Expression pedal options for zoom multieffects

[BunchyMutt]

Hey folks!

First off, a few related thoughts:
1) because I haven't seen this particular component of positive zoom b3 reviews: it's such. a. great. tool. for. composition.

I'm currently in the writing stage of a project and I'm running SR506 -> zoom B3 -> GarageBand. It doesn't sound the best, but then again I don't want to worry about it sounding good right now. I just want to write and record. Also, given the equipment I had before, I didn't have to purchase a bunch of new tools, and I think my personal experiences is (see next thought)...

2)...representative of larger equity and music conversations that I also haven't seen much on TalkBass (not to say TB is bad, I think it's great and I can show emails I've written to coworkers about how great it's been to demonstrate it )

With that written, and to make a long message longer, I'm looking to expand my Zoom setup. What expression pedals work with Zoom B3? I've heard the Zoom expression pedal feels a little cheap, and I'm willing to splurge on a better one if it will see continued use. In addition to any and all suggestions, I'd love thoughts on DB Instruments 4E or M440SE pedals or Source Audio Reflex.

Many thanks!

 

[ProfFrink]

To answer part of your question: AFAIU the B3 has an expression pedal jack but the MS-60B doesn't have it and can't receive controller data even through MIDI over USB.

 

[BunchyMutt]

To answer part of your question: AFAIU the B3 has an expression pedal jack but the MS-60B doesn't have it and can't receive controller data even through MIDI over USB.

I knew I'd forgotten some detail. Thanks for catching this, and original text edited

 

[theLimeyBrit]

I haven't got experience with a wide variety of expression pedals, but I use the Zoom expression pedal into my B3. It feels solid and it's in a sturdy metal housing. The gear rack on the pedal mechanism is plastic, so if you're always going to be using it for lots of violent wah-wah effects I could see it possibly wearing out, but it's more than adequate for light-duty use. When I was researching pedals prior to buying this one, I remember seeing a number of comments that some 3rd party pedals' travel didn't line up exactly with the B3's input parameters- i.e, the pedal will stop effecting the signal before it's pushed all the way down. Sorry I don't remember specifically which pedals had this issue.

 

[BunchyMutt]

When I was researching pedals prior to buying this one, I remember seeing a number of comments that some 3rd party pedals' travel didn't line up exactly with the B3's input parameters- i.e, the pedal will stop effecting the signal before it's pushed all the way down

Yeah, I've tried finding the equivalent of pot values for the B3 expression-compatable effects, and I don't think I'm understanding setting the parameters. Is it effectively adjustable? Is that what the manual is saying? (See attached screen shot)

 

[theLimeyBrit]

Yeah, I've tried finding the equivalent of pot values for the B3 expression-compatable effects, and I don't think I'm understanding setting the parameters. Is it effectively adjustable? Is that what the manual is saying? (See attached screen shot)

It is adjustable inasmuch as you can dial in how much of an effect you want the expression pedal to have. I don't know if this is a way to work around the 3rd party input/travel issues that I referred to, though.

 

[BunchyMutt]

Good to know. Since I haven't had an expression pedal for the B3 before, I've ignored those effects so far so I'm on yet another B3 learning curve

 

[theLimeyBrit]

Good to know. Since I haven't had an expression pedal for the B3 before, I've ignored those effects so far so I'm on yet another B3 learning curve

An expression pedal really expands the options that the B3 gives you. Use it as a volume control. Adjust tempo for time-based effects. Bend notes with the pitch shifter. Wah. Makes me wonder why Zoom didn't release a B3.1u version.

 

[bassbrad]

I use a Boss FV60 with an insert cable for expression purposes and it works ok, really would like to find the Zoom cheap because of the size. I do like the expression on the B2.1u that has served well as has the G1x despite being plastic.

 

[CHILDISHGAMBINO]

I use a Roland EV-5 but it doesn't sweep all the way through the parameter it's controlling. It took me a while to notice but if I'm controlling the speed of a tremolo for example it doesn't go as fast all the way toe down on the expression pedal as it would if I just turn the knob all the way if that makes sense. I don't know if it's the EV-5 I have or all of them. I should check it with my Boss PS-6 and a tuner and see if it sweeps all the way up an octave or 2.