Zoom B2FOUR User manual

Operation Manual
You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.
©2023 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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• 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 5 effects can be added to a
patch memory, and up to 300 patch memories 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
Mono phrases that are up to 60 seconds long can be recorded and played back repeatedly.
This can be synchronized with rhythm patterns.
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
B2 FOUR structure...................................................................................................................................................... 6
Signal flow.....................................................................................................................................................................6
Memory overview (patch memories)....................................................................................................................... 8
Functions of parts....................................................................................................................................................... 9
Top..................................................................................................................................................................................9
Back..............................................................................................................................................................................10
Side...............................................................................................................................................................................11
Screens that appear on the display.......................................................................................................................12
MEMORY Screen........................................................................................................................................................ 12
EFFECT Screen............................................................................................................................................................13
Library Screen............................................................................................................................................................ 14
MENU Screen............................................................................................................................................................. 15
Making connections.................................................................................................................................................. 18
Turning the power on/off........................................................................................................................................ 20
Turning the power on...............................................................................................................................................20
Turning the power off.............................................................................................................................................. 20
Selecting the DI MODEL........................................................................................................................................... 21
Using the bypass function....................................................................................................................................... 22
Adjusting the overall tonal character and output level...................................................................................... 23
Switching patch memories while playing (MEMORY Screen)............................................................................. 24
Using the PRESELECT function................................................................................................................................ 26
Turning the PRESELECT function on/off................................................................................................................ 26
Selecting patch memories when the PRESELECT function is on........................................................................28
Editing effects (EFFECT Screen)............................................................................................................................... 30
Opening the EFFECT Screen.................................................................................................................................... 30
Turning effects on/off...............................................................................................................................................32
Replacing effects........................................................................................................................................................34
Adjusting effect parameters.................................................................................................................................... 37
Changing the order of effects................................................................................................................................. 39
Adjusting the tempo................................................................................................................................................. 41
Managing patch memories...................................................................................................................................... 43
Changing patch memory names.............................................................................................................................43
Copying and saving patch memories.....................................................................................................................45
Deleting patch memories.........................................................................................................................................47
Creating patch memories.........................................................................................................................................49
Reverting patch memory changes..........................................................................................................................50
Using the tuner..........................................................................................................................................................52
Activating the tuner.................................................................................................................................................. 52
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Changing tuner settings........................................................................................................................................... 53
Using a connected expression pedal..................................................................................................................... 56
Setting pedal effects................................................................................................................................................. 56
Using rhythms............................................................................................................................................................58
Setting the rhythm effect.........................................................................................................................................58
Starting/stopping rhythm playback........................................................................................................................ 60
Rhythm patterns........................................................................................................................................................61
Using the looper while playing............................................................................................................................... 62
Setting the looper effect.......................................................................................................................................... 62
Looper operations..................................................................................................................................................... 69
Using audio interface functions..............................................................................................................................74
Installing drivers........................................................................................................................................................ 74
Connecting with a computer, smartphone or tablet...........................................................................................75
Operating the B2 FOUR from an iPhone/iPad......................................................................................................76
Making hardware settings....................................................................................................................................... 77
Setting the AUTO SAVE function.............................................................................................................................77
Setting the ECO mode.............................................................................................................................................. 79
Adjusting the display contrast.................................................................................................................................80
Managing the firmware............................................................................................................................................81
Checking the firmware versions............................................................................................................................. 81
Updating......................................................................................................................................................................81
Restoring factory default settings.......................................................................................................................... 82
Appendix..................................................................................................................................................................... 83
Troubleshooting.........................................................................................................................................................83
Specifications..............................................................................................................................................................84
5

B2 FOUR structure
Signal flow
❶Patch memory
The input bass sound passes through effects, followed by amp and speaker cabinet models, in order.
(→Adjusting effect parameters)
❷Looper
Recorded loops can be played back. (→Using the looper while playing)
❸Rhythm
Drum sounds can be played back using internal rhythm patterns. (→Using rhythms)
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❹DI MODEL
DI models that emulate the characteristics of tube and solid-state types can be selected. (→Selecting
the DI MODEL)
❺Tuner
This can be used to tune connected basses. (→Using the tuner)
❻Master EQ
This adjusts the overall tonal character. This setting is retained even when the patch memory is
changed. (→Adjusting the overall tonal character and output level)
❼Master volume
This adjusts the overall volume. This setting is retained even when the patch memory is changed.
(→Adjusting the overall tonal character and output level)
❽Balanced output
This is output from the BALANCED OUTPUT jack. Connect this to a PA mixer, for example.
❾USB audio
Audio data can be exchanged with computers and smartphones using the audio interface function.
(→Using audio interface functions)
❿AUX INPUT
Audio can be played back from a smartphone, portable audio player or other device.
⓫OUTPUT
An amp or powered monitors can be connected.
⓬PHONES
Headphones can also be connected.
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Memory overview (patch memories)
Patch memories
These store the effects used, their order, on/off states and parameter settings. Effects can be saved and
recalled in patch memory units. 300 patch memories can be stored.
8

Functions of parts
Top
❶Direction buttons
Use these to select patch memories and effects, for example.
They can be operated by foot.
❷Display
This shows information, including the names of the selected patch memory and its effects along with
their parameter values.
❸Parameter knobs
Use these to adjust effect parameters and make various settings.
❹Footswitches/indicators
Use these to select patch memories and turn effects on/off.
When the EFFECT Screen is open, the indicators show whether effects are on or off.
❺DI MODEL switch
Use this to select the DI MODEL. (The selected model lights.)
❻Bypass switch
This turns bypassing on/off.
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Back
❶GROUND CONNECT/LIFT switch
The BALANCED OUTPUT jack can be connected or disconnected from the ground.
❷BALANCED OUTPUT jack
Connect this to a PA system.
❸Impedance selection switch
Set the impedance to suit the connected bass.
❹INPUT jack
Connect a bass to this.
❺AUX INPUT jack
Connect a portable music player or similar device here.
❻OUTPUT jacks
Connect a bass amp or powered monitors here.
❼EXPRESSION PEDAL jack
Connect an expression pedal (ZOOM FP02M) here, and use it to adjust a pedal effect.
❽POWER switch
This turns the power on/off.
❾DC 9V AC adapter connector
Connect the dedicated AC adapter (ZOOM AD-16) here.
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Side
❶USB (Type-C) port
Connected to a computer, smartphone or tablet, this can be used as an audio interface.
In addition, Handy Guitar Lab can be used to manage patch memories and edit and add effects, for
example, from a smartphone or tablet.
This supports operation on USB bus power.
❷PHONES output jack
Connect headphones here.
HINT:
Handy Guitar Lab for B2 FOUR can be downloaded from the App Store.
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Screens that appear on the display
The B2 FOUR is operated with buttons and knobs while viewing the display. This section explains the
screens shown on the display.
MEMORY Screen
This opens when the power is turned on.
This shows patch memories, allowing them to be selected for performing and editing.
❶Patch memory numbers
Footswitches – can be used to select the patch memories that are shown currently.
Use / to select a patch memory one lower or higher. Use / to select a patch
memory 10 places away.
The selected patch memory is highlighted.
❷Patch memory name
This shows the name of the selected patch memory.
Opening the MEMORY Screen
• When the MENU Screen or EFFECT Screen is open: Press .
• When the Library Screen is open: Confirm the selected effect to open the EFFECT Screen, and press
.
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EFFECT Screen
Patch memories can be edited.
❶Effects
This shows the effects in the selected patch memory.
Use and to select effects. The selected effect will appear slightly raised.
❷Name of current patch memory
❸Effects that are being shown
Up to 3 effects can be shown on the display. The black circles indicate the positions of the effects that
are being shown.
Opening the EFFECT Screen
• When the MEMORY Screen or MENU Screen is open: Press .
• When the Library Screen is open: Press to confirm the selected effect.
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Library Screen
Effects in patch memories can be changed.
❶Selected effect
The selected effect is shown larger and in the center.
❷Effect list
Effects in the same category are lined up vertically. Use and to select effects in the same
category.
Use and to select effects in different categories.
Opening the Library Screen
Select the effect to be changed on the EFFECT Screen, and press or .
Exiting the Library Screen
Press to confirm the selected effect and open the EFFECT Screen.
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MENU Screen
Various B2 FOUR settings can be made.
❶Setting items
Use and to select the setting items shown with icons.
❷Footswitches
Press footswitches – that correspond to the icons shown on the screen to open their settings
screens.
Using the MENU Screen
1. Press and hold to open the MENU Screen.
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2. Use and to show the icon for the desired setting item.
See the reference links for details about each setting.
Change the effect order.
(→Changing the order of effects)
Change the patch memory name.
(→Changing patch memory names)
Save and copy patch memories.
(→Copying and saving patch
memories)
Delete patch memories. (→Deleting
patch memories)
Turn the pre-selection function
on/off. (→Using the PRESELECT
function)
Turn the automatic saving function
on/off. (→Setting the AUTO SAVE
function)
Restore factory default settings.
(→Restoring factory default
settings)
Turn the ECO mode on/off.
(→Setting the ECO mode)
Check the firmware versions.
(→Checking the firmware versions)
Adjust the display contrast.
(→Adjusting the display contrast)
3. Press a – footswitch that corresponds to an icon.
This opens the selected settings screen.
For example, press when AUTO SAVE is selected.
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4. Use , , and to select a setting.
5. Press .
This confirms the setting and returns to the MEMORY Screen or EFFECT Screen.
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Making connections
❶Bass
Set the impedance selection switch to suit the connected bass.
Use this with regular electric basses.
Use this with acoustic basses that have piezo pickups.
❷Portable music player, etc.
Adjust the volume on the connected device.
❸AC adapter (ZOOM AD-16)
❹Powered monitors
❺Bass amp
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❻Expression pedal (ZOOM FP02M)
A pedal can be used to control effects.
❼PA mixer, etc.
Use to enabled/disable ground connection for the BALANCED OUTPUT jack.
This connects the ground pin to the ground.
This disconnects the ground pin from the ground.
This is useful if noise is caused by a ground loop.
❽Computer (Mac/Windows), smartphone or tablet
Connect with a USB cable (Type-C).
The B2 FOUR can be used as an audio interface and with Handy Guitar Lab.
❾Headphones
HINT:
The Handy Guitar Lab for B2 FOUR app (iOS/iPadOS) can be used to manage patch memories and to edit
and add effects. Handy Guitar Lab for B2 FOUR can be downloaded from the App Store.
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Turning the power on/off
Turning the power on
1. Minimize the volume of the amp or powered monitors.
NOTE:
To prevent noise and malfunction, connect powered monitors and bass amps before turning the power on.
2. Set to ON.
This turns on the B2 FOUR and opens the MEMORY Screen.
3. Raise the volume of the amp or powered monitors.
ECO mode overview:
• By default, ECO mode is set to ON, so the power will automatically turn off if no use occurs for 10 hours.
• ECO mode can also be turned OFF. (→Setting the ECO mode)
Turning the power off
1. Minimize the volume of the amp or powered monitors.
2. Set to OFF.
The display will turn off.
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