ZOOM G11

D
igital modelling has
moved on apace since
2016 when Zoom
launched their last
multi-FX processor, but
the G11 brings their G-series right
up to date with innovations like
a touchscreen and IR use. With
240 patch slots, built from up to 10
blocks, and with eff ects plus amp/
speaker simulation, the G11 off ers
a whole signal chain that can be
used direct into a PA, FRFR speaker
system or recording gear.
Alternatively, you can forget about
the amps and set up patches that
are pure eff ects for a whole range
of instantly accessible pedalboards
to use with your own amp.
This is one of the easiest to use
units in the whole fl oorboard
multi-FX genre - not only does
that touch screen deliver rapid
set-up and editing but the whole
layout of the G11 off ers a familiar
and user-friendly experience with
an array of knobs just like you’d
fi nd on a hardware amp, plus
eff ects switching that looks like
a row of fi ve pedals, each with four
parameter knobs. Don’t worry
about only getting direct access to
5 of the eff ects in a patch, though
- the Red ‘scroll’ footswitches
moves the colour-coded eff ects
chain left or right along the row for
access to them all. The rest of the
red switches off er patch and bank
change, tuner, tap tempo and
operation of the looper that can
record up to 5 minutes in stereo.
Some of Zoom’s factory patches
are either underwhelming or
completely OTT but that shouldn’t
obscure the fact that there are,
some really good tones residing in
the unit once you get under its
skin. The 24 amps cover the
popular Marshall, Fender and Vox
models plus a smattering of others
as well as some Zoom originals
like the high-gain Krampus for
hard rock sounds, each amp
having a range of onboard IRs
which go a long way to increase
realism.
Options are greatly increased by
the 130 slots for loading quality
third party IRs and by the two
mono (or one stereo) FX loops,
which can be placed anywhere in
the signal chain putting external
pedals under G11 footswitch
control. Eff ects include classy
modulations alongside plenty of
delays and reverbs, and the treadle
(or an added expression pedal)
gives you access to wah, plus a few
other eff ects that benefi t from
foot control, although we’ve
heard better pitch shifting.
Overall, there’s great ease of
use and a bunch of very playable
sounds for many styles and, as
always, Zoom have included
rhythm patterns - great for
some silent practice through
headphones - while a built-in
4x4 USB interface takes care of
your recording needs, making
the G11 an all-round practical
asset at home or at gigs.
Trevor Curwen
1
AMP SECTION
When using an amp
in a preset you can
instantly adjust it
with this array of six
knobs or bypass the
amp with the switch
below the window
2
TOUCHSCREEN
Everything you
need for setting up
the G11 can be carried
out with quick and
easy swiping and
scrolling on the
touchscreen
3
FOOTSWITCHES
This looks just like
a connected chain
of pedals because
that’s basically
what it is, each with
a footswitch and four
parameter knobs for
quick tweaks
TYPE: Multi-effects/
amp modeller pedal
CONTROLS: Touch
screen, Master output,
Gain, Bass, Middle,
Treble, Presence,
Volume, FX pedal
knobs x 20, FX pedal
footswitches x 5,
footswitches x 6,
treadle
SOCKETS: Standard
guitar input, stereo
mini jack Aux input,
standard stereo
phones output,
standard Main
outputs L (mono)
and R, standard
Send outputs (1 and
2), standard Return
inputs (1 and 2),
Control in, Remote,
MIDI In, MIDI Out,
USB x 2
BYPASS: Buffered
POWER: 12V power
supply only (included)
CONTACT:
Sound Service,
sound-service.eu /
Zoom, zoomcorp.com
AT A GLANCE
ONE OF THE EASIEST TO USE
UNITS IN THE MULTI-FX GENRE
FEATURES
SOUND QUALITY
VALUE FOR MONEY
BUILD QUALITY
USABILITY
OVERALL RATING
SUMMARY
Photography: Phil Barker
1
2
3
ZOOM G11
Zoom are back to take on the multi-FX floorboard competition
£699
REVIEW
93
NOVEMBER 2020 TOTAL GUITAR
TGR338.gear_zoom.indd 93 09/10/2020 12:31