Zoom G3Xn And G5n "USB Audio" Difference - The Gear Page

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Thread starter remnant24
Start date Feb 26, 2017

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remnant24

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Joined Feb 26, 2017 Messages 9 Reaction score 3 Just registered here since I found many discussions about Zoom units. There's one thing I'm confused about. The official Zoom G3Xn and G5n pages include a table outlining the differences between them:

The G3Xn is listed as not having "USB Audio", which to me would imply the unit cannot be used as a USB audio interface, except I've read online comments saying even the older G3 can be used as such. So what exactly does the difference entail? R

RafterRattler

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Joined Aug 1, 2010 Messages 311 Reaction score 131 The 'n' series removed several features that the G3 had, but apparently trades it for better modeling - so I don't doubt that no USB audio means exacly what you think. RR R

randombastage

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Joined Mar 28, 2007 Messages 4,624 Reaction score 3,478 Location usually between 60Hz and 7.5kHz True I have a G3n and it doesn't do audio via USB and it does have better sounding amp modeling than the older G3

remnant24

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Joined Feb 26, 2017 Messages 9 Reaction score 3 Thanks for the replies. I'm mainly looking for a budget solution for playing guitar through my PC, but I'm also interested in amp modeling and looping. Would you recommend the G5n as an "all-in-one" kind of thing, or are there better options? R

randombastage

Member

Joined Mar 28, 2007 Messages 4,624 Reaction score 3,478 Location usually between 60Hz and 7.5kHz I think, for the price, the G5n is far away the best if you want to cover all three of those points from one piece of gear.

remnant24

Member

Joined Feb 26, 2017 Messages 9 Reaction score 3 I'm not opposed to having multiple pieces of gear to cover those points. The main point of doubt for me is the difference between a dedicated audio interface and one integrated to a multi-effect pedal. Seeing as the price difference between a multi-effects pedal with an audio interface and one without is significantly lower than the price of (what comes recommended as) a good dedicated audio interface, it looks like the G5n is the thing to get either way. Sorry if that last sentence is confusing.

remnant24

Member

Joined Feb 26, 2017 Messages 9 Reaction score 3 Hello again, I just got the G5n and I have to say I'm disappointed so far. I thought I could get a decently fat chuggy metal tone when hooked up between my guitar and speakers and no actual amp, but I've been sitting at it for 3 hours tweaking every setting I can find and everything just sounds weak with hardly any body, like a barely processed dry signal. For example when I try the "AxeAttack" patch it sounds nothing like the sample on Zoom's website, even after cranking up every gain setting I could find. Even my cheap Vox AP2 can give me a decent chuggy tone without trouble. Am I doing something wrong or is it just not meant to be used this way? G

Guitar1969

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Joined Jun 5, 2012 Messages 2,336 Reaction score 1,409 Location SoCal May

remnant24 said: Hello again, I just got the G5n and I have to say I'm disappointed so far. I thought I could get a decently fat chuggy metal tone when hooked up between my guitar and speakers and no actual amp, but I've been sitting at it for 3 hours tweaking every setting I can find and everything just sounds weak with hardly any body, like a barely processed dry signal. For example when I try the "AxeAttack" patch it sounds nothing like the sample on Zoom's website, even after cranking up every gain setting I could find. Even my cheap Vox AP2 can give me a decent chuggy tone without trouble. Am I doing something wrong or is it just not meant to be used this way? Click to expand...

There are definitely some good tones in the G5n but not necessarily in the factory patches. There may be a bit of a learning curve on it too - Using the mic setting in the Cab block ,etc. Not totally understanding your output - When you say speakers are you running through the USB audio or directly to powered FRFR studio speakers etc. Maybe you should buy some professionally created patches from Choptones to get started. Take a look at their YT demos for the ones you like - a pack is only like $10 and you will better understand the patch creation process, which uses some EQ and non traditional parameters to achieve the result - These types of settings are used by the pro patch makers on all modelers. I have a G5n and an Atomic Amplifire, and I can tell you the G5n is no slouch in the amp tone department, at least for my use. jimfist

jimfist

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Joined May 17, 2012 Messages 1,593 Reaction score 1,090 Location Massachusetts

remnant24 said: Hello again, I just got the G5n and I have to say I'm disappointed so far. I thought I could get a decently fat chuggy metal tone when hooked up between my guitar and speakers and no actual amp, but I've been sitting at it for 3 hours tweaking every setting I can find and everything just sounds weak with hardly any body, like a barely processed dry signal. For example when I try the "AxeAttack" patch it sounds nothing like the sample on Zoom's website, even after cranking up every gain setting I could find. Even my cheap Vox AP2 can give me a decent chuggy tone without trouble. Am I doing something wrong or is it just not meant to be used this way? Click to expand...

Are you sure you don't have the TUNER button engaged? It shouldn't be so hard to get decent sounds that are wildly varied right out of the gate. If you haven't already, take some time to read the manual and fully understand the method to the madness, including how to construct or deconstruct a patch. Are you using a full range speaker system, like a powered PA cabinet?

Rio Palazzo

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Joined Feb 8, 2016 Messages 8,386 Reaction score 11,575 Location Los Angeles

remnant24 said: Hello again, I just got the G5n and I have to say I'm disappointed so far. I thought I could get a decently fat chuggy metal tone when hooked up between my guitar and speakers and no actual amp, but I've been sitting at it for 3 hours tweaking every setting I can find and everything just sounds weak with hardly any body, like a barely processed dry signal. For example when I try the "AxeAttack" patch it sounds nothing like the sample on Zoom's website, even after cranking up every gain setting I could find. Even my cheap Vox AP2 can give me a decent chuggy tone without trouble. Am I doing something wrong or is it just not meant to be used this way? Click to expand...

Is the sound different from what you hear with headphones? R

randombastage

Member

Joined Mar 28, 2007 Messages 4,624 Reaction score 3,478 Location usually between 60Hz and 7.5kHz It doesn't have an amplifire in it so 'direct to speakers' isn't possible unless they are powered speakers that accept a line signal.

remnant24

Member

Joined Feb 26, 2017 Messages 9 Reaction score 3

Guitar1969 said: May There are definitely some good tones in the G5n but not necessarily in the factory patches. There may be a bit of a learning curve on it too - Using the mic setting in the Cab block ,etc. Not totally understanding your output - When you say speakers are you running through the USB audio or directly to powered FRFR studio speakers etc. Click to expand...

RolandKorg said: Is the sound different from what you hear with headphones? Click to expand...

I have tried the following setups: Schecter Banshee Elite-7 -> G5n -> PC (USB) -> Focal XS Book 2.0 Schecter Banshee Elite-7 -> G5n -> Focal XS Book 2.0 Schecter Banshee Elite-7 -> G5n -> Beyerdynamic DT 770 PRO All 3 output the same guitar tone. I had tried the mic setting on cabs—this is one of the settings I was talking about when I said I cranked up everything (after researching online)—no audible difference. I don't think I'll be purchasing patches before I manage to get a suitable tone with stock effects, especially because I'm thinking of returning the device right now. Also, I downloaded the official Kiko Loureiro patches in hopes to get his Megadeth tone, but it sounds considerably weaker on my unit.

jimfist said: Are you sure you don't have the TUNER button engaged? It shouldn't be so hard to get decent sounds that are wildly varied right out of the gate. If you haven't already, take some time to read the manual and fully understand the method to the madness, including how to construct or deconstruct a patch. Are you using a full range speaker system, like a powered PA cabinet? Click to expand...

Nah, when tuner is on I get a completely dry tone. Patches do get me processed tones, but they're considerably weaker than their corresponding samples. But yeah, I'll keep experimenting with custom patches. G

Guitar1969

Member

Joined Jun 5, 2012 Messages 2,336 Reaction score 1,409 Location SoCal How are you adjusting the volume of the patches? There is the global knob for overall volume, but then each patch has a volume output setting in the patch menu (same one where you name the patch). It is a bit tricky getting proper output because each indiv amp, stomp, effect has some type of volume setting. Maybe it would be a good place to start with a blank patch and just build from scratch with an amp and cab and get a decent tone before adding all the rest. Should be able to get a decent tone with just the basics. It's easy to get sidetracked by all the knob tweaking we can do with modelers. Last edited: Mar 2, 2017 jimfist

jimfist

Member

Joined May 17, 2012 Messages 1,593 Reaction score 1,090 Location Massachusetts I just plugged in and called up the AxeAttack preset on the G5n. It's an OK, fairly stripped down preset. Direct into my tiny little JBL FLIP speakers. Although this didn't exactly sound identical to the SoundCloud clip mentioned previously - presumably due to different guitars/pickups used to make the clip - I would hardly describe the tone I got as "weak" or lacking in "body". Maybe not perfect out of the gate for my tastes, but certainly a workable heavy tone. I honestly suspect that something is either set up wrong, plugged in wrong, or borked with your piece. Really don't know what to say. It's just never been a chore for me to get decent tones straight out of the gate. FWIW, do you have the MASTER, BOOST, and TONE knobs all straight up at 12 o'clock? Any chance you could post an audio clip of what you've been getting for a sound?

Rio Palazzo

Member

Joined Feb 8, 2016 Messages 8,386 Reaction score 11,575 Location Los Angeles Can you 'reset' everything? Like, a total firmware reset? I don't have this device, so don't do this if you aren't sure you can get all the patches and such, but there should be a way to just clear everything and reinstall, no? Did you buy it in a store or online? If in a store, if you go back with the zoom expecting to return it, try another sample while you're there? To be sure it's not just a defective sample. jimfist

jimfist

Member

Joined May 17, 2012 Messages 1,593 Reaction score 1,090 Location Massachusetts Could try installing or re-installing firmware 2.0?

BloatedByGas

Silver Supporting Member Joined Sep 21, 2016 Messages 1,281 Reaction score 1,178 Location Witness Relocation Program

jimfist said: I just plugged in and called up the AxeAttack preset on the G5n. It's an OK, fairly stripped down preset. Direct into my tiny little JBL FLIP speakers. Although this didn't exactly sound identical to the SoundCloud clip mentioned previously - presumably due to different guitars/pickups used to make the clip - I would hardly describe the tone I got as "weak" or lacking in "body". Maybe not perfect out of the gate for my tastes, but certainly a workable heavy tone. I honestly suspect that something is either set up wrong, plugged in wrong, or borked with your piece. Really don't know what to say. It's just never been a chore for me to get decent tones straight out of the gate. FWIW, do you have the MASTER, BOOST, and TONE knobs all straight up at 12 o'clock? Any chance you could post an audio clip of what you've been getting for a sound? Click to expand...

Probably has more to do with the jbl flip speakers. Get a more powerful speaker and move some air. See how you feel then. jimfist

jimfist

Member

Joined May 17, 2012 Messages 1,593 Reaction score 1,090 Location Massachusetts

PRSAtomic said: Probably has more to do with the jbl flip speakers. Get a more powerful speaker and move some air. See how you feel then. Click to expand...

Go back and read the thread. I'm not the one struggling for tone. If I want to peel the wallpaper off the walls of my house I'll just crank up an Atomic CLR or 2 or 3 or 4. I wanted to hear what the G5n AxeAttack preset sounded like using a simple desktop speaker - which I'd never otherwise use for critical listening or creation of a modeled tone. I only use the JBL FLip for quiet listening and amusement. Since @remnant24 was using headphones and a Focal desktop speaker for listening, and having trouble with tone, I figured I'd give a quick, relatively quiet listen on my JBL Flip speakers just to see what that preset sounded like. I've no problem getting the tones I want with the G5n, generally speaking, and the AxeAttack preset sounded exactly as I'd expect it to sound. This is to say that I found the preset, for whatever it is worth, to sound fine.

remnant24

Member

Joined Feb 26, 2017 Messages 9 Reaction score 3 I followed your suggestions and reinstalled firmware 2.0, then I reset to factory defaults. I went straight to AxeAttack and, all knobs at noon, recorded a sample with default effects on, and another after turning on the rest of the effects (bridge pickup and tone knob maxed out on the guitar) Note the pathetic sounding palm mutes.

Guitar1969 said: How are you adjusting the volume of the patches? There is the global knob for overall volume, but then each patch has a volume output setting in the patch menu (same one where you name the patch). It is a bit tricky getting proper output because each indiv amp, stomp, effect has some type of volume setting. Click to expand...

Well they seem to increase the volume, but that's about it. Actually, it sounds muddier now.

jimfist said: I just plugged in and called up the AxeAttack preset on the G5n. It's an OK, fairly stripped down preset. Direct into my tiny little JBL FLIP speakers. Although this didn't exactly sound identical to the SoundCloud clip mentioned previously - presumably due to different guitars/pickups used to make the clip - I would hardly describe the tone I got as "weak" or lacking in "body". Maybe not perfect out of the gate for my tastes, but certainly a workable heavy tone. Click to expand...

I can't shake the feeling that they used an external amp to record that sample. My bridge pickup is SD Nazgul, which is as chuggy as it gets.

jimfist said: I honestly suspect that something is either set up wrong, plugged in wrong, or borked with your piece. Click to expand...

I checked again just in case, but as stated I get the same tone via three different outputs, and if the guitar was plugged in wrong I don't think I'd hear anything at all. Set up wrong? What other settings are there than the ones we've already discussed? If your AxeAttack sounds considerably different from mine, I'll have to go with "borked".

RolandKorg said: Did you buy it in a store or online? If in a store, if you go back with the zoom expecting to return it, try another sample while you're there? To be sure it's not just a defective sample. Click to expand...

Online, and I don't remember seeing any multi-effects processors in guitar stores around here. jimfist

jimfist

Member

Joined May 17, 2012 Messages 1,593 Reaction score 1,090 Location Massachusetts I'll look into this more when I get home. Just a quick question: in the Cabinet sim, is the MIC setting on with (the button engaged, obviously)? I recall for some odd reason that the cab sims for some presets, the sim was engaged (red light on) but upon editing the parameters in the cab sim, the MIC was set to OFF, which can sound like arse.

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