Zoom G3 & G3X - In Depth Review

[@ChuckLopez]

I have pedals that are worth 4 or 5 times more than what this costed me back in the day. But I don't have the heart to sell my G3... I still play with it every now and then even if it's not on my pedalboard anymore. It is also very convenient to record some ideas, gig with friends , or practice with headphones. This pedal helped me get familiar with all the effects arrays there is and pointed me in the right direction of what I needed to add to my pedalboard. It has a sweet spot in my heart.

[@jaygreentree4394]

2023 and I have the G3 and want to get the G3X eventually. Amazing build quality and amazing features.

[@YouTubeaccount48473]

Man, I love the Zoom multieffects stuff. It's all such incredible value for the price.

[@gamhazell]

I'm seriously impressed with my g3. The amp models are insane! I can work in the exact tone and feel and response just like with a high end tube amp. I initially bought it just for delays, modulation, and reverb. But the amp models got me going! Not to mention the ease of access to settings. Amazing!

[@Zone9Rock]

I posted this on another KZbin review. I post many reviews, but I am very happy with the Zoom G3...so here goes... I have had the Zoom G3 for about a year. I am a gigging musician with a pro rig. I use the G3 for practice with headphones when needing to learn a new song / solo. It is built like a tank, unbelievable easy to use (I would like to thank whoever designed the user interface...simple brilliance), and sounds way better than it should at the price. It also integrates really well with a laptop for backing tracks, and recording. The effects are beyond acceptable and in particular the Fender Deluxe and Marshall 1959 amp sims are surprising. Just make sure to use your guitar volume and tone controls! The acoustic sim is amazingly good as well. Add the (basic) drum machine and looper and you have a RIDICULOUSLY / INSANELY good practice solution for $150 (used probably $110). In sum, the Zoom G3 is the best $150 I have spent in at least 2 decades. Yes, probably wont use it for live gigging vs. analog pedals, but WOW for a portable practice solution that I can take with me when I travel. I don''t know how they did it for the price. Highly recommended.

[@EdBMetal]

I can’t agree more with what you wrote. Still in 2019 i think it is a mind blowing little device and i still keep it on my board. Crazy what Zoom managed to put in such a small package for such a crazy price at the time. And i am sure they cost next to nothing now anymore on the used market.

[@rockybalboa2526]

Hey, i just found your video here, and wanted to say, you did a GREAT job of articulating this effects/mini guitar work station. AND you brought a very warm, intelligent, and friendly, delivery too! You would be a very good teacher, parent, and even public servant! ( and we can all use Those! ) I think youre doing a great job being YOU! ( sorry for the weirdness in all of this, just thought you did a great job and it is a reflection of yourself! and i wanted to aknowledge and commend you on that.. Youre an example for others!!! ~ Keep being YOU!

[@EdBMetal]

Great review! I still own and use one of these units on my pedalboard after all these years of owning it. It is such a versatile and useful swiss army knife, yes just exactly like you also said. I own a Helix floor as well, but i still love the compact soze and functionality. Your review made me fall in love with this pedal all over again hahah. Awesome review man, made me sub to your channel! 👍🌟

[@barno01]

Thanks so much for this. I bought the G3X ages ago, and couldn't be bothered working out how to use it. I'm not very technically minded. But now, I'm going to work it out, I know it's not too hard. It's an incredibly flexible and useful thing. The DI capability is Great! Thanks again for a fantastic introduction to this incredible tool.

[@victoramicci840]

Awesome "must have" Swiss knife pedal. Just bought one for the DI and interface functions.

[@EdBMetal]

Fantastic review and inspiring playing. Thanks for this video man. This is such a wonderful pedal and still holds up even in 2019 in my opinion. I still have it on my pedalboard currently. Such crazy amount of useful features in such a compact and affordable package, it is just nuts what Zoom delivers. I still use it alongside a Helix floor unit and Boss GT8 with a Morley ABC switcher that allows me to switch between the three units or even stack all three stereo signals simultaneously for a crazy full stereo sound going into my mixer. This offers insane sound shaping capabilities and routing options. Having a Strymon BigSky sitting at the end as my stereo insert effect on the mixer. Great home recording set up and sound. I love all these multi effect processors and amp simulators. Seriously costs a small fraction of what it would cost to buy all the actual gear individually and taking up almost no space. I love how the G3X is built like a tank too. Your review renewed some love again for my pedal hahah and i can’t wait to fire it up again today 🎸😎👍

[@KennethDonnellyStargazer21]

These pedals always blow me away after owning them 8 years 🌛

[@Gorilla1949]

Yes, I have been using g3x for over a decade.

[@ArielsSmartyPants]

Nice review and you point out many of the reasons I'll never get rid of my HD500. As bad as many people may think the OD/Dist effects are, there are literally hundreds of delay and modulation effects and the expression pedal which are top notch and can't be replaced for 4x the cost. Thanks for this demo and review, it's a viable option should my HD500 crap out ;)

[@moreblankets]

Best G3 video and I enjoyed your playing.

[@simonhall5645]

The looper is brilliant too. Love mine.

[@williammolina9792]

Hello. I have the G3X zoom pedal and I want to put it through the amplifier's effects loop. It's the first time I do it. The problem is that i don't really understand how the cables should be connected. I have also noticed that the pedal has two outputs R and L/Mono. Which one should I choose?? By the way, I heard that I have to turn off the amp emulations. Do i have to disconnect something else. ?? Greetings

[@junantonio88]

Hello! Could you do a walk-through on how to select, save, and assign to a bank one's preferred effects? The manual is confusing; does not actually provide a step-by-step instruction about the matter. Kindly please? I'm dying.

[@peteytwofinger]

owned the g1on , b1on, and also a g3 which i have maybe 220 dollars wraped up in all of that . these are my favorite multi-efectors of all time. from the sound quality , portability , ease of use with or with out the bennifit of software , then the quality of the amp and cabsims , you cant beat the g3 , i could care less about the newer g3 where they nuetered it . i could care less about the mooer stuff. the only upgrades out there are way out of my price range. imo zoom g3 the best solution for SANE guitar players on a budget. Considering you get the same models via the g1on, and the bass model b1, we own those as well and they are incredible value for the price- 50 usd street. i run my g1on on my daily practice rig thru a bluetooth full range speaker with the amp/cabsims and it sound killer low volume practice rig thats ultra versatile. of course all custom patches. here is something to consider , i may be stretching it a bit here but honestly to me - in a band environment, very few folks in the audience can discern the quality difference between the quality of an el capistan vs a zoom tape delay model on these units , same for axe fx . in a band setting in a typical bar band or especially outdoor setting . of course i am not implying it is better than super expensive stuff out there but when that simply isnt an option a lot of us make the wise choice and to me the pros out weigh the cons to make it so it really isnt a much of a compromise. i have used it in live setting and recorded that and listened back , i have also used it for home recordings . i dont think i will be chasing tone much longer as i found what works for me . of course this isnt going to work for everyone else but that doesnt mean i am any less of a musician. the haters can spew all the venom they wish , i am happy , i am acomplishing my goals . i also have herniated disks and switched to a steinberger spirit . i play thru a powered mixer with two 8 inch pa speakers/comression horns and a sub . its light . its also more than enough dbs . sue me . the day is coming when the tube fetishizing is going to stop. they are going to crack down on carbon footprint stuff like tube amps so the tube toan crue , you may wish to embrace this technology now and hope they can really nail it for you as your precious tube days are numbered . its comin ... trust me .

[@mikedegrazia]

Don't hate because you herniate. It doesn't sound better. For practice i can justify using it. But to replace a good amp tone not quite buddy. You started off strong then you blew it by the end...my tube days are numbered because Al Gore and the carbon police are coming for my tubes...lol

[@butterfieldstudios2429]

Have a free one coming on Friday... can't wait!

[@mielushe2lheureux939]

Great review!!! I own the device for a couple of years now but still need to learn about what it can do. And watching your tutorial I've just learned much... Please, would you mind sharing with us the setting for the delay sound you play on your guitar. I really love it. If you can write down each setting, it will be great for me and I believe for many other people that would probably willing to try it out. Thanks and keep on the great job!

[@3015gaurav]

i want to use mostly AMPs, looper, sterio out, electric guitar but mostly acoustic and DAW connectivity. this is april 2018...should i buy this pedal?

[@kennyjenkins4964]

I do have this on my board ...and love it...its like a swiss army knife....it sounds awesome

[@richardchristensen1768]

Not trying to be argumentative but as is the norm with most modeling effect units using the direct out is most likely where the unit does add the most eq sound coloring compensation because headphones and PA systems are designed to be full range reference speakers and the other output setting are relying on the use of your existing guitar amps and cabinets for sound coloring therefore reducing the need for the effect units emulations Just sayin

[@basicforge]

Thanks for the great review. I love my G3X and I use it when I play in my church's worship band. I also recommend the G1on (or G1Xon). These make a nice companion to the G3(X) because they have most of the same models and effects, PLUS they are extremely budget friendly and they have particle effects and a plate reverb that the G3 does not have for some reason. I paid only $40 for my G1on. Fantastic stuff.

[@E-BikingAdventures]

Redundancy does not make a good companion.

[@mritorto1]

i just got the boss gt 1 how do you think this compares to boss gt1

[@KennethDonnellyStargazer21]

Awesome pedal with one flaw:. Cannot switch between Wa and volume, which all multis I have can do except the old Boss GT3🤐

[@napalmhardcore]

I've had 3 Zoom pedals. The 707 ii, the G2.1u and the G5 (which I still have). Admittedly I bought the 707 ii on a whim because I was in the shop and I thought "Loads of effects for (insert price I can't remember here)? I'll take it". I was playing mostly acoustic then, so for occasional electric jams with my friend it got the job done. The G2.1u I bought from a friend at work for very little money because a) It was a cheap upgrade and b) He still had the copy of Cubase LE that came bundled with it and I didn't have a DAW at the time. The G5 is the only one that I actually researched before buying. I actually wanted to try another brand, but when it came to features that I needed/wanted, price and most importantly lack of negative feedback from users concerning the sound, it seemed to have the competition beat. The G5 definitely has its problems. The type and page buttons will sometimes operate the next screen over, my left patch button is mushy and the UI/layout of the pedal isn't ideal for live use. I'm really not a fan of the high gain sounds, the amps and pedals have way too much gain compared to their real life equivalents (which, considering that I don't like the high gain sounds, gives me less control over what I consider to be the usable portion of the gain control) and the built in OD/distortion pedals don't seem to react in a convincing way with the amp models. It also lacks four cable method connection capability (though considering the price, I wouldn't hold that against it). On the plus side though... The G5 has very good clean to point of breakup sounds, many good effects, a functional tuner and really useful features for practicing such as the looper (which is 60 seconds in the G5 or 30 with undo/redo enabled). Its audio interface is also good quality (there are official ASIO drivers). I've pre-ordered an Atomic Amplifire 12, so I'm not really shopping for a multi-effects unit in this price bracket at the moment, but I'm always interested to see what's on the market. I know that Zoom has released their next generation units but it seems that they are receiving minimal attention from pro reviewers. It seems like they have tried to step up their game in terms of quality but it also seems that there are fewer amp models and effects as a result. I'm assuming that the amp models/effects aren't up to the standard of something like the Amplifire or they would be receiving more attention and being they don't have as many effects, they are no longer the Swiss Army knives their predecessors were. I'm wondering if Zoom have shot themselves in the foot.

[@E-BikingAdventures]

Way don't you just make a video instead of writing all that.

[@drutgat2]

Thanks for this. I would have liked an explanation of the navigation of the G3X. I get a little confused with mine.

[@davidpanjaitan2200]

Great review!!! Gbu

[@TomMacalisang]

one of the best G3X reviews! Have you checked out the Ashbass mod for G3X?

[@KleyDeJong]

Thanks! I have heard of it, but I have not tried it. I'm pretty content with three active footswitchable effects, but it would be quite useful.

[@TomMacalisang]

Zoom solved the problem by including additional footswitches in the new G3n and G5n. An AUX IN is also a nice addition. www.zoom.co.jp/products/guitar-bass-effects/guitar/g3n-multi-effects-processor

[@Jacksmusicshack]

Tom Jeffrey Macalisang oh a mod?!

[@chrislopresti2583]

Great review...I use mine for my solo acoustic show. What compressor and settings are you using here on the acoustic portion?

[@vvsamraj]

GREAT!! can you please share some patches for bass guitar which can be used in G3v2?

[@bennettskb555]

Excellent review👍

[@yoe91]

Hi. Is this good for recording an album ? Is the sound pure and deep enough for a high quality result, recorded ? Thx.

[@10ibanez]

Is the unit midi capable? I have an Engl Invader 2 with the Z12 midi footswitch and am trying to find a multi fx pedal to pair with it. You're video was very informational by the way!

[@Supreme9535]

Are you still using g3x ?

[@stevekelly9399]

Very helpful, thanks.

[@lesharrison3739]

Hello, Kley. I just discovered your videos. You are a great player, your sound is wonderful, and you explain the products better than almost anyone. I am trying to pare my rig to a minimum of efficiency and utility while still having a lot of flexibility. I don't have a ton of space for my gear and would love to be able to use the same set-up for everything I do. I own a Tech 21 Power Engine, am completely sold on purchasing an Ampi-FIRE Box, and am wondering if the Zoom G3x would complete my set-up. Could you play through and gig with just those pieces (guitar, etc., of course)?Thanks for your great work and time if you have it.

[@kurdtjohn]

Hi, Kley. Does it work well for a hybrid pedalboard setup, e.g using in conjunction with analog pedals?

[@Patrick33194]

Have you checked out the g3(x)n? 👀

[@giodaddazio]

Hi kley, is it possible to turn on and off the rhythms with external footswitch? Many thanks!

[@Burps___]

Kley, thank you!

[@fishouttawater4808]

Background effects...great. Can you also leave them on in the background on the G3xn?

[@onzkicg]

Have you tried plugging straight to house/ PA? Good tone?

[@shahrinnakkhatra2857]

I have a G3X, umm...i bought it new and haven't used it much, i'm having trouble making tones for solo(like comfortably numb, hotel california, stairway to heaven solos)/ metal riffs....can u make videos on those please? I don't have any other stompboxes too, i'm using a marshall MG10CF amp with it, not getting good tones. @Kley De Jong

[@thorngord]

can i program clean and lead/dist freelancers? a button for each one?

[@assadaligillani2511]

I'm looking for the same answer

[@muhammadrinosyahputra2569]

Which one, this or g3xn?

[@domenicmirto7351]

I realize this is a question/comment to an older post: Had an idea to run a G3 into another G3. Reasoning: wanted 6 switchable effects available at all times. Put switchable: boost, od, etc up front in unit 1, pick an amp model, bury that in a non-switchable location, put 3 switchable modulation effects in the front end of the 2nd G3... Anyone ever try this? And is it a bad idea for your sound to go through two digital pedals in series? With your guitar level signal into first unit, what output mode would you recommend to be most compatible with 2nd unit's input...? Figured you could also add things like compression or noise reduction, and if you use them all the time, bury them in non-swtchable locations... With two G3 units in series, you now have up to 12 effects, 6 of them are always switchable, not to mention you have 4 outputs, 2 are pre-modulation, the other 2 outputs will have everything, not sure if that's useful, but it's available... Drop 2 pedals on the floor, one patch cable, one input cable, one output cable and you're set... How simple is that..? Or if one unit fails, you have an instant backup... Thnx in advance for any/all replies...

[@bearpitrock]

Nice idea. I have a Zoom B3 and about to pick up a G3x used for £10! I wondered the same thing earlier about daisy chaining. It's a little beat up physically with some missing knobs and needs some love but it'll be a project to restore.

[@3015gaurav]

while playing acoustic guitar @16:57 you havent mentioned which is with effects ON and which is with effects OFF

[@newlife3669]

Dam M getting confused... which one is good g3x or g3xn..!!! N why...!!! Which one sounds good N easy for used...!!

[@rojibshahi2075]

where do you put in pedal chain, I just put that one at last of my pedal chain, it created some hiss noises, any idea how to solve that issue,the pedal is great tho,

[@b7vno]

Hi, in the G3... Can you set up an overdrive+reverb in a single bank? I mean, by just pressing a switch you got overdrive+delay ? I'll reaaaally aprpeciatte your answer. Thanks!

[@paqman78]

Bruno Rodríguez yes. Save it as a patch.

[@neilswan8015]

I'm finally buying one although I think the g3n amps may sound better- I like the screens better on the g3 and the synth effects

[@esticaandres3169]

Hello! There is an xlr input in the back.. is that intended for actually plugging a Mic? for singing or micking other instrument such an acoustic? can i record vocals on the DAW with that? I appreciate your help! Regards,Marcelo

[@KleyDeJong]

The XLR is an output.

[@esticaandres3169]

Hi! thanks for your prompt reply. Wich uses would that have then?

[@KennethDonnellyStargazer21]

@@esticaandres3169 for balanced connection to a pa

[@nevinmarknarciso]

how to set the Delay & Reverb trails on this pedal?

[@LarsJ1977]

Not sure if I want to buy the Zoom G3X or the Zoom G3Xn.. any advice?

[@KleyDeJong]

I have not tried the new G3Xn yet and would love to. There is a thread on TGP on it and some have reported that in some ways it is a step forward while in other ways it is a step back. The amp models sound pretty good and are improved. But some of the functionality is lacking compared to the G3X. I know for my uses the way it does tap tempo or the lack of a balanced XLR out would be drawbacks for me. So it may really depend on what exactly you need it to do. Thread here - www.thegearpage.net/board/index.php?threads/zoom-g3n-series-announced.1745928/

[@LarsJ1977]

Thank you.

[@fistwood]

It kinda a drawback because g3x have 116 effects, the other hand g3xn only have 80 effects, the balance output is dissapear too

[@urbanrunoff]

still using my orig. alesis quadraverb as a home multieffect, time to upgrade this or the boss gt1? ;)

[@Zone9Rock]

I had a Boss GT-8 several years ago, but ended up selling it because I could never really get a vibe that connected with me. I stayed way from digital multi-effects in general for the last couple of years until I took the leap with the Zoom G3. The G3 smokes the GT-8 in terms of how it connects to you as a guitar player (with headphones). I can't recommend it for gigging in a live / pro situation. Digital amp sim just does not cut it in a live mix unless you spend $$$$. However, it is KILLER for practice and solo live situations.

[@urbanrunoff]

thx.

[@3015gaurav]

im starter in guitar 2yrs. still learning solo. and just starting to play live also for rthydh guitar and small solo to fill the pereformace. would you suggest me g3x for live? i've fender squire

[@ezwanrosli772]

hi G3 user here! :D

[@ZombieLincoln666]

I wonder how they compare in 2023

[@flooringeveryday2896]

i just received this how do you get in stompbox mode? Do i just save my sounds to a patch and then just turn them on and off in a patch and bank. a little confused

[@paqman78]

Bigdog read the manual bro. if you don't have the manual, download it from the zoom website.

[@roleypolyjoely2400]

I'm a bedroom guitarist looking to use the G3 for its amp modelling. Should I run the G3 into powered, full range speakers like the Yamaha HS-8 or into a tube amp like the Fender Blues Jr III? I am on a tight budget.

[@paqman78]

Joel Benotto if you're gonna use the amp sims, why would you run it into a real amp?? The amp sims are there if you're gonna use speakers or into a DAW.

[@ezwanrosli772]

do you record all this using G3 as Audio Interface?

[@Scs905]

Good bro

[@flooringeveryday2896]

can you bypass the unit to just use the effects with a clean amp?

[@KleyDeJong]

Yes, you just choose not to put an amp model in the chain and run it in direct mode. I use this frequently, and did it in the video for the delay section.

[@flooringeveryday2896]

Ok cool I have the zoom Mbt 100 single pedal and I can put multiple sounds on one patch. Can I do that with this or am I only getting one sound or choice per the three channels.

[@KleyDeJong]

You can have it in stompox mode where each button turns an individual effect on or off. Or you can do preset mode where two of the switches go up or down through presets.

[@3015gaurav]

where two of the switches go up or down through presets...i got that...but what the next switch will do 3rd right most?

[@ljvolschenk9870]

Hi great review, how do I switch over to a patch in the decended volume state?

[@barno01]

hahaha!

[@barno01]

Sorry mate. I think probably this isn't the place find the answer to that question. Maybe private message him?

[@billwest5330]

What about setting the tempo on the drums?

[@KleyDeJong]

It syncs to the tap tempo

[@billwest5330]

@@KleyDeJong is there a video for this?

[@KleyDeJong]

@@billwest5330 tap on the tap button that blinks.

[@jmill7008]

Can you loop vocals?

[@Geert890]

@Kley De Jong what are you playing @13:20?

[@KleyDeJong]

Based on John Mayer's Slow Dancing in a Burning Room.

[@kevins1310]

how many effects can you use at once?

[@KleyDeJong]

6 total slots. 3 active on the footswitches / screens. 3 more in the background. It is possible to hit a DSP limit at 5 if you use the HD reverb and certain amp models together.

[@1peanut]

i have watched 2 dozen reviews and not one shows the software / pc interface via usb. all these guitar effect reviews always forget the best part.

[@Vazmusic]

How do I change the name of a patch?

[@benoitlamarre]

Hi, for effect use should it be pluged in the amp effect loop?

[@KleyDeJong]

Depends on what you want to do. If you're just using delay and reverb and have distortion in your amp - then yes. But if you're using other pedals for distortion and have a clean amp then I'd just run it into the front.

[@rupertballroot165]

does it have drum tracks??

[@lizardwizard195]

Yes

[@Llans889]

Two tap tempo?

[@Sebastian-Key]

"aaaamm, aaammmm, aaaaaammmmm !"

[@Geert890]

Dutch last name hey!

[@artgallery743]

Too bad I don't see any guitar being played thru as you describe so not of much value to me.

[@KleyDeJong]

Time stamps in the description.

[@cyberghost4043]

this would have been a nice video if there was less talking and more playing

[@bunnylovenuts8680]

This is a really nice review because there is more talking and less playing than other reviews. The reviewer offers his opinion about the practical side of this unit as he uses it and, fortunately for me, it is right in the area of my interest/use. On top of that - he states right up front that it is a "verbal review". Well done and many thanks for a job very well done.