Zoom G1Xon Multi-Effects Processor Review (2021)

It’s always a pleasure reviewing any product released by Zoom. The G1Xon was released at the end of 2013 and gives you access to a huge array of different effects to choose from. We will be covering everything you need to know about this multi-effects pedal, so you can determine if it’s the right for you. So let’s get right into it then! Here is our Zoom G1Xon Guitar Multi-Effects Processor pedal review.

FEATURES

• 80 guitar effects (distortion, compression, modulation, delay, reverb, amp models)
• Ability to use up to 5 effects simultaneously
• 68 built-in rhythm patterns
• Headphone compatibility for silent practice
• Chromatic tuner
• 30 seconds of looping
• Built-in expression pedal
• USB port for firmware updates
• Powered by 4x AA batteries or AC adaptor

Check Price on Amazon

The time has finally arrived where you can purchase a multi-effects pedal and not have to sacrifice significant sound quality. This could very well be attributed by the number of years it took to develop this fine unit. Now we have it in its completed form – which is affordable, yet versatile due to the sheer amount of effects available to use.

SPECIFICATIONS

Here is a list of specifications for the Zoom G1Xon:

Effect types	80
No. of simultaneous effects	5
No. of drum/metronome patterns	68
No. of user banks/patches	10 patches x 10 banks
Display	LED
Power	AC adaptor DC9V / 4x AA batteries
USB	Firmware update
Dimensions	154.8 (D) x 237 (W) x 50 (H) mm
Weight	640g

We want to start off by covering the thing that everyone is really here for – the features of the Zoom G1Xon. I can’t blame you though! This is easily one of the most exciting parts when writing up a review. It always a great feeling to check out all the cool features of a pedal to present to you guys.

EFFECTS LIST

DYNAMICS / FILTER (11)
Comp	160 Comp
SlowATTCK	ZNR
NoiseGate	GraphicEQ
ParaEQ	AutoWah
Cry	M-Filter
SeqFLTR

OVERDRIVE / DISTORTION (12)
Booster	OverDrive
T Scream	Governor
Dist+	Squeak
FuzzSmile	GreatMuff
Z Clean	Lead
ExtremeDS	Aco.Sim

AMP SIMULATOR (22)
FD COMBO	DELUXE-R
FD FIBRO	US BLUES
VX COMBO	VX JMI
BG CRUNCH	MATCH 30
CAR DRIVE	TW ROCK
TONE CITY	HW STACK
TANGERINE	B-BREAKER
MS CRUNCH	MS 1959
MS DRIVE	BGN DRIVE
BG DRIVE	DZ DRIVE
ALIEN	REVO-1

MODULATION / SFX (16)
Tremolo	Slicer
Phaser	Vibrato
TheVibe	Detune
StereoCho	SuperCho
CoronaTri	Flanger
Octave	PitchSHFT
MonoPitch	HPS
RingMod	Rt Closet

DELAY / REVERB (14)
Delay	CarbonDly
TapeEcho	ReverseDL
FilterDly	StereoDly
HD Hall	Hall
Room	Plate
Spring63	Air
ModReverb	ParticleR

PEDAL (G1XON ONLY) (5)
PedalVx	PedalCry
WAH100	PDL Pitch
PDL MnPit

For further details on each of the effects above go check out the Zoom G1Xon FX List.

LOOPER

One of the only downsides to the Zoom G1Xon is the looper, but what can you really expect from a multi-effects pedal – at least the option to use one is there. You should look into getting yourself a dedicated looper if you’re serious about using one. The built-in looper of the Zoom G1Xon is unable to perform a variety of simple functions such as: undo, redo, and deleting specific layers.

What you can do with the looper though is record as many layers as you want. Furthermore, you can have up to 30 seconds of recording time. If you’re just a beginner starting out then the looper should be sufficient enough for your needs.

The looper can be accessed through the use of the RHYTHM / LOOPER button.

DRUM / METRONOME

There are a total of 68 drum/metronome patterns to choose from, and all of which can be sorted using the rotary selector knob located underneath the LED display. The G1Xon also gives you the ability to change the BPM and the level of the pattern. A great addition to an already good multi-effects processor.

RESOURCES

FOOTSWITCH

The two footswitches are really quite simple. They allow you to scroll through the memory banks and access the looper and rhythm functions.

AUX INPUT

There’s an AUX port located on the side of the unit. This neat little addition lets you plug in your music device so you can play along with all of your favourite songs. This feature is perfect for practicing and improving your guitar playing ability.

TUNER

To access the in-built tuner all you need to hold in both of the pedals at the same time. From here the settings can be accessed using the menu button. The in-built tuner is as accurate as you would expect, and gives you the option for calibration if needed.

POWER

A common trend for guitar effects pedal manufacturers is to not include an AC adaptor with their product, and the Zoom G1Xon is no exception to this. You will need to purchase an AC adaptor separately if you’re looking to use one. They’re generally not too expensive anyway and can be found easily online.

If you’re not planning on going the AC adaptor route then you have the option to power the G1Xon using 4x AA batteries. You can get around 20 hours of continuous use from battery power, but I would recommend using the alternative method for more reliability. There’s nothing worse than your batteries going flat while you’re using your pedal. Especially if you’re recording or playing on-stage.

DURABILITY

A majority of the Zoom G1Xon is made from plastic, which includes its switches, buttons, and pedals. Regardless of this fact though, the unit feels decently solid.

FINAL VERDICT

The Zoom G1Xon is probably one of the best bang-for-your-buck multi-effects processors. The sounds you are able to get from the pedal are really very impressive for its price. This is especially true given the sheer amount of effects to choose from.

All of the programming and features of the G1Xon can be easily accessed and used using the various buttons and knob located on the front panel. It’s difficult to try and summarise the Zoom G1Xon because of how much it really has to offer. Overall, you can’t go wrong with Zoom. They always seem to deliver high-quality products, and the G1Xon is no exception to this.

Agree or disagree with our review? Let us know what you think in the comments below!