Members LaughingGuitar Posted March 26, 2010 Members Share Posted March 26, 2010 I was looking through Guitar Player recently and I saw them mention the new Zoom G2.1Nu. I went looking on YouTube for any videos, and the only decent one of the few there were was this: Once you get past the part with the song and the guy goofing around, you get some sound samples of the processor. One of my problems with Zoom processors in the past is I've always felt their cabinet models were very weak. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Karma1 Posted March 26, 2010 Members Share Posted March 26, 2010 I've been waiting for the G2.1Nu to come out so I can grab one. I've been using a G2.1u for years and I love it. The new model has some upgraded features that I'm looking forward to. I also have the big brother - G9.2tt which is amazing, but in a whole different class. But as with most multi effects, it can be hard to tell from the presets which are generally over hyped and extreme. I've spent some time tweaking sounds on the G2.1u and have gotten some great tones out of it - I'm always getting comments from other guitar players about them and they are surprised that they came from such a small inexpensive unit. I've owned other Zoom fx in the past and they were fairly cheesy, but the G2 line is on another level, especially for sound quality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members LaughingGuitar Posted March 26, 2010 Author Members Share Posted March 26, 2010 What would you say is better about the G2 line than the G1 line? I used to own a G1 and I'm pretty good at tweaking things but no matter how much I tweaked it I could never get it to sound good. It always came across sounding either harsh, or just obviously digital. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Karma1 Posted March 27, 2010 Members Share Posted March 27, 2010 I've never used a G1 and have no experience with it, so I can't really compare them with the G2. The specs on the G2 are remarkably high for such an inexpensive unit, which has a direct impact on the sound quality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Anderton Posted May 20, 2010 Members Share Posted May 20, 2010 The free, downloadable editing software is a big deal - makes it real easy to program your own sounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Flogger59 Posted May 20, 2010 Members Share Posted May 20, 2010 What would you say is better about the G2 line than the G1 line? I used to own a G1 and I'm pretty good at tweaking things but no matter how much I tweaked it I could never get it to sound good. It always came across sounding either harsh, or just obviously digital. Much more access to the parameters for tweaking. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members strangedogs Posted May 20, 2010 Members Share Posted May 20, 2010 I was interested too in the new one BUT I COULDN'T GET WITH THAT VIDEO... something about that broad chirping that made me wanna scream... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Will Chen Posted May 20, 2010 Members Share Posted May 20, 2010 Have one on the way. Look for a review at my site in the near future... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members strangedogs Posted May 20, 2010 Members Share Posted May 20, 2010 Great news Will - I trust Frugalguitarist's reviews - Can't wait to read it. I had a Zoom G2 for a few months - gave it to the kid down the street when I got my Boss GS-10 (also have a Korg Toneworks)... it wasn't bad - I like the software deal (my Boss has editor software) and the Interface feature too. The G2 was cool in that it had drums with the tap feature for quick jammin' and worked great into a DAW as I'm too lazy to program drums (I use loops now)... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Karma1 Posted May 23, 2010 Members Share Posted May 23, 2010 I just got the G2.1Nu after waiting months for it. I haven't really had it long enough to give a detailed review, but so far I'm loving it. I had the G2.1u for a few years and liked it a lot, as well as currently owning the G9.2tt, so I guess you could say I'm a fan of Zoom. But briefly, a few things I like about the Nu - -larger, more detailed display than the 2 digit display on the original model -easier onboard editing- built in looper (very basic, but nice to have)- better, more interesting delays than the original, including reverse delay- improved distortion models - some killer one's- footswitchable infinite hold The patches that Steve Vai created for it were not that interesting or relevant to my use, but some players might like them. Overall, for me, the presets only hint at what the unit is capable of. I did extensive tweaking on my G2.1u and certainly will with the G2.1Nu. I'll write more about it after spending some time with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Will Chen Posted May 24, 2010 Members Share Posted May 24, 2010 I just got the G2.1Nu after waiting months for it. I haven't really had it long enough to give a detailed review, but so far I'm loving it. I had the G2.1u for a few years and liked it a lot, as well as currently owning the G9.2tt, so I guess you could say I'm a fan of Zoom. But briefly, a few things I like about the Nu - -larger, more detailed display than the 2 digit display on the original model -easier onboard editing- built in looper (very basic, but nice to have)- better, more interesting delays than the original, including reverse delay- improved distortion models - some killer one's- footswitchable infinite holdThe patches that Steve Vai created for it were not that interesting or relevant to my use, but some players might like them. Overall, for me, the presets only hint at what the unit is capable of. I did extensive tweaking on my G2.1u and certainly will with the G2.1Nu. I'll write more about it after spending some time with it. The big question in my mind is can it give something like the Digitech RP255 a run for the money. Looks to be competitive in a great many areas. The only guaranteed spot it falls short is the 5 second looper vs the RP355's 20 sec. Looks to have a couple unique effects and the 6 band eq is a sweet advantage. Also the ability to add a second expression/control pedal is very cool. Looking forward to giving it a spin... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Anderton Posted May 25, 2010 Members Share Posted May 25, 2010 Looks to have a couple unique effects and the 6 band eq is a sweet advantage. Also the ability to add a second expression/control pedal is very cool. Looking forward to giving it a spin... No parametric, though. I really like effects where I can notch out annoying frequencies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Will Chen Posted May 27, 2010 Members Share Posted May 27, 2010 No parametric, though. I really like effects where I can notch out annoying frequencies. Agreed. A 6 band graphic is nice and different approach than Boss, Korg/Vox, and Digitech are offering at similar price points. Digitech comes closest, but their semi parametric is still lacking the ability to really notch something out as you can't adjust the curve shape. I don't think any of the affordable units have a full parametric EQ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Anderton Posted May 28, 2010 Members Share Posted May 28, 2010 Agreed. A 6 band graphic is nice and different approach than Boss, Korg/Vox, and Digitech are offering at similar price points. Digitech comes closest, but their semi parametric is still lacking the ability to really notch something out as you can't adjust the curve shape. I don't think any of the affordable units have a full parametric EQ. No, I don't think any do either...but as the G2.1Nu is a major step ahead, I didn't want anyone to have unrealistic expectations. The one thing I don't see mentioned a lot but is REALLY cool is how fast the patches change - pretty much instant. The other thing is that even if you don't have a computer handy, the re-worked three-knob interface/LCD combination rocks. It wouldn't freak me out to make a few tweaks backstage before a show without having a computer editor handy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Karma1 Posted May 28, 2010 Members Share Posted May 28, 2010 The other thing is that even if you don't have a computer handy, the re-worked three-knob interface/LCD combination rocks. It wouldn't freak me out to make a few tweaks backstage before a show without having a computer editor handy. Having had the original G2.1u and now the new G2.1Nu, I agree that the re-worked three-knob interface/LCD combination is great - a major upgrade. Editing on it is a piece of cake. I spent some time tweaking patches on it last night right from the unit - it was super easy and WAY better than the original G2 model. I'll be gigging with it tonight for the first time and I'm looking forward to hearing how it sounds with a full band and my amp mic'd through the PA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Will Chen Posted June 1, 2010 Members Share Posted June 1, 2010 Having had the original G2.1u and now the new G2.1Nu, I agree that the re-worked three-knob interface/LCD combination is great - a major upgrade. Editing on it is a piece of cake. I spent some time tweaking patches on it last night right from the unit - it was super easy and WAY better than the original G2 model. I'll be gigging with it tonight for the first time and I'm looking forward to hearing how it sounds with a full band and my amp mic'd through the PA. Yes, the patch changing is too fast to really even notice. Very, very nice. Also agree the new programming architecture is way better than their old system. If this thing had a full parametric eq it would be killer. However, including so many new bells and whistles resulted in them cutting a couple features of the G2.1, notably the mic type/position modelling and substituting some higher gain models for the clean models of the G2.1. BTW, the head to head is becoming rather epic with a bunch of clips comparing the 2 units. Going to take a bit longer than expected... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Karma1 Posted June 1, 2010 Members Share Posted June 1, 2010 However, including so many new bells and whistles resulted in them cutting a couple features of the G2.1, notably the mic type/position modelling and substituting some higher gain models for the clean models of the G2.1. I also noticed that the G2.1Nu doesn't have an overabundance of models for clean tones. However, how many clean tones do most players use anyway? I usually use three at most - a general purpose Fender clean, an Andy Summers-style Roland Jazz Chorus sound, and maybe a warmer jazz box tone. All of which I can get out of the G2.1Nu. I'm particularly liking the acoustic simulator tone on it with the high end rolled off a bit. But I'm especially impressed with the selection of delays on the G2.1Nu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Will Chen Posted June 1, 2010 Members Share Posted June 1, 2010 I also noticed that the G2.1Nu doesn't have an overabundance of models for clean tones. However, how many clean tones do most players use anyway? I usually use three at most - a general purpose Fender clean, an Andy Summers-style Roland Jazz Chorus sound, and maybe a warmer jazz box tone. All of which I can get out of the G2.1Nu. I'm particularly liking the acoustic simulator tone on it with the high end rolled off a bit. But I'm especially impressed with the selection of delays on the G2.1Nu. Yes, the acoustic simulator is the best I've heard in an multi fx modeler. Much better than the Digitech and Boss alternatives. The delays are good. Comparable to all the big boys. Though inclusion of 100% wet reverse delay and multitap is a "one up" which draws in people like me looking for unique effects at affordable price points. Can't match Digitech's pitch algorithms though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Will Chen Posted June 14, 2010 Members Share Posted June 14, 2010 OK, finally got it done. Comprehensive head to head of the Digitech RP255 and Zoom G2.1nu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Electric I Posted July 21, 2010 Members Share Posted July 21, 2010 Just discovered the shootout, Will. Excellent work & thanks for taking the time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Karma1 Posted July 21, 2010 Members Share Posted July 21, 2010 Just discovered the shootout, Will. Excellent work & thanks for taking the time. +1Excellent job. It was especially helpful to me as a G2.1Nu owner and gave me some food for thought for my programming experimentation. Also your site looks cool and I plan to check it out in depth soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Will Chen Posted July 21, 2010 Members Share Posted July 21, 2010 +1Excellent job. It was especially helpful to me as a G2.1Nu owner and gave me some food for thought for my programming experimentation. Also your site looks cool and I plan to check it out in depth soon. Thanks guys! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members baranger1 Posted July 22, 2010 Members Share Posted July 22, 2010 Will that was a GREAT review!Bill OK, finally got it done. Comprehensive head to head of the Digitech RP255 and Zoom G2.1nu. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Will Chen Posted July 23, 2010 Members Share Posted July 23, 2010 Will that was a GREAT review!Bill Thanks so much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Skygod Posted July 24, 2010 Members Share Posted July 24, 2010 I am totallty loving it! Feature:It is so elegantly simple even a gearslutz monkey could operate it. Nuff said. I love it! And am getting another one or two to incorporate into my live rig. I am totally enamored with this little sumbich! Kudos Zoom! Quality:Solid! Value:Best $199.00 I have ever spent on anything. I need three more!!! Desirability:Vewy Vewy Sexy! Now evewybody be vewy vewy quiet and go play your guitars .... Sound:I took it out of the box. Logged on to Zoom, downloaded the Edit& Share app and loaded it as administrator, then downloaded the Win 7 x64 drivers and installed, then plugged in the USB and w/o looking at the manual figured everything out. It all took less than 5 minutes. I love it. I started scrolling thru presets and that was 1300 two days ago. It was 1920 and I hadn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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