Even with all the capabilities you'll likely use a mere handful of sounds. 4. I have units from 20 years ago that sound like this...but the interface on this unit has more lights on it. 5. My older units are all but worthless. Keep that in mind. 6. Zoom makes good products. I am happy with my $80 (bought new) multi-effects pedal. 7. The price on the G11 is, frankly, too high. In another year or two it will be lower. 8. I like the touch screen and ease of editing.
Agreed - I never even thought seriously about these bc of the looks even after reading the manual, but check out the G6 = smaller w same power + looks 6 or 9 x better !
Zoom and Henning a match made in heaven🤣 Now I sincerely hope Glenn does a review of this and we get to see the hammer of truth, havent seen that in a while
I'm afraid I have to strongly disagree that the G11 has an "interface done right". I say that due to the fact that you're forced to use the touch screen to switch between the "performance" modes. You cannot select or toggle through them with your feet. For example, if you're standing up and performing, you'll have to stoop down and use the touch screen in order to access the "PLAY with LOOPER" mode. The performace modes (the functions highlighted in red on the touchscreen) are "PLAY by PATCH MEMORY", "PLAY by EFFECT BOARD", "PLAY by BANK", "PLAY with RHYTHM", PLAY with LOOPER" and "USE TUNER". Of all of those functions, only the tuner mode can be activated with your feet while performing... the rest would require you to awkwardly stoop down or bend over to access the touchscreen while performing. In my opinion, this is a HUGE oversight and a deal breaker for me personally. At first I thought I might be mistaken about this, so I contacted Zoom support to be sure. This is an exact quote of their response... "Unfortunately, you are correct in that you need to use the touch screen to change these functions". And while I'm on it, here's another deal breaker for me. While in the "PLAY by EFFECT BOARD" mode (this was known as Stomp Mode in previous Zoom pedals), you're still limited in the effect arrangement in the same manner as Zoom's previous offerings. What I mean by this is that you're forced to use foot pedals in order to scroll back and forth though your entire effects chain in order to have full access. For example, If you set up a patch with a lengthy chain with say, a distortion near the front, and a delay at the rear, you'll have to scroll to go between them because you only have 5 available at any one time. In my opinion, the G11 should have been designed to allow the assigning of any effect in your chain, to whichever of the 5 positions you choose, in whatever order you choose to do it, completely independent of the actual chain order. Think about how elegantly the Headrush allows you to assign the effects in your chain to different foot switches based on your preference. Zoom could have done this too with a little bit more forethought. Interface done right? ... not so much IMO.
@RA He has a good point thought. The same was with digitech rp units. I don't understand why companies have not learned from past mistakes of other companies. Also, check out Dave Simpson's review of the g5n, why zoom why?
@@R.Stridstrom If that were a viable option, I believe Zoom support would have suggested it when I inquired about the limitations. They made it clear that you have to use the touch screen to switch between "performance" modes. No foot option for doing so. But seriously though... even if such a workaround were possible, it should never be needed for what should already be part of its basic functionality. In my opinion of course.
Very good point. I've been using an RP-500 for 10"ish years and love having 5 footswitches to use as Preset and Floorboard mode, HOWEVER you have to stoop over to press the tiny button to switch between those 2 modes. The Zoom looked interesting, but they lost me with the point you made. Now in March 2022, Boss has released their GX-100, which may be the go-to unit at the $600 pricepoint.
Nice. Between yourself and Tony McKenzie's review of this, and after some extensive research even beyond that, I decided to try then buy this. Yep. "Now hear this": It's the Grail of all-in-one Pedalboards. Why? No others cover what this is capable of on it's own for this price. Period. If they can, they need external help lol. Yep. Don't even try it. Besides that, it's massively configurable. Even to this day. Computer for days...months...and years. You'll grow with and into it. Zoom needs work but not in capability but even more of what it does. Which is simplicity and a user-friendly interface for Guitarists/Recording/Broadcasting/etc., needs.
I'm very impressed with my G5n. The interface on this one seems rather nice but there is a big price difference. I've A/B'ed the FX with my actual stomp boxes they are emulating too and a lot are dead on.
The sounds seem decent. My only beef is that they don't have XLR or balanced outputs. I think that's a big thing to miss in 2020. Yeah, presets they usually have the effects and ambiences up way too high. User interface looks good. Zoom's industrial design is only OK, though. You really have to like it to buy it. Atomic Amplifire needs a better on unit interface.
Yeah I agree. But it doesn’t help that you ALWAYS have very competent players but who play the most cliche’d licks you can’t really judge the unit properly.
Still sounds hard, dead and digital, like a cross between an updated GFX5 paired with all the effects from the MS70CDR. I own both the GFX5 and MS70CDR, and I also own a Line 6 Helix. This product is an improvement, but (in this demo, at least) it sounds too much like the G5n - albeit with a better UI. It can't really compete with the Helix, especially after the last firmware update L6 released. I think even the outdated Line 6 POD HD X sounds a bit better overall.
The Amp Buttons have "Total Control" that not only inside the LCD, it is direct on the Buttons Light! That is an Amazing Feature!And when a Floorboard "LIKE THAT ONE" not Sounds like you want, than its YOUR FAULT you must learn to "EDIT" that Thing! The "FX" must be in the right Position to the Amp, otherwise it's Sounds like Crap! Modulation behind the Amp (Not when you do Experimentations, only when you want CLEAR and Right Sounds), and the other ones "In Front of the Amp!" ...thats it.
@@nathanc6611 A civic is nowhere near high level enough to have a full carbon interior like a 500k dollar race car is :P Unless someone just wasted a lot of money on a civic, which isn't unheard of.
@@RJW14 you've kinda made my point... While civic type r's are apparently quite capable cars, they have a certain look, but at the end of the day it's a bunch of plastic, as the video pointed out - it's plastic carbon Fibre. This reminds me of that plasticky boy racer look, particularly with the red.
Biggest downer with ZOOM pedals is the PCB mounted in and outputs (also the power connector). They will break... I had a 3030 (back in the days...). It had a few usable sounds (usable, as in, usable with my JCM900 2100 MkIII). Too bad that after 3 years the connectors went bad. Without solderings skills, it simply was a paperweight.
Years ago I remember the Pandora PX1. Same thing, most of the presets are useless and boring. Boss GT-3 too but knew I could get them to sound great. I had a blast with them both so long ago.
I guess I'll stay with my G5n. Only if the G11 had XLR out and a bit larger screen, but it doesn't so not worth the significant higher price vs the G5n
If it was more durable, meaning made of metal . it would be ideal for gigging but many working musos will not buy it for that reason. Those plastic bank switches along the bottom is a big concern...
Hi love the videos I have just purchased the Zoom G11 and at 70 years old I am a bit unsure about if I can connect it to my amp using the 4 cable method?
Mate have a look for the UA-cam videos from Zoom demoing a ten year old zoom g3 against real amps there's no difference. So many of the people like you on here have no idea what you are talking about - amp modelling has been good enough since about 2012. Anything gt100 era onwards is good enough
@@diogen8443 Mate there is barely any difference. All the stuff is pretty much the same Boss Zoom Line 6 etc and has been for each modelling generation.
I remember when people joked about Line 6 the way they still joke about Zoom. Then Line 6 came out with Helix, through a lot of money at marketing, and people's perceptions changed. Zoom has yet to make their "Helix" - the product that changes everyone's mind. Is this it? Based on initial reactions, I'm thinking no. Part of the issue is how tacky this thing looks - you know those hundred dollar stereos they sell at Walmart that say they're 1,000 watts per channel, and look like cartoon paintings? This reminds me of those. Which is a shame, because they've got some great ideas here, like the touch screen. The interface seems good, but complicated. Boss has the right idea in the Katana series - keep it simple. The interface on the HX Stomp is painful - you need to practice using it. But a lot of people use the software interface. This is a good device for people who hate Line 6 and like to tweak knobs and settings until the cows come home but don't want to do it on a computer. It's too expensive to be a poor man's Helix, it's not good enough to be a Helix killer, it's competing against the better sounding Floor Pod Go, which looks way less tacky. This thing would sell like mad at $299, but they can't make it with a touchscreen for that amount. Is it worth paying the extra money for the touch screen? That seems to be the gamble.
@@donloder1 I don't think it's bold at all - guitarists care a LOT about how stuff looks. No one wants to show up to a gig with something that looks like it was made by Mattel. That said, I do recognize that looks are subjective.
@@budgetguitarist get rid of the bottom rows plastic switches and the fake carbon fibre and use all metal switches with a solid color finish lower the price abit and it'd be a good start.
Much nicer on-unit interface for sure but I like the tones on my GT-1000 better. Besides, being able to use my iPad to control and tweak the GT-1000 is a really nice feature.
I've got a Zoom G5N, I think it sounded great into a Cube 30 but disappointing going into my Katana 100 2 x 12. I just use the Boss tone studio and the footswitch now, How many sounds do you need anyway?
I have the G5, and use it in the effects loop for the looper and drum 'machine'. Also love being able to fiddle with the knobs to change parameters on effects, something you can't do from the panel on the boss. So it sure keeps its use!
Yes , so i got the Zoom G11 recently , but i need to know if i can assign a patch for each stomp switch ? Or if i can only scroll up and down through patches by way of the bottom pedals with the arrows? I mean , if i set up 5 completely different patches and i need to switch from patch 1 to patch 5 , why would i want to click 5 times to get there? Even the G92tt i have has 5 stomp switches on the bottom that i can assign patches to and instantly switch between them.
It definitely doesn't sound the same, since you can load Impulse Responses into the g11. Things said - the g5n still sounds ok, but their cab sims suck.
Too bad for the short effects chain only 9 including amp and cab, do you think that in the future with a possible update they increase the effects chain?
Almost an hour to show it’s full power. Oooh the xtasyblue was cool but krampus is a real Christmas present of a preamp🤘🏽. Bad presets that nothing new in the multi effects universe ? Hell since buying my first Rack processor I wanted to be that guy who makes 12 useable gigable tones, 12 recording tones and then fill the rest of the memory with 232 crazy over effected, horribly eq’d, bad choice for expression controls and awkward amp/cab choices 😃👍🏽
Exactly why I stopped buying any of these hundreds of presets, barely any actually usable. Give me a solid, like you say, 12 gig tones, clean, rhythm (light, crunch, super crunch), lead and I'd buy that box with only 24 tones.
The amp editing is cool though lol, just to be transparent. It makes me ask though are the only gain, bass, middle, treble, presence, and volume for every amp?
For non-professional home-recording on a budget (I don't have any amps and it would be the only device I could put in front of my MOTU audio interface): This ZOOM G11 or the Line6 PodGO?
This as you can do whatever you want with the fx blocks also zoom will update with more amp.models and fx models with updates. Also this has a proper looper the pod one doesn't and looper takes an fx block
I'd go the other way from @Richard Press. This "seems" to be very performance oriented and very easy to use. They do still have compressed sounds but are much better than I had in 1990. They do have a software tool to access/mod the unit easier/faster, as well as an active tone building community...so there is that. The Pod GO gives you Helix sounds which, "to me", sound cleaner. What did you ultimately go with?
I have been waiting for Zoom to let me know if this comes with any bass fx or amp models but never got any response. Was hoping to replace my B3n.... couldn't wait any longer so went Helix. I really liked the sounds my Zoom could make... it was just lacking in routing and i/o options.
Jeez... Tons of bedroom playing gear snobs on most of these videos. Not to mention, no shortage of Helix fanboys always itching to say, "T-t-the Helix is better!". Tell us something we don't know. Better yet, how about looking at a product and judging it as it's own product - not compare it to something that costs almost double the price. Like looking at a Ford Mustang review and having the inevitable fanboys start their chant of "But such and such car is better!" (usually a car that is *_WAY_* more expensive and powerful). Seems like all these naysayers who trash ZOOM products don't understand that judging a unit like this off preset factory patches is just ridiculous. The whole point of units like this is to give the user the flexibility to come up with their own settings, their own custom patches. Sounds like they just want to open up a box and expect these units to sound *_EXACTLY_* as they expect them to sound straight out of the box. Not to mention, most of them expect to just twist a knob slightly or push one button and "Voilá!" - they want it to sound like every pedal they have ever wanted to emulate. If they just took the time to properly get to know the product, they'd see they can emulate almost any sound or tone out there. Will it be the "best" sounding unit ever? No. Is it the worst? Of course not. Any *_reasonable_* person will understand that it is what it is and to not judge it for what it isn't.
the interface does seem nice but if you have to jump through 50 loops to make it sound good at home then you will have a hard time adapting your sound to other places like a studio or a gig. there are other devices that you twist 2 or 3 knobs and they sound awsome. like the amplifire from atomic for example which you sadly never touched man
@@abcrx32j you kind of do. To get it to sound decent he had to choose specific settings and ir. A good modeler should sound good without much tinkering. You can get a 20 year old pod to sound acceptable with much tinkering and irs doesn't mean it's up to par with today's gear
@@constantinosmavroyannis9409 Well yeah, but it's not that the sounds are bad, the combinations that were chosen for the presets are trash. I get that more expensive equipment can't permit that, you could take it as a way to make it cheaper, I guess.
Good review. The touch screen is very nice as is having six (6) onboard pedals. For superior tone however, and despite the slight (~$200) bump in price, I would still get the more powerful and advanced FM3. It would be good if you could do a head to head comparison between this and the FM3. For me, once the presets are made (first week or so), it's ALL about the tone (for years to come.) I have to give TONE the priority over most other things. It was a passionate review but for me, you summed it up when you said, you were going to say..."the sounds aren't the greatest." Maybe they should hire experts like you to get the presets to sound less "boxy and phased" out of the box. Still for the price, and the needs of most non-professionals, this is a decent and economic solution but near this price point, I would go FM3 all day long.
Just know that it isn't ONLY about pure tone. FM3 is great if it sits on your desk top or in a pedal board setup. But if you are using just it live....the G11 will give you way more flexibility. I Want to be able to have easy access to 3-4 amps, FX selections, boosts, and a real time controller. I can sacrifice a bit of tone that no one else will notice in a live setting anyway.
@@dewdude2112 If "no one else would notice" the relatively worse tone than why do musicians invest in expensive gear. I argue that we do notice it- big time, even in a live venue where e.g., the superb tone off the FM3 can be mic'd out to the PA's. If someone was giving you a new unit, my guess is that you would select a Fractal product over the G11 without thinking twice...though you might not admit it here. I get your point, out of the box, the G11 likely does have more versatility in terms of switches and quick access to tones. I will add that it is also much less expensive (note I did not imply it as being a better value.) For an extra ~$400, I would go Fractal all day long. You can also easily add the FC-6 or FC-12 to that rig and have more switches and far more options and superior tone vs. the G11- admittedly at a premium price. The ultimate is clearly the Axe-FX III and the FC-12. All of this said, I really do like the direction Zoom went with the G11 GUI. The layout is really nice and intuitive. I hope other manufactures take note. I agree that it isn't ONLY about pure tone, however IMO tone has to come first.
@@MOAB-UT .I will try to answer your questions as best as i can. Musicians "invest" in expensive gear for several reasons. Higher quality, of course. They have the money. They think it will make them better players. They think people (their audience) care. In a highly professional setting...sure...sometimes. If you think for one second EVH couldn't please a crowd with a Mustang III....you are kidding yourself. Does he WANT to? No. Can he? Of course. (well sorry COULD he?). And I am glad to see you actually "get my point"....it's important for me to have easy access to all the features of my modeler/MFX. The Fractal does, with either the accessory pedals...even the AX8 still needs additional pedal(s). I...and many others...are also limited by money and other things like stage space...so we can't just keep adding pedal footprints. It's nice to have ONE thing to throw down and hook up. And if you play like you mean it, and most importantly adept enough to dial it in...the audience won't notice if it's a fractal or not. If it is truly ONLY about tone...you'd have two or three amps up there and rack full of separate FX. It's about more than that. There are some sacrifices made to achieve that....even with fractal.
@@dewdude2112 Steve- I agree with most of your points and will share a few of my own. Out of full respect to true "musicians" like my former (and current) Berklee instructor(s) and perhaps you, I will not call myself a musician...though I have been playing over 30 years and enjoy music theory and doing deep dives on gear. When you state, "They think it will make them better players," I will agree that many people will lean on the latest and greatest gear as a crutch (rarely a good idea.) I am not one of them. That said, many incredible guitar players do tend to use better gear for good reason- it helps. For over a decade, I simply played unplugged on an old (but good) acoustic guitar and it sounded fine. Eventually, I started investing in very high quality gear. I did not expect much- but I was pleasantly surprised. It absolutely did help me to play better. There were many reasons. In part, I started to hear more detailed sound, and the general experience was enhanced. Having "invested" more money, I took my playing more seriously as well. All of these things together in turn inspired me to get more into it. Ultimately I do play "better" and having better gear (for direct and indirect reasons) was part of that equation. Music will always be a journey for me. I will never be done learning (at least I hope not.) Many people can buy the G11, plug it in and be happy with it. We've likely all bought decent used gear on GC & CL. It tends to work fine but at some point it is nice to invest, with the future and very high quality in mind (basically pro level- which I understand is not what everyone wants or needs.) At this point in "my" musical journey, it's an easy choice- Fractal or equivalent very high end gear. For only ~$400 more the FM3, at least to me represents a very strong value. Several millions of dollars in R&D have been distilled down into the relatively affordable and compact FM3 unit. That said, I fully understand that in a short period of time, something even better will come along as it always does. I get the gist of your main, general arguments about how "it is not about the gear," "better gear won't make you play better," and "the audience won't know the difference." These can be perfectly valid points if you are playing at home and don't want to dive too deep into your gear, and have limited musical aspirations. The bottom line is there really is not right or wrong answer- and to each their own (opinions.) For me, it is simply worth a little extra money to get higher quality gear- gear that gets regular updates, is easily expandable and likely has generally higher quality both in build and technology. One example is the ARES, world-class amp-modeling that is baked into the FM3. I am also very confident in stating that a FM3 or Axe-FX III will sound considerably better than Zoom and with a little programming offer infinitely more tone options. Even with the FC-6 foot controller, the footprint is relatively small. I have also owned Zoom products for years (not the G11.) From what I have seen, we are not talking the same ballpark. With the units I have used, many of the patches very quickly start to sound the same and do not have near the depth or tonal qualities of the higher end processors such as Fractal, Kemper, Helix or AmpliFIRE. Zoom is usually compared more with the likes of Line6, Boss, etc. (all good in their own right- I have the Boss Katana Artist amp and love it.) Of course skill matters. I am specifically talking about gear. Lastly, I could not agree with you more that EVH could have sounded incredible playing through a Mustang III amp (even better through an FM3.) Ironically there is an available 5153 amp model/patch (for use with Fractal) based on Eddies legendary 5151-III. It's about as spot on as you will hear short of the real thing. One of my best concerts was Chris Cornell playing unplugged for over 2 hours on stage (Acoustic set.) I do like the lay-out and GUI of the Zoom offering. It is going to be easier to initially navigate intuitively right out off the box and is more familiar, but I maintain my contention that it is simply not on the same level as the FM3. I can quickly create 5-10 "go to" premium patches on the FM3. Once created, they are very easy to access and will more than satisfy tone needs for 90% of my songs. I would take these over 20-30 patches on the G11 any day of the week. I don't necessarily need a touch screen and various bells and whistles. I can set up the FM3 on the PC. The shear volume of importable, Ultra-Res IR's that are available for the FM3 alone are easily worth the $400 premium IMO. Still, I get your point that for many, it is often more about "good enough quality that is relatively inexpensive and easy to use." There certainly is a market for that which the G11 will likely satisfy. Some people will be impressed with a touch-screen and faux carbon fiber housing- just not me. People should buy whatever gear they like that satisfies their current needs. At this point, it makes sense for me to buy higher quality gear. I have found that it tends to last longer, work and sound better overall. You are also correct that there will always be sacrifices- with any gear. The good news is they can always trade up!
Zoom did lower the price of the G11 from $800 to $600US I believe. Sure the power/features and more heavy duty (metal) build construction of some others are more capable or better, but it’s gonna cost you if you want to take that plunge. I’ve also heard some great sounding IR ‘packs’ one can buy for this G11 are cheap (around $20). That to me is awesome as it’d be more or even better tones. The patches that come with this suffer like many units do, and that’s from too much BS on them. Strip them down. I’m sure there’s really good useable base tones one can then take and add the effects they want. Personally I don’t care about spaceship blips, pads nor muddy fuzz/too much gain mud noise. All unusable for the music I cover and what I feel a guitars sound should be about. Just good clean, slight breakup/OD and higher gain distortion/modded Marshall tones. Add chorus or delay and reverb to taste per patch and there you go. I don’t like things too complicated either as I’m old school really, so easier more intuitive programming is a big plus. I really don’t want to fiddle with computer noodling to program or set things. It’s much more natural to do it on the unit. You know, reach down twist a knob and adjust. Spending an equal amount of time figuring out the thousand things it can do, I’d rather be playing the guitar instead of tweaking every little parameter. Now I do wish the G11 had a bit different styling cue (less plastics/more standard look. Not a Honda Civic type R styling- haha)- but that would make it heavy, say like a Helix or Boss. So there’s that. The layout is great imo and the unit would work fine at gigs. I’d use it with precautions just like I would with any of my effects on the floor. Don’t trample on it/them! I play in a working cover band (pre covid19 anyway). I know Zoom isn’t in the same league as Kemper or an AxeFX but I remember when any ‘modeling’ preamp wasn’t considered professional but more for convenience and fun. I still basically feel that way as all these are just emulators of the real thing (usually a tube amp). It’s all about convenience and the ability to have ‘everything’ in one unit. Tones and effects vs having 10 things on the floor, amps and/or rack effects. For convenience these floor processors are getting pretty amazing and pretty dang convenient for gigs or going to a jam. I still don’t think they have the same punch and resonance as a real tube amp, just the tone (especially when DI’d to FOH), but in most cases ‘live’ I don’t think the majority of people would notice or give a sh*t. Especially at the cover band level, let alone playing parties or jams at friends houses. That’s where this G11 can be more than adequate. I’m pondering between either this G11 or the Line6 Pod Go. I really don’t feel like spending $1500 on up for something just for convenience essentially or some sort of bragging rights. If it sounds good it is good (EVH quote).
Hey Henning. Would you use this on a gig? And, if yes, would you connect it up to a speaker cab or direct to the PA desk? Or maybe both, if that's an option.
Du hast wirklich Spaß mit dem Ding, oder? Aber im Ernst: hätte ich nicht schon alles beisammen, würde ich mir überlegen, auch so eine eierlegende Wollmilchsau anzuschaffen.
This looks awesome. It's so well thought out... So.. what the heck were they thinking using the fake plastic carbon fiber all over it? I'd buy it if they made it look less like Line 6 stuff from 15 years ago. Oh, and it sounds like doodoo and suffers from lag
@@BrunodeSouzaLino you can just easily damage a regular screen or any of the rotary knobs. The helix, the headrush and the quad cortex all have touch screens. Your point? And since I own fractal products and never got them damaged I guess I can ask for whatever I want. I’m willing to pay for it 🤷🏻♂️
@@x3a3x3 Let's see...Which is more expensive? A character display? A rotary encoder? Or a touchscreen? You'll also get a kick trying to teach a blind person how to use a unit that relies solely on sight to perform 99% of its functions and settings.
How is it for country guitar sounds? Also, if you roll back the guitar's volume, does it "clean up" on a heavier gain sound as it would through a tube amp?
Zoom sounds very organic to my ears. Easy to work with, and the AIR effect makes playing through headphones a delight. ❤
Can’t ignore the fact that it looks like a piece of racing gear. All that red accents and carbon fiber…. Damn zoom stuff look good!
One thing i love about Zooms is you can beat them up real good and they will keep working. I have a GFX-4 from many decades ago and that thing has been used as a surfboard on asphalt and 'ollied' and body-boarded a few times. Its held together with black gaffer tape and that thing still makes noise when you plug it in.
Obviously its nowhere near as good as todays devices with all the updates in technology but i cant remember having an effects unit that i whaled on so much in my youth that Iived to tell the tale such as my GFX-4.
Not true. Switches for G2xx, G3xx, G5xx, G9xx are notorious for failing on Zooms. I've owned all of them. The main rub against big MFX is ones single point of failure makes the unit unusable. Repair is costly (time, price) That's why old fashion physical pedal boards will always prevail since you can just physically drop in a new one if one fails. You can also use a midi switch to change order.
I love the G11! Rehearsed with my band last night, plugged it in direct to the PA, a few quick tweaks and boooom! A great night’s jam. I’ve used it to record too and it’s awesome!! I’ve been a pro guitarist for nearly 30 years and I hate overly complex gear. I need things to be quick to set up, a piece of piss to operate and sound fab. The zoom G11 does all three 😊
@@ardentthrasher3508 Yep! 😊👍🏻
@@ardentthrasher3508 You’re welcome! For me it’s the most guitarist friendly operating system out there and as long as you use your ears and common sense to get the sounds you want you can’t go wrong 😊 I’m sure all the techy nerds out there will hate it because it’s too simple to get your head around haha! If tech slows me down in finding a great tone I’m out! I’m all for idiot proof editing 😜
Still using jt?
The krampus amp stripped down was very close to an old Jake e Lee tone with ozzy. Time spent with that model could produce some great tones.
These zoom pedals are very very durable, even the 505, g1x, g1xn are still goin out there unbroken, intact, jaja and even work for pro escenarios if you know how to program properly. They are really good pedals, don't hesitate to buy one. I'm very greatful with my zoom pedals. Nice review.
Too true. Many times I've bought into the Line 6 marketing and hype over the years and when compared to zoom boss DigiTech etc never been much difference
Still rocking my g1xn , could never justify buying another processor for the present experience i possess. Now that I've invested some years in learning music and bought a decent guitar, got this beauty some time back.
I love my G71ut. It had the tube in it. I got some of the best metal tunes I ever programmed out of that thing. I now have a Helix floor and I swear that the metal tone I got out of that was just as good.
Excellent review mate! I have had the g11 for about a month or more now and I love it. But, yeah this is one of the best most clear and simple reviews on YT. Also, great energy and you keep it funny.
Question- maybe you don't know, though. Is the BTA1 adapter specific to ZOOM or will any USB BT adapter work in there?
@@CedricSatterfield that, I do not know. I use mine for live use only so far... 🤷♂️
Henning, I appreciate the in-depth and honest review. 👍🏻
i own the g11...great easy to use unit, sounds great to me. I also just bought the g6...same concept just a different way to go about using it and programming it...both are great boards !!! Love my Zoom gear...
I bought the G6, have couple of months and sold it because all is concentrated in the LCD. Bought the G11, and find it much more easy to access, using. All is there in plain view you to tweak, small screens, like my old G5n, each one for any effect. Much friendly interface. Just for the record, the G5n is still in force, great pedalboard
I have a Zoom 606 that’s been working fine for twenty years
cool, i have a digitec 2000 that still works great, but i still bought a headrush system,
Best review for the G11.
I think this will be my next modeler. Good job.
This is what "BAL" does in the IR block:
Bal -- Adjusts the balance between original and effect sounds. When it is set between -100 to -1,
the polarity of effect sound is reversed
I'm not sure why this is necessary if (I assume) the Zoom does not allow dual IRs to mix them or send them to L and R outputs.
I bought my G11 on the strength of this review,top job Henning.
hes the happiest ,most optimistic German I've ever seen !
I Didn't think I was going to like this and or want sit through the review, I was wrong! Really interesting modeler, and I'm in the market for a new one. I really like the fact that I don't need to hook this up to a laptop for editing, huge plus for me! As for the tones, I believe with some modest editing you can get some great sounds out of this.
I own this and have owned nearly every zoom pedal since 2000. Let me just say they all need a little tweaking. This one needs less immediately, but you are right, with a little tweaking you can get some really great sounds. The IR (impulse response) effects are really where you can dial in real amp tones.
@David woods: what do you mean can u use a android tablet to do that setup, updates, editing
That intro always gets me hyped up for something epic
And then there’s Henning... 😀
Thank you for an excellent walk-through and overview. And having seen how many other great vids to watch are on your channel... liked and subscribed! 🎸
The Zoom 9.2tt was an older flagship that also had innovative features.
Hey. Nice job. I just bought one of these. Your sounds in the beginning combined with navigating the interface is what finally convinced me to take the plunge. Thanks!
Is there any way to copy settings between patches? Say you have a few patches that all use the same amp type, you get to a venue and need to change the amp setting. Do you have to go into every preset and make the change?
@@chrisx742 I just save into a different preset.
@@chrisx742 also the iPad app is the touchscreen
If it hasn't already been said... i would think the 1in , 12in, and Room are telling you the position of the mic on the speaker ...like 1in from center of speaker or 12in off center...etc.
The latest updates for the Zoom G11 include bass amp simulators.
I am a beginner, normally I am looking for melodic rock tones with light saturation and surf rock, I can not think of the big one, but the small G3XN is a great and surprising wonder, I easily get all the tones I need, easy to set if you know the tone that you seek, (less is more). Together with my Blackstar HT1R it makes a great pair to use at home.
As always impeccable revision. Thank you. 👍🎸🤘🦊🐵😺🦒🐷🐰🐔🐴🦍🦮🐄🐪🦘🐀🐍🐬🦖🦢🐦🐣🐌
That's a good setup. You can get everything you need with that! 🎸
You know what r u doing. Good review. Thanks alot
I wish I'd had this when I was 15, gol dang it.
12 inch and 1 inch probably is the mic distance from the speaker.
Zoom g5 is the diamond in the ruff ! Best multieffects ive ever owned ! Now getting the ashbass full mod no more dancing around !Every video ive watched on zoom g11 has bunch of effects on cant even here the amp modelling but sounds alot like the zoom g5n which to me doesnt sound as good as the Zoom g5
I agree. I love my g5n but I wish it had the ability to connect via 4 cable method.
love my g5...never heard of that mod
The Zoom G5 doesnt even have a send and return so its a pretty basic and useless unit..
@@TheBluesineThe least snobish gear nerd
Henning. There is obviously two irs that can be "balanced" to each other. One would likely be a close mic and the other a room mic further away. It's all about finding the balance between the two and likely a phase adjustment knob as well.
you probably figured it out but the 2 IRs are a close mic and a room mic. you can mix the two.
Tks. Did not know. Best Regards!
Henning’s hairy leg provided to us free of charge today 😂
İ think you tested this with some prejudice. Zoom’s are awesome the latency the response attack including the feedback are really close to a real amp. I think you assumed in background that it is a cheap helix. It isn’t. I owned the Helix and sold it and gone back to Zoom G3 and bought G11. (Sure the flexibility of Helix is also awesome) The development from g3 to G11 isn’t that big that I expected. But Zooms are the devices that I use in the lower price range. Kemper and Fractal are most probably better but is an other price range. I love zoom.
My take:
1. Most processors sound similar.
2. Even after editing you'll likely find a factory preset that sounds like it.
3. Even with all the capabilities you'll likely use a mere handful of sounds.
4. I have units from 20 years ago that sound like this...but the interface on this unit has more lights on it.
5. My older units are all but worthless. Keep that in mind.
6. Zoom makes good products. I am happy with my $80 (bought new) multi-effects pedal.
7. The price on the G11 is, frankly, too high. In another year or two it will be lower.
8. I like the touch screen and ease of editing.
Henning can you review the Zoom through the Harley Benton G212A-FR Active Cabinet ?
Insane! other than the looks its a great device
Agreed - I never even thought seriously about these bc of the looks even after reading the manual, but check out the G6 = smaller w same power + looks 6 or 9 x better !
Zoom and Henning a match made in heaven🤣 Now I sincerely hope Glenn does a review of this and we get to see the hammer of truth, havent seen that in a while
Really good, review thx
🤘
I'm afraid I have to strongly disagree that the G11 has an "interface done right". I say that due to the fact that you're forced to use the touch screen to switch between the "performance" modes. You cannot select or toggle through them with your feet. For example, if you're standing up and performing, you'll have to stoop down and use the touch screen in order to access the "PLAY with LOOPER" mode. The performace modes (the functions highlighted in red on the touchscreen) are "PLAY by PATCH MEMORY", "PLAY by EFFECT BOARD", "PLAY by BANK", "PLAY with RHYTHM", PLAY with LOOPER" and "USE TUNER". Of all of those functions, only the tuner mode can be activated with your feet while performing... the rest would require you to awkwardly stoop down or bend over to access the touchscreen while performing. In my opinion, this is a HUGE oversight and a deal breaker for me personally. At first I thought I might be mistaken about this, so I contacted Zoom support to be sure. This is an exact quote of their response... "Unfortunately, you are correct in that you need to use the touch screen to change these functions".
And while I'm on it, here's another deal breaker for me. While in the "PLAY by EFFECT BOARD" mode (this was known as Stomp Mode in previous Zoom pedals), you're still limited in the effect arrangement in the same manner as Zoom's previous offerings. What I mean by this is that you're forced to use foot pedals in order to scroll back and forth though your entire effects chain in order to have full access. For example, If you set up a patch with a lengthy chain with say, a distortion near the front, and a delay at the rear, you'll have to scroll to go between them because you only have 5 available at any one time. In my opinion, the G11 should have been designed to allow the assigning of any effect in your chain, to whichever of the 5 positions you choose, in whatever order you choose to do it, completely independent of the actual chain order. Think about how elegantly the Headrush allows you to assign the effects in your chain to different foot switches based on your preference. Zoom could have done this too with a little bit more forethought. Interface done right? ... not so much IMO.
@RA He has a good point thought. The same was with digitech rp units. I don't understand why companies have not learned from past mistakes of other companies. Also, check out Dave Simpson's review of the g5n, why zoom why?
use it with bluetooth and a pad? controller on the floor?
@@R.Stridstrom If that were a viable option, I believe Zoom support would have suggested it when I inquired about the limitations. They made it clear that you have to use the touch screen to switch between "performance" modes. No foot option for doing so. But seriously though... even if such a workaround were possible, it should never be needed for what should already be part of its basic functionality. In my opinion of course.
Very good point. I've been using an RP-500 for 10"ish years and love having 5 footswitches to use as Preset and Floorboard mode, HOWEVER you have to stoop over to press the tiny button to switch between those 2 modes. The Zoom looked interesting, but they lost me with the point you made. Now in March 2022, Boss has released their GX-100, which may be the go-to unit at the $600 pricepoint.
Thankyou sir you make it well expounded
You should be a paid consultant for these companies to program the presets
Somebody needs to :)
Nice. Between yourself and Tony McKenzie's review of this, and after some extensive research even beyond that, I decided to try then buy this. Yep. "Now hear this": It's the Grail of all-in-one Pedalboards. Why? No others cover what this is capable of on it's own for this price. Period. If they can, they need external help lol. Yep. Don't even try it. Besides that, it's massively configurable. Even to this day. Computer for days...months...and years. You'll grow with and into it. Zoom needs work but not in capability but even more of what it does. Which is simplicity and a user-friendly interface for Guitarists/Recording/Broadcasting/etc., needs.
I’m sold
You look to be a nice and cool person
Thanks, I try to be
Well cool 😎😎😎😎 but won't be replacing my headrush any time soon
You're great man!!! I love you!
This would be a really good multi effect pedal for bass players
I'm very impressed with my G5n. The interface on this one seems rather nice but there is a big price difference. I've A/B'ed the FX with my actual stomp boxes they are emulating too and a lot are dead on.
You compared your stomp boxes to the G5n?
@@stefanchernev4996 Yes. I compared the settings to the pedals on my regular board.
@@bumblefritz So the G5n is still a good bet?
In my opinion it is. I run it alongside my main board a lot of the time but if need be, I definitely could use just the G5n.
Yep. It still sounds like a Zoom.
Is it me or do all zooms kind of have like a hollow sound ?
The sounds seem decent. My only beef is that they don't have XLR or balanced outputs. I think that's a big thing to miss in 2020. Yeah, presets they usually have the effects and ambiences up way too high. User interface looks good. Zoom's industrial design is only OK, though. You really have to like it to buy it.
Atomic Amplifire needs a better on unit interface.
Sounds thin in my opinion.
heart my comment mr henning, great review as always!!
thanks for the notification
If this had a dual channel Looper, expandable sd storage, expandable / importable drum loops it would be the best thing since ever.
Yeah I agree. But it doesn’t help that you ALWAYS have very competent players but who play the most cliche’d licks you can’t really judge the unit properly.
Still sounds hard, dead and digital, like a cross between an updated GFX5 paired with all the effects from the MS70CDR. I own both the GFX5 and MS70CDR, and I also own a Line 6 Helix. This product is an improvement, but (in this demo, at least) it sounds too much like the G5n - albeit with a better UI. It can't really compete with the Helix, especially after the last firmware update L6 released. I think even the outdated Line 6 POD HD X sounds a bit better overall.
Outdated Pod HD X ... disable the cabs and use a torpedo or mooer radar... not quite Helix but not at all outdated
The Amp Buttons have "Total Control" that not only inside the LCD, it is direct on the Buttons Light!
That is an Amazing Feature!And when a Floorboard "LIKE THAT ONE" not Sounds like you want, than its YOUR FAULT you must learn to "EDIT" that Thing!
The "FX" must be in the right Position to the Amp, otherwise it's Sounds like Crap!
Modulation behind the Amp (Not when you do Experimentations, only when you want CLEAR and Right Sounds), and the other ones "In Front of the Amp!" ...thats it.
I think youre supposed to use the IR's with the room? That way it would sound better? I dont know but great video as always man :)
As I said on the superfunhappyetc pedal show, with the carbon it looks like the instrument cluster on a racecar's dashboard.
It makes me think 'Honda Civic Type R' everytime I see it!
@@nathanc6611 A civic is nowhere near high level enough to have a full carbon interior like a 500k dollar race car is :P
Unless someone just wasted a lot of money on a civic, which isn't unheard of.
@@RJW14 you've kinda made my point... While civic type r's are apparently quite capable cars, they have a certain look, but at the end of the day it's a bunch of plastic, as the video pointed out - it's plastic carbon Fibre.
This reminds me of that plasticky boy racer look, particularly with the red.
Biggest downer with ZOOM pedals is the PCB mounted in and outputs (also the power connector). They will break...
I had a 3030 (back in the days...). It had a few usable sounds (usable, as in, usable with my JCM900 2100 MkIII).
Too bad that after 3 years the connectors went bad. Without solderings skills, it simply was a paperweight.
I've had my ZOOM pedals since the early 2000's. They're still going strong and I still use them.
Years ago I remember the Pandora PX1. Same thing, most of the presets are useless and boring. Boss GT-3 too but knew I could get them to sound great. I had a blast with them both so long ago.
Pjr J I bought every new Pandora that came out. They were great for on-the-go in a hotel room through headphones. I still have A Pandora PX3.
Wish they'd bring back their side swivel pedals... :-(
That Pedal Show has left the chat
I guess I'll stay with my G5n. Only if the G11 had XLR out and a bit larger screen, but it doesn't so not worth the significant higher price vs the G5n
BOITIER DI
If it was more durable, meaning made of metal . it would be ideal for gigging but many working musos will not buy it for that reason. Those plastic bank switches along the bottom is a big concern...
it is plenty durable...just dont beat it up and foot stomp the shit out of it...treat it good and it will last forever...
Great review as always..... no manual reading is my cup of tea!!!
Hi love the videos I have just purchased the Zoom G11 and at 70 years old I am a bit unsure about if I can connect it to my amp using the 4 cable method?
you should be able to
It has an effects loop so I think you're alright.
Still sounds like it was from the '90's. I love Zoom stuff but this adds nothing other than a fancy touch screen interface.
Mate have a look for the UA-cam videos from Zoom demoing a ten year old zoom g3 against real amps there's no difference. So many of the people like you on here have no idea what you are talking about - amp modelling has been good enough since about 2012. Anything gt100 era onwards is good enough
@@diogen8443 have you tried using an eq lol
@@diogen8443 Mate there is barely any difference. All the stuff is pretty much the same Boss Zoom Line 6 etc and has been for each modelling generation.
The SyncDLY patch sounded like The Edge to me.
though i love Zoom ... it sounds exactly like the G5n ... and i dont see how this competes with the line 6 pod go at USD 450 ...
The zoom g6 is for that. Pod go is great but g6 has a way better looper and complete control of all fx blocks.
Excellent review as usual! Could you do the mooer ge300?
I remember when people joked about Line 6 the way they still joke about Zoom. Then Line 6 came out with Helix, through a lot of money at marketing, and people's perceptions changed. Zoom has yet to make their "Helix" - the product that changes everyone's mind. Is this it? Based on initial reactions, I'm thinking no. Part of the issue is how tacky this thing looks - you know those hundred dollar stereos they sell at Walmart that say they're 1,000 watts per channel, and look like cartoon paintings? This reminds me of those. Which is a shame, because they've got some great ideas here, like the touch screen. The interface seems good, but complicated. Boss has the right idea in the Katana series - keep it simple. The interface on the HX Stomp is painful - you need to practice using it. But a lot of people use the software interface. This is a good device for people who hate Line 6 and like to tweak knobs and settings until the cows come home but don't want to do it on a computer. It's too expensive to be a poor man's Helix, it's not good enough to be a Helix killer, it's competing against the better sounding Floor Pod Go, which looks way less tacky. This thing would sell like mad at $299, but they can't make it with a touchscreen for that amount. Is it worth paying the extra money for the touch screen? That seems to be the gamble.
PS - This is a great demonstration of this device. It sounds good to my ears, but it doesn't sound as good as the Helix.
The 505 will forever taint the zoom name. They want respect they gotta rebrand completely
all that for just the look? you make some bold claim
@@donloder1 I don't think it's bold at all - guitarists care a LOT about how stuff looks. No one wants to show up to a gig with something that looks like it was made by Mattel. That said, I do recognize that looks are subjective.
@@budgetguitarist get rid of the bottom rows plastic switches and the fake carbon fibre and use all metal switches with a solid color finish lower the price abit and it'd be a good start.
Superstrats are deffinetly back
Ok, so I would definitely get this over the Boss GT1000
Much nicer on-unit interface for sure but I like the tones on my GT-1000 better. Besides, being able to use my iPad to control and tweak the GT-1000 is a really nice feature.
the German entertainment master.Nicht mude, just energizer bunny on steroids!! LOL. Peace Henning!
"Nicht müde". Why don't you import these dots to England and the US?
I've got a Zoom G5N, I think it sounded great into a Cube 30 but disappointing going into my Katana 100 2 x 12. I just use the Boss tone studio and the footswitch now, How many sounds do you need anyway?
I have the G5, and use it in the effects loop for the looper and drum 'machine'. Also love being able to fiddle with the knobs to change parameters on effects, something you can't do from the panel on the boss. So it sure keeps its use!
1" and 12" will be distance from cab. Warren and Glenn should be able to confirm
yes... that’s why it said that as a title on the screen when i wondered
Would have been nice to have at least glanced at the manual...
Pretty cool
Can’t believe there’s no balanced outputs. Or did I miss something?
Yes , so i got the Zoom G11 recently , but i need to know if i can assign a patch for each stomp switch ? Or if i can only scroll up and down through patches by way of the bottom pedals with the arrows? I mean , if i set up 5 completely different patches and i need to switch from patch 1 to patch 5 , why would i want to click 5 times to get there? Even the G92tt i have has 5 stomp switches on the bottom that i can assign patches to and instantly switch between them.
I bought the G5N then like a week later the introduce this as their next processor.. my timing has always sucked..
the g11 sounds the same as the g5n.. so u saved money .. dont regret it ..
It definitely doesn't sound the same, since you can load Impulse Responses into the g11. Things said - the g5n still sounds ok, but their cab sims suck.
Return it?
Too bad for the short effects chain only 9 including amp and cab, do you think that in the future with a possible update they increase the effects chain?
I really liked the Krank Revolution model in the original G series. Too bad they did away with it
No ya know that sounds pretty good
Almost an hour to show it’s full power. Oooh the xtasyblue was cool but krampus is a real Christmas present of a preamp🤘🏽.
Bad presets that nothing new in the multi effects universe ? Hell since buying my first Rack processor I wanted to be that guy who makes 12 useable gigable tones, 12 recording tones and then fill the rest of the memory with 232 crazy over effected, horribly eq’d, bad choice for expression controls and awkward amp/cab choices 😃👍🏽
Exactly why I stopped buying any of these hundreds of presets, barely any actually usable. Give me a solid, like you say, 12 gig tones, clean, rhythm (light, crunch, super crunch), lead and I'd buy that box with only 24 tones.
I’m gonna be honest the editing doesn’t seem any simpler than something like an hx stomp which is all buttons…
The amp editing is cool though lol, just to be transparent. It makes me ask though are the only gain, bass, middle, treble, presence, and volume for every amp?
For non-professional home-recording on a budget (I don't have any amps and it would be the only device I could put in front of my MOTU audio interface): This ZOOM G11 or the Line6 PodGO?
This as you can do whatever you want with the fx blocks also zoom will update with more amp.models and fx models with updates. Also this has a proper looper the pod one doesn't and looper takes an fx block
I'd go the other way from @Richard Press. This "seems" to be very performance oriented and very easy to use. They do still have compressed sounds but are much better than I had in 1990. They do have a software tool to access/mod the unit easier/faster, as well as an active tone building community...so there is that. The Pod GO gives you Helix sounds which, "to me", sound cleaner. What did you ultimately go with?
Muddy is not something most musicians want associated with their sound.
I have been waiting for Zoom to let me know if this comes with any bass fx or amp models but never got any response. Was hoping to replace my B3n.... couldn't wait any longer so went Helix. I really liked the sounds my Zoom could make... it was just lacking in routing and i/o options.
Interesting design on this one. The user interface is cool for sure, but is there no balanced output?
no
Jeez... Tons of bedroom playing gear snobs on most of these videos. Not to mention, no shortage of Helix fanboys always itching to say, "T-t-the Helix is better!". Tell us something we don't know. Better yet, how about looking at a product and judging it as it's own product - not compare it to something that costs almost double the price. Like looking at a Ford Mustang review and having the inevitable fanboys start their chant of "But such and such car is better!" (usually a car that is *_WAY_* more expensive and powerful).
Seems like all these naysayers who trash ZOOM products don't understand that judging a unit like this off preset factory patches is just ridiculous. The whole point of units like this is to give the user the flexibility to come up with their own settings, their own custom patches. Sounds like they just want to open up a box and expect these units to sound *_EXACTLY_* as they expect them to sound straight out of the box.
Not to mention, most of them expect to just twist a knob slightly or push one button and "Voilá!" - they want it to sound like every pedal they have ever wanted to emulate. If they just took the time to properly get to know the product, they'd see they can emulate almost any sound or tone out there. Will it be the "best" sounding unit ever? No. Is it the worst? Of course not. Any *_reasonable_* person will understand that it is what it is and to not judge it for what it isn't.
+1
Could balance be for when you have stereo outputs? If so, two IRs could be for left and right.
the interface does seem nice but if you have to jump through 50 loops to make it sound good at home then you will have a hard time adapting your sound to other places like a studio or a gig. there are other devices that you twist 2 or 3 knobs and they sound awsome. like the amplifire from atomic for example which you sadly never touched man
You don't even have to jump through any loops tho. It's not even hard to set your patches. Not the best, but still okay
@@abcrx32j you kind of do. To get it to sound decent he had to choose specific settings and ir. A good modeler should sound good without much tinkering. You can get a 20 year old pod to sound acceptable with much tinkering and irs doesn't mean it's up to par with today's gear
@@constantinosmavroyannis9409 Well yeah, but it's not that the sounds are bad, the combinations that were chosen for the presets are trash. I get that more expensive equipment can't permit that, you could take it as a way to make it cheaper, I guess.
Looks like such a nice unit, but jeez those red buttons are awful.
waw it sounds great ...it needs better advertisement I think
I mean like this one
Good review. The touch screen is very nice as is having six (6) onboard pedals. For superior tone however, and despite the slight (~$200) bump in price, I would still get the more powerful and advanced FM3. It would be good if you could do a head to head comparison between this and the FM3. For me, once the presets are made (first week or so), it's ALL about the tone (for years to come.) I have to give TONE the priority over most other things.
It was a passionate review but for me, you summed it up when you said, you were going to say..."the sounds aren't the greatest." Maybe they should hire experts like you to get the presets to sound less "boxy and phased" out of the box. Still for the price, and the needs of most non-professionals, this is a decent and economic solution but near this price point, I would go FM3 all day long.
Just know that it isn't ONLY about pure tone. FM3 is great if it sits on your desk top or in a pedal board setup. But if you are using just it live....the G11 will give you way more flexibility. I Want to be able to have easy access to 3-4 amps, FX selections, boosts, and a real time controller. I can sacrifice a bit of tone that no one else will notice in a live setting anyway.
@@dewdude2112 If "no one else would notice" the relatively worse tone than why do musicians invest in expensive gear. I argue that we do notice it- big time, even in a live venue where e.g., the superb tone off the FM3 can be mic'd out to the PA's. If someone was giving you a new unit, my guess is that you would select a Fractal product over the G11 without thinking twice...though you might not admit it here. I get your point, out of the box, the G11 likely does have more versatility in terms of switches and quick access to tones. I will add that it is also much less expensive (note I did not imply it as being a better value.) For an extra ~$400, I would go Fractal all day long. You can also easily add the FC-6 or FC-12 to that rig and have more switches and far more options and superior tone vs. the G11- admittedly at a premium price. The ultimate is clearly the Axe-FX III and the FC-12. All of this said, I really do like the direction Zoom went with the G11 GUI. The layout is really nice and intuitive. I hope other manufactures take note. I agree that it isn't ONLY about pure tone, however IMO tone has to come first.
@@MOAB-UT .I will try to answer your questions as best as i can. Musicians "invest" in expensive gear for several reasons. Higher quality, of course. They have the money. They think it will make them better players. They think people (their audience) care. In a highly professional setting...sure...sometimes. If you think for one second EVH couldn't please a crowd with a Mustang III....you are kidding yourself. Does he WANT to? No. Can he? Of course. (well sorry COULD he?). And I am glad to see you actually "get my point"....it's important for me to have easy access to all the features of my modeler/MFX. The Fractal does, with either the accessory pedals...even the AX8 still needs additional pedal(s). I...and many others...are also limited by money and other things like stage space...so we can't just keep adding pedal footprints. It's nice to have ONE thing to throw down and hook up. And if you play like you mean it, and most importantly adept enough to dial it in...the audience won't notice if it's a fractal or not. If it is truly ONLY about tone...you'd have two or three amps up there and rack full of separate FX. It's about more than that. There are some sacrifices made to achieve that....even with fractal.
@@dewdude2112 Steve- I agree with most of your points and will share a few of my own. Out of full respect to true "musicians" like my former (and current) Berklee instructor(s) and perhaps you, I will not call myself a musician...though I have been playing over 30 years and enjoy music theory and doing deep dives on gear.
When you state, "They think it will make them better players," I will agree that many people will lean on the latest and greatest gear as a crutch (rarely a good idea.) I am not one of them. That said, many incredible guitar players do tend to use better gear for good reason- it helps. For over a decade, I simply played unplugged on an old (but good) acoustic guitar and it sounded fine. Eventually, I started investing in very high quality gear. I did not expect much- but I was pleasantly surprised. It absolutely did help me to play better. There were many reasons. In part, I started to hear more detailed sound, and the general experience was enhanced. Having "invested" more money, I took my playing more seriously as well. All of these things together in turn inspired me to get more into it. Ultimately I do play "better" and having better gear (for direct and indirect reasons) was part of that equation.
Music will always be a journey for me. I will never be done learning (at least I hope not.) Many people can buy the G11, plug it in and be happy with it. We've likely all bought decent used gear on GC & CL. It tends to work fine but at some point it is nice to invest, with the future and very high quality in mind (basically pro level- which I understand is not what everyone wants or needs.) At this point in "my" musical journey, it's an easy choice- Fractal or equivalent very high end gear. For only ~$400 more the FM3, at least to me represents a very strong value. Several millions of dollars in R&D have been distilled down into the relatively affordable and compact FM3 unit. That said, I fully understand that in a short period of time, something even better will come along as it always does.
I get the gist of your main, general arguments about how "it is not about the gear," "better gear won't make you play better," and "the audience won't know the difference." These can be perfectly valid points if you are playing at home and don't want to dive too deep into your gear, and have limited musical aspirations.
The bottom line is there really is not right or wrong answer- and to each their own (opinions.) For me, it is simply worth a little extra money to get higher quality gear- gear that gets regular updates, is easily expandable and likely has generally higher quality both in build and technology. One example is the ARES, world-class amp-modeling that is baked into the FM3. I am also very confident in stating that a FM3 or Axe-FX III will sound considerably better than Zoom and with a little programming offer infinitely more tone options. Even with the FC-6 foot controller, the footprint is relatively small. I have also owned Zoom products for years (not the G11.) From what I have seen, we are not talking the same ballpark. With the units I have used, many of the patches very quickly start to sound the same and do not have near the depth or tonal qualities of the higher end processors such as Fractal, Kemper, Helix or AmpliFIRE. Zoom is usually compared more with the likes of Line6, Boss, etc. (all good in their own right- I have the Boss Katana Artist amp and love it.)
Of course skill matters. I am specifically talking about gear. Lastly, I could not agree with you more that EVH could have sounded incredible playing through a Mustang III amp (even better through an FM3.) Ironically there is an available 5153 amp model/patch (for use with Fractal) based on Eddies legendary 5151-III. It's about as spot on as you will hear short of the real thing. One of my best concerts was Chris Cornell playing unplugged for over 2 hours on stage (Acoustic set.)
I do like the lay-out and GUI of the Zoom offering. It is going to be easier to initially navigate intuitively right out off the box and is more familiar, but I maintain my contention that it is simply not on the same level as the FM3. I can quickly create 5-10 "go to" premium patches on the FM3. Once created, they are very easy to access and will more than satisfy tone needs for 90% of my songs. I would take these over 20-30 patches on the G11 any day of the week. I don't necessarily need a touch screen and various bells and whistles. I can set up the FM3 on the PC. The shear volume of importable, Ultra-Res IR's that are available for the FM3 alone are easily worth the $400 premium IMO. Still, I get your point that for many, it is often more about "good enough quality that is relatively inexpensive and easy to use." There certainly is a market for that which the G11 will likely satisfy. Some people will be impressed with a touch-screen and faux carbon fiber housing- just not me.
People should buy whatever gear they like that satisfies their current needs. At this point, it makes sense for me to buy higher quality gear. I have found that it tends to last longer, work and sound better overall. You are also correct that there will always be sacrifices- with any gear. The good news is they can always trade up!
Zoom did lower the price of the G11 from $800 to $600US I believe. Sure the power/features and more heavy duty (metal) build construction of some others are more capable or better, but it’s gonna cost you if you want to take that plunge. I’ve also heard some great sounding IR ‘packs’ one can buy for this G11 are cheap (around $20). That to me is awesome as it’d be more or even better tones.
The patches that come with this suffer like many units do, and that’s from too much BS on them. Strip them down. I’m sure there’s really good useable base tones one can then take and add the effects they want. Personally I don’t care about spaceship blips, pads nor muddy fuzz/too much gain mud noise. All unusable for the music I cover and what I feel a guitars sound should be about. Just good clean, slight breakup/OD and higher gain distortion/modded Marshall tones. Add chorus or delay and reverb to taste per patch and there you go. I don’t like things too complicated either as I’m old school really, so easier more intuitive programming is a big plus. I really don’t want to fiddle with computer noodling to program or set things. It’s much more natural to do it on the unit. You know, reach down twist a knob and adjust. Spending an equal amount of time figuring out the thousand things it can do, I’d rather be playing the guitar instead of tweaking every little parameter.
Now I do wish the G11 had a bit different styling cue (less plastics/more standard look. Not a Honda Civic type R styling- haha)- but that would make it heavy, say like a Helix or Boss. So there’s that. The layout is great imo and the unit would work fine at gigs. I’d use it with precautions just like I would with any of my effects on the floor. Don’t trample on it/them! I play in a working cover band (pre covid19 anyway).
I know Zoom isn’t in the same league as Kemper or an AxeFX but I remember when any ‘modeling’ preamp wasn’t considered professional but more for convenience and fun. I still basically feel that way as all these are just emulators of the real thing (usually a tube amp). It’s all about convenience and the ability to have ‘everything’ in one unit. Tones and effects vs having 10 things on the floor, amps and/or rack effects. For convenience these floor processors are getting pretty amazing and pretty dang convenient for gigs or going to a jam. I still don’t think they have the same punch and resonance as a real tube amp, just the tone (especially when DI’d to FOH), but in most cases ‘live’ I don’t think the majority of people would notice or give a sh*t. Especially at the cover band level, let alone playing parties or jams at friends houses. That’s where this G11 can be more than adequate. I’m pondering between either this G11 or the Line6 Pod Go. I really don’t feel like spending $1500 on up for something just for convenience essentially or some sort of bragging rights. If it sounds good it is good (EVH quote).
Hey Henning. Would you use this on a gig? And, if yes, would you connect it up to a speaker cab or direct to the PA desk? Or maybe both, if that's an option.
direct to PA.... for a paid gig at a wedding or top 40 band... sure!
Du hast wirklich Spaß mit dem Ding, oder?
Aber im Ernst: hätte ich nicht schon alles beisammen, würde ich mir überlegen, auch so eine eierlegende Wollmilchsau anzuschaffen.
This looks awesome. It's so well thought out...
So.. what the heck were they thinking using the fake plastic carbon fiber all over it? I'd buy it if they made it look less like Line 6 stuff from 15 years ago.
Oh, and it sounds like doodoo and suffers from lag
Wait for real?! There’s lag!
@@dasilvasoundstudio No.
Has anyone used one of these with 4cm? How does it behave with the 4 cable method?
I just wanna hear 5150 amp on this G11
C’mon fractal, even zoom has a touchscreen nowadays... 🙄
Yeah. Let's put a touchscreen on the floor, where it can be easily damaged by being stepped on.
@@BrunodeSouzaLino you can just easily damage a regular screen or any of the rotary knobs. The helix, the headrush and the quad cortex all have touch screens. Your point? And since I own fractal products and never got them damaged I guess I can ask for whatever I want. I’m willing to pay for it 🤷🏻♂️
@@x3a3x3 Let's see...Which is more expensive? A character display? A rotary encoder? Or a touchscreen?
You'll also get a kick trying to teach a blind person how to use a unit that relies solely on sight to perform 99% of its functions and settings.
Did you mic up the speaker? It sounds dead.
what speaker?
How is it for country guitar sounds? Also, if you roll back the guitar's volume, does it "clean up" on a heavier gain sound as it would through a tube amp?
I wouldn't expect it to clean up like a tube amp... maybe a little bit, but definitely not like a tube amp.