GT-8, XT Live, Digitech GNX 3000, KorgAX...........?

[Johnny Mac]

I guess if you are a non-drinking age millionaire who can throw money at anything with a designer pricetag it's ok.
But for the "swiss army knife" a multi-effect is a godsend.

Again, what will happen in years to come when someone becomes rich and famous and it turns out they were using a PodXt OMG, the shame! LOL
Oh nope, it will make PodXt's rare and coverted won't it LOL.

Most people who have ever played in a "Pub" setting will tell ya, space aint great so a clear floor is a dream. Multi-effects provide this and the quick (ish) ability to change sound and therefore play what you are getting paid for (wether it be in money or BEER  :twisted: ) is a godsend.

Devin Townsend from SYL uses a Pod, so does the edge!

[Dakine]

TADA!

I stand corrected, famous already uses "cr@p" ROFLMAO, who would have thunked it :)

[Underground_Player]

multi effects are no good - i'd rather reccommend getting a few choice boo-teek pedals that do the sounds you need.

I think all of us on here are tone snobs to some extent indy - but dude, just try and keep it under wraps from time to time.


My friend has a GT8 and its like a space station, but that's not to say there's no 'good' sounds in there. Through the right amp I'm sure it would sound pretty good, and through a rubbish amp I'm sure 99% of the audience (as Johnny Mac pointed out) still wouldn't notice or care, as they're too busy enjoying the actual notes. You've got to have a usable tone, but as long as you're kicking out the right frequencies it doesn't really matter.


Interesting story - Bruce Dickinson at BIMM is a massive tone freak. Guess what pedal he uses live? A stock DS-1. Apparently he doesn't use anything 'better' not 'cos he can't afford it, but because people's ears are used to hearing the sound of a DS-1, not a Fulltone - to them, a DS-1 probably sounds like the best pedal in the world.

[bubchronic]

Thanks for all the help everybody.
I do like the amp sim capabilites of the Pod, and Vox, but it seems the GT-8 has enormous scope for more modern and experimental sounds, aswell as all the classic stompboxes. There is also the user groups who trade patches, which could be fun.
I am currently gigging frequently and I am switching to multi-fx for space, reliability and scope to provide a shiteload of new sounds.

[Tinus]

I don't quite agree that getting some boutique pedals will just give instant great tone. Boutique pedals are (mostly) good quality in parts and build, but often more specialised in their function. This means that some pedals might just not suit your style, instrument or rig, regardless of their quality. Multifx IMO have their use because they can offer a lot of versatility and can be made to sound good through almost any setup, if programmed with care of course.

I must agree however that no multifx or amp modeler can really match a cooking setup in which the guitar, amp and fx are well matched. To me my simple setup of booster (Banzai New Rising Sun II), RM Voodoo Vibe for modulation/tremolo and Budda combo is more responsive than any amp model i've heard. This setup is both versatile and challenging to me 'cause it will make pretty much anything I do sound good but will also display my mistakes or sloppiness in great detail.

[bubchronic]

Thanks for all the help everybody.
I do like the amp sim capabilites of the Pod, and Vox, but it seems the GT-8 has enormous scope for more modern and experimental sounds, aswell as all the classic stompboxes. There is also the user groups who trade patches, which could be fun.
I am currently gigging frequently and I am switching to multi-fx for space, reliability and scope to provide a shiteload of new sounds.

[Dakine]

bub
am sure you will be happy with the GT8
It is metal for one (so should be sturdy).
It does have amazing capabilities and some just plain weird sounds.
Bear in mind, to employ the amp sims to their best use you are gonna need "neutral" speakers or summit like a keyboard amp. Otherwise a guitar amp or similar will colour and maybe mush the sound. They can always be turned off anyway and just use the effects.
Also, the "intensity" settings, so you can change amp sim/cab/effects etc. with picking intensity is actually very cool and useful (not just a gimmick).
Think you will be happy.
BTW, am SURE you already know this but you cannot exchange patches like say a Pod. You need to hook up to a PC through Midi to gain user patch settings.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[Kilby]

Until you have your own soundguy mixing and probably own PA too, reserve the boutique pedals for recording & jamming, or perhaps showcase gigs.

You are at the mercy of so many variables a multi fx unit is probably the most sensible option, for portability, reliability and a disinterested sound guy the venue supplies.

Rob...

[Absolue_Zero]

Just to re-iterate a few things...

Modelling: *some* guitarists I've come across, wonder why, for instance, when they've got their modeler set for an AC30 simulation, does it sound  like mud whilst plugged into the front of their Marshall  stack. Guitarists are the new drummers, it would seem. If you're looking for quasi-realistic modelling then plug the thing into a full-range, flat-response system like a Mackie SRM or JBL EON. Can't stand on stage without a stack behind you, Nige? Get a cardboard cutout.

If it's fx you're after, clearly the GT-8 is miles in front in terms of choice and flexibility, from the obvious and everyday to the downright weird and unusual. It's also worth noting that the GT-8 (uniquely) is completely fx chain-order programmable... and that includes an external loop. For example, with a regular guitar amp that includes its own fx loop:

Guitar
GT-8: input
GT-8: whatever fx
GT-8: Loop send
Amp: input
Amp: preamp
Amp: fx send
GT-8: loop return
GT-8: whatever fx
GT-8 out
Amp: fx return
Amp: poweramp
Speaker

You might also include the GT-8 amp sims somewhere (wherever) in that guitar->speaker sequence... or the external amp channel switching capabilities of the GT-8

The aforementioned is known as the 4-cable method and it allows you to place your choice and sequence of fx both before and after your amp's preamp. Certain fx *tend* to sound best in particular pre/post preamp slots.

Anyway, check here for a reasonably objective comparison of the major multi-fx/modelers.

http://www.thestompbox.net/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleID=21

Excerpt re GT-8 fx

Effects: 44 “categories” (over 70 effects)
Simultaneous FX: 13
FX Chain Manipulation: Yes – unparalleled flexibility.
Rating: Excellent

[BigBazz]

For what its worth Adrian Clark (guitarist magazine) reckons the GNX3000 (new technology) is the best sounding multi effects modeling unit.

Bowks wrote:
Better than the Vox?! It must be good then!! I remember you saying that you wouldn't let the unit you reviewed leave the house and bought it for yourself.

Adrian Clark wrote

Yeah, if I wasn't so skint I'd be buying one right now. I did a comparison with the Tonelab when I still had the GNX for review, and while it's never fair to compare modelling units on the "accuracy" of their sounds (they're all different) the GNX had an immediacy and tone that seemed closer to an amp than I'd ever heard previously. In fact, it reminded me of when I first heard the Tonelab, comparing it to the Pod etc. Digitech have taken things to a new level.

(I should bill them for all this PR )


Adrian

Taking from the Guitarist magazine forum, a thread about multi effects units and modellers.

[Absolue_Zero]

Agreed, the 3k probably is the best modeler... but the OP is talking fx.

[django5]

I have a GT8 and love it.

Seconded.

[sambo]

vox tonelabs are supposed to be very similar/almost on a par with the GT-8's.... anyone ever cmpared the two?

[Dakine]

When I bought my GT8 I tried the tonelab.
Although construction and sound was great it did'nt have the "tweakability" or the options that the GT8 had, although simplicity may be a good thing depending on what looking for.

[sambo]

so stock soundwise.... which had the edge?