Tried Out the ZOOM Multi‑Effects G6!

No matter how old you get, there’s still that thrill of carrying home a big box, right?

Introduction

Hello! I’m a new effects staffer at Sound House!
Thanks to cooperation from ZOOM, I borrowed their now‑classic multi‑effects unit the ZOOM G6 and wrote this review.
Though I can’t yet match the experience of my senior staffers in handling effects, I hope to convey its appeal from a beginner’s standpoint!

About the ZOOM / G6

Let’s start with a quick overview of the ZOOM G6.
The ZOOM G6 is a high-performance multi-effects unit equipped with the same cutting-edge effects processing technology as ZOOM’s flagship model, the G11. Not only does it include a wide variety of amp models and effects, but it also comes loaded with 100 presets — so you can enjoy a range of sounds the moment you power it on.
What really stands out is the inclusion of 22 cabinet models along with 70 built-in IR (Impulse Response) files. Plus, you can load up to 50 additional custom IRs, giving you the flexibility to pursue even more realistic tones.
Another key feature, one that’s especially rare at this price point, is the intuitive color touchscreen, which allows you to easily reorder effects or change settings on the fly. It also comes with a looper function that allows up to two hours of recording, USB connectivity for using as an audio interface with your PC, and compatibility with ZOOM’s Guitar Lab software.

Now, let’s dive into how it felt to actually use the unit!

Lightweight!

The first thing I noticed when using it was how light it is.
I brought it to a studio inside a pedalboard case and compared it to a board loaded with compact effects and a metal-bodied multi-effects unit, this was overwhelmingly lighter!
Despite its light weight, it still has a solid size and a low center of gravity, so it doesn’t shift around during play and remains stable.

Sound

There are already tons of videos showcasing the wide range of effects built into the G6, so I’ll leave the deep demos to those who might want to have a listen. From what I’ve experienced hands-on, the unit comes with more than enough effects, and I’m sure even after long-term use, you’ll keep discovering new sounds.

As a punk/metal player myself, amp modeling and pitch effects are key for me.
Thankfully, there’s a solid lineup of high-gain amp models, especially the original amp model “KRAMPUS”, which I highly recommend.
Some people may feel hesitant about using original amp models that aren't based on physical gear, but personally, I feel that this amp alone makes the G6 worth having.
Also, one type of effect I always check on a multi-effects unit is the pitch effects.
If it’s a pedal, I often use a wah-wah pedal and a pitch shifter that can shift tuning up or down by half steps, which makes it really handy.
The effect called “PitchSHFT” on this unit lets you down-tune with high precision and no noticeable latency.

Here, I added the “PEDALPITCH” effect to my favorite preset called “Djent7”. It works great with a 7-string guitar.

Perfect for practicing at home!

I believe guitarists live for playing loud (I’m a bit biased), but most of the time, you can’t crank up the volume at home.
That’s where a multi-effects unit really shines—you can plug your headphones in directly and hear your amp sound without bothering anyone.
This unit also has an AUX IN jack, so you can play music from another device through the effects and jam along with your favorite songs.
It’s a great way to instantly get into a live performance mood, so I highly recommend this practice method.
Here’s how I connected mine:

1. ① Guitar → G6
2. ② iPad → G6 (for playing backing tracks)
3. ③ G6 → Headphones

Mode Switching

From my experience with various multi-effects units, the cheaper the model, the more cumbersome it becomes to switch between multiple effects or amps. No matter how good the sound is, complicated settings like switching between this amp and that amp with one switch or turning on/off just this effect within a patch during a song can be stressful when shaping your sound.
With this unit, you can switch all of that instantly using the PLAY MODE selection switch. It’s incredibly convenient, allowing you to switch modes instantly to match the song or band you're playing with. It’s a truly stress-free operation that really impressed me.

↓ “PEDAL BOARD” mode. You turn each effect on or off within a patch.

↓ “BANK/PATCH” mode. Use the switches to move up and down through banks and presets to select sounds.

↓ “MEMORY” mode. Switches all the effects lined up, including amps.

↓ “LOOPER” mode. You can layer sounds by yourself.

Effect Operation

Another major feature of this unit is its touch panel. You can select which effect to operate, change their order, and adjust each parameter with the same ease as using a smartphone. Recently, more effects units have achieved this kind of operation by connecting to apps, but having this functionality directly on the hardware is definitely convenient and a great thing to have.

↓ The menu that appears when you scroll the screen. You select the action you want to take from here.

↓ The “EDIT ALL” button in the center at the bottom of the menu allows you to add, remove, or swap effects all on one screen.
Basically, this is where you’ll spend most of your time operating.

Additionally, this unit has four physical knobs that let you control each effect’s parameters. Adjusting knobs only on the touch panel can sometimes cause over-rotation or make fine-tuning difficult. Using the physical knobs alongside the touch controls solves this problem, which I believe greatly enhances the overall operability of this unit.

Also, there is the “EFFECT BOARD” mode, which allows you to toggle each effect within a patch on or off. You can assign each of the four footswitches to different effects, but I wondered if it might be hard to remember which switch controls which effect. However, when I actually tried it…

↓ The green “BRIGHT HALL” was assigned to “EFFECT-4”

↓ When the assignment was removed, the light for “EFFECT-4” turned off

↓ Then when the blue “CHORUS” was assigned, “EFFECT-4” lit up blue!
It only took a few seconds to do all this. It was so simple to do.

Bonus: Manual

Thankfully, this unit comes with a Japanese quick start guide included, so you can check the basic operations. With operations becoming more complex and manuals increasingly being downloadable only online or lacking Japanese instructions, this shows the kind consideration unique to a Japanese company. (By the way, the controls are simple enough that you can figure most of it out even without the manual.)
On the official website, there are even more detailed guides, ASIO drivers for using the unit as an interface, an effect list, and firmware update guides—all are very user-friendly. Not only is the hardware easy to use, but this kind of support is great for beginners as well.

To summarize

So, what did you think? Honestly, it’s amazing how much functionality and ease of use you get at this price point. Even beginners will find it approachable, and it’s a multi-effects unit that will shine both in live settings and during practice.
This time, I only covered the basic functions, but there are still so many features I want to try, like pairing it with a computer, integrating external effects or expression pedals, or even using it via wireless control. That’s why I think this unit is something you can enjoy for a long time as your very first multi-effects pedal.

I hope this blog helped you get a better sense of what it’s like to use the G6.
Wishing you all a great multi-effects pedal life!