So you’re a guitar player and you want to know how to find “THAT” sound… the one that’s been stuck in your head for months but you cannot get the right effect with a regular guitar. Guess what my friend, you need to look into an effects pedal!
Zoom has two great pedals to look at for a starting point: the G3X and the G5.
Four categories were looked at closely to bring these two models to your attention: 1) number of overall effects, 2) Input / output, 3) Power options, 4) Rocking Out Features.
Number of Overall Effects
The Zoom G3X has 116 effects, including 6 simultaneous effects. It also features 10 patches and 10 blanks. Among the built-in effects, there are compression and wah pedals, tremolos, harmonized pitch shifters, delays, reverse delays and chorus effects.
The Zoom G5 has 145 effects, with a total of 9 simultaneous effects. Although it has less patches at 3, it has WAY MORE blanks… 99 of them! Similar to the G3X, there are built-in features to create your own effects. The great part about this model, however, is that there are over 150 patches designed by professional guitarists.
Input / Output
The Input specifications for the G3X switch selectable between active and passive. There is a ¼” phone jack, and the rated input level is at -20dBm. There is also a control input on this model.
The output specifications for the G3X are also switch selectable between pre and post, as well as GND and LIFT. The output options for the GX3 include a ¼” phone jack, XLR jack, and a ¼” stereo phone jack.
The input specifications for the G5 are the same as the G3X, with a ¼” phone jack, rated input level of -20dBm, and switch selectable between active and passive.
The output specifications for the G5 are also the same as the G3X, with the exception that the G5 model has two ¼” phone jacks.
Power Options
The Zoom G3X has three ways to power your play. It has a DC9V AC adapter, can run off of AA batteries, and is able to be powered through a USB connection.
The Zoom G5 only has the ability to be powered through a DC9V AC adapter.
Rocking Out Features!!!!!
So now that you have the technical specifications out of the way, let’s take a look at the rockability of these two models!
The G3X has some awesome features, including (but not limited to):
- Three stomp box style panels
- Scroll feature for stomp boxes allowing use of six effects at once
- 22 amp model overtones
- Wah-wah pedal
- Looper function
- Overdubbing (40-second)
- USB audio interface for recording
- Drum machine
- Tuning function
- Free edit software for both Mac and PC
- Is compatible with the Zoom FS01 foot switch and the FP02 Expression Pedal
The G5 has the following awesome features, including (but also not limited to):
- Same great scroll feature for stomp boxes as the G3X, but allows for 9 effects at once
- Four stomp box style panels
- 3-D parameter control
- 22 amp modeling
- Dubbing (60-second)
- Looper function
- Drum machine
- USB audio interface for recording
- Tuning function
- Free edit software for Mac and PC
- Compatible with the same FS01 foot switch and the FP02 expression pedal, as well as having the optional accessory of the Zoom SCG-5 soft case
Recommended Effects Pedal
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These two Zoom effect pedals are awesome choices, but in the end I would have to choose the Zoom G3X over the G5. Although the G5 has more features, such as the 3-D parameter control and four stomp box style panels, it lacks the ability to play anywhere. It is bound by an AC adapter.
The G3X can be powered by the AC adapter, USB or four AA batteries. To me, being able to move around and play anywhere is a higher-rated benefit than the extra stomp panel or the extra effects.
Other Guitar Effects Comparisons
- Zoom G3X vs. Boss ME-25: Which brand of guitar effects do you desire?
- Zoom G3X vs. Zoom G3: Which Zoom Works Best for your Sound Effect Needs?
- Zoom G3X vs. Zoom G5: How will you choose to bring your sounds to the next level?
Other Zoom G3X Comparisons
- Zoom G3X vs. Boss ME-25: Which brand of guitar effects do you desire?
- Zoom G3X vs. Zoom G3: Which Zoom Works Best for your Sound Effect Needs?
- Zoom G3X vs. Zoom G5: How will you choose to bring your sounds to the next level?