The Zoom G2Nu is a guitar multi-effects pedal from Zoom, built in a metal-topped enclosure with rubber side cheeks and solid metal footswitches, and powered by the supplied 9V DC adaptor, six AA batteries or USB bus power1. Its two footswitches scroll up and down through patches, the EFX module offers a choice of nine effects including three different wahs and tremolo, and twenty types of guitar amps and stomp boxes cover gain settings and harmonic character overdrive and distortion sounds1. MusicRadar's reviewer Trevor Curwen summed the G2Nu and its sibling up as "Practical and affordable processors for practice, gigging and computer recording."1
What it does
The G2Nu's patches are built from modeled amp and stompbox sounds. Zoom's 2010 press release said twenty types of guitar amps and stomp boxes "offer finely tuned sonic qualities including gain settings and harmonic character" for overdrive and distortion sounds3. An EFX module lets you choose one of nine effects that are usually placed before an amp, including three different wahs and tremolo1.
Alongside the effects, the 40 onboard rhythm patterns make it a practice tool as much as an effects unit, and the USB audio interface function means a connected computer sees the G2Nu as a two in/two out sound card. MusicRadar noted that editing patches over USB is "extremely convenient" for the same reason1.
The controls
Editing is handled from the top panel by four chrome knobs: the first acts as a selector, while the other three are soft knobs whose functions relate directly to parameters shown in the display1. MusicRadar described patch editing this way as easily and quickly carried out1.
Underfoot, two footswitches scroll upwards and downwards through the whole patch bank for instant patch selection1. Bypassing works differently from most single pedals, and it is worth knowing before you play standing up:
- Press both footswitches simultaneously to bypass the unit.
- An external footswitch can be connected to the rear panel control socket instead.
- A pre-select mode lets you choose the next patch in advance with the right footswitch, then activate it by pressing both footswitches together1.
MusicRadar's reviewer cautioned that "you might find your feet at strange angles as both footswitches need to be pressed simultaneously to bypass the unit." If that does not suit your playing, the rear panel control socket accepts an external footswitch1.
The same control socket is what accepts an expression pedal. The G2Nu has no built-in treadle, but MusicRadar noted that "it can take an expression pedal in the control socket," which keeps the unit compact while still allowing hands-free control1.
Power
Power comes from six AA batteries or the supplied 9V DC power adaptor; alternatively, the unit can be powered from USB when connected to a computer1. That makes it one of the few multi-effects units you can run without any mains supply at all.
Where it came from
The G2Nu and the G2.1Nu sit together in Zoom's range of guitar multi-effects units, with street prices under £1001. MusicRadar's reviewer Trevor Curwen noted that the pair, "with street prices under £100, might seem more of a bargain if your budget is tight"1. The G2Nu shares its core design with the G2.1Nu: the same metal-topped enclosure with rubber side cheeks and solid metal footswitches, the same power options of the supplied 9V DC adaptor, six AA batteries or USB bus power, and the same two footswitches that scroll upwards and downwards through patches1.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's review, by Trevor Curwen, treated the G2Nu and G2.1Nu together. The reviewer found the pair well built, with "a metal top surface with rubber side cheeks and solid metal footswitches"1. On value, the review noted that "with street prices under £100, might seem more of a bargain if your budget is tight"1. The overall verdict: "Practical and affordable processors for practice, gigging and computer recording."1
For support in the United States, Zoom lists Zoom North America at T: 631.542.52702.
Videos
GAK
Gearfacts
Gearfacts
Questions
Can the Zoom G2Nu run on batteries?
Yes. MusicRadar's review notes that power comes from six AA batteries or the supplied 9V DC power adaptor, and that the unit can alternatively be powered over USB when connected to a computer. That makes it usable away from a power supply, though a set of AAs will not last a long gig on its own.
Does the Zoom G2Nu work as a USB audio interface?
Yes. When connected by USB, the G2Nu acts as a two in/two out audio interface, so you can record processed guitar straight into a computer. MusicRadar also notes that editing patches over the USB connection is extremely convenient, since the unit pairs with editing software on the computer.
How many patches does the Zoom G2Nu hold?
The G2Nu holds 100 preset and 100 user patches, based on modelled sounds. Alongside the patches it carries 40 onboard rhythm patterns, according to MusicRadar's review.
Can I connect an expression pedal to the G2Nu?
Yes. Although the G2Nu does not have a built-in expression pedal, MusicRadar points out that it can take an expression pedal in the control socket, so you can add hands-free control of effects parameters without stepping up to a larger unit.
How do I bypass the Zoom G2Nu?
You bypass the unit by pressing both footswitches at the same time. MusicRadar's reviewer noted that this can put your feet at strange angles, and that an external footswitch can be connected to the rear panel control socket as an alternative.
What is the difference between the Zoom G2 and G2Nu?
The G2Nu is a development of Zoom's G2 guitar effects pedal. When the G2Nu and G2.1Nu launched in 2010, Zoom's press release described them as taking the performance, tone and functionality of the popular G2 and building on it, with modelled amp and stompbox sounds and USB recording features.
Sources (3)
- Zoom G2Nu/G2.1Nu review, MusicRadar, 2010-09-22
- | ZOOM, Zoom Corporation
- Zoom launches G2Nu and G2.1Nu guitar FX pedals, MusicRadar, 2010-03-18
