Zoom G7.1ut

Not the easiest of products to get your head round, but once you get going and have a good fiddle around, things become a lot easier. Like anything of a tecnical you buy really, you just have to be a bit patient at the start and read the manual.
There are a multitude of diffent amp simulator settings, effects etc but like most equipment of this type, you will probably only use a few of them.
Editing a patch, once you've got the knack of it, is very easy. The best way to do it is to grab a sound you like from the preset patches that is the closest to what you want, have a look at the settings it has in edit mode, ammend them to meet your taste, then store it as a user patch. Simples!
If you are technically minded, you can can grab patches as downloads off the internet (Zoom website) and if you know someone who sounds great using one of these G7 units, you can ask nicely (or buy them a beer!) and nick his/her patches by linking your device with theirs via a midi link.

I'm using it with two session(ette) 75 combos and my guitar is an Ibanez JS100.
The Zoom G7 has a plethora of effects, but like me you'll probably settle on just a few of them. Some like the Peavey Drive can sound too "processed", you know that metally wasp in a can noise, but some are sweet like the MS drive pre amp. The expression pedal works well (once you've worked it out).
Some of the the heavier distorted pre amp settings do required you to use a fair bit of noise gate (eg 14 out of 16 setting) which can cut off a singing sustained note attempt quite abruptly.
I use it as a volume pedal and a WAH, although the WAH is not as good as say using a dedicated pedal like a CryBaby (even though it has a Cry Baby simulated effect).You have to be fairly heavy footed to activate it as well. There isn't the feel or the audible click when activated that you get from a CryBaby.
The twin outputs are good for stereo amp set ups like I use and the output volume control on the unit itself means you can easily adjust your overal output volume depending on the gig venue/size without touching your amp settings. The clean settings, like JC amp emulator, acoustic emulator etc sound very good on my set up, esepcially with my JS100 in single coil mode.

I am using it for gigging.
It is a sturdy device and stays put on the floor well, which as you gigging musicians will know, is a very handy feature, especially when you have a clumsy footed bass player leaping around next to you!.
It looks the part as well.
The only trouble I have had was at an open air daytime gig when the strong sunlight made it hard to see the LED display on the Zoom G7.
I have an old Zoom effects pedal (Zoom 3000) to fall back on but have never taken it out to a gig as a back up. I trust this unit.
I have had only one problem with it in the year that I've had it and that was at a practice when it suddenly started going up the sound banks by itself.
It must have been a bit of dust or dirt that made its way into the bank switch because a quick blast of switch contact cleaner cured the problem.

I haven't had to deal with ZOOM to complain so I can't comment on what they are like, but I did send a general e-mail question about the device to them and they did respond fairly quickly.

I play in a rock covers band (have been for 13 years) doing anything lierally from A to Z (Aerosmith to ZZ top) and require sounds ranging from clean rhythm eg Doobie Brothers, cleaning picking and acoustic sounds eg the softer Metallica stuff, classic rock sounds eg Thin Lizzy, right through to the heavier stuff like Van Halen, Satriani, Guns n Roses etc.
The Zoom enables me to reproduce these sound fairly accurately without undue hiss or noise. I've even managed to get my Yamaha APX4 electro acoustic to go through it without booming feedback.
Overall a good, sturdy and capable unit for the money. That is why I choose it. The Boss GT10 looked a good unit but was double the price. The next Zoom up, the G9, looked overcomplicated and bulky for gig usage.

The G7 Zoom has everything the gigging musician could need i.e it is effective sounding, reliable, sturdy and doesn't take up half the stage.
If it were stolen I would buy the same again.

I got this "new" (must have been a demo) for a good price. It takes a while to get through the manual and to dial in the sounds you want but it is fairly intuitive and easy to edit patches. I was surprised how much you can find online as mentioned in other reviews. I like it that I can edit patches quickly on the fly in a live setting with the knobs and unless I save it, the original setting is not effected. I did not get the cables or cubase so no editing was done with the computer. I imagine it's faster but not really necessary.

I bought this to replace my amp and large analog pedal board because the stuff is just to labor intense to carry around. So when I go to an open mic, or show up to jam with musicians or are traveling I just take my Zoom 7.1 and plug straight into the PA, run the PA channel flat and I'm ready to play.
It is easy to change the tube. I have tried JJ Tesla, NOS Ratheon, Hughes&Kettner, 12AX7 and 12AU7 and 12AX7a but liked the Electro Harmonix 12AX7 the best of all of them. It wasn't too bright, yet gave my sound the sparkle I was looking for. It broke up nicely and gave warmth to some of distortion patches and handled the heavy distortion well also.
I don't think there is any sound that I can't get with a little bit of time tweaking using the booster, the air effects, the delay, chorus, and many pre-amps models. It takes a while to figure out how to get the wah to sound good and the switch on the expression pedal is a little difficult.
I love this multi-effect and the variety of sounds that are possible. It really nails Brian Setzer and Lynrd Skynrd, Boston and the Eagles. Nice quiet also!

I have had it for three or four months and gigged with it several times with no back-up. I have nothing else to say. Has worked great so far.

Haven't needed to even attempt to contact them.

I play a lot of Classic Rock, some Country, and a lot of Contemporary Christian music. I can get any sound I want. It plays clean really well. The multi-effects that I have heard others play, the Digitech RP series, the Boss ME-50, the Vox Tonelab SE, or POD XT Live, can't do the clean stuff as well.
If this were lost or stolen I would check out the newer 9.2 version with two tubes or find another one of these.
I love the ability to adjust on the fly, if the room I'm playing is too bright I can reach down and take away some Treble or presence or even Mids and/or boost the Lo Mids or Bass. I can also quick reach down and add gain or level. It's flexible and fun to play with. I'm always tweaking the sounds because it is easy to do. It inspires me to try new things and to spend more time playing my guitar.
I have been playing guitar close to 30 years now. I have a Pedal Pad Pedalboard with two tiers and I spent $2,000 trying to find the best effects possible and I love the sounds I get out of that into my Ampeg 1-12" guitar amp, but it is really heavy to carry around. I was surprised that I liked the Zoom Multi-effect and that the digital sound with the tube isn't bad at all. I will continue to use it whenever moving the pedal pad is a problem.

I have had this nearly a year and gigged about twice a month with it. Given the huge range of parameters features I have found it fairly intuitive but you need to study the manual. The thing which took all the pain out was the library editor software. I play in a diciplned way - set lists are preset. All I need to do is rearrange the set list in the software and down load to the G7 and then use them live in sequence. Also, when setting a patch up I do it connected to the amp but using the software to set and save - EASY. The ability to export / import set lists makes it a joy

I have tried this straight to a powered speaker and it is usable but better using my amp (class A tube combo). I am constantly tweaking and finding new things. If you play in a covers band as I do - you need a big range of sounds and with a decent amp this will cover the ground (be prepared to do lots of tweaking). The EQ and Zoom noise reduction are great. I was once proudly an analogue only pdeal user. I can't remember why I suddenly changed to the zoom unit. I recently tried my old pedal board thinking I was missing something. I am now back to the zoom G7.

The expression pedal torque adjustmentis a really stupid design which broke (stripped the adjustment screw which is in a really anoying location). However, shoved some wood wedges between the underside of the pedal and its axel - works fine. Apart from this - not a problem

The web site is good and download updates worked fine. I asked a question about the software once and got a quick helpful response. I would love to know what the potenial is with this unit interms of reprogramming. Apart from the Zoom software - I have not seen much on Mods or tweaks on the web. If anybody sees this review and has some info please let me know

Great for Covers Band with a big range of sounds required. A guitarist used to a good tube amp can hear the tone problems but this would lost on an audience. I have not tried any other MultiFX. I think if you are prepared to put the time in on the patches - you would not be disappointed - i.e. I don't see as many G7's on Ebay as I do Boss / Vox other multi FX.

It takes some time at first to get used to this wonder... but once you understand it and take the manual seriously you are set. Look on-line for tricks and patches.

Ok, here is where things can go down hill for you if you are not patient. PICK THE CORRECT AMP when you are setting up your sound (or editing a patch).

You can get any kind of sound you will ever need. The pre-set patch for Kurt Cobain is just insane... (try the song lithium)... just unreal. Play with it, U2 fans? you are up for a treat!

Iron Maiden sound from all eras... you can have them all down.

GNR!!! just sick with the very first patch (A0)... chunky and dirty.

This thing is heavy duty, period. Forget Digitech ****! this is the real thing!

Great updated software on zoom's website

I've been playing for 15 years, I've tried many so-called "multi-effects"... brother, they ain't got nothing on this real tube pre-amped monster... Just hook up you computer and record/edit your own material. Get it ready to distribute it to your bandmates and make the most of your expensive jamming session.

Not the easiest in the world to use but once you spend some time with it, it's user friendly. editing patches can be time consuming if you are fickle. It can get passable tones out of the box but you have to spend time tweaking it to get "good" tones. The manual is ok and you should definitely use it. I've had it for about a year and am pretty fast editing it now.

I have used mine in several different amps ranging from a 1976 Fender Twin to a Red Stripe Peavey Bandit and it performs well with both tube and SS amps if you adjust the settings to fit your ears. I do not use any modulation or time based FX but the reverb isn't bad at all. My guitars range from a Epi SG to USA Fender strat and a few in between.

It reacts to picking dynamics better with a tube amp but it's still there with a SS just not as pronounced. I do mostly high gain stuff but I have a patch that nails Angus Youngs tone to a "T". Fender clean stuff is very good and blows away any Line6 stuff I've tried.

I use it mostly for high gain stuff in the stoner/sludge vein. As others have mentioned be careful with the noise gate. I believe Zoom/Samson has the best digital noise gate in existence but adjust carefully.

If you gig this unit it can take the rigors of the road but be careful with the DC jack. It seems to be weaker than some other MFX units I've had. I had to reseat and reinforce the DC jack 6 months into using it but then again I am rough on my gear so your mileage may vary.

Never had to deal with Zoom/Samson on the phone or e-mail but I've read mixed reviews. N/C

I play mostly Stoner/Sludge stuff but also am in a typical covers band that I use it in and I can get any tones from Iommi, to Angus to Gilmour with tweaking. I've been playing guitar for 25 years. If it were stolen or lost I'd buy the G9 because it's an excuse to upgrade.

I've directly a/b'd this unit against the POD XTLIVE, Digitech GNX3000 and a Boss ME30 and it's better than any of them in my applications and amps. When I compare units for reviews I spend an entire day doing it taking breaks from ear fatigue every couple hours or so.

Look the bottom line is this.. If this review was based solely on "bang for the buck" I'd call it the greatest MFX on planet earth! However it's not based solely on that so my conclusion is this: If you are on a budget and you want to get "close" tones to the big boys then this unit will do that better than anything I've tried. From Fender Cleans to High Gain Recto's and lot's in between.
No it's not a "pro" unit but you won't find anything in my opinion that get's as close to so many different amps and tones as this thing does without spending 15K to have various amps not could you fit those amps on one stage. I guarantee you if you do buy this unit and take some time to tweak it, you will be laughing all the way to the bank and the stage.

This model is like that old boardgame Othello: Seconds to learn, lifetime to master. That is, you can get great tones with the presets just by plugging in. But it has so much flexibility that you can really fine-tune the sound you want.

Editing patches on the console is not too difficult, but using the patch librarian on your computer (connects via standard MIDI) is really a breeze. And you can audition the patches before you save them.

The manual is pretty good--a little clunky (I am guessing it wasn't written by a native English speaker, but it's not too bad). The really valuable piece of information is the model list--the list of which amp and effect models are represented by which codes.

I use this with: American Standard Stratocaster, MIM Telecaster, Epiphone (China) Standard Les Paul. I run the output to a Hughes&Kettner 15 watt combo (that has a 10' Celestion speaker) or to headphones. The unit sounds fantastic through the Celestion. And OK through the headphones

This unit also has a 12AX7 tube preamp, which makes the whole unit really sound like the amp models--more so than the digital-only modelers.

The unit itself isn't noisy (although the single coils on the Fenders can be...). I don't really try to mimic my favorite artists, but there are certain "types" of sounds I go for. I like the Vox AC300 sound with the Telecaster, and I like the HK Triamp setting with the Les Paul and the Strat, Marshall stack settings with the LP and the Strat and semi-clean chorusy settings on the Strat. Also, the acoustic modeler is, actually, rather good--it's really hard to tell the difference between the modeler and an acoustic-electric.

Also, the unit has a foot pedal--which works pretty well on controlling volume and wah-wah--and is adjustable via parameters on the console or via the patch librarian.

It's got a metal chasis--very solid. I would gig without a backup.

Web site is very good. You can get the firmware, librarian, patch sets, etc. Have not spoken in person with them, though.

I play a lot of progressive rock and progressive pop. This unit gives me just about all the kinds of sounds that I'm looking for. And you do get real tube overtones from it. I compared it with the similar level Digitech and Line6 products, and I really did like the feel that the tube circuit added, and I had also been very interested in the Hughes&Kettner Triamp model, and I've been very, very happy with the unit. The only drawback, when recording, is that if I'm recording through the mic'ed cab, and I've got the unit in the same room with the mic, the mic can pick up the sound of stepping on the switches to change the patches and turn effects on and off.

I bought this unit about two years ago after trying many different multi-effects units. I do not use anything else, just this, straight into the amp with the lower db setting on, master volume at 3/4, and R2 amp cab simulator on.

Some sections of this unit are easy to get around, like changing the tone, and volume, saving patches, etc. But if I am on a gig and I dont have the manual, I have a difficult time editing the pedal, for instance. Or changing the name of the patch. There is not a button labeled 'Name'. maybe it is just me, but I do get frustrated with the way that the menus are structured.

I use a Godin Freeway SA (synth Access) H/S/H configuration (with two Rio Grande pickups in it. Amplifier is a Tech 21 Trademark 60 (Transistor) with 2 12 " Celestions in it.

Trying this unit in the store I was impressed with the tone right away. I did not like the Vox, the Korgs, the Digitechs, and the Boss effects that I tried. Perhaps it was the tube that sold me on it. The stock patches are not great, but I have tweaked this unit for the last two years, mostly in between sets on stage.

The distortions....I have gotten some great distortions out of this thing, and really good chorus. I also use the tap tempo quite a bit, and the Wah, and the Whammy Pedal. (Great for Rage Against the machine stuff or Satriani) Fast Chorus for SRV songs, Tremolo with Reverb for Old time Country. I could go on.

Switch stopped working after a few months. had it replaced. Then another switch is intermittent. This is a known problem with G7 an G9. Those big metal switches? Well they actually make contact with a little switch mounted on the circuit board. Supposedly they have fixed them, but I am stuck with an old model. Some people say, twisting the button helps, because there is a spring under there, and it somehow helps it make contact. Frustrating to say the least, when you are stomping and stomping away to try and get the patch to change. The switch for the Volume/Wha/parameter sweep with require almost all your weight on it to get it to switch. But that is better than having it switch off in the middle of your wha solo. :-) I live with these annoyances because I like the sound. A chrome knob fell off too, lost it. Very durable otherwise. I dont think dropping it will break it, lets put it that way.

I dont have a backup, but if I cant get a certain sound, I just switch to another. Will have to get it fixed one day.

The music store Long And McQuades did fix the switch promptly. Also right after I bought it, I upgraded the patch editor software online , connected to the unit, and the unit stopped working. Took it back and got another one. Wrote a letter to Zoom. Never got a reply. There is now way I am going to upgrade this one!

I play Rock/Pop/Funk/Country/Blues. been playing for 32 years. I love the sounds, but the switch problem annoys me. I do get compliments all the time on the sound that I am getting with this thing though. If it was lost or stolen, I would get something else but probably a Zoom or a Roland VG-99 because I have the synth guitar. But not this model. If you can get one used, I think you will like it if you are a casual player. I play every single weekend though.

I like the fact that you can name the patches instead of a number. I hated that about my Korg A11. Wish there was a global Volume editor. I know that one of the new pedals has that.

re: buttons stop responding - zoom used a bad source for these micro switches.

ok now that I have ownwed it for 2+ years now I must say I love it other than the fact I have now replaced (2)two of the circuit board mounted momentary switches - ones under the foot switches, lucky I am a certified electronics tech and had some on hand.

need yours repaired call me Jimmy at 7027621222
(Chiles is my stage name here in Vegas - incase you get the message)

great sound

yeah over all it is reliable and when a microbutton goes out it ussually can be pressed harder to get to work prior to complete failure

never delt with'em direct however the download page is handy other than the japenese lauguage prompts

great pedal at a good price too bad the microbuttons are sub-standard

Well... first of all.. i think is really easy to use... just push onebutton, move the parameters and you can make watevet you want.. i think all the efects is easy to make... comencing with the first button, Compresor its really helpful to make your sound, Wah and fx1 s great too... but only i think the wah it didnt sound so good but is really sound decent (in a 10 to 1 scale ill give it a 8.9). the znr is a miracle my good!!!, pre amp i think all the simulations sounds prety good, except for the marshall one and the Hudges and ketner, the eq is veary usefull, cabinet do mariacles too!!!, i think is really handy machine :)

I have a kramer 100st (my god im so lucky!!!) with a seymour duncan, and a ibanez... i think the sound... my god is amazing... i dont know why the people says that this thing didnt sound good and takes time bla bla bla... FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!! is an multiefects!!! is not a plug and play machine!!!! you need to take your time.. if you think that you dont need to take your time to make a patch sound good... so even with a gt-10 (or 6 or 8 o whatever) youll complain... every multifects takes time... when you take your time ohh my god you can make miracles... my favs are the mesa, de zoom stack, diezel, extreme ditortion souynds very very great!!!! the tube do miracles too.

well... reliability... i think i can have more in this machine that in my girlfriend xD!... when you have setu-uped you don need to have worried. Its metal construction is just really hard and is very efective.

Well i dont have too much to said here... maybe that when youre equalizing just take the treble in almos -6 and the presence and harmonics rond 6 :)

i play... metal (heavy, thrash,), Hard rock (Velvet revolver, Guns n roses, The cult), Clasic rock (deep purple, zeppelin, Sabbath(i think is more metal than clasic but bla xD)), Spanish rock (soda stereo, Heroes del silencio), Grunge (pearl jam, Nirvana, Sound garden, Creed, Bush), and so on, and for all i have the sound that i want, iv been playing for 3 and a half years and my teacher 7 and h have a gt-6... and when he hear this beauty says wow it sounds very amazing...

handle position of eq isnt comfortable - this is the first and last defect
g7.1 - very handy unit

dont listen default patches - they are awful
if you have hands and ears in right place you can get a beautiful sound. i dont know what about hard-n-heavy, but it's right for blues, artrock, funk etc - tube works

>Can you get the sound of your favorite artists? Who are they?
http://giasso.s42.eatj.com/ZooM/home.jsp

i've changed microbuttoms inside for more reliable - its the only problem with it

dont know

i like it