Zoom G5N

119
september 2016 Guitarist
review ZOOM G5N
nine simultaneous effects, DSP permitting.
When the G5n launched, it offered 68
digital effects onboard, covering all the
major effects categories, plus five amp
simulations and five cabinet simulations –
but more have since been added via online
updates. Zoom tells us that a new amp and
cabinet model, as well as new effects and
artist patches, will be available to download
for free every month. Other facilities
include a tuner, a looper and an aux input
for connecting a music player for practice
purposes, for example.
Usability
Two rows of footswitches control the
action in the G5n and can operate in two
different modes – Memory and Stomp –
that are instantly switched using a lower
row footswitch. In Stomp mode, the
upper footswitches give you switching
capability for four of the effects in the
loaded patch; in Memory mode, they select
the four patches of the loaded bank. Other
functions of the lower row of footswitches,
besides tap tempo and tuner call-up, are
to switch banks or scroll the effects chain
left and right. As there are just four effects
footswitches, only four of up to nine effects
are switchable at any one time, but scrolling
left or right effectively moves the chain
Z
oom’s original G5 has been around
for several years now (we reviewed it
back in issue 356), but the company
has recently chosen to revive the name
with the G5n. This new model adds some
features while consigning certain others
to history, most notably the G5’s balanced
XLR output, the valve-based boost and
the Z-pedal that offered sideways as well
as up-and-down movement for morphing
effects. What you’re actually getting is
a radical redesign that adds five extra
footswitches to streamline usability.
The G5n is a multi-effects processor
with amp simulations. You can choose to
use it purely as an effects processor (an
all-in-one pedalboard) in front of your amp
or, by including the amp sims, as a full rig
either going straight to the PA, plugged
into a FRFR (Full Range Flat Response)
monitor or a recording system. There is
mono or stereo output on standard jacks,
but for computer-based recording you can
connect via USB, the G5n operating as an
audio interface, with monitoring via its
headphone output if required.
The feature set is impressive. There are
200 memory locations onboard in 50 banks
of four, and each patch is made up of a signal
chain that offers nine blocks. Each block
can host any effect, so, in theory, you can run
1
Zoom’s latest multi-effects processors reimagines its G5 sibling providing
an all-in-one solution for those who shy away from DIY ’boards
ZOOM G5N £249
What You Need To Know
Zoom seems to like this type of
floor processor…
Yes, the company has briefly had a
range of conventional stompboxes,
but, for the most part, it has a long
history in multi-effects processors
that offer plenty of facilities without
breaking the bank.
So, is this a new version of the G5?
In name and in spirit, certainly, but
it’s a radical revamp that loses some
salient features while adding others.
Are there any tasty extras?
Yes, there’s a looper with 80 seconds
of memory that operates from
a single footswitch, plus a drum
machine with 68 rhythm patterns
that can be used on their own or in
conjunction with the looper.
Words Trevor Curwen Photography Neil Godwin
2
3
GIT411.rev_zoom.indd 119 04/08/2016 18:56