Zoom announces B2 Four bass multi-effects pedal

February 23, 2023 · 2 sources

Zoom announced the B2 Four, a compact bass multi-effects pedal with amp and cabinet emulation, on 23 February 2023. MusicRadar reported that the unit "will arrived in the third quarter of 2023" and listed the price as "Price TBC"¹. Guitar World, publishing on 27 February 2023, reported that "The B2 Four retails for $249"².

The pedal is designed for electric, acoustic and double basses with pickups, according to MusicRadar, and uses Zoom's Multi-Layer IR technology, first used in the company's G2 Four¹. Guitar World described Multi-Layer IR as "essentially a method of recording IRs from cabinets at three different volume levels," and said the tech featured on the B6 and G2 Four².

The two reports differ on the effect count. MusicRadar said there are "over 100 effects and 300 patch memories" with chains of up to five effects at once¹. Guitar World said the B2 Four models 11 classic amp units and 11 preamps, six DI models (three tube and three transistor-based) and "an additional 82 effects," with 250 preloaded patches and 50 blank slots for user presets, using up to five effects simultaneously². MusicRadar reported 11 amp models based on classic bass units and six DI box emulations¹.

Both reports list a 60-second looper and an onboard rhythm machine with 68 drum patterns¹². MusicRadar said settings can be controlled with the feet via the company's cross key navigation, and that patches can be edited with Zoom's Guitar Lab software for iOS and Android¹. Guitar World named the app Handy Guitar Lab for B2 Four, offering a patch library and preset building on a phone, and noted four EQ/volume knobs that require toe work to adjust on the fly².

Guitar World listed the connections as a balanced XLR output, expression pedal connection, aux input, ground lift, switchable impedance and stereo 1/4-inch outputs, plus use as a 2-in/2-out audio interface². It reported that Zoom is touting the unit's ability to handle tones from classic Motown style to modern metal².