The Zoom G1X4 is a compact guitar multi-effects pedal, announced by Zoom at Winter NAMM 2019 alongside the G1 Four. In a demo video from the show, Zoom's presenter described the pair as "our new guitar multi-effects pedals"1. It sits in the long line of Zoom compact multi-effects units, a family that also includes the Zoom G1X FOUR, Zoom G1on and Zoom G3Xn.
What it does
The G1X4 works in two ways. You can switch between individual effects, using it like a row of single pedals, or switch between groups of effects grouped in patches, where one press brings up a whole combination of sounds. In the Sweetwater demo, the presenter summed it up: "with these you can chain together up to five effects"1. That five-effect chain means a single patch can cover, for example, a compressor, an overdrive, a chorus, a delay and a reverb at the same time.
For a player, the pitch is a complete rig in one small box. Mitch Gallagher of Sweetwater described it as "a great alternative to your pedal board and amp if you have a FlyAway gig or you just want to practice in a hotel room"1. Because it handles effects and amp and speaker sounds in one unit, it can plug straight into a PA or a pair of headphones in those situations, with no separate pedalboard to carry.
Where it sits in Zoom's range
The G1X4 was announced at the same show as the G1 Four, and the two were introduced together as Zoom's new compact guitar multi-effects pedals1. Players comparing the range will find larger and more expensive Zoom floor units such as the Zoom G5n and Zoom G6 above it, and the Zoom G1 FOUR beside it in the same generation.
Reviewers' view
The published coverage of the G1X4's launch came from Sweetwater's demo video at Winter NAMM 2019, presented by Mitch Gallagher with John from Zoom. The verdict there focused on size and practicality: the unit was described as compact but usable, and a practical alternative to a full pedalboard and amp for a flyaway gig or for practicing at home or in a hotel room1.
Questions
How many effects can the Zoom G1X4 run at once?
In a Sweetwater demo video from Winter NAMM 2019, Zoom's presenter explained that with the G1X4 you can chain together up to five effects. The pedal also lets you switch between individual effects or groups of effects grouped in patches, so you can run it as a small pedalboard of single stompboxes or as a preset-based multi-effects unit.
When was the Zoom G1X4 announced?
Zoom announced the G1X4, alongside the G1 Four, at Winter NAMM 2019. The announcement was covered in a Sweetwater demo video dated January 28, 2019, in which the two units were introduced as Zoom's new guitar multi-effects pedals.
Sources (1)
- Zoom Multi-effects Pedals at Winter NAMM 2019, Sweetwater, 2019-01-28
