The Zoom G6 strengthens the popular line-up of multi-effects processors from renowned Japanese effects experts Zoom with a particularly powerful floor modeler featuring first-class sounds and extensive functionality. The compact all-in-one solution for guitarists offers a wide range of amp simulations of classic guitar amps from clean to high gain, a large section of pre-installed impulse responses and, of course, an ultimate collection of various effects units from overdrive and modulation to spatial reverb and delay effects. Furthermore, the Zoom G6 is ideally equipped for studio applications with its function as a fully-fledged USB audio interface.
All amp models of the Zoom G6 can be freely combined with over 70 pre-installed Impulse Responses for a wide variety of sound characters. The high-quality impulse responses are based on 22 of the most popular speaker cabinets, ranging from compact 1x12" cabinets to large over-sized 4x12 cabinets, and elicit three different microphone positions from each cab for the perfect blend of speaker sound and room tone. In addition, the Zoom G6 provides up to 100 additional slots for custom impulse responses, making the sonic possibilities limitless.
The Zoom G6's expansive effects section is the heart of the handy floor modeler, offering the right effect for every sound. An enormous variety of effects is available, from simple stompboxes to advanced precision tools. In the distortion section, for example, the innovative Razor Drive creates a comb-filter based distortion effect with a unique sonic character, while the Wave Shaper allows absolute control over the waveform of the distortion sound with a rich overtone character. On the modulation side, PolyShift is a powerful tool for pitch-shifting effects, and Geminos is a real-time doubling effect.
The Zoom G6's easy-to-use Phrase Looper function proves that it's also a strong performer in live settings. With a maximum recording time of 45 seconds (up to 2 hours with a separately available SD/SDXC card) and unlimited overdubs, the G6 is perfect for live performers and solo artists. Combined with 68 different rhythm patterns in the Groove section, the Zoom G6 becomes a comprehensive backing band for solo sessions in seconds. 256 recorded loop creations can be stored internally and recalled at any time.
For maximum compatibility with any environment, the G6 features a wide range of connectivity options to ensure easy signal processing and professional-quality recording. A stereo output with two separate channels and adjustable output volume and an additional FX loop for use with external effects devices are provided, while the aux and control inputs offer additional control options and the ability to record backing tracks. Connected to a PC or Mac via the USB port, the Zoom G6 becomes a fully-fledged audio interface with two inputs and two outputs and offers a huge selection of additional amps and effects via the free Zoom Guitar Lab software.
I had a Zoom Player Pro 4040 back in the day, then I replaced it with a G3. And now I've upgraded to the G6. It's definitely a superior product—maybe not in Helix or Headrush territory, but you get a lot of sounds for your money. Why, then, did Zoom load it with such a weak set of presets? Few of them show what the unit is capable of. Better to install the Guitar Lab software on your computer, hook up the G6 via USB, start editing your own patches, and hear the G6 come into its own.