Zoom Guitar Processors

The best assistant for beginners and experienced guitarists is the guitar processor - a device that consists of several footswitches and many buttons on which dozens of sound effects are programmed. One of the most popular among the huge selection is the Zoom guitar processor.

The brand represents products for both amateurs and professional musicians. Despite the different level of play, any of them will be able to choose a high-quality device and learn how to work with it. All Zoom guitar processors are built on the basis of the company's own microchips. They do not disclose the secret, but, according to customer reviews, it is clear that no one has met such technologies for such a low cost.

Guitar effects are conventionally divided into 4 categories:

• signal amplification effects;

• delay effects;

• spatial processing;

• other special effects.

Zoom presents a wide range of guitar processors, among which anyone can choose a device for specific purposes and skills. The most popular ones are described below.

This device is equipped with a 32-bit DSP-chip ZFX-3, which has a wide range of sound emulators of common amplifiers and effects pedals.

Its price is in the range of 6-7 thousand rubles.

Dozens of tonalities can be found inside this processor.It features not only a huge amount of DSP effects, but also 100 new patches that have been completely hand crafted. Setting up the processor does not take much time and effort, because all the necessary manipulations are as simple and understandable as possible - even a beginner can handle it. Thanks to the large display, you can instantly remove, add and change the order of the effects. Device storage allows you to place up to 200 of your own effect chains at the same time. An expression pedal will help you control key, volume, and other selected parameters. The cost of such a model is rather big - from 23,000 rubles.

Although this model has recently been discontinued, it can still be found in some music stores. The device is the perfect combination of versatility and easy control of a multi-effects processor.

A new device can be purchased for 18 thousand rubles.

The mechanism contains 70 multi-effects and multipliers of sound amplifiers. The G1X FOUR features a looper function and a drum machine. 60 traditional and boutique effects are sewn into the device. It is possible to connect and load additional effects and patches in the ZOOM GUITAR Lab library, which is regularly updated with the latest developments. In addition, the model is supplemented with an expression pedal, with the use of which you can control the playback volume, wah-wah, delay and patch. The cost of this model starts at 8 thousand rubles.

It should be noted that guitar processors are categorized by installation type, which is definitely worth considering before purchasing. They can be of several types.

• Tabletop. The body of the mechanism is installed on a table or other flat surface. A foot pedal is included for better control.

• Outdoor. The pedal and the tuner are located in a single body, which is placed on the floor.

• Rack. The designs of these models are reminiscent of desktop processors and are mounted on a special rack.

For example, a desktop device is more suitable for studio work, and a floor model is preferable for frequent performances.

In addition, different types of guitars require a separate set of functions from the device. So, for an acoustic guitar that has a rich sound, many effects are not required. On the other hand, for electric guitars that need to be filled with color, the presence of many DSP effects will play an important role in enriching the playing. There are dedicated bass processors for bass guitars.

When choosing a guitar processor, you need to consider the individual style of music, the level of performance (professional or beginner), the convenience of display and control, as well as the durability of the cabinet. Besides, models can be equipped with functions such as a tuner, metronome, drum machine and audio interface, which is also selected depending on individual preferences.

Safety precautions must be followed when using Zoom guitar processors:

• use only the adapter that was included;

• do not open the case or modify the device;

• do not subject the device to shocks and shaking;

• do not allow any objects or liquids to get inside;

• avoid use at low or high air temperatures;

• do not install it near heat sources;

• turn off the power before disconnecting the wires;

• before turning on the device, you must set the minimum volume.

As the device is used, the musician should learn the basic concepts and consider the diagram of the model's device. Beginners should carefully read the instructions and learn how to save and replace patches, be able to adjust effects and understand how to use the tuner, rhythm patterns and phrase sampler.

An overview of the G1X FOUR model in the video below.