Acom B6 User manual

Operation Manual
You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.
©2021 ZOOM CORPORATION
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Notes about this Operation Manual
You might need this manual in the future. Always keep it in a place where you can access it easily.
The contents of this document and the specifications of the product could be changed without notice.
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• The SD, SDHC and SDXC logos are trademarks.
• Other product names, registered trademarks and company names in this document are the property of
their respective companies.
• All trademarks and registered trademarks in this document are for identification purposes only and are
not intended to infringe on the copyrights of their respective owners.
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Terms used in this manual
Patch memory
Patch memories store effects and amps used, effect on/off states and parameter setting values, allowing
easy recall. Effects are saved and recalled in units of patch memories. Up to 9 effects can be added to a
patch memory, and up to 240 patch memories can be stored.
Bank
One group of 4 patch memories is a “bank”. Patch memories can be quickly recalled by switching banks. Up
to 60 banks can be stored.
Effect type
The available effect types include various bass effects and amp/cabinet simulation models. Effects can be
selected from these types to be added to patch memories.
Category
Effects are grouped by types into categories.
Autosave
This function automatically saves changes to patch memory and effect settings.
ECO mode
This function will automatically turn the power off 10 hours after the last operation.
Looper
Stereo phrases that are up to 45 seconds long can be recorded and played back repeatedly.
By using an SD card, the recording time can be lengthened and phrases can be saved. An SD card also
enables use of other audio files as loops.
Preselect
This function allows continued use of the current patch memory sound while switching to another patch
memory at a distant number.
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Contents
Notes about this Operation Manual........................................................................................................................ 2
Terms used in this manual........................................................................................................................................3
B6 structure..................................................................................................................................................................7
Signal flow.....................................................................................................................................................................7
INPUT SELECT function...............................................................................................................................................9
DI section function...................................................................................................................................................... 9
BYPASS function.........................................................................................................................................................10
Memory overview (patch memories/banks)......................................................................................................... 10
Play mode overview..................................................................................................................................................11
Touchscreen operation overview........................................................................................................................... 12
Screens that appear on the touchscreen..............................................................................................................12
Using the Menu Screen............................................................................................................................................14
Using various function screens...............................................................................................................................16
Functions of parts..................................................................................................................................................... 17
Top............................................................................................................................................................................... 17
Back..............................................................................................................................................................................18
Menu Screen.............................................................................................................................................................. 20
Making connections.................................................................................................................................................. 22
Inserting SD cards..................................................................................................................................................... 24
Turning the power on/off........................................................................................................................................ 25
Turning the power on...............................................................................................................................................25
Turning the power off.............................................................................................................................................. 26
Selecting the input (INPUT SELECT)........................................................................................................................27
Selecting the input (DI TYPE)...................................................................................................................................28
Using the bypass function....................................................................................................................................... 29
Adjusting the master level.......................................................................................................................................30
Adjusting output EQ and volume........................................................................................................................... 31
Turning effects on and off while playing.............................................................................................................. 33
Switching banks and patch memories while playing.......................................................................................... 36
Using the PRESELECT function................................................................................................................................ 38
Switching patch memories in one bank while playing........................................................................................40
Using the looper while playing............................................................................................................................... 43
Looper operations..................................................................................................................................................... 45
Setting the looper......................................................................................................................................................49
Using SD cards...........................................................................................................................................................54
Adjusting effects........................................................................................................................................................57
Turning effects on/off...............................................................................................................................................57
Replacing effects........................................................................................................................................................59
Adjusting effects........................................................................................................................................................ 62
Changing the order of effects................................................................................................................................. 65
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Adding effects............................................................................................................................................................ 66
Deleting effects.......................................................................................................................................................... 68
Making all settings on one screen..........................................................................................................................69
Setting the patch memory level............................................................................................................................. 72
Changing patch memory names.............................................................................................................................73
Adjusting the master tempo................................................................................................................................... 75
Managing patch memories...................................................................................................................................... 76
Saving patch memories............................................................................................................................................76
Changing the order of patch memories................................................................................................................79
Deleting patch memories.........................................................................................................................................80
Creating patch memories.........................................................................................................................................81
Managing banks........................................................................................................................................................ 84
Changing the order of banks.................................................................................................................................. 84
Deleting banks........................................................................................................................................................... 86
Creating banks........................................................................................................................................................... 88
Using a connected expression pedal..................................................................................................................... 90
Using the tuner..........................................................................................................................................................92
Activating the tuner.................................................................................................................................................. 92
Changing tuner settings........................................................................................................................................... 93
Using rhythms............................................................................................................................................................96
Activating rhythms.....................................................................................................................................................96
Making rhythm settings............................................................................................................................................97
Starting/stopping rhythm playback......................................................................................................................101
Rhythm patterns......................................................................................................................................................102
Using the send and return.................................................................................................................................... 104
FxLoop....................................................................................................................................................................... 105
Send........................................................................................................................................................................... 105
Return........................................................................................................................................................................106
Using impulse responses (IR)................................................................................................................................ 107
Using impulse responses (IR)................................................................................................................................ 107
Loading impulse response (IR) data.....................................................................................................................109
Using audio interface functions............................................................................................................................112
Installing drivers...................................................................................................................................................... 112
Connecting to a computer.....................................................................................................................................113
Making audio interface settings........................................................................................................................... 114
Connecting to iOS/iPadOS devices wirelessly.....................................................................................................116
Making unit settings............................................................................................................................................... 117
Setting the AUTOSAVE function............................................................................................................................117
Adjusting the brightness of the touchscreen..................................................................................................... 118
Setting the ECO mode............................................................................................................................................118
Managing the firmware..........................................................................................................................................119
Checking the firmware versions........................................................................................................................... 119
Updating....................................................................................................................................................................119
Restoring factory default settings........................................................................................................................ 120
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Managing SD cards................................................................................................................................................. 121
Checking SD card information.............................................................................................................................. 121
Formatting SD cards............................................................................................................................................... 122
Using as a card reader...........................................................................................................................................124
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................................................126
The unit will not power on....................................................................................................................................126
There is no sound or output is very quiet..........................................................................................................126
There is a lot of noise............................................................................................................................................ 126
An effect cannot be selected................................................................................................................................ 126
Expression pedal does not work well..................................................................................................................126
The level recorded in the DAW is low................................................................................................................. 127
Looper cannot record correctly when using an SD cord..................................................................................127
Specifications........................................................................................................................................................... 128
6

B6 structure
Signal flow
USB AudioXLR OUT
SEND IN/OUT
B6
AUX IN
INPUT
AMP/LINE
[PHONES]
Patch memory
Rhythm
Looper
POST
Looper
PRE
Tuner
Effect
Effect
Send/
Return
USB OUTPUT
DATA
EFX BYPASS
ALL BYPASS
USB REC
DATA
Amp
Speaker
cabinet
Patch
level
DI
modeling
OUTPUT
EQ/
PHASE
INVERT
OUTPUT
VOL
Master
volume
❶INPUT
Two basses can be connected and one selected for use with a switch. (→Selecting the input (INPUT
SELECT))
❷Effects board
The input bass sound passes through effects, followed by amp and speaker cabinet models, in order.
(→Adjusting effects)
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❸Patch level
This adjusts the patch memory level. (→Setting the patch memory level)
❹DI modeling
The type of DI (direct injection) modeled can be selected from tube and solid-state options. (→Selecting
the input (DI TYPE))
❺OUTPUT VOL
The volume of each channel can be adjusted. This setting is retained even when the patch memory is
changed. (→Adjusting output EQ and volume)
❻Looper
Recorded loops can be played back. The looper can be placed either before (PRE) or after (POST) effects
and other adjustments.(→Using the looper while playing)
❼Rhythm
Drum sounds can be played back using built-in rhythm patterns. (→Using rhythms)
❽SEND IN/OUT
External effects can be used. (→Using the send and return)
❾Tuner
This can be used to tune connected basses. (→Using the tuner)
❿OUTPUT EQ/PHASE INVERT
The equalization can be adjusted and the phase can be inverted for each channel independently. These
settings are retained even when the patch memory is changed. (→Adjusting output EQ and volume)
⓫Master volume
This adjusts the overall volume. This setting is retained even when the patch memory is changed.
(→Adjusting the master level)
⓬XLR OUT
This is output from the BALANCED OUTPUT jack. Connect this to a PA mixer, for example. (→Adjusting
the master level)
⓭USB AUDIO
Data can be exchanged with a computer using the audio interface function. (→Using audio interface
functions)
⓮AUX IN
Audio can be played back from a smartphone, portable audio player or other device.
⓯AMP/LINE [PHONES]
Connect this to an amp or headphones.
8

INPUT SELECT function
Two basses, for example, an electric bass guitar and an acoustic bass, can be connected to the B6 and
switched for use one at a time.
The input jacks have impedance selection switches, so the input can be set to suit the connected bass.
(→Selecting the input (INPUT SELECT))
DI section function
The DI section of the B6 has four types that reproduce the characteristics of vacuum tube and solid-state
DIs and can be selected as desired.
The DI type can be selected easily using the dedicated switch.
(→Selecting the input (DI TYPE))
What is DI?
DI is an abbreviation for “Direct Injection Box,” which is a device for converting high-impedance signals
output from electric basses to low impedance. By connecting one, signals output from a bass can be
sent efficiently to PA systems, for example. They suppress noise when used during live performance and
recording.
Each DI also has its own characteristics that affect the sound. The B6 includes models of 4 typical DIs that
can be selected according to playing style and preference.
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BYPASS function
The effects section of the B6 can be bypassed. Moreover, the DI section can also be included when
bypassing.
A dedicated switch allows bypassing with a single press.
(→Using the bypass function)
Memory overview (patch memories/banks)
Patch memories
These store the effects used, their order, on/off states and parameter settings. Effects are saved and
recalled in units of patch memories. Up to 240 of these can be stored.
Banks
These are groups of 4 patch memories. Up to 60 banks can be stored.
10

Play mode overview
The B6 has four play modes that can be selected with one press using the PLAY MODE selection section( →
Functions of parts）
Use each mode as needed while playing.
PLAY MODE Explanation
The looper appears on the touchscreen and can be operated using the
footswitches.
(→Using the looper while playing)
Banks and the patch memories in them are shown on the touchscreen, and
patch memories can be selected using footswitches.
(→Switching patch memories in one bank while playing)
Patch memory names are shown with large characters on the touchscreen,
and banks and patch memories can be selected using footswitches.
(→Switching banks and patch memories while playing)
The effects used in a patch memory are shown on the touchscreen, and each
effect can be turned on/off using footswitches.
(→Turning effects on and off while playing)
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Touchscreen operation overview
B6 operations and settings can be made using the touchscreen.
This section explains operations using the touchscreen.
Screens that appear on the touchscreen
PLAY MODE Screens
These appear when the power is turned on and a play mode is selected in the PLAY MODE selection section
( → Functions of parts).
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Menu Screen
All B6 functions are arranged as icons on the Menu Screen, so each one can easily be accessed by touch.
Opening the Menu Screen

When a PLAY MODE Screen is open
Swipe down from the toolbar.

When a setting screen is open
Touch repeatedly.
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Using the Menu Screen
❶Current bank
❷Current patch memory
❸The Menu Screen has four pages. This shows which page is currently open.
Touch an icon to select a function to set or adjust.
Show the previous/next page.
❶Show the previous page.
Swipe right from the left edge.
❷Show the next page.
Swipe left from the right edge.
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Swipe up from the bar at the bottom of the Menu Screen to return to the PLAY MODE Screen.
HINT
• Even when the Menu Screen is open, the selected play mode is active and can be operated using
footswitches.
• Icons can be reordered on the Menu Screen by dragging them (moving them left, right, up and down
while touching them).
15

Using various function screens
Touch and drag screens to use them.

Touch an item to select it.

Drag an item to move or adjust it (slide finger left, right, up or down).
Returning to a previous screen
When appears at the top left of the touchscreen, touch it to return to the previous screen.
Scrolling lists
When a list has more items than will fit on the touchscreen, a scrollbar will appear on the right edge.
Drag the touchscreen up and down to scroll the display.
❶Scrollbar
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Functions of parts
Top
❶PLAY MODE selection section
Use this to select the B6 PLAY MODE. (The selected mode lights.)
For PLAY MODE details, see Play mode overview.
❷Parameter knobs
Use these to adjust effect parameters and make various settings.
❸Touchscreen
Use the touchscreen to select and set patch memories and banks, as well as to make B6 settings, for
example.
For details about operation, see Touchscreen operation overview.
❹TAP Switch
Tap this to adjust the tempo.
Press and hold it to use the tuner.
❺INPUT SELECT switch
Use this to select the input (The selected input lights.)
❻DI TYPE switch
Use this to select the DI type (The selected type lights.)
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❼Footswitches and function indicators
Use these to select patch memories and banks, turn effects on and off, and operate the looper.
The functions that can be controlled by the footswitches light.
❽BYPASS switch
Use this to turn bypass on/off and select the bypass type. (The selected setting lights.)
Back
❶Output jack section
GROUND LIFT switch: Ground connection can be enabled/disabled for the BALANCED OUTPUT
jack.
• CONNECT ( ): This connects the ground pin to the ground.
• LIFT ( ):This disconnects the ground pin from the ground. This is useful if noise is caused by a
ground loop.
BALANCED OUTPUT jack: Connect this to a PA system.
AMP/LINE [PHONES] jack: Connect this to a bass amp, monitor speakers or headphones.
❷Input jack section
INPUT 1/2 jacks: Connect basses to these.
Impedance selection 1/2 switches: Set these to suit connected basses.
❸EXTERNAL LOOP jacks
External effects can be connected here.
SEND jack: Connect this to the input jack of the external effect.
RETURN jack: Connect this to the output jack of the external effect.
❹SD card slot
Loading an SD card makes the following possible.
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• Loops can be saved and their recording times made longer.
• Impulse response data can be loaded.
• The B6 can be used as a card reader.
• The firmware can be updated.
Cards that conform to SD, SDHC or SDXC specifications are supported.
Use the B6 to format the SD card. (→ Formatting SD cards)
❺POWER switch
This turns the power on/off.
❻DC 9V AC adapter connector
Connect the dedicated AC adapter (ZOOM AD-16) here.
❼MASTER knob
Use this to adjust the volume of the B6.
❽AUX IN jack
Connect a portable music player or similar device here.
❾CONTROL IN jack
Connect an expression pedal (ZOOM FP02M) here, and use it to adjust a pedal effect.
❿REMOTE jack
Connect a ZOOM BTA-1 or other dedicated wireless adapter here.
This enables wireless control of the B6 from an iPhone/iPad using the iOS/iPadOS Handy Guitar Lab for
B6 app.
⓫USB (Micro-B) port
Connecting a computer makes the following possible.
• The B6 can be used as an audio interface.
• The B6 can be operated using Guitar Lab.
• The B6 can be used as a card reader.
19

Menu Screen
This list introduces the functions of the icons shown on the Menu Screen.
Icon Explanation Icon Explanation
Adjust effect parameters. (→
Adjusting effects)
Change the order of effects
in patch memories. (→
Changing the order of effects)
Add effects in patch
memories. (→ Adding effects)
Delete effects in patch
memories. (→ Deleting
effects)
Change effects and amps
in patch memories. (→
Replacing effects)
Create patch memories. (→
Creating patch memories)
Set patch memory names
and levels. (→ Setting
the patch memory level,
Changing patch memory
names)
Make all settings for patch
memories. (→ Making all
settings on one screen)
Use rhythms. (→ Using
rhythms)
Make send/return settings.
(→ Using the send and
return)
Use impulse responses (IR).
(→ Using impulse responses
(IR))
Load impulse response (IR)
data. (→ Loading impulse
response (IR) data)
Creates banks. (→ Creating
banks)
Change the bank order. (→
Changing the order of banks)
Change the patch memory
order. (→ Changing the order
of patch memories)
Delete banks. (→ Deleting
banks)
Delete patch memories. (→
Deleting patch memories)
Save patch memories. (→
Saving patch memories)
Change and check system
settings. Manage SD cards.
(→ 、Checking the firmware
versions, Managing SD cards)
Set the tempo used for the
effects, rhythms and looper.
(→ Adjusting the master
tempo)
Make USB audio settings.
(→ Making audio interface
settings)
Turn the AUTOSAVE function
on/off. (→ Setting the
AUTOSAVE function)
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