"An experienced and detailed review from a long-time zoom user."
This reviewer purchased this item from Same Day Music.
Sound:
I currently use this with either an Ibanez RG470 or a Carvin Bolt with Hot Rails into the 707II and out to a 1965 Blackface Pro Reverb on the right and a Mesa F30 on the left. I have thiele-ported 1X12 extension cabs on both amps. Late at night I use headphones for practice. I originally bought this because I own a Zoom ps-02 portable studio and I like the distortion models so much I wanted a floor unit that sounded the same. The 707II does that and more.
Feature:
I've read a lot of reviews comparing this to digitech rp50's and rp100's, etc. This is not an accurate comparison. Those low-end digitechs do not have the same tweaking capability or features as the 707II. For instance, the digitechs force you to use a single adjustment for both the speed and intensity of the modulations like phaser and flanger. That means if you want a strong but slow phase you are out of luck with the Digitech. The zoom gives you much better control over your effects, and the effects are much more usable IMHO. The phase is excellent, and one of my favorties. The Zoom has 30 amp models, the digitechs have around 12. The digitech models are the typical same-old-stuff like AC30, Rectifier... The Zoom has these but also has some unique and excellent models such as the Boss Metal Zone pedal, the 808 Tube Screamer, and one I have never seen modeled before: The ADA MP-1 preamp! Break out your spandex and moccasin boots guys, because it sounds great for those eighties hair-metal sounds (which I like). The reverbs and delays may be a little limited compared to the digitech, but they are excellent sounding none the less. I'm knocking a point off because it doesn't come with the power supply, although it is the standard 9 volt stomp-box style connector.
Quality:
It's plastic, but so are my 10 year old zoom units and they all still work properly. The only repairs I have ever made to my zooms are busted solder joints, which are easy fixes.
Manufacturer Support:
Samson is the US distributor of Zoom, and they are excellent in the customer support department. I called 1-800-3samson and they sent me a manual for one of my old zooms free of charge!
Value:
If you spend more than a couple hours at a guitar store with this and other processors, you'll see why I rave about these. Absolutely the best heavy distortion in an effects pedal!
The Wow Factor:
It may not be as pretty as the digitechs, but who cares about looks on a stomp box?
Overall:
I own several zooms and they are all excellent products. Background noise is slightly higher tan average on all of them, but its easily dialed out and the ZNR noise reduction is better than any other I've heard, so it's not really an issue. I've bought and sold tons of processors over the years, and the zooms are the only ones I keep!
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