Zoom B1X Four Bass Multi Effect

In my opinion, Zoom has got this category cornered. The B1X Four (and the B1 Four for that matter) will give you possibilities for modeling your bass sound that'll keep you busy for months if you don't watch out. ;)

It is capable of doing a lot of things. For starters, it will give you a *lot* more control over the tone of your bass -- you don't need an active bass anymore to get the same kind of tone control.

It also comes with a load of dynamic, modeling, and overdrive effects. I don't really care for the distortion-type effects, but the modeling effects (phasers, flangers, choruses, that kind of stuff) are great, and the dynamic effects (compression, slow attack) can be indispensible.

The effects can be ordered in patches; each patch will hold up to five effects, and you can store up to 50 patches. It already comes with a lot of patches preconfigured... which are usable as examples, but not much more than that. The best idea is to create your own patches (you can start from scratch or use an existing patch as a starting point), and, after having made a backup, get rid of the example patches you don't like (I'm looking at you, #39!) to free up space.

Or if you want to keep it simple, just line up your effects in a patch and then use it as a stomp box, taking effects out of and back into the patch while playing.
The best way to figure out how this device suits you best is by just trying out what works best for you. Zoom has freely downloadable software (for PC or Mac) on their web site to help you create and edit patches.

This device also contains an excellent tuner (which is mutable), a 30-second loop facility if you want to go Jaco (Pastorius) or even Jacob (Collier), and a drum computer (essentially a glorified metronome) that will help you practicing.

I love that it will take power from the USB port, because that meant that I could use one of the USB mains plugs that I had lying around. I love how the output can also be used to drive a headphone. The only thing I don't like is that, while internally, it has the capability to be used as a DAI, it won't use the USB port to output anything. I suspect that Zoom did that to not eat into their own DAI products...

I agree with those who say it's not something you'd take into a professional studio, but I disagree with anyone who says they won't take it on stage. If it's good enough for Marcus Miller on stage, it's good enough for you and me. :)
Build quality and finish is better than I had expected, especially at this price point.

For me, it's a keeper. I love this thing. It's brilliant. It's not gonna lose its place between my bass and my amp ever.
And at this price... seriously? That's a no-brainer.

This is my first ever bass pedal, I didn't know what to expect, I just remembered the name "Zoom" from recommendations ), saw it here and decided to try out. Not that I really needed any effects, was just curious how it sounds.
There are plenty of different effects inside and you can download new ones and make... your own? I didn't get into details yet, just used stock ones already there in. And it's pretty fun!
Some experienced people said it's for beginners and it's not well-built, but as I see it, it looks and feels sturdy and sounds great when I have nothing to compare it with.
Oh, and the pedal, as far as I understood, is only for WahWah effect, other than that it can turn effects on and off when you push it.
I'd recommend it for beginners like myself if you want not expensive multy effect box to try and understand if you need any effects and how they sound with your bass.

Now with Amp and Cabinet emulators, it is already superior to the old Zooms. Easy to use interface, and with multiple soung crafting options. My only reservation is, its made from Plastic, not metal which i would prefer. But still seems sturdy enough for touring and studio work ! Aside from that, and this goes for the Guitar version i also have. The new zoom pedals, are almost perfect for all situations, and levels of play !

only had mine for about 1 week, but there is not much i can complain about, the plastic case feels sturdy enough to handle a few drops (would not try it thou).
the sound is ok, thou i get some background buzzing when i have it connected to my Bass amp
swaping throu the settings and sound effects is somewhat easy, but it could be a bit confusing in the start
the only "negative" i can say about this is when it comes to the software, i had to try 5 diffrent USB cables before the software "found" the B1X

but overall its a fun thing, with tons of settings, aswell as a somewhat good Loop,
an easy and good tuner
the built in drum machine sound good