Is the Zoom G3XN a good choice in 2021??

In this video I discuss if this 6 years old multi fx processor is still a good option to buy in 2021 with so many new options to choose from!
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[@jasons4553]

I purchased one of these used and in really good shape from Guitar Center. I totally agree with you, for the price this processor is really really good. I also concur that most if not all of the presets are garbage. I am impressed with the build quality, with an all metal body I see it lasting a good long time. I play an early 90s Ibanez RG770 and a Jackson 7 string (I forget the model) and they both sound amazing with the patches I have come up with so far. Thanks for the video!

[@headbangfridays]

Hey man thanks for the comment! Yes, the thing is built like a tank! It does not feel like a cheap unit, the FS's are sturdy, the potentiometers even when the caps are plastic doesn't fell like they will break any time soon... Feels good, sounds good and won't break your bank account!!

[@matsnilson7727]

I was seriously undewhelmed by these Zoom units at the time of release (never did try one out myself though...), but for some weird reason I've become more and more interested over time. At the time of writing this I'm thinking about picking up a G5n. Sure, there are a lot of newer affordable amp modelers out there today, with more amps, 3rd party IR loading etc, but there's just something about the simplicity that makes these Zoom units attractive to me. Five years ago I wouldn't even think about buying one, but now... It's really weird how things sometimes turn out 😄

[@nickfarrow4788]

I'm thinking to pick a G5n like you: considering the comparison on YT, It sounds more brutal than more recent competitors

[@matsnilson7727]

@@nickfarrow4788 I took a chance and bought it. Not going to plug it in until my new recording setup is finished (need a new desk and more) but hopefully it won't disappoint when the time comes.

[@GabrielNacu]

Gotta say this is still one of the best cheaper multi effects on the market simply due to its idiot proof design and excellent user interface for live use. Having the 3 footswitches accessible for effects and the plastic tabs to cycle things in the chain is miles better than processors like the Boss GT1 with the two button preset controls. While I am a Helix user, having one of these in my car is invaluable for teaching and as a backup :) P.S Great video by the way!

[@magicgryszun9216]

I had G3xf, bought it only for Cubase Lite (was given as freebie with pedal) and with few upgrades I have fully working Cubase for roughly half price :) But effect was brilliant! Easy to operate and indestructible! Sadly gone as no longer used, using Marshall effects in Code amp. But still good memories and am sure the newest ones are much better.

[@headbangfridays]

Totally! I was actually checking out the G11 and the G6, seems like it's the same concept yet upgraded.

[@Hagchtogow]

Hi, thanks for the video. I am using one in my band (covers 70-90). Completely correct in terms of effects and possibilities but the most important , compared to other references, is its triple display and its 6 footswitches which allow clear and fast management during a performance. I make effects at home, I name them in the presets in the desired order and everything becomes obvious on stage. irreplaceable in addition to my analog pedalboard 😎🎸 a french musician.

[@headbangfridays]

Yup, everything is just there, you dont feel lost in between menus and sub menus, now its even more clear with the g5n where there's a dedicated display for the patch's signal chain

[@Hagchtogow]

@@headbangfridays hi. It seems close in terms of benefits but the relatively small size of the G3 suits me well because between the pedalboard and it, the cables and the guitar ... it's already a hell of a mess every time you move to play 😎🎸 long life to your channel !

[@vanlalstephen1657]

@@Hagchtogow what according to you is most the weak point in this unit. Ovedrive part or delay or what?

[@Hagchtogow]

@@vanlalstephen1657 Hi Stephen. In my experience, there is no real weak point. The effects are a little lower than those I chose on my pedalboard but when you combine several to do something special for a song the result is really exploitable in live concert. the whole thing is to spend time on the settings and the choices.

[@Kestrel-zc1du]

have one, it's a quite good machine, and cheap, You are right, do not waste time on presets, work by your own, you'll get the best!

[@headbangfridays]

Agree! :D

[@boneheadnumber1409]

zoom g5n only has 4 foot switches. but it has 5 screens. Edit: I just realized your playing a beretta special. I have both a g5n and barrette special coming from Sweetwater soon. Good stuff.

[@TheKookyman]

Thanks for the review, just bought one, i want to relearn guitar after 15yrs from university

[@headbangfridays]

Im glad it helped you!!

[@jonevans870]

I hope so, cos I just bought one!! Seems like the best value option right now if you want a cheap multi-effects with easy patch changing. GT-1 looks good also but patch switching looks too impractical.

[@aphrodence02]

i do prefer nux mfx 10, or nux mg20, or boss me80. in my own perspective thought. it looks simple to make and save patch just like an analog works. me80 however will show you how nux is better being digital. performance

[@joellebrodeur1015]

I just ordered one earlier today. I have been using for nearly 2 decades Zoom's PS02 Palmtop Studio, so although it's outdated tech, it's never failed me and still sounds better than other emulating units I've tried over the years. After rotating through a bunch of crap recently, I decided to check them out again. I do prefer a simple tube amp set up, I tend to do most of my practice using my PS02 or working on new ideas without disturbing others.

[@headbangfridays]

WOW the PS02! That says a lot from zoom products, stuff that works! You won't be disappointed! This unit is perfect for practice/ home recording, the tones and sounds you can get are way beyond its price point imho.

[@alexandrdemidov4372]

Still using zoom g1on and G3xn with my 8 strings. Very nice devices

[@ayandey137]

Can we get heavy tones like Meshuggah or metalcore out of it?

[@Alfredo78666]

I had it once, but for me was very distracting, although I think it works as a tool to understand the rig process, the pros and cons, etc.

[@headbangfridays]

Yup it's a great starting point!

[@alidilsher2567]

Yeah I'm using zoomg3xn, amazing machine ❤️❤️ and Thx for the video

[@headbangfridays]

😀 it's a great little unit!!

[@Kshishtovski]

hey man, I'm going to buy this machine, but I can't figure out - can you assign presets(patches) to the keys on the bottom or can they only be used for sequential forward/backward switching?

[@kayelaine]

Great video! I already own the unit but im clueless when it comes to making patches, so overdrive, amp, eq/ noise control, then cab?

[@photronic]

Absolutely agree on the presets!

[@headbangfridays]

YEP it's like : ¨OK we made a very cheap and good quality product... mhhhh how could we f*** this up? ¨ xD I bet that many people have decided not to buy this thing only because of the presets.

[@photronic]

@@headbangfridays I own one, and can get great tones if, as you say, start from a good basic model with no bs-bling.

[@SivartLlerrad]

Good video, im eventually going to buy this.. put a limiter on your reaper track though! its peaking in the background! haha

[@headbangfridays]

Eyes on me eyes on me!! hahaha It happens when I clap... to sync the external and camera mic. Buy the unit, honestly it's an inexpensive ( and good) jack of all trades.

[@paintchip173]

That makes me feel better because I thought it was just mine, that the factory preset patches sucked on.

[@headbangfridays]

Oh brother, it's not you, the patches just simply suck! Such a shame because it's a really good unit yet the first impression you get it's sonic diarrhea 🤣... kinda.

[@Chicagosmisfit]

yeah its not you! they definitely suck

[@manuelguerrero5905]

I have a G3n, and very happy so far. I use it as a drive/mod/verb pedal thru a H&K tube amp, when playing with the band. But sometime in the future it will be used with the amp/cap in my homestudio. For the price (120€ new) is more than good value, even with the limits in the memory.

[@headbangfridays]

Yup! for the price this unit has no rival, honestly, i would love to get my hands on a g6 or a g11 to see if there is a "tone improvement" ... I'm not the kind of person who wants this to sound "just like the real thing" ... The only way to get a perfect "Mesa sound" is to own a Mesa boogie, and so on... That's why i dont think i would ever buy an AXE FX or a Kemper... Don't really care how close the tone is from the real deal ,i just want something that sounds good and not something that sounds generic/digital and lifeless...

[@manuelguerrero5905]

@@headbangfridays yeah totally agree. 👍🏼

[@Drain79]

I have the Zoom G3XN. I am new and still learning but trying to get something close to Chevelle with the Mess amp/cab. The pre-sets are such trash, glad with not much experience I can get something that sounds decent and better than most of the presets.

[@headbangfridays]

Yeah, those darn presets.... Ironically enough, just as you say, in a matter of a few minutes you can dial a decent sound, so don't really know how people at zoom managed to f-it up so bad!

[@LANDSEAAIRCANADA]

Thanks man !

[@rxdvnity6655]

Nice hair bro! Saludos desde Chile 🇨🇱🇨🇱🇨🇱

[@headbangfridays]

haha gracias!!

[@boujee.pavlov681]

Footswitch - pedal things which you can click :DDDDDD You are the best!!!!

[@headbangfridays]

😀😀

[@000metalmilitia]

I have one, just now taking time to learn how to use it.

[@headbangfridays]

It took me a couple of days to get used to the interface as well , but the good thing is that it's very intuitive.

[@lushkordz6643]

Hey m@n, we R in 22 N im still playing on my old Zoom G9 2tt which is by far the best unit i ever had (but of course im not a high-gain dude!) i have a Boss Gt100 as well & a Zoom G3 (which is an amazing small unit) .....the Gt100 is really cool with it's powerfull dual signal chain capapbility but the G9 to me has more character (killer FXs + good Amp-Sims + decent Cab-Sim) BUT IT HAS an analog internal Preamp which is top-notch to warm up yal tonzZ (dual Energizer + Accelerator circuits both Solid State & Tube) .....it will love to have a Fractal AX8 one day but they still a lil bit overpriced IMO (over 800 bucks in my country) but they R part of the legend 4 sure 🔥but most of the time for practice purpose im playing on my monitoring Fostex PM1 with 2 DI preamps (Presonus Stud-Chan with a 12Au7 tube + GAP Pre-73 mk3) panned in stereo on Mackie mixer going thru 3 simple racks (DBX 166A Komp + Berhinger Maximizer + Yamaha REV500 Reverb) some freakin beefy tone going on 👍

[@ironmantran]

with some EQ, Zoom G3xn pedal can do everythings others can

[@headbangfridays]

Yup! With a little time and patience you can dial great tones!!

[@vanlalstephen1657]

So the weak point here is eq??....if you upgrage an stack pedal...where will you add some analog pedal ..

[@ironmantran]

@@vanlalstephen1657 i use a RAT deucetoen (double A-B rat) just BEFORE my zoomy !

[@vanlalstephen1657]

Soo zoom gain is not enough....and does time base section works well

[@ironmantran]

@@vanlalstephen1657 Zoom gain is enuf -but - it takes up 2 slots: so i save the full 5 slots for eq / flanger / delay / reverb /amp modeler or noise gate ...

[@kostihouse]

I still use it at our bands rehersals, usually ts + amp sim without cabsim + geq7, into the loop of my cheap solid state amp and into 4x12.. I got a nice less distorted sound through the ac30 sim, but getting more distorted sound thats decent is harder, i think the best amp sim for that is the krampus.. G3xn is certainly not great, but if you have a tight budget, its useable. For playing at home into headphones it certainly sounds better than live, but there are so many plugins these days, some of them are even free, and most of them sound better.. Imho The biggest handicap is that it only has three switches, so if you want to use more sounds than that in one song, you are pretty screwed, because switching to another page in live situation is awkward, you have to first press scroll to get to another page, and then you can choose from another 3.. pretty often i switch it wrong when i try to go to another effect on another page in the middle of a song when we reherse, so in a concert i would look like an idiot.. So if anyone wants to use more effects than 3, i think g5 is probably a better choice..

[@headbangfridays]

Yup, for 150 bucks you can't ask too much, but still its a nice little machine.

[@R.Stridstrom]

Owned both. The G5 is the better one. Not thrilled that the new ones, G6/11 are plastic. Carbon copy-plastic.

[@kostihouse]

@@R.Stridstrom im now using mooer ge 300 lite, through a cheap bugera valve amp, not too expensive setup (amp 400 bucks, mooer 500 bucks) but sounds nice.

[@brucecampbellforpresident1393]

Thanks yo I needs me’s a new pedal just dumped grape drink on mine

[@headbangfridays]

oohh...maybe it's just a little hungover! *badum tss*

[@alfiefernandez9583]

Zoom is really nice patches but their button is easy to be defective.

[@jreagle58]

I'm torn between the Boss GT-1 and the Zoom G3xn. After careful research of their features it comes down to ease of use. I have read that the GT-1 is very intuitive but have not found any mention of how easy the G3xn is to operate. Any opinions?

[@headbangfridays]

Honestly the G3XN It's easy to use, having the knobs to configure every parameter makes it very easy.. But it all boils down to a matter of taste...

[@warren4838]

still my choice over gx1 four :)

[@immanuelsiregar7395]

please explain why? thx

[@warren4838]

@@immanuelsiregar7395 just my personal preference :)

[@lalnuntluangachhakchhuak5767]

I'm having it right now. If dialed correctly, it sounds just fantastic. The only problem is that the processor is a bit too weak, it won't allow me to chain more than 5 sometimes.

[@headbangfridays]

Yeah i think that is it's only handicap! For example on a couple of patches i end up running out of memory before adding a volume/gain/whatever pedal i want to throw in. Besides that it works and sounds just fine!

[@lalnuntluangachhakchhuak5767]

@@headbangfridays But also making hard to recommend for intermediate to advance players

[@headbangfridays]

@@lalnuntluangachhakchhuak5767 for the price i would recommend it, now to get more " processing power" you would need to invest at least 100 + dolars/ euros....

[@lalnuntluangachhakchhuak5767]

@@headbangfridays Would it be easier to recommend g5n ?

[@headbangfridays]

@@lalnuntluangachhakchhuak5767 the thing is that i don't really know if the g5n has more memory or if it just has an extra footswitch and the general view screen...

[@OMARRASHIDCASTROSAU]

sounds awesome, could you share your preset packs with us

[@100roberthenry]

ahhh at last i found a video were the guy is honest, and creates a proper metal patch.....yes ALL zoom presets are fckng monstrously nasty as fk....how the hell did they think putting their presets in their machines would help them sell stuff lol.....anyway, ive been looking at the G3XN. and glad i came across your video man...whats your opinion on the attack/bite of the notes with the zoom dirts?...ive tried a couple of zoom pedals, and the dirts have been kind of wooly on the attack/bite especially on the low end /strings....is the g3xn nice and edgey?/bitey....cheers man.

[@headbangfridays]

I think the recto amp ("vintage mode") if tuned correctly can be pretty tight, and with some EQ and some compression you can take care of the craziness in the low end... Lask week I posted a video creating a patch just like that.

[@100roberthenry]

@@headbangfridays cool cheers man, i will check that vid out..nice one.

[@darrenwebtser3102]

The only decent preset I found was Angus. Sounds fuck all like Mr Young but it's a nice patch.

[@fieryblade]

It sounds awesome ! I would totally recommend this to everybody,tho compared to other processors it's cheap

[@jovialdrake]

Great guy

[@Grigoryew]

Hello! Thanks for video) Can I upload my own rhythms to this processor?

[@a2zonlineunboxing873]

G3xn Vs G1x4 which is easy to use for beginners?

[@headbangfridays]

I think it's a matter of taste, bassically both of them kinda have the same engine, I just find the g3xn a bit easier given that you have more space to see all options

[@jimbong4604]

Is there a way to turn off the precount on the rythm when looping?

[@guitarvibes1828]

I use the Zoom G5n... How to correctly use it during live Performance? How to set my Master Volume knob?

[@matteoguitar]

Which do you think is better? Zoom gn5 or mooer ge200? (Especially for metal music)

[@headbangfridays]

I haven't had the chance to toy with a ge200 but for the videos i've just seen it seems like a more "up to date" and perhaps a bit more versatile unit than the g5n... Now the g5n it's a much more practical when it come to the footswitch situation

[@matteoguitar]

@@headbangfridays I understand, thank you man!

[@dragster9070]

How does this fare against a Pod HD500? Looking to play metal, everything from 80s Metallica to modern Djent type stuff

[@hanovergreen4091]

Greetings Zoomers! Question: How do we set a Hi-Lo filter eg 250Hz and 19.0Khz? Sorry for asking but I can't find a good dedicated Zoom user group that has any life in it. Thanks in advance for any help/suggestions and Best Regards! G11 user FWIW. Subscribed.

[@headbangfridays]

Hi man! I've been noodling with the filters and EQ'a and seems that the only way to go with your idea is to set 2 separate units of the ¨PARAEQ¨ it sucks because you are going to need 2 effect slots ...

[@hanovergreen4091]

@@headbangfridays Greets! That's about what I came up with. :( And Zoom does not tell what Freq's Low, Mid, Hi equals. Thanks for looking into it! BTW, I dig your tone. It's unique and like the clean idea of one pickup. Had a single pikcup guitar long ago and it simplifies and focused me on working on technique. Best Regards!!!

[@headbangfridays]

@@hanovergreen4091 yeah, that eg filter its a little weird and not very specific... The only description i get in the Zoom guitar lab is " this filter effect is controlled using the control switch" never so clear hahaah...it would be awesome to have a parametric Eq with at leat 3 bands to play with. Yes, having a one single pickup Gtr just simplifies everything ( for certain tasks ) , i like the idea of having a bunch of " one trick ponies", that way i have the right tool for the right job. Having to choose from a lot of options sometimes is a waste of time and it can be overwhelming

[@mpmonzon]

I cant find a good distortion here , i like Digitech sound , but cant loop with drums , do you know any that can work like the Zoom?

[@headbangfridays]

You got me there, the only experience I had with digitech is with stomp pedals ... Yet you should give this thing a try... It's a decent unit and it's getting cheaper since it's almost 8 years old...

[@mpmonzon]

@@headbangfridays Actually is the one i own , have it for about two years , is practical for me cause im a bedroom player for now , so with the drums and the looper is a + , but if i want to find a decent distortion is a bit hard

[@accentontheoff]

Boss GT1 vs this one vs the Mooer GE150. What would you advise. Thanks.

[@jreagle58]

So with this unit can I create a patch that allows me to start with a clean chorus then switch to OD with no chorus then switch to a harmonizer (with or without OD) within the same song? And I presume it does have a harmonizer effect.

[@headbangfridays]

Yup you can do that, you would only have to bypass and activate each FX when necessary ... check this screenshot I took making a patch just the one you mentioned ibb.co/PF1QJDD

[@jreagle58]

Still weighing my choices between the G3xn, the MG-30 and the old Boss GT-1. I'm convinced all 3 can perform the tasks I require so it comes down to affordability and ease of use. The G3XN comes in the cheapest at 66 euros less but how intuitive is it how does it compare playing live?

[@jreagle58]

@@cl0uds_loops no, I bought the Boss GT-1

[@wilsonortiz1083]

can somebody help me how to reset the presets.

[@headbangfridays]

try this link www.manualslib.com/manual/1239427/Zoom-G3xn.html?page=46

[@xiuxiu1108]

Any important downsides to consider when buying this over the G5n? They're about 80$ apart where I'm from

[@headbangfridays]

The g5n has an extra stomp switch, and it also has a dedicated display for the patch's signal chain.

[@Kshishtovski]

Thinking about buying this processor, but I can't figure out - can you assign presets to the keys on the bottom or can they only be used for sequential forward/backward switching?

[@headbangfridays]

You say something like no matter where you are if you are in the preset banks if you hit that switch it will take you to " x" preset?( Something like a " quick-call" ) If is something like that then sadly it's not an option with the g3xn ...

[@nikkisixx5299]

And, what about the loop?

[@headbangfridays]

You got me there! Honestly i don't really use it more than twice a year that's why i didn't covered that part, mah bad! Yet if I'm not mistaken it records up to 80s

[@mpmonzon]

Did you play the outro music with it?

[@headbangfridays]

No, the outro music was done with a VST, but you can easily achieve the same tone if you dedicate a bit of time to tweak the pedalboard to your liking

[@AceBambam]

can I add two noise gates to a patch? for the djent tone

[@ACABSTUDIOS]

I haven't found a single demo that makes this seem worth buying unless you're looking for your first cheap effects processor. If you already got stomp boxes or such, there's really no reason to buy this, at least from the demos I've watched; there's nothing special about this. It just doesn't have a powerful sound

[@lupo10]

I do have one on my pedalboard, I run all of my anolog pedals into this, then use the stereo out into the front end of both my amps. Mostly use it for reverbs and modulation, when not in use turn on the bypass mode tuner so the signal isn’t effected. I don’t use modulations enough to buy a bunch of extra stomp boxes so this is perfect for me. It has a model of a TubeScreamer, Tremolo and Boss DS which when I compare against my anolog versions there is only a slight difference. For the money I don’t think you’d be disappointed.

[@headbangfridays]

Agree!

[@TheBluesine]

WOW,, clickbait!!!!! Very little actual info!

[@headbangfridays]

Well... download the users manual pdf then ! 😀

[@singularity9182]

Though it is one of the most budget friendly guitar multi effect processor.Dont buy g3xn" guys instead go for g3n".After using g3xn for a year the inbuilt expression pedal has started having problems. Using the "wah " effect and the" pitch shifter" has become a nightmare. Have tried calibrating the pedal and also resetting the unit but still these effects sound like a "slicer effect with fluctuating repetition of the wah" even though the pedal is only pressed once. Have also contacted the support team hope they respond to my mail. I have been using the unit only indoors for personal use and the chances of getting the unit pedal dirty is out of the question. Will be posting a video concerning the problem on my channel..starting to regret choosing "g3xn over "boss me25

[@raibiksarkarbardhan8732]

I have used both me 25 and zoom g3xn.The output volume level in boss me 25 increases automatically and then again decreases.