The distortion types offered by the Zoom 3000 cover a wide spectrum of sounds, from bluesy overdrive and grunge to high-gain metal and '60s fuzz. Each distortion type can be manipulated using the “Gain” and “Tone” parameters to make it dirtier or lighter. You also simultaneously can layer two distortion types together to create your own blend.
Shape your sound with the equalization effect module in the Zoom 3000. This module contains a basic three-band equalizer to emphasize high-, middle- or low-frequencies in your guitar signal. You also can select the phase-shifting effect, auto-wah or pedal-wah parameters, which adjust the boosting and cutting of frequencies in a more psychedelic way.
Pitch shifting on the Zoom 3000 alters your signal up or down a maximum of two octaves. Within this sound module, you can detune to achieve a chorus-like effect, add automatic pitch shifting, based on a predetermined scale or make your guitar produce harmonized pitch swells that resemble a violin.
Add volume modulation to the pitch-shifting effects of the Zoom 3000 to widen your guitar sound. From this sound module, you can create chorus effects that can be modified for speed and depth. You also can use the tremolo setting to automatically pan between the left and right channels, creating a pulsating effect. Selecting the “Flanger” setting gives your guitar the sound of a “rushing jet,” according to the Zoom 3000 Operation Manual.
There are three types of delays in the Zoom 3000: Normal, analog and hold. Normal is a conventional delay setting that gives you up to two seconds of delay on the notes you play. The analog delay is similar, but the playback of the repeated notes is much softer and resembles a taped delay. The hold delay setting allows you to sample a two-second phrase and repeat it endlessly in a loop. The Zoom 3000 offers five different types of reverb, which vary in simulation from the size of a small room to a massive concert hall.
Perhaps the most unique effect type of the Zoom 3000 is its “Talk Box” feature. This allows you to hook up an external microphone to the “MIC IN” jack and add your voice to the guitar signal. The sound produced is similar to Peter Frampton’s iconic talking guitar on his “Frampton Comes Alive!” record.