Zoom B2FOUR Operation Manual
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Zoom B2FOUR Operation Manual

Effects & amp emulator
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Operation Manual
You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use.
©2023 ZOOM CORPORATION
Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited.
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.
Proper display is not possible on grayscale devices.

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Summary of Contents for Zoom B2FOUR

  • Page 1 Operation Manual You must read the Usage and Safety Precautions before use. ©2023 ZOOM CORPORATION Copying or reprinting this manual in part or in whole without permission is prohibited. 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.

  • Page 2: Notes About This Operation Manual

    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. •...

  • Page 3: Terms Used In This Manual

    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.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    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................................
  • Page 5 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................................

  • Page 6: B2 Four Structure

    B2 FOUR structure Signal flow ❶ Patch memory The input bass sound passes through effects, followed by amp and speaker cabinet models, in order. (→ Adjusting effect parameters) ❷ Looper (→ Using the looper while Recorded loops can be played back. playing) ❸...
  • Page 7 ❹ DI MODEL (→ Selecting DI models that emulate the characteristics of tube and solid-state types can be selected. the DI MODEL) ❺ Tuner (→ Using the This can be used to tune connected basses. tuner) ❻ Master EQ This adjusts the overall tonal character. This setting is retained even when the patch memory is (→ Adjusting the overall tonal character and output changed.

  • Page 8: Memory Overview (Patch Memories)

    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.

  • Page 9: Functions Of Parts

    Functions of parts ❶ Direction buttons Use these to select patch memories and effects, for example. They can be operated by foot. ❷ Display This shows information, including the names of the selected patch memory and its effects along with their parameter values.

  • Page 10: Back

    ❻ OUTPUT jacks Connect a bass amp or powered monitors here. ❼ EXPRESSION PEDAL jack Connect an expression pedal (ZOOM FP02M) here, and use it to adjust a pedal effect. ❽ POWER switch This turns the power on/off. ❾ DC 9V AC adapter connector...

  • Page 11: Side

    Side ❶ USB (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.

  • Page 12: Screens That Appear On The Display

    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. ❶...

  • Page 13: Effect Screen

    EFFECT Screen Patch memories can be edited. ❶ Effects This shows the effects in the selected patch memory. to select effects. The selected effect will appear slightly raised. ❷ Name of current patch memory ❸ Effects that are being shown Up to 3 effects can be shown on the display.

  • Page 14: Library Screen

    Library Screen Effects in patch memories can be changed. ❶ Selected effect The selected effect is shown larger and in the center. ❷ Effect list Effects in the same category are lined up vertically. Use to select effects in the same category.

  • Page 15: Menu Screen

    MENU Screen Various B2 FOUR settings can be made. ❶ Setting items to select the setting items shown with icons. ❷ Footswitches Press footswitches – that correspond to the icons shown on the screen to open their settings screens. Using the MENU Screen Press and hold to open the MENU Screen.
  • Page 16 to show the icon for the desired setting item. See the reference links for details about each setting. Change the effect order. Change the patch memory name. (→ Changing the order of (→ Changing patch memory effects) names) (→ Deleting Save and copy patch memories. Delete patch memories.
  • Page 17 to select a setting. Press This confirms the setting and returns to the MEMORY Screen EFFECT Screen.

  • Page 18: Making Connections

    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. ❷ Portable music player, etc. Adjust the volume on the connected device. ❸ AC adapter (ZOOM AD-16) ❹ Powered monitors ❺ Bass amp...
  • Page 19 ❻ Expression pedal (ZOOM FP02M) A pedal can be used to control effects. ❼ PA mixer, etc. 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.

  • Page 20: Turning The Power On/Off

    Turning the power on/off Turning the power on 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. to ON. This turns on the B2 FOUR and opens the MEMORY Screen. Raise the volume of the amp or powered monitors.

  • Page 21: Selecting The Di Model

    Selecting the DI MODEL The DI MODEL section of the B2 FOUR has 6 selectable types that reproduce the characteristics of vacuum tube and solid-state DIs.   The DI MODEL affects the output of the BALANCED OUTPUT, OUTPUT and PHONES jacks. Press to select the DI MODEL.

  • Page 22: Using The Bypass Function

    Using the bypass function All B2 FOUR effects and the DI MODEL can be bypassed. Bypassing only the effects section is also possible. Press This bypasses the effects section and the DI MODEL. Press and hold This bypasses the effects section.  ...

  • Page 23: Adjusting The Overall Tonal Character And Output Level

    Adjusting the overall tonal character and output level The volume and tonal character of sound output from the B2 FOUR can be adjusted. These settings affect the output of the OUTPUT and PHONES jacks. Press to open the MEMORY Screen. Turn to adjust the EQ and volume of the output sound.

  • Page 24: Switching Patch Memories While Playing (Memory Screen)

    Switching patch memories while playing (MEMORY Screen) The B2 FOUR manages effects in patch memories. Up to 5 effects can be added to a patch memory, and their on/off states and parameter settings can be saved in it. On the MEMORY Screen, the patch memory being used can be switched while playing.
  • Page 25 • The patch memories shown on the MEMORY Screen can be selected directly by pressing footswitches – The indicator for the selected patch memory lights. HINT: • Up to 300 patch memories can be created. • The PRESELECT function can be used when the MEMORY Screen is open.

  • Page 26: Using The Preselect Function

    Using the PRESELECT function The PRESELECT function can be used when the MEMORY Screen is open. When the PRESELECT function is ON, using will put the patch memory change into standby until footswitch – is pressed to confirm the change. This makes it possible to switch directly to a patch memory that is not near the current one during live performance.
  • Page 27 Press to turn it on/off. Setting Explanation This turns on the PRESELECT function. This turns off the PRESELECT function. Press This confirms the setting and returns to the MEMORY Screen EFFECT Screen.

  • Page 28: Selecting Patch Memories When The Preselect Function Is On

    Selecting patch memories when the PRESELECT function is on On the MEMORY Screen, press to select the patch memory to use next. Example: Patch memory 012 selected when playing patch memory 001 The indicator blinks for the footswitch that corresponds to the patch memory selected for use next in this case).
  • Page 29 Press the footswitch ( – ) with the blinking indicator to confirm the selection. The patch memory will switch when – is pressed, and the indicator for the corresponding footswitch will light (not blinking).

  • Page 30: Editing Effects (Effect Screen)

    Editing effects (EFFECT Screen) Use the EFFECT Screen to work with effects, including, changing them and adjusting their parameters. Patch memories can be edited. Saving changes: • When the AUTO SAVE function is ON, changes to patch memories will be automatically saved. (This (→ Setting the AUTO SAVE function is ON by default.) function)
  • Page 31 Press This opens the EFFECT Screen for the selected patch memory. HINT: Press to return to the MEMORY Screen.

  • Page 32: Turning Effects On/Off

    Turning effects on/off On the EFFECT Screen, the effects and amp used in the patch memory are shown on the display and can be turned on and off using the footswitches. (→ Opening the Open the EFFECT Screen for the patch memory with the effect to be turned on/off EFFECT Screen).
  • Page 33 HINT: Some effects assign special functions to footswitches. (This includes effects that turn on only while the footswitch is being pressed, for example.) Special functions can be selected on the Effect Editing Screen. (→ Footswitch special functions)

  • Page 34: Replacing Effects

    Replacing effects Effects in a patch memory can be replaced with other effects as desired. (→ Opening the EFFECT Open the EFFECT Screen for the patch memory with the effect to be replaced Screen). to select the effect to be replaced. Press This opens a list of effects (the Library...
  • Page 35 HINT: Turning will open the Effect Editing Screen where parameters for the selected effect can be adjusted. (→ Adjusting effect parameters) Press The selected effect or amp will replace the previous one and the EFFECT Screen will reopen. NOTE: • If an effect in a patch memory has been deleted from Handy Guitar Lab, the deleted effect will appear as and be disabled.
  • Page 36 Note about the number of effects in patch memories The B2 FOUR can be used to freely combine 5 effects. If the processing capability limit is exceeded, however, a “PROCESS OVERFLOW” warning will appear and effects will be bypassed. Change one of the effects to end this condition.

  • Page 37: Adjusting Effect Parameters

    Adjusting effect parameters The individual effects used in patch memories can be adjusted. Open the EFFECT Screen for the patch memory that has the effect with parameters to be adjusted (→ Opening the EFFECT Screen). to select the effect with parameters to be adjusted. Turn This opens the Parameter Adjustment Screen for the selected effect.
  • Page 38 Turn to adjust the effect parameters. After finishing adjustments, the previous screen will reopen after a moment.   Amps and some other effects have more parameters, so their setting screens have two pages. Press to show the parameter to be adjusted. HINT: •...

  • Page 39: Changing The Order Of Effects

    Changing the order of effects Effects in a patch memory can be reordered as desired. (→ Opening the EFFECT Open the EFFECT Screen for the patch memory with effects to be reordered Screen). to select an effect to reorder. Press and hold to open the MENU Screen.
  • Page 40 to move the effect to the desired position. Press This confirms the reordering and reopens the EFFECT Screen.

  • Page 41: Adjusting The Tempo

    Adjusting the tempo The tempo used by rhythms, the looper, delay effects and some modulation effects can be adjusted. Tempo is set separately for each patch memory. (→ Opening the EFFECT Open the EFFECT Screen for the patch memory with the tempo to be changed Screen).
  • Page 42 HINT: • The tempo can be set to 40–250 ♩ per minute (bpm). • Turning will open the Tempo Adjustment Screen where the tempo can be set. The set tempo is shown on the display. After finishing the setting, the screen will return to its previous state after a moment.

  • Page 43: Managing Patch Memories

    Managing patch memories Changing patch memory names (→ Switching patch memories while playing Show the patch memory with the name to be changed (MEMORY Screen)). Press and hold to open the MENU Screen. to select PATCH NAME, and press the corresponding footswitch ( in this example).
  • Page 44 to move the cursor. to insert a character. • Press and hold to change the character continuously. • Press to delete the character before the cursor. • Press and hold to delete all the characters. Press This confirms the name and reopens the MEMORY Screen.

  • Page 45: Copying And Saving Patch Memories

    Copying and saving patch memories The AUTO SAVE function is on by default. When it is off, changes, including adjustments to effects and amps, as well as volume settings, will not be saved automatically. Save changes manually in this case. Patch memories can also be saved (copied) to other locations.
  • Page 46 to select the patch memory to copy, and press to select the patch memory copy/save destination, and press This copies/saves the patch memory, and reopens the MEMORY Screen. Patch memories shown as “Empty” are currently unused. HINT: • In step 3 or 4, pressing to select “CANCEL”...

  • Page 47: Deleting Patch Memories

    Deleting patch memories Unnecessary patch memories can be deleted. Press and hold to open the MENU Screen. to select PATCH ERASE, and press the corresponding footswitch ( in this example). This opens the PATCH ERASE screen. to select the patch memory to be deleted.
  • Page 48 Press to select ENTER, and press Deleted patch memories will have their contents cleared and be shown as “Empty”. HINT: In step 4, pressing to select “CANCEL” and pressing will cancel deletion and reopen the MEMORY Screen.

  • Page 49: Creating Patch Memories

    Creating patch memories New patch memories can be created. Press and hold footswitch This opens the New Screen. to select where the new patch memory will be saved, and press This creates a new patch memory and opens the EFFECT Screen.

  • Page 50: Reverting Patch Memory Changes

    Reverting patch memory changes After changing a patch memory, it can be reset to the state it was in immediately after it was selected or to the factory default state. Press and hold footswitch This opens the Revert Screen. to select the desired state. Setting Explanation PREVIOUS...
  • Page 51 Press This reverts the patch memory to the state selected in step 2 and reopens the MEMORY Screen. HINT: In step 2, pressing to select “CANCEL” and pressing will cancel the operation and reopen the MEMORY Screen.

  • Page 52: Using The Tuner

    Using the tuner Activating the tuner Enable the tuner to use the B2 FOUR to tune a bass. Press and hold This activates the tuner and opens the Tuner Screen on the display. Play the open string that you want to tune and adjust its pitch. •...

  • Page 53: Changing Tuner Settings

    Changing tuner settings The standard pitch used by the tuner and the tuner type can be changed. Flat tuning is also possible. Changing the standard pitch of the tuner Turn to change the standard pitch. HINT: The setting range is 430–450 Hz for middle A.
  • Page 54 Selecting the tuner type Turn to select the tuner type. Setting Explanation CHROMATIC The pitch detuning is shown according to the nearest note (in semitones). BASS This is standard bass guitar tuning with support for 5/6-string basses. The nearest string number is shown according to the selected type, and the amount of detuning from its pitch is shown.
  • Page 55 Using flat tunings All strings can be tuned flat from an ordinary tuning by 1 (♭× 1 ), 2 (♭× 2 ) or 3 (♭× 3 ) semitones. Turn to set flat tuning. NOTE: Flat tuning cannot be used when the tuner type is CHROMATIC.

  • Page 56: Using A Connected Expression Pedal

    Using a connected expression pedal The application of a pedal effect selected in the patch memory can be changed by operating a connected expression pedal (ZOOM FP02M). Setting pedal effects (→ Opening the EFFECT Open the EFFECT Screen for the patch memory with the pedal effect to be set Screen).
  • Page 57 Press This changes the selected pedal effect and opens the EFFECT Screen. NOTE: Only one effect in a patch memory can be selected from the pedal category. With the pedal effect selected, turn to adjust its parameters. The parameters that can be adjusted depend on the pedal effect. Use the expression pedal.

  • Page 58: Using Rhythms

    Using rhythms You can play along with built-in rhythms. Setting the rhythm effect On the B2 FOUR, one rhythm can be used as an effect, and it can be started and stopped by turning the effect on/off. Select the rhythm effect on the EFFECT Screen to make various rhythms settings, including rhythm pattern selection and tempo.
  • Page 59 Press This opens the EFFECT Screen. Turn to adjust the rhythm effect settings. ❶ Rhythm pattern This selects the rhythm pattern that will be played. Rhythm patterns for information about the rhythm pattern types. ❷ Pre-count This sets whether or not a count sound is played before looper recording starts. •...

  • Page 60: Starting/Stopping Rhythm Playback

    Starting/stopping rhythm playback Rhythm playback can be started and stopped. to show the rhythm effect on the display. Press the – footswitch that corresponds to the rhythm effect ( in this example). Press that footswitch again to alternate between starting and stopping playback. The indicator lights during playback.

  • Page 61: Rhythm Patterns

    Rhythm patterns Pattern Pattern Pattern Time Sig. Time Sig. Time Sig. Name Name Name GUIDE R&B1 JAZZ2 8BEATS1 R&B2 FUSION 8BEATS2 70S SOUL SWING1 8BEATS3 90S SOUL SWING2 16BEATS1 MOTOWN BOSSA1 16BEATS2 HIPHOP BOSSA2 16BEATS3 DISCO SAMBA1 ROCK1 SAMBA2 ROCK2 POPROCK BREAKS1 ROCK3...

  • Page 62: Using The Looper While Playing

    Using the looper while playing Playing can be recorded to create mono loop phrases that are up to 60 seconds long. Setting the looper effect Various looper settings can be made. On the B2 FOUR, one looper can be used as an effect, and it can be started and stopped by turning the effect on/off.
  • Page 63 Press to open the Library Screen, and use to select the looper effect. The looper effects are in the second column from the right on the Library Screen. Choose either the MONO LOOPER or the STEREO LOOPER. NOTE: • The recording time for the mono looper is from 1.5 to 60 seconds (30 seconds when UNDO is ON). •...
  • Page 64 Turn to adjust the looper effect settings. See the reference links for details about the settings. ❶ Loop recording time (→ Setting the recording This sets the recording time for the loop. time) ❷ Undo function setting This turns on/off the undo function that can be used to undo the last recorded overdub of a loop. (→ Setting the UNDO function) ❸...
  • Page 65 Setting the recording time This sets the recording time for the loop. (→ Setting the looper Turn on the Looper Effect Setting Screen effect). Setting Explanation MANUAL Recording will continue until stopped manually or the maximum recording time is reached. ♩×1–64 This sets the value to 1 –...
  • Page 66 Setting the UNDO function This turns on/off the undo function that can be used to undo the last recorded overdub of a loop. (→ Setting the looper Turn on the Looper Effect Setting Screen effect). Setting Explanation This enables the UNDO function. This disables the UNDO function.
  • Page 67 Setting the stop mode How the looper behaves when stopped can be set. (→ Setting the looper Turn on the Looper Effect Setting Screen effect). Setting Explanation INSTANT The loop will stop immediately after a stop operation. FINISH The loop will stop after playing to its end. FADE OUT The loop will stop playing after fading out.
  • Page 68 Notes about the looper tempo • The looper tempo is also used by effects and rhythms. • The tempo can be set as explained in “Adjusting the tempo”. • Changing the tempo will erase recorded loops in the following cases. - If the looper recording time is set to ♩×1–64 (→ Setting the recording time)

  • Page 69: Looper Operations

    Looper operations Looper recording, playback and other operations can be conducted when the looper effect is shown on the EFFECT Screen. HINT: • Looper recording/playback will continue even if is pressed to switch to the MEMORY Screen. In this case, changing patch memories will stop recording/playback and erase the recorded data. •...
  • Page 70 Stopping recording and starting loop playback When recording, press the – footswitch that corresponds to the looper effect ( in this example). Recording will stop and loop playback will start. NOTE: • If the maximum recording time is reached, recording will stop and loop playback will start. •...
  • Page 71 Starting loop playback of the recorded phrase When stopped, press the – footswitch that corresponds to the looper effect ( in this example). The indicator lights when playback starts. Adding performances to recorded loops (overdubbing) When playing, press the – footswitch that corresponds to the looper effect ( in this example).
  • Page 72 Erasing the last overdubbed phrase (UNDO function) (→ Setting the UNDO The UNDO function can be used when it is set to ON. function) During playback, press and hold the – footswitch that corresponds to the looper effect in this example). Restoring an undone overdub (REDO function) (→ Erasing the last overdubbed phrase (UNDO After undoing...
  • Page 73 Clearing loops When stopped, press and hold the – footswitch that corresponds to the looper effect ( in this example). This clears the recorded loop.

  • Page 74: Using Audio Interface Functions

    Using audio interface functions The B2 FOUR can be used as a 2-in/2-out audio interface. After being processed by effects, 2 channels of audio signals can be sent from the B2 FOUR to a computer or smartphone. From a computer or smartphone, 2 audio signal channels can be input to a position after the effect processing.

  • Page 75: Connecting With A Computer, Smartphone Or Tablet

    Connecting with a computer, smartphone or tablet. Use a USB cable to connect the B2 FOUR to a computer, smartphone or tablet. USB (Type-C) ❶ Smartphone/tablet (Android) ❷ Smartphone/tablet (iOS/iPadOS) ❸ Computer (Windows/Mac) NOTE: • Use a USB (Type-C) cable that supports data transfer. •...

  • Page 76: Operating The B2 Four From An Iphone/Ipad

    Operating the B2 FOUR from an iPhone/iPad The B2 FOUR can be operated from an iPhone/iPad using Handy Guitar Lab for B2 FOUR, an iOS/iPadOS app. NOTE: The dedicated Handy Guitar Lab for B2 FOUR app must be installed on the iPhone/iPad beforehand. The Handy Guitar Lab for B2 FOUR app can be downloaded from the App Store.

  • Page 77: Making Hardware Settings

    Making hardware settings Setting the AUTO SAVE function When the AUTO SAVE function is ON, patch memories will be saved automatically when their contents are changed. “Using the MENU Screen” for details about operation. Select AUTO SAVE on the MENU Screen. Press to turn it ON/OFF.
  • Page 78 HINT: Patch memories will not be saved automatically if the AUTO SAVE function is OFF. When the content of a patch memory has been changed, will appear at the top right of the (→ Copying and MEMORY Screen, showing that it is different from the saved settings. Save it as necessary. saving patch memories)

  • Page 79: Setting The Eco Mode

    Setting the ECO mode This function can be used to turn the power off automatically if unused for 10 hours. “Using the MENU Screen” for details about operation. Select ECO on the MENU Screen. Press to switch between ON and OFF. Setting Explanation The power will automatically turn off...

  • Page 80: Adjusting The Display Contrast

    Adjusting the display contrast The display contrast can be adjusted. “Using the MENU Screen” for details about operation. Select LCD on the MENU Screen. to adjust the display contrast. The setting value is shown on the display. Press This confirms the setting and returns to the MEMORY Screen EFFECT Screen.

  • Page 81: Managing The Firmware

    This shows the firmware and preset versions. ❶ B2 FOUR firmware version ❷ Preset version ❸ BOOT version Updating The B2 FOUR firmware can be updated to the latest versions. The latest firmware can be downloaded from the ZOOM website (zoomcorp.com).

  • Page 82: Restoring Factory Default Settings

    Restoring factory default settings The factory default settings can be restored. “Using the MENU Screen” for details about operation. Select ALL INIT on the MENU Screen. to select YES. Press Initialization will be executed, restoring default settings. NOTE: Initialization will overwrite all settings, including patch memories, to their factory defaults. Be certain before using this function.

  • Page 83: Appendix

    There is a lot of noise • Confirm that an instrument cable is not the cause. (→ Making • Use a genuine ZOOM AC adapter. connections) An effect cannot be selected • If the effect processing power is being exceeded, “PROCESS OVERFLOW” will appear on the display.

  • Page 84: Specifications

    –96.0 dBu Control input FP02M input Power AC adapter: 9V DC 500mA center negative (ZOOM AD-16) USB 2.0 Type-C port (use cable that supports Type-C) Handy Guitar Lab: USB 1.1 Full Speed Audio interface: USB 2.0 Full Speed, 32-bit, 2-in/2-out •...
  • Page 85 Note: 0 dBu = 0.775 V...
  • Page 86 ZOOM CORPORATION 4-4-3 Kanda-surugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0062 Japan zoomcorp.com Z2I-4836-01...

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