The Zoom G5n is a multi-effects processor from Zoom, a floor unit built around a built-in expression pedal and four stompbox-style footswitches1. It combines amp and cabinet modeling with a large library of DSP effects, and stores up to 200 custom effects-chains as patches in memory, each instantly accessible at the touch of a footswitch2. It sits in Zoom's line of multi-effects pedals as a larger sibling to the Zoom G3n, which MusicRadar described in 2016 alongside the G5n as part of a "well-received" flagship line3.
Amp and cabinet models
The G5n pairs its amp models with cabinet emulators to complete the sound. Zoom's product pages describe the selection differently by region and firmware: the Japanese page lists 16 classic amp models and 16 cabinet emulators, while the UK page lists 13 of each, and the v3.0 firmware raises the total to 32 amp/cabinet emulators25. The named models are the same across pages.
| Category | Named models | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Amp models | '59 Fender Bassman, Diezel Herbert Channel 2, Marshall JCM800, Fender Twin Reverb, MESA Boogie Mk3 | 13, or 16 on the Japanese page25 |
| Cabinet emulators | Marshall 1960 A-type (4x12" Celestion), Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb (1x12" Jensen C-12K), Mesa Boogie Mark 1 (1x12" ALTEC 417-8H), Bogner Ecstasy (4x12" Celestion) | 13, or 16 on the Japanese page; 32 amp/cab emulators total with v3.025 |
The shipped configuration is 100 DSP effects plus 26 amp/cabinet emulators, with 124 custom-designed patches stocked on the unit1. G5n v3.0 raises this to 127 DSP effects plus 32 amp/cabinet emulators, with what Zoom calls fresh new takes on 159 essential guitar tones5.
Effects and sound
Zoom describes the effect library as freshly-developed takes on the essential guitar sounds: overdrive, distortion, compression, EQ, delay, reverb, flanging, phasing, vibrato, and chorusing, plus unique multi-effects such as Seq Filter, Gold Drive, Reverse Delay, HD Hall, and OSC Echo2. The stocked patches carry names like "Lead BGN," a modern lead sound folded into a modulated delay, "Phazed," an intense tube amp sound, and others including "UFO," "DreamWorld," "FunkSauce," "Texas Toast," "Carlos," and "Heavensent"2.
The G5n covers the essential guitar effects, including overdrive, distortion, compression, EQ, delay, reverb, flanging, phasing, vibrato, and chorusing, plus multi-effects such as Seq Filter, Gold Drive, Reverse Delay, HD Hall, and OSC Echo2.
Controls and connections
Editing is built around a large overview display that lets you quickly add, delete, or change the order of effects, with four independent editing displays alongside it12. The built-in expression pedal gives smooth real-time control over volume, tone, or selected effects parameters, and four stompbox-style footswitches kick effects in and out on the fly1. A dedicated tap tempo footswitch synchronizes rhythm patterns and delay times to the beat1.
Connection options cover practice and stage use:
- Standard guitar input, plus an auxiliary stereo input for smartphones or music players1
- Dedicated headphone jack for silent practice1
- Dual outputs for mono or stereo L/R connection to guitar amps, PA systems, and audio interfaces1
The optional FP02M expression pedal is available as an accessory2.
How it differs from the Zoom G3n
When Zoom introduced the smaller G3n and G3Xn in October 2016, MusicRadar reported that the G5n chains a maximum of nine effects where the G3n chains seven3. With firmware V2.0, the G5n's more efficient DSP power lets you chain up to nine effects in any order14. The G5n also adds the large overview display for reordering effects, which the smaller units do not have1.
What reviewers said
Guitar Player's 2026 multi-effects buying guide, written by James Grimshaw, Ross Holder, and Dave Hunter, called the G5N a solid all-in-one solution that punches well above its price point, while noting it benefits from some tweaking6:
"For the price, the Zoom G5N offers a huge amount of value, packing in 100 effects and 26 amp models6."
Guitar Player buying guide, May 20266
The same guide lists the unit's weight as 3.4kg6.
Videos
ZoomSoundLab
ChoptonesOfficial
Musiker TV
Questions
Does the Zoom G5n work with Guitar Lab?
Yes. Zoom's Guitar Lab software supports the G5n, and it delivered an additional DynaDelay effect for the unit in April 2026. Guitar Lab is how Zoom adds new effects and patches to the G5n after purchase, so connecting the unit keeps its effect list current.
Can the Zoom G5n be used as an audio interface?
The G5n has dual outputs for mono or stereo L/R connection, and Zoom lists audio interfaces among the connection targets alongside guitar amps and PA systems. It also has an auxiliary stereo input for smartphones or music players, so you can practice along with backing tracks.
How many effects can the Zoom G5n run at once?
With firmware V2.0, the G5n offers more efficient DSP power and lets you chain up to nine effects in any order. That is more than the smaller Zoom G3n, which MusicRadar reported chains a maximum of seven effects.
Does the Zoom G5n come with a power supply?
Yes. Zoom lists the included items as an operation manual and the Zoom AD-16 AC adapter. An FP02M expression pedal is available as an optional accessory, though the unit already has a built-in expression pedal.
Can I use headphones with the Zoom G5n?
Yes. The G5n has a dedicated headphone jack for silent practice, alongside dual outputs for mono or stereo L/R connection to guitar amps, PA systems, and audio interfaces.
Sources (6)
- G5N Multi-Effects Processor, Zoom Corporation
- G5N Multi-Effects Processor, Zoom Corporation
- Zoom unveils affordable G3n and G3Xn guitar multi-effects pedals, MusicRadar, 2016-10-18
- G5N Guitar Processor, ZOOM (zoomcorp.com)
- G5N Multi-Effects Processor, Zoom Corporation
- Best multi-effects pedals 2026: do-it-all multi-FX, GuitarPlayer (www.guitarplayer.com), 2021-11-10
