Parallel processing, a technique often employed in studios to sculpt rich and complex guitar tones, can seem out of reach for musicians on a tight budget. Traditionally, achieving this involved expensive multi-effects units or intricate pedalboard setups. However, there’s a surprisingly affordable solution that utilizes readily available and budget-friendly gear: Zoom Guitar Effects Pedals.
For guitarists and bassists seeking to experiment with parallel processing without breaking the bank, leveraging two Zoom multi-effects pedals is a clever and effective strategy. While high-end, modern Zoom devices like the G6 or B6 don’t natively support parallel processing within a single unit, the versatility and low cost of older Zoom pedals open up a world of sonic possibilities.
Consider this: you can often find used Zoom B1on or G1on pedals for incredibly low prices. Acquiring two of these, along with a simple ABY pedal, allows you to split your guitar signal and route it through each Zoom pedal independently. This setup enables you to run different effects chains simultaneously, blending them back together for a layered and expansive sound. For instance, you could dedicate one Zoom pedal to ambient reverb and delay, while the other processes your core tone with overdrive and modulation.
The beauty of this approach lies not only in its affordability but also in the flexibility it offers. Despite their budget-friendly nature, these older generation Zoom pedals are known for their surprisingly competent sound quality, especially when tweaked effectively. While the pitch-shifting capabilities might not rival dedicated pedals like a POG or Pitchfork, other effects such as delays, reverbs, modulation, and even amp simulations can be dialed in to sound professional and inspiring.
Furthermore, the versatility of these Zoom units extends beyond their intended use. Whether you opt for guitar or bass versions (like B1on/Xon, G1on/Xon, MS-60B/50G/70CDR, G3n/B3n, G1four/Xfour, B1four/Xfour), the internal effects are largely interchangeable. Tools like Zoom Firmware Editor and Zoom Effect Manager (unofficial but highly useful) allow you to customize your pedal’s effect library, loading effects from different Zoom models within the same generation. This means you can tailor each pedal in your parallel setup with a unique palette of sounds, regardless of whether it was originally designed for guitar or bass.
In conclusion, if you’re intrigued by parallel processing but concerned about the cost, exploring a dual Zoom guitar effects pedal setup is a fantastic entry point. By combining two inexpensive Zoom multi-effects units with an ABY pedal, you can unlock a world of rich, layered tones without emptying your wallet. This approach proves that creative and effective guitar tone experimentation doesn’t always require top-of-the-line gear.
