Need opinions on effects

[axwielding1]

I have a crybaby, TS9/808 in front, and DD6,TR2 in loop. Want to add chorus, reverb, flanger, etc.
Price is an issue...
Should I continue on the "pedal path" ? Or should I be thinking processor.
I don't want a raggedy digital tone. But the effects and options are all there..
Right now, with the DD6 and tr2 i'M AT $200, and adding say 3 more Boss pedals at +- $80, would get me at $440....
Should I be looking at a GT8 type deal. Under $400 would be great, with great tone..
I play some shows, not pro, but want effect options.
Used would be good too.
Thanks guys...
ax. :twisted:

 

[redmax61]

I'm probably not the right guy to be speaking here. I've been known to be wrong on how I like my effects to be set up. Plus, since I got my Dual Rectifier, I've been in tonal nirvana and have gotten rid of my rack full of effects. However, I can offer you the example of how I used to do things.

To me, any delay type of effects (reverbs, chorus, etc.) sound better in the effects loop. Especially if they're programmable in nature. For some reason, the overall sound of them is cleaner and gives more of a glassy feel. Most of the other effects (wah, distortion, some modulation effects) sound better up front. They seem to thrive on the grunge from the preamps.

Having said that, I'm finally in the process of putting a pedalboard together after several years of running completely dry. So far, my effects setup includes:
Crybaby wah - Wired for full bypass. I'm installing dual Fasels on it.
Rocktron Vertigo Vibe - Can't live without a good whirly every now and then.
Yamaha Magic Stomp - Ordered but not received. A friend of mine highly recommends these things as being in the big bang for the buck category. Yamaha makes excellent reverbs, and at under $200, it's worth a try.

Just my 2 cents. I hope it helps. Good luck on your search.

 

[axwielding1]

Thanks for the response, but...
What I'm actually asking is, should I be looking into a multi-effects unit like the GT8, or PODXT or RP3000 etc.
These are around $300 to $500... Wheras with 4-5 pedals, I'm over that and won't have all the other options....
What would be the suggestion for a multi effects unit....
The POD XT seems full of usable effects, and alot of other crap I could mess around with, such as amp and cab models, etc. And the recording aspects are cool too.
I just don't want a "CyberTwin" tone.....
Plus, I'm thinking my son would have the option to use this for shows in the city, so he won't have to drag his halfstack around all the time, for smaller venues, and go direct to the PA.
Just thinking that something like this POD XT would give me alot of options.
Suggestions?
ax. :twisted:

 

[JoeVFR]

I personally like pedals myself. They are much easier to tweak on the fly. I have a Digitech RP10 that I still use with headphones if volume is a concern, but it is not the easiest to change parameters. Also, I have tried to DI with the digitech straight into the PA and I did not like it. With different songs, it is very easy to just grab a knob and dial it in. I had a fuse blow on my LSC two gigs back and wouldn't you know it, no spare fuse! (I now have 8 extras, plus tubes!) I used a DI box and went straight into the PA for that and while I could tell the difference, nobody else seemed to care. I think if you can find a stompbox you're happy with its better than comprimising on in all-in-one board. I guess what I'm saying is live, I prefer stomp boxes. For recording, you can be more precise with rack gear, especially delay times. And you can still DI with your stompboxes if you have to.

 

[t0aj15]

axwielding1,
I now stay away from "all in one" boxes' for a couple of reasons. First there is no one manufacturer who has perfected all the efx. In other words every one of those "multi effect boxes" has at least one (usually more) efx that really suck. By using seperate pedals you can pick THE efx that you like, instead of settling for the half-assed version that comes in an all in one box. Then there's the issue of dependability. When one of your pedals malfunctions you lose that effect, when your all in one box breaks all your efx are gone. I've had enough of those expensive units to know they are far more prone to breakdown then pedals are, and they're generally a real pain to get repaired. I've found it far easier and more efficient to use pedals with an audio switcher (I use the GC Pro, GCX combination) to get exactly the sound I want without having to settle for less.

 

[axwielding1]

Ok. So originally I was thinking of the bigger Boss pedals with a wider range of options. Then went on to the GT8, and then to the PodXT...
Maybe I should just stick to getting chorus, reverb and flanger pedals.
So I'll probably get the MXR flange, and Boss chorus ensemble or used CE1. But what about reverb? Should I get the Boss reverb pedal or a Holy grail? Or should I just use the weakish reverb on my mark III and use delay to fill it out? I do alot of zeppelin and SRV so reverb is really handy..
I use the TR2 quite a bit as a Leslie-ish effect although I'd like a Uni-Vibe..Also, any other effects I should consider?
I've been a plug-n-play guy for a long time so I'm not effects savvy at all.
I like the Octaver, but I don't know how much I'd use it.
Also, money is an object, and I don't want to go pedal crazy. Just want to tweak out some more tone.But don't want to add a crapload of hiss, and spend the night dancing on pedal switches...Just need effective effects..
Thanks guys...
ax. :twisted:

 

[prometheus]

axwielding1,
I now stay away from "all in one" boxes' for a couple of reasons. First there is no one manufacturer who has perfected all the efx. In other words every one of those "multi effect boxes" has at least one (usually more) efx that really suck. By using seperate pedals you can pick THE efx that you like, instead of settling for the half-assed version that comes in an all in one box. Then there's the issue of dependability. When one of your pedals malfunctions you lose that effect, when your all in one box breaks all your efx are gone. I've had enough of those expensive units to know they are far more prone to breakdown then pedals are, and they're generally a real pain to get repaired. I've found it far easier and more efficient to use pedals with an audio switcher (I use the GC Pro, GCX combination) to get exactly the sound I want without having to settle for less.

+1 amp and cab modeling is horrid and you end up paying 400 bucks for a box has that has 200 features and maybe 2 that you like. as was my case. if your like me and live out in the sticks it will take you longer to find the pedal(s) you like but it is well worth it.

 

[Red Barchetta]

I avoid the multi-effects stuff except for the high- end TC electronics or Rocktron stuff....and even then, I don't like any multi-effects with overdrive or distortion in them (that's why I got the Boogie Road King, dammnit)


Pedals are great, cuz you can shop till you get the PERFECT effect that your are looking for....(don't overlook pedals by guyatone, fulltone, and voodoo labs....the higher prices are more than worth it)

As for reverbs, when I use digital reverb, I use an Alesis Midiverb 4 in the #2 effects loop of the Road King.



My best advice is to not "nickel and dime" yourself to death. Focus on one effect at a time. Audition every pedal in every price range for that particular effect until you find the one you LOVE. Then, save up and buy that one....don't buy this or that to "hold you over". Wait to get the one that inspires. you


(I wish someone had given me that advice 25 years ago...woulda saved lots of moolah...)



RB

 

[Brewski]

I ended up with a Boss GT-6. For the price of three pedals, I got the effects that I use. (Tremelo, Flange, Chorus) Keep in mind, I'm not playing professionally. The downside of the all in one boxes is that the pre-amp portion of it can color your tone. If you bought a Boogie because you liked the tone, then this can alter it. Again, my decision to go with a multi effects was the price point. There are times when less is more! Eventually, I'll pick up some individual effects, and I'll take my sweet time in buying them.

 

[Hogan96]

although fx boards or rack effect mods do save u money and time, and a few other things i feel stomp boxes diffenitly are the way to go if u have a choice. the sound on the stomp box is way richer and sounds way better. although there are some shitty ppedals out there. listen to Red Barchetta when he/she stated trying them out before buying. another way is to purcahse an fx board and a distorion and delay pedal. i find fx boards have amazing options on them, but distortions and most delays suck

 

[axwielding1]

I have the DD6, but don't really use it to it's full effect, just a few short delays and a slapback occasionally. But it's kinda stiff, and not very warm.
As far as distortion goes, I don't need/want any as my Mark III does that perfectly for me.. I just need some warm delay, chorus, flange, vibrato.
I'm now pretty sure I'm getting a Deluxe Memory Man. Much warmer tone, and now they have true bypass, which is why I never really wanted it before as it colored the tone when off alot.
I like the small clone chorus, so if the chorus on the memory man doesn't cut it, I'll get that.
This should be all I need for now, but found a used Octave Multiplexer that I'm picking up tomorrow just for thickening solo's..
The price of the USA EHX have come down so this is my chance, plus they seem to hold their value on ebay pretty well..
Thanks guys.
ax. 8)

 

[axwielding1]

I picked up the octave multiplexer today, and it works great sounds excellent! I don't know how long I'll keep it as I don't know if I can apply it enough, but right now it's fun to screw around with...
I also picked up the Deluxe Memory Man, and as far as the tone and delay, it's just plain gorgeous!!! Really rich/lush delay sounds, only 550ms, but that's plenty for me... And the added chorus/vibrato adds a warble of sorts to the tone. Certainly not a stand alone chorus or vibrato, but it does add a beautiful modulation..
I think I may add a small clone for really shimmery chorus.Maybe a wiggler for my vibrato, which really BENDS the note, a true vibrato...
But again, I am VERY happy with the delay, just beautiful!! I'd suggest this to anyone..Lush is the best way to describe it..
Great investment, and absolutely silent!!!!
ax. 8)
anyone interested in the Octaver, let me know. Sell for $65 plus actual shipping....If not, it may be listed with some others in the future in classifieds.. :wink:

 

[axwielding1]

Octaver in loop = bad tone..
Octaver in front=thick lead tone...
Now it tracks perfectly. Just a hint of effect, and it's frigging great for leads..Add to that a reverbish-delay with a hint of chorus, and I sound a mile wide, and in stereo!!! :wink:
Really happy now...
Just need the Small Clone, and I'll be Heaven!!!!
That new flange Hoax looks cool as well, have G.A.S. bad!
ax. 8)

EHX is like crack!