The Zoom G6 is a multi-effects processor for guitarists from Zoom, a floor unit that puts amp modeling, effects, a looper and rhythm patterns in one box. What sets it apart from most floor multi-effects is its interface: a 4.3-inch color touchscreen that lets you drag, drop and swipe your way to new sounds, backed by four footswitches for hands-free control1.
The unit launched at the beginning of 20212 and was reported as available that February2. It carries 135 effects, 68 rhythm patterns and what Zoom calls an "infinite looper"3, with room for 240 patches, including 100 presets1. At launch, Zoom claimed the G6 offered a brand new style of distortion and never-heard-before modulation effects4.
The touchscreen and four play modes
The G6's control scheme centers on the 4.3-inch color touchscreen, which Zoom describes as letting you drag, drop and swipe your way to new sounds1. Rather than digging through menus with small buttons, you build and edit patches directly on the screen.
The four footswitches change their job depending on which of the four Play Modes you are in. Zoom says the Play Modes change the touchscreen and footswitch layout to give you quick access to the controls1.
| Play Mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| Memory | The footswitches activate one of the 4 patches in each bank1 |
| Bank/Patch | Scroll up and down through your Banks and Patches by clicking the corresponding footswitch1 |
| Effect Board | A visual representation of your pedal chain; clicking the assigned footswitch turns an effect on or off in your patch17 |
| Looper | Use the looper to add layers to your sound1 |
At launch, MusicRadar noted that each of the unit's four footswitches will activate a patch, which is the Memory Mode behavior6. Effect Board mode is the one most players will recognize from a traditional pedalboard: the screen shows your chain, and the switches stomp effects in and out7.
The looper deserves its own note. Zoom says the G6 can create loops up to 2 hours using an SD/SDXC card7, which is far beyond the loop length of most built-in pedal loopers and makes the unit usable for long, layered performances.
The looper's full 2-hour recording time depends on an SD or SDXC card in the unit's card slot7.
Effects, amp models and IRs
The G6 comes loaded with 135 effects3. For speaker and cabinet simulation, it ships with 70 pre-loaded, precisely recorded impulse responses (IR) and room to add more than 100 of your own1. That means you are not locked into Zoom's stock cab sounds: you can load third-party IR captures or your own.
Zoom has continued adding effects after launch through its Guitar Lab software, which delivered the DynaDelay effect to the G6 in April 20261.
For practice and writing, the unit includes 68 rhythm patterns3, and the looper and aux input let you build backing parts on the spot.
Inputs and outputs
The G6 has a mono input, stereo outputs with volume control, a mono fx loop, aux in, control in and headphone out1.
| Connection | Details |
|---|---|
| Input | Mono guitar input1 |
| Outputs | Stereo outputs with volume control1 |
| FX loop | Mono fx loop1 |
| Aux in | For playing along with external audio1 |
| Control in | For external control devices1 |
| Headphones | Headphone out1 |
The mono fx loop is worth noting for players who want to place their own time-based pedals after the G6's drive and amp sections, or who use the G6 alongside a separate pedalboard. The headphone out and aux in make it a self-contained practice setup1.
What reviewers said
Guitar World's coverage describes the G6 as a great beginner option, praised for its ease of use and versatility in setting up effects and tweaking amp models, noting it has a color touchscreen and expression pedal like the Boss GX-10 overall5.
"It's been praised for its ease of use and versatility in setting up effects and tweaking amp models."
Where it sits in Zoom's range
The G6 sits in Zoom's floor multi-effects line alongside units like the Zoom G5n and the larger Zoom G11. A bass-focused counterpart, the Zoom B6, followed later in 2021, built on the same touchscreen concept for bass players2. For players who want a broader look at the category, see multi-effects pedals.
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Questions
How long can the Zoom G6 looper record?
The looper can create loops up to 2 hours long when you use an SD or SDXC card in the unit's card slot. That is far more recording time than most built-in pedal loopers offer, and it is enough for layering long, evolving parts without running out of room.
Can you load your own IRs into the Zoom G6?
Yes. The G6 ships with 70 pre-loaded, precisely recorded impulse responses for speaker and cab simulation, and it has room to add more than 100 of your own. That lets you use third-party cab captures or your own recordings of a cabinet alongside the built-in models.
How many effects does the Zoom G6 have?
The G6 comes loaded with 135 effects, covering drives, modulations, delays and reverbs alongside amp and cabinet models. Zoom has also kept adding to the range through its Guitar Lab software, which delivered the DynaDelay effect to the G6 in April 2026.
Does the Zoom G6 have drum patterns?
Yes. The G6 includes 68 rhythm patterns, which you can use as a practice metronome or as a backing groove while writing and looping. Combined with the looper and the aux input, the unit works as a self-contained practice rig.
When did the Zoom G6 come out?
The G6 launched at the beginning of 2021, with Zoom announcing it in January 2021 and shipping it in Spring 2021. It was reported as available in February 2021, and it remains part of Zoom's current multi-effects lineup.
Sources (7)
- G6 | ZOOM, ZOOM (zoomcorp.com), 2026-04
- Zoom B6: A dedicated multi-effects floor unit for bass, gearnews.com, 2021-10-05
- Zoom Announces New G6 Amp Modeler, Multi-Effects Unit, GuitarPlayer, 2021-02-08
- NAMM 2021: Zoom G6 multi-effects guitar pedal gets worldwide release, gearnews.com, 2021-01-21
- Boss GX-10 review, Guitar World, 2024-11-20
- Zoom reveals its new multi-effects guitar pedal: G6, MusicRadar, 2021-01-21
- G6 Guitar Processor, ZOOM
