The Zoom G1X Four include more than 70 effects and amp models, as well as a looper and drum machine. In addition, you’ll have access to ZOOM Guitar Lab’s additional library of downloadable effects.
Zoom G1X Four Guitar Multi-Effects Processor Features:
- 71 pre-installed guitar effects and 13 amp models
- Zoom guitar lab Mac/Windows software free download
- 30-second looper
- 68 built-in rhythm patterns
- A standard guitar input, an aux input for external audio players, and an amp/headphone output are provided.
The G1X FOUR Guitar Multi-Effects Processor appears to be more of the same at first glance: a small orange LCD interface with two footpedals, a single selector knob, and a handful of dedicated buttons. The similarities, however, end there. Under the hood, the Zoom G1X FOUR is LOADED with features, and as someone who owns dozens of dedicated effects pedals, as well as other modelling software and some small combo amps, I can say that while this is an incredible value for beginning guitarists, even more experienced musicians should appreciate it as a portable practise device and looper.
AMP MODELS:
While the product is marketed as a “effects unit,” it should be noted that it also functions as a full preamp and cabinet simulator, modelling (now) 22 different types of popular amplifiers. These are also well-chosen, with several Fenders and Marshalls, as well as some other classics from Vox, Matchless, and Orange, as well as some modern/high-gain amps (MESA, etc.).
I haven’t tried every amp yet, but the base amp sounds surprisingly full and convincing. Tube amp purists will argue that they aren’t as good as the “real thing,” but in my opinion, they sound great and are touch responsive in ways that are at least comparable to how a tube amp responds to your playing.
USER INTERFACE & PRESET MANAGEMENT:
Where multi-effects tend to fall short is in the practicality of switching from one sound to another, as well as tweaking the individual settings for each effect, amp, and so on. I’d be lying if I said the G1X FOUR is free of these annoyances – it isn’t. While the G1X FOUR only allows you to overwrite, edit, or rename 100 factory presets, they did make some design choices that make it usable.
The left and right footpedals on the home screen cycle through preset banks.One of the best features is the “autosave” option, which by default saves every change you make to the patches so you don’t lose those settings in the future. While some may object, I found it useful in removing some of the completely useless sounds.
EFFECTS:
A firmware update released months after the G1X FOUR’s release (and factory-installed on newer productions) increased the G1X FOUR’s effect count to around 100. Zoom clearly displays the name and model of the pedal or unit it is modelling, and it includes a few of its own effects. Obviously, I can’t break down all of them in an Amazon review, but I found them to be quite good. What’s nice is that each effect has multiple options, so there aren’t just two reverbs – there are more than a dozen. There isn’t just one “blues distortion,” either; there are TS-9 Tubescreamer, BOSS OD-1, a booster, and other options.
RHYTHM/LOOPER FEATURES:
I’ve met a surprising number of G1X FOUR owners who couldn’t care less about the amp simulations and effects and bought the G1X FOUR solely for the 30-second looper. Try finding a halfway decent looper pedal for less than $100 – it doesn’t exist. Furthermore, this looper can be used in conjunction with 68 rhythm patterns that cover a wide range of genres.
BUILD QUALITY :
The Zoom G1X FOUR’s aesthetics scream “early 90’s,” but the casing is actually quite durable, and the choices they made allow this unit to sell at a reasonable price. The G1X FOUR’s bass is solid metal, with only the top and sides made of hard-molded plastic. As a result, the unit has a substantial weight to it, and I did not find it tempted to slide around after being tugged by an instrument cable and a headphone attachment.
The Bad About Zoom G1X FOUR Guitar Multi-Effects
There are some drawbacks to the Zoom G1X FOUR Guitar Multi-Effects unit that buyers should be aware of. The majority of these are minor and can be avoided with a workaround.
- The unit does not include a power supply (but does come with 4 AA batteries).
- The USB connection is only for firmware updates and powering the device, so it cannot be used as a recording interface.
- It has a single 1/4″ jack for output, which can be used to connect an instrument cable to an amp or to plug in headphones. However, you may require a 1/4″ to 1/8″ adapter for the latter.
- The interface has a “language” for editing presets and individual effects/amps and Volume is one of the more difficult aspects to manage. The good news is that it has plenty of headphone output. The bad news is that the output level of various presets can vary significantly.
- There is no “volume knob” or output to an amp/speaker for headphones. There is a volume knob if you are using an amp simulator. Each preset has a second volume option for overall output.
- The tuner on the unit is accessible by pressing both pedals, and I found it to be quite functional. It even has options for different tunings! However, there does not appear to be a good way to “bypass” the entire unit, limiting its utility as a “stompbox” into a real guitar amplifier.
Zoom G1X Four – Sound Demo
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