Author Topic: multi fx pedalboards (Read 1897 times)

JDC · « **on:** October 05, 2007, 02:01:06 PM »

the part of my brain that wants to buy things, and then keeps changing it's mind, has been thinking about multi fx pedalboards such as the boss gt8

I've never had chance to try a multi fx pedalboard out and they look like better value for money then separate pedals but I was wondering:

1. do they have noise gates and compressors and what kind of EQs can you get

2. is it possible to use them to change channels on your amp?

3. how customisable are the pedals/buttons, eg could I have 1 button for a clean sound with delay and a certain EQ on it, and another button for hi gain with a touch of reverb and a different EQ

4. I've never had the chance to play with wah either, so how much flexibility would you have compared to say the the dimebag wah that has 5 different settings for erm, something I don't remember (doh)

ailean · « **Reply #1 on:** October 05, 2007, 02:14:12 PM »

I can't answer your questions myself, but it sounds to me like you need to visit your local friendly music shop on a quiet day and play with some gear.

My wife bought a Boss ME 50, sound wise it's only average, but it is good fun.

Will · « **Reply #2 on:** October 05, 2007, 02:33:54 PM »

for option 3, just look for the word patches and how its used. from my limited knowledge, a patch is a certain group of effects with the saved settings dialed in.

For a wah sweep I don't think they are that versatile.

Mr Ed · « **Reply #3 on:** October 05, 2007, 02:36:13 PM »

In my opinion, while they may be better value for money - they are several lightyears behind in terms of versatility and sound quality.

My bass player has an ME50B and while it IS fun, it's a poor substitute for having actual pedals in front of you.

If you just want a mess around, get a multifx unit... but I'd suggest getting something a bit more top-end like the Vox Valvetronix ones.

kevincurtis · « **Reply #4 on:** October 05, 2007, 02:39:38 PM »

I dont have massive experience with pedal boards but I can say:

Unlikely to switch channels on an amp as that (unless its a midi controlled amp) requires a latching switch which I've not heard of in a mulltifx board. It's not usually too bad hitting 2 pedals when changing sounds even live..some guitarists have gotten it to a tap dancing art! :)

You get what you pay for - a multi fx will have compression/noise gates, but its not going to be as good as a stand alone effect, same as distortion/overdrive. These are generally better as analogue effects.

Yes, with a multi fx if you set the amp clean you could then set a preset on the unit for clean, and another for dirty each having its own combination of effects (reverb, delay, chorus etc). And with most of these units you could have hundreds of such presets all different, so they are super flexible at the touch of a button. So great for adding some different icings onto whatever your preprepared cake (basic sound) is/are.

As Ailean suggested - go have a play, see what you think. :)

sgmypod · « **Reply #5 on:** October 05, 2007, 03:18:41 PM »

Give the tonelabs a try, I have the LE...they are not over the top, are easy to use and very usefull realistic sounds(will never beat a valve amp...but hey ain't that far off) but on the le you can turn the amp sims off and use purely as a stomp box..I.E. distortions etc, has lots of eq control even user settable output eq...so can set for what amp/mixer your putting it through without changing each patch..has very good wahs....everything user changable....can edit as deep or shallow as you like.....think can only change amps channels if they have midi on them

JDC · « **Reply #6 on:** October 05, 2007, 05:29:07 PM »

was just having another look at some boards again, is the fx loop on them for putting extra pedals through the board or is it for connecting your amps fx loop to the board?

38thBeatle · « **Reply #7 on:** October 05, 2007, 06:39:11 PM »

I think that they are ok in that they cover a lot of ground but it is fair to say that any one manufacturer may be good at, say, chorus and not on overdrives whereas if you buy pedals from recoginzed "experts" at certain types of f/x, you might get better quality in those ares.It is a balance between convenience and practicality. If, like me, you are in a covers band and you have to cover a lot of ground then a multi is very useful but I have a looper that takes it out of the chain totally so that as the audience gets more "merry" ( either into it or less critical)I can use just pure amp tone which I prefer any day.

sgmypod · « **Reply #8 on:** October 05, 2007, 08:37:51 PM »

Vox is the best one I have found for effects and amps...the fx loops are for extra effects...but be carefull some put them in funny places in the chain.....so not always usefull

hamfist · « **Reply #9 on:** October 05, 2007, 09:40:42 PM »

For flexibility and tonal variety, MFX/modellers win.

BUT, for tone and quality, you will not beat individual carefully chosen effects.

Alan

pagan7 · « **Reply #10 on:** October 05, 2007, 10:07:00 PM »

Go to page 3 in this section and look at the posting by Doadman titled "Which Multi FX"....a lot of this is covered in there.

Roobubba · « **Reply #11 on:** October 05, 2007, 11:11:05 PM »

I use a Zoom G2.1u.

I love it. It is transparent (in my set-up), and provides me with all manner of sounds as and when I need them. The amp provides distortion, which is superb, but the pedal gives me all those other things which I need from time to time, without the need for about £800 worth of gear. Money well spent, tbh.

People on here bash these units a lot, but you have to try them for yourself and fnd what you like.

People may bash my set up, but I shall let our recordings do the talking and see what people say after that!!!

Roo

PS this weekend is recording studio weekend!

EDIT 69th post, dude!