Review: ZOOM B2 FOUR vs B6. Which is the best for you?

● Searching for a bass-specific multi-effects pedal at an affordable price?
● Unsure about which bass effect to buy for the first time?
● Want a sub-effect that’s easier to carry than your main effect board?

Hello, I’m yosh, an ex-musical instrument store clerk (@Yosh_Guitar). Although there are only a few bass-specific multi-effects pedals on the market, the ZOOM B2 FOUR is a model that perfectly balances “sound quality, size, and price.”

Pros of B2 FOUR

One of the few “bass-specific” multi-effects pedals

There aren’t many bass-specific multi-effects pedals available today. ZOOM offers the B6, B3, B1 series, and now the B2 FOUR. Currently, BOSS only has the GT-1B. Some products include bass effects within guitar multi-effects pedals. However, bass-specific ones offer a richer tone optimized for bass, providing ease of use and reassurance.

Easy-to-understand operability

True to its Japanese brand, it’s designed for ease of use. Equipped with four buttons (up, down, left, right), four knobs, and a display that shows graphics. Players familiar with the concept of multi-effects will be able to operate it almost without a manual.

Highly responsive multi-layer IR to picking

The newly developed “multi-layer IR” uses three IRs for a single cabinet simulator. Three IRs captured at different volumes (“LOUD/MEDIUM/SOFT”) are blended and outputted based on the volume and picking intensity of the bass. This faithfully reproduces the response and tonal changes similar to an actual cabinet, especially noticeable when recording directly or playing with headphones.

Over 100 effects, with up to 5 usable simultaneously

It features 11 amp/cabinet models (including multi-layer IR) and 82 effects, including modeling of famous boutique pedals. You can use up to five of them at the same time, and the connection order is also adjustable.

Six types of DI modeling

Model	Description
TUBE-1	Reproduces the tube DI characteristics known for its rich harmonics and thick low end.
TUBE-2	Reproduces the tube DI characteristics known for its clear attack and tight low end.
TUBE-3	Reproduces the tube DI characteristics known for its clear and glossy sound.
SOLID STATE-1	Reproduces the solid-state DI characteristics known for its moderate compression and sharp tone.
SOLID STATE-2	Reproduces the solid-state DI characteristics known for its clear tone with minimal distortion.
SOLID STATE-3	Reproduces the solid-state DI characteristics known for its Motown sound.
OFF	Turns the DI MODEL off.

It offers six types of DI modeling, reproducing the characteristics of various DIs. Whether you’re looking for the harmonics and thick lows of a tube DI or the clarity of a solid-state DI, there’s a model for you.

Features usable at home

It has a looper function that can record up to 60 seconds and 68 rhythm patterns that can be synchronized with the looper. The tuner can handle multi-string basses like Low-B and Hi-C. There’s also an output EQ function that adjusts the overall sound quality regardless of the patch.

By connecting a music player to the AUX IN terminal, you can play the bass along with your favorite tracks. When connected to a PC or smartphone via the USB (Type-C) terminal, it also functions as a bass audio interface. It operates on USB bus power. Equipped with a headphone jack, this single unit can handle everything from home practice to live performances.

Edit and add effects via the app

With the iOS app “Handy Guitar Lab for B2 FOUR,” you can edit tone adjustments. Additional effects and preset patches will also be available for download.

Cons of B2 FOUR

Cannot use external IR

Due to the adoption of multi-layer IR, it’s not possible to load external IRs. This might be a downside for those who have favorite IRs they’re accustomed to using.

No Expression Pedal Included

The expression pedal, which is used for volume pedal and wah operations, is not equipped. You’ll need to connect a separately sold pedal. Considering that few players use it, and to reduce costs and maintain a compact size, it’s understandable.

Comparison with B6

Specification	B2 FOUR	B6
Release Date	Late February 2023	Mid October 2021
Market Price	$249.99	$499.99
Sampling Frequency	Not disclosed	88.2 kHz
Frequency Characteristics	Not disclosed	20 Hz – 40 Hz
Signal Processing	32-bit	32-bit
IR	Dedicated Multi-layer IR (11 types, no external)	36 types (external IR available)
Max Simultaneous Effects	5	6
DI	6 types	4 types
Looper/Rhythm	Up to 60 seconds mono/68 types	Up to 90 seconds mono/68 types
Number of Footswitches	4	9
Display	Non-touch	Touch-enabled, 4.3-inch color
Input Terminals	Input, AUX IN	Input x2, Return, AUX IN
Output Terminals	Output x2 (L/R), XLR, Headphones	Stereo Out (Amp/Line (Headphones)), XLR, Send
Control Terminals	Expression Pedal	Expression Pedal
USB	USB Audio Interface/Power	USB Audio Interface
Power	DC9V/Center-negative/500mA (Zoom AD-16) or USB battery	DC9V/Center-negative/500mA (Zoom AD-16)
Size	146 mm x 249 mm x 72 mm / 2.83” x 9.8” x 5.59”	228 mm x 418 mm x 65 mm / 2.55” x 16.45” x 8.97”
Weight	906 g / 1.99 lbs.	1,890 g / 4.16lbs.

There’s a price difference of about $249.99 and $499.99 almost double. However, not everything is a lower-end version of the B6 in the B2 FOUR. Features like the multi-layer IR and six types of DI modeling are unique to the new B2 FOUR model.

Sound Differences

The modeling of amps and effects is from the same generation. The sampling frequency of B2FOUR is not disclosed, so there might be a difference here. The most significant difference is in the IR. B6 can use external IRs, while B2 FOUR cannot but can use the latest Multi-layer IR.

If You Frequently Switch Between Multiple Tones, B6 is Recommended

Considering the maximum number of simultaneous effects and the number of footswitches, if you often combine multiple effects or switch tones during a song, B6 would be a better choice.

Conclusion

B2 FOUR is recommended for first-time bass effect users or as a secondary unit.

Even if you buy it as your first unit, it’s something you can use for a long time. Many bassists often purchase a bass preamp as their first effect unit. However, due to the current inflation, standard bass preamps (like the SansAmp Bass Driver) cost around $250.

The B2 FOUR not only models these bass preamps but also includes over 100 other effects. Considering this, doesn’t the price of the ZOOM B2 FOUR seem quite a bargain? Furthermore, it’s also suitable for practicing at home with headphones. If you purchase it as your first effect unit, even if you introduce a main amp or a larger effect board in the future, it seems like something you can continue using for home practice.

It can also be used as a portable secondary unit.

For intermediate and advanced players, there might be some who think, “My main board is large and cumbersome to carry, so I don’t want to add more gear for light rehearsals or practice sessions.” Despite its compact size that fits in a case, the B2 FOUR offers sound quality equivalent to higher-end models, making it fully capable for rehearsals.

With its just-right price of $249.99, the sound quality on par with the B6, and a size that fits perfectly into a bass case, it’s a cost-effective bass-specific multi-effects pedal that ticks all the boxes.

ZOOM B2 FOUR is recommended for:

• Those who don’t own any effects pedal yet.
• Those who want a bass preamp but are unsure which one to choose.
• Those who have multiple desired effects.
• Those who can only practice with headphones at home.
• Those looking for a smaller, lighter effect unit as a secondary option because their main effect board is cumbersome to carry around.

ZOOM B6 Review: The Ultimate Bass Multi-Effect Pedal