(Updated, see below) Zoom has finally announced another product from their long line of Guitar Multi-effects pedal, the new Zoom G5. The specs:
- Simultaneous use of up to nine effects
- Real tube booster for amp overdrive
- Four large LCD displays with intuitive amp and stompbox interface
- 3D Z-pedal for multi-dimensional parameter control
- Over 120 versatile effects including 20 amp models
- Looper function with 60-second phrase recording/overdubbing
- Integrated drum machine and auto-chromatic tuner
- Balanced XLR output for DI use
- USB audio interface for DAW recording
- Edit&Share software available through free download
- Includes Steinberg Cubase LE recording software
Personally, I find the appearance to be a combination of the latest Zoom G3 and the older Zoom B9.1ut. The beautiful graphical interface of the G3’s large LCD screen (Stompbox interface) on top of the sturdy and streamlined body of Zoom’s flagship pedal for the bass, the B9.1ut, without the clutter of LED buttons and knobs. I think this was the answer of Zoom coming from the users’ comments regarding the steepness of the learning curve to customize the sound from a Zoom product. Considering the processor of the G5, I believe it shares the capabilities of the G3, including its processing limit, i.e., not being able to use multiple amps at a time.
If the capabilities of this new Guitar Effects pedal is the same as the G3, personally, I would still prefer the older Zoom G9.2tt. It’s true that the G5 may sound a bit better than the G9, but I would have to go for customizability for this one. The G5 may handle 4 simultaneous guitar effects at a time (3 if you’re using an amp model), but the G9 can do more than that. For example, I can do with a Compressor+Wah+ZNR+Stack Amp+Phaser+Delay+Reverb all at the same time. But the beauty of the Stompbox interface is the ability to switch the order of the effects chain, something that the G9 can’t do effectively.
I’m sure that this G5 is just a prelude to something much better. I would love to have the Stompbox interface on the body of the G9, including the Energizer and Accelerator tubes for the analog feel. Also regarding about the numbering, what happened to the G4?
Update:
According to Samson Website, the G5 can handle up to 9 stompbox effects. And if we look at the Z-pedal closely, it is very much upgraded and now looks like a single pedal and doesn’t look like two pedals on top of each other. This time, I’m changing my opinion, I definitely want one!!
Source: http://www.zoom.co.jp/news/article/373, http://www.samsontech.com/zoom/products/guitar-effects/g5/