Zoom G1X Four Review: Affordable Multi-Effects Pedal with Expression Control and Built-In Looper
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If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly multi-effects unit that punches well above its price, then the Zoom G1X FOUR deserves serious consideration. With over 70 effects, amp models, a built-in looper and drum machine, and an expression pedal—all for well under the cost of many boutique stompboxes—this little box offers a lot of value. In this review I’ll walk through its features, what works (and what doesn’t), share my experience using it, and ultimately answer whether it is “the budget multi-FX pedal that surprised me.”
Features at a Glance
Here’s what the Zoom G1X Four brings to the table:
70+ built-in guitar effects (including distortion, modulation, delay/reverb, and more) and 13 amp/cabinet models
Ability to chain up to 5 effects simultaneously in any order
Built-in expression pedal (“X” in the name signals the pedal version) allowing control of volume, wah, delay time, pitch, and more
68 built-in rhythm/beat patterns and a 30-second looper for layering
USB connectivity and free software (Zoom Guitar Lab) for editing, backup, and adding downloadable effects
Powered by four AA batteries (or optional AC adaptor / USB bus-power) for portability
Build & Layout
Out of the box, the G1X Four is compact and lightweight—perfect for travel or bedroom rigs. The expression pedal feels decent; it adds a nice dynamic touch whether you’re using it for volume swells or wah effects. The user interface is straightforward: a small screen, rotary knobs, and footswitches for bank or patch selection. It’s more intuitive than many budget multi-effects pedals.
One minor caveat: the build is mostly plastic and the footswitches are somewhat basic—not designed for heavy stompboard duty, but fine for home and modest gigging. The construction feels sturdy enough for regular use if treated with care.
Sound & Performance
What Works
For its class and price range, the G1X Four sounds very capable. The clean and moderate gain amp models are solid, while the delays, reverbs, and modulation effects are especially impressive. The tape-echo and spring reverb settings are standouts.
The expression pedal adds a lot of fun and flexibility: being able to control wah, volume, or delay time on the fly raises the creative potential well above a fixed-pedal setup.
What to Watch Out For
High-gain amp models: The drive and distortion effects aren’t as refined as higher-end multi-effects units or boutique pedals. With careful EQ adjustments, however, you can achieve very usable tones.
Live performance limitations: With only two footswitches (bank/patch up and down) and no dedicated stomp control for each effect, switching during a gig can be clunky. It’s best suited for home, rehearsal, or basic live setups.
Looper limitations: The built-in looper only records up to 30 seconds, which is fine for quick practice loops but limiting for multi-section songs.
My Experience
Using the G1X Four in my home setup (guitar → pedal → amp/line out), I found it very enjoyable. I dialed in a clean Fender-style amp model, added a spring reverb and subtle delay, and was already getting rich, musical tones. The expression pedal made it easy to add a wah sweep or volume swell without needing extra pedals.
The rhythm patterns and looper made it easy to jam, experiment, and practice timing. The USB editing through Zoom’s Guitar Lab software simplified patch management far more than manual programming.
For gigging, it’s functional but not ideal if you need frequent effect changes mid-song. For recording, practicing, or traveling, it delivers far more versatility than expected at this price.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Excellent value: huge range of effects and amp models for the price
Expression pedal adds creative control
Looper and drum patterns great for practice
USB connectivity and downloadable effects expand its capabilities
Compact, battery powered, and travel-friendly
Cons:
High-gain tones less refined than premium pedals
Limited live switching
Plastic build not ideal for heavy use
30-second looper is short
Who’s This For?
If you are:
A beginner or intermediate guitarist exploring a wide range of tones
A hobbyist who practices at home with headphones or through a small amp
Someone needing a compact “all-in-one” travel effects solution
Then the Zoom G1X Four is an excellent fit.
If you are:
A gigging musician who needs extensive foot control or high-gain precision
A player who wants boutique-level realism or stereo routing
You might outgrow this unit in time, but it still serves well as a backup or travel rig.
Final Thoughts
In the same spirit as other budget multi-FX pedals that overdeliver, the Zoom G1X Four earns serious respect. It’s creative, fun, flexible, and surprisingly capable for such a small and affordable device.
If you’re realistic about its limits—plastic build, short looper, and basic live control—you’ll be impressed by just how much it offers.
Bottom line: The Zoom G1X Four is one of the most versatile and enjoyable budget multi-effects pedals you can buy today. Perfect for home players, hobbyists, and anyone wanting big creative possibilities in a compact box.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can the Zoom G1X Four be used for live performances?
A: It can, but it’s best suited for home practice or small gigs. The two footswitch layout limits how quickly you can switch patches or toggle effects mid-song. For live players who need full control, a larger multi-effects unit may be better.
Q: How long does the Zoom G1X Four’s looper record for?
A: The built-in looper records up to 30 seconds of audio. It’s perfect for short practice loops or layering riffs but not long enough for full song sections.
Q: Does the Zoom G1X Four have amp and cabinet simulations?
A: Yes. It includes 13 amp and cab models that let you plug directly into headphones, a PA, or an audio interface without needing a physical amp.
Q: Can I use the Zoom G1X Four with headphones?
A: Absolutely. The headphone output lets you practice silently while still hearing the full range of effects and amp tones.
Q: What’s the difference between the Zoom G1 Four and the G1X Four?
A: The main difference is the expression pedal. The G1X Four includes it, letting you control parameters like wah, volume, pitch, and delay time in real time. The standard G1 Four does not.
Q: Can I power it with a USB cable or batteries?
A: Yes. It can run on four AA batteries, a 9V DC power adapter, or USB bus power—making it super flexible for both home and travel setups.
Q: Is the Zoom G1X Four good for beginners?
A: Definitely. It’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to explore effects and amp models without investing in multiple pedals. Its layout and interface are intuitive enough for new players to learn quickly.
Q: Can I edit patches on my computer?
A: Yes. With Zoom’s free Guitar Lab software, you can create, edit, and organize patches on your computer, and even download new effects directly to the pedal.