Need advice on a "multi effects processor"??

davem · November 3rd, 2009, 05:09 PM

Hi

I have a Vox AC4TV, an 08 American Strat and an Ibanez Tube King pedal.

Is there something that I can buy that will give me a bunch of different tones, effects and sounds?
I am not looking for a crazy expensive unit, or looking to buy a bunch of pedals - but would like to hear from anyone who has something that really works well for them.

Thanks
Dave

Joe Rider · November 3rd, 2009, 05:31 PM

I use the Boss ME-50. I'm not sure if they have superseded it with a new model. I has quite positive reviews. It was around $400 CDN. It is very well built.

Suthrn_BLU_Sman · November 3rd, 2009, 05:40 PM

Everyone I ask says the multi-effects processors are wonderful for home use and recording but not for gigging. Just wana put that out there. Now for suggestions. Since you have a Vox amp I would check out the Vox Tonelab first. If I was going to buy a Multi that would be my first choice. Then the Digitech RP series are really nice but kinda noisy with high gain. Then I would check out the Line 6 PODs, I've been told that a POD is the best multi a recording musician can have. Something from Line 6 or Digitech is probably going to be the cheapest option.

AllroyPA · November 3rd, 2009, 05:44 PM

I have a Digitech Legend Pro21 Rack w/ pedal board with LED, Prob could be had at around 100US. I know they also had a later unit that had an integrated tube in the preamp. Needless to say Digitech makes a solid product.

nadzab · November 3rd, 2009, 05:53 PM

I really like the Digitech RP-500. Super-versatile, great sounds, got mine for $300.

Paulbiz · November 3rd, 2009, 06:12 PM

Check out TC electronics...drool

Soundbandit · November 3rd, 2009, 06:42 PM

Right now I'm using a ZOOM G1 pedal (running through a Marshall 5212 2X12 combo) and I've got NO problems w/ it; and it only cost me $50.

platypibri · November 3rd, 2009, 06:57 PM

I'm using a Digitech RP1000. I LOVE it. Going for about 399 right now. Versatile, and flexible. Rugged and built for live playing.

There's probably a hundred of these MFX things on the market, so you'll have to be more specific about what you want.

Nigel T. · November 4th, 2009, 03:34 AM

I use a TC Electronic Nova System in my effects loop. Everything but drive is used from that unit.

mw13068 · November 4th, 2009, 05:50 AM

I have a Digitech RP-3 (an old, discontinued model).

Pros:
I bought it because I was sick of dealing with lots of separate pedals, patch cables, batteries, etc. It's a pretty tough unit - made of actual metal with tough plastic stomp buttons. It has many programmable settings, so if you like tweaking, you'll love it.

Cons:
Switching between different patches resets the volume level, despite the postion of the volume pedal (!). The built-in tuner is not accurate, and pretty frustrating to use. It's very noisy at high gain settings.

Overall:
I use it mainly for some overdrive here and there, and not much else, so I've given some thought to just getting an Ibanez TS-9 Tube Screamer. I'll keep it, because of it's versatility, but I actually use about 2% of it's functions, and that could easily be superceded by a Tube Screamer (with better tone, and less noise).

Hugh · November 4th, 2009, 07:16 AM

If you want cheap, the old Zoom 505 does ok, Used ones are like 20-30 bucks and easy to find on craiglist and ebay. The manual is easy to find and download. If I remember right, it has both digital and analog effects. They are old though, so I'd suggest buying one local if possible to check it out first. I've heard a couple of them the last year or so that sounded like they were dying. Good ones are decent imho.

adaptable · November 4th, 2009, 09:00 AM

You can find Line6 XT Pods for under $200 used on eBay. I have 2 of the XT Live models (one as a backup), and I gig with them regularly through a Bose PS/1. I sometimes front end my amps with it (I have a Vox AC4 like you....the Pod sounds great into the Vox 4W mode!). The Pod is a Swiss Army knife of tones & stompboxes, and it can be "tuned" to your output device. It also plugs into a computer for use as a recording interface and lets use design/manage your tones on the computer. It is a great device for live performance and demo recording.

PorkRollExpress · November 4th, 2009, 09:19 AM

The Line6 M9 looks interesting. Up to any 3 effects in any combo. It's a little pricey, but not much out there that does this.

I have lots of individual pedals and I'm finding I don't use most of them.

Combined with my Mesa Express's channel switching, I have a Boss CS-3>Tonebender MkII Professional>Vox 847 Wah> Behringer RV600 (Shimmerverbs)>DD5

my Ideal rig (working on it) would be:

JangleBoost Comp/eq/boost>Durham crazyhorse Fuzz>Vox 847 Wah
with a Line6 M9 Multi effector and a Malekko Ekko616 in the loop (I'll need a line level buffer/matcher I think)

Then I'd like to config a switching system to control the Line 6, pedal matrix, and Amp Channel/Verb

Malikon · November 4th, 2009, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adaptable

You can find Line6 XT Pods for under $200 used on eBay. I have 2 of the XT Live models (one as a backup), and I gig with them regularly through a Bose PS/1. I sometimes front end my amps with it (I have a Vox AC4 like you....the Pod sounds great into the Vox 4W mode!). The Pod is a Swiss Army knife of tones & stompboxes, and it can be "tuned" to your output device. It also plugs into a computer for use as a recording interface and lets use design/manage your tones on the computer. It is a great device for live performance and demo recording.

I had a huge goldish colored Digitech one about 15 years ago or so. Big heavy thing with a metal chassis and an expression pedal built on the side. It was nuts. I always had problems with it like what was said a few posts above me. It did weird things with the volume when switching between settings. It also added some hiss and noise.

this POD thing sounds interesting though because it can be used as a computer interface? I just started recording stuff for youtube a couple weeks ago and my sound quality is horrific. Gonna try using a usb mic and a web cam later today to see if that helps any. Thanks for letting me know about the POD though, this board is always so informative.

to the OP, good luck in your search for a good multi fx unit.

davem · November 4th, 2009, 12:00 PM

Wow, thanks for all the advice. This seems like it will be harder to decide than I thought. Looks like I'll read reviews on everything posted and check out youtube.

Dave

coahplayer · November 4th, 2009, 12:40 PM

Boss ME-70

80sLockingTrem · November 4th, 2009, 12:46 PM

I have a Boss ME-50 which I've been using for years. It's served me very well. Sturdy pedal, easy to use, and most of all, Sounds GREAT!

tonyw · November 4th, 2009, 01:07 PM

I have done a heap of recording on 2 units, a Zoom 505 the 1st one and a VAmp 2 from Behringer. Both good units in the cheaper price range.

I have songs online recorded with both..

simspace · November 4th, 2009, 03:04 PM

Checkout the Line6 M13 or M9.
Absolutely amazing, and great in the studio or live!
Tons of flexibility and easy to use.
The cool thing - they just model stompboxes, not amps.

Nigel T. · November 5th, 2009, 03:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mw13068

...
Cons:
Switching between different patches resets the volume level, despite the postion of the volume pedal (!). The built-in tuner is not accurate, and pretty frustrating to use. It's very noisy at high gain settings.
...

Put a volume pedal on the output of the Digitech and use that.

Mondragon · November 5th, 2009, 11:06 AM

No-one trumps Roland Corp at this sort of thing, any Boss Multi will do, but I personally recommend the ME 50; sounds ace and a sight-challenged monkey could operate it.

barellano · November 5th, 2009, 11:12 AM

ME-50 is very good, but if that's a little out of your price range check out the ME-20. I have one, it sounds great. I've since gone to individual pedals, but mostly because the ME-20 isn't great for live performance. However all of the sounds and effects are quite good.

cmcoram · December 5th, 2009, 06:06 PM

I dig my RP500. Amp/Cab bypass lets the character of my tube amp come through. Multiple effect types, i.e. TS, Blues Driver, OD.

At church, I turn the amp/cab mods back on, then go direct into the mixer. Works well.

And it comes with recording software, and you have the ability to mod your presets via the computer.

Most of all, it doesn't effect the natural character of my guitars, or the amp.

Scott L · December 5th, 2009, 08:57 PM

I have the Boss ME-70 and enjoy it a lot - you should be able to find one with a coupon for $250 or less. It offers quite a bit including a Tuneer, Looper and Amp Modeling with EQ. Personally I like knobs at my fingertips vs scrolling through menus.

scotzoid · December 19th, 2009, 02:49 AM

OK, this thread looks a good place to find out what I want to know; I'm pretty happy with the tone I get from my old crusty Gibson tube amp & a couple of good booster pedals (EHX LPB-1 Nano & Boss OS-2 Overdrive/Distortion), of course I'll always keep tweaking but it's good enough for now. What I'm looking for now is a decent multi-fx box for some coloration...chorus, flanger, tremelo, delay/reverb, all the little things that add so much, & my GA30 can't do. I'm looking seriously at the Digitech RP90, anyone got any experience or knowledge about this bad boy? At first I looked at the RP70, but for $20 more, the RP90 has all that and an expression pedal onboard. Can I use this for just the effects, & skip the amp models? Is this a true bypass, or is it gonna suck the tone out of my guitar even when it's not active? Since I'm using an old amp, I won't have an effects loop to remove it from the chain. So many questions, so little time & money...

Offshore Angler · December 19th, 2009, 09:07 AM

I'd highly reccomend the AxeFX unit. It's rackmountable for gigging and sounds fantastic. Plus- it has incredible amp models so you can A/B/Y out to a Power Engine and have it all onstage.

epistrat · December 19th, 2009, 09:51 AM

I luv my V-amp 2, but you have to buy a bunch of cables for it to operate to it's fullest potential.

I found it to have a steep learning curve, as it's my first and only multi-effector, which I've had for about 8 years. And you have to join the Yahoo V-amp discussion group to really get a handle on how the thing works, because the manual it comes with isn't really that helpful.

I'd recommend the V-amp 3, but it doesn't come with a preset switching pedal like the V-amp 2 does. But it might sound better than the V-amp 2, and they now have Editor software for it in beta form at behringer.com.

Kuroyama · December 19th, 2009, 10:19 AM

Line 6 gives you a lot in one box, but youre gonna pay. Line 6 is not cheap. (some models are less expensive, but comparitively speaking, not cheap)

Boss/Roland is mid priced and as was said before is VERY easy to use.

I havent tried any Digitech other than the Bad Monkey which is a standard in overdrive for any price.

Single pedals can become a money pit and not fun to manage and cable BUT... You should consider effects which are easy to change on the fly. Any FX can be fine tuned when youre at home alone, but on stage, or even just jamming with friends, if it takes you longer than 30 seconds to dial in a tone or volume, people will be waiting around on you. So, while single effect pedals can be a bear to juggle and cable up, they are usually beyond easy to adjust on the fly.

Also you can consider a pedal case with your fave 2 or 3 pedals in it cabled together and ready to rock. Simplifies transport.

Good luck in your search for Tone ;)

platypibri · December 19th, 2009, 10:59 AM

I have spent a lot more time with my RP1000, which is going for 399 these days. I paid 359 for a resealed unit. Here's a run down.

4 Cable Method Amp loop. You can route the unit through the front end AND effect loop of your amp. This allows you to put gain and compression up front, and modulations and reverbs in the loop. Amp sims are bypassed so you are only using effects. This is my preferred setup. I have a row of patches that are exactly the same except for the distortion sim, which goes from 808 to TS9, Modded TS9, Big Muff and OCD.

Direct to House I turn the amp sims back on and run the XLR out direct to the PA. Sounds surprisingly good. Could probably convince 30 to 50% of players listening it was a real amp. I tend to favor the Fender and Botique sims, but they are all pretty good.

Tube Power Amp I run the unit as above, but into the FX return of my amp. This is my second favorite way to go. Versatile amp sims up from, real tube amp response from the power amp. So far my band has not noticed when I run this way, so it must sound convincing, though if I told them, they'd be snobs about it.

Direct to PC or Mac Sounds at least as good as any actual micing of amps I personally have ever done. YMMV.

The FX are top notch. I've had a real TS9 and Big Muff and I am COMPLETELY satisfied with the emulations. Compressors are great too. Choruses are lush and not harsh, reverbs (by Lexicon) are SUPERB. As you might imagine, I use the tremolo and vibrato a lot in the surf band. This is my bread and butter, and I would not settle on surf sounds. But I am totally happy with the RP1000. I cannot praise it enough.

guitarman823 · December 20th, 2009, 03:44 AM

I've been using a Boss ME-50 for 4 years, stage and studio. Great unit, good sounds, easy to operate, never a problem with it. Appears you can't get it anymore, but the Me-70 is basically the same unit with modelling added. You can pick one up at MF for $299.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...RWXGB&ZYXSEM=0

CeltRocka · December 20th, 2009, 07:19 AM

Boss ME50 is great.22 distortion sounds[modelled on classic pedals].Different guitar and pick up options[acoustic,semi,H/B,SC,] plus all your Modulation ,delay,reverb.I really fancy getting the ME70-its supposed to have a great EQ section and 40 sec phrase looper

nod333 · January 28th, 2010, 06:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel T.

I use a TC Electronic Nova System in my effects loop. Everything but drive is used from that unit.

I know I'm late in this posting, but.... How do you like the Nova System? What was the issue with the drive? I'm looking for a system that can do everything. Was hoping to go from Stones to Halen in one box.

Teddy Watkins · January 28th, 2010, 08:56 AM

I've got a Line 6 M13 and I love it. Especially if you are playing live. I stepped away from digital for a while and purchased some nice analog effects(Deluxe memory man, Fuzz Factory) and while sounding great they are like living things. You've gotta tweak them all the time. Especially that damn Fuzz Factory. I decided I needed a simpler, more compact, repeatable set up that also offered more functionality. The M13 has everything you could need and allows you to chain in your existing stomps as well. Plus for what I paid for three effects, a tuner and a furman floorboard I got 100+ effects, 12 preset scenes with 12 stomps in each scene, a tuner, a loop and the ability to use what I already owned in one little package. And it sounds damn good. Very user friendly as they operate just like regular stomps. The M9 is a nice cheaper alternative.

nod333 · January 28th, 2010, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teddy Watkins

I've got a Line 6 M13 and I love it. Especially if you are playing live. I stepped away from digital for a while and purchased some nice analog effects(Deluxe memory man, Fuzz Factory) and while sounding great they are like living things. You've gotta tweak them all the time. Especially that damn Fuzz Factory. I decided I needed a simpler, more compact, repeatable set up that also offered more functionality. The M13 has everything you could need and allows you to chain in your existing stomps as well. Plus for what I paid for three effects, a tuner and a furman floorboard I got 100+ effects, 12 preset scenes with 12 stomps in each scene, a tuner, a loop and the ability to use what I already owned in one little package. And it sounds damn good. Very user friendly as they operate just like regular stomps. The M9 is a nice cheaper alternative.

The M13 looks sweet. I'll have to go try it out.

gitterfidder · January 28th, 2010, 06:41 PM

boss me-70 is my fave

Nigel T. · January 29th, 2010, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nod333

I know I'm late in this posting, but.... How do you like the Nova System? What was the issue with the drive? I'm looking for a system that can do everything. Was hoping to go from Stones to Halen in one box.

Nothing is wrong with the drive at all. I use the line input which bypasses the Drive/Distortion on it, and my drive comes from the amp.

lesray · January 29th, 2010, 10:12 AM

check out a second hand roland gp100 awsome gigged mine for 15 years and only just having a small problem now the first unit i ever come across with instant usable live sounds and the front works just like an amp

stratrocs · January 29th, 2010, 11:56 AM

I love my Digitech RP500. If that's out of the budget go with any of the RP Series. The 1,2 & 3 series even have a drum machine built in. Awesome tone, applications & bang for the buck.

guitarnorm · March 1st, 2010, 09:43 AM

For gigging I love the Line 6 POD XT Live into the front of a tube amp set really clean. The POD tones you get at home volume can be tweaked with the amp's eq (just make sure you have unity gain in the output). For my band that does a wide range of material from old country, to classic rock. to 80's metal, alt rock, nu-metal, etc. it's the only way to go. I tried the BOSS multi-effects products but they sounded to fake for me...and I own a few BOSS pedals. I used to use the digitech stuff too, but with a tube preamp. The XT Live was just much easier to get to sound good. Of course for the best tones...straight into a tube amp cranked way up!!!

Paulbiz · March 1st, 2010, 10:00 AM

I tried the ME-70...didnt like it at all...returned for the Line 6 X3...wow what a great peice of gear!