Recommendations for effects units for Mark III

[lowercasee]

I recently picked up a nice condition Quadraverb Plus on the cheap and I have been trying it out with my Mark III. I have NO idea how to program it so I have just been using the factory presets. They don't sound bad, but trying to edit or change them is definitely not intuitive. Didn't realize there was a learning curve for it or I may have passed over it. Worst case, I could easily sell it for more than I paid.

So is it worth it to spend the time and get familiar with, or should I just sell it and look for something newer and more simple? I'm really just looking for the basics: reverb (the Mark's is pretty weak), chorus, flange, delay, phase. Stomp boxes are an option but the ones I have tried all create a noticeable volume / tone loss in the loop. It shouldn't bother me as I'm just playing at home at reasonable levels but it does. The Quadraverb creates the same issue in the loop, but it has input and output level knobs to adjust.

If anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears. Thanks!

 

[Promethean]

I have been very happy with a Lexicon MX200 in my MK3 loop.

http://lexiconpro.com/en/products/mx200

It is very simple to set up with two separate fx blocks and with a stereo cable you can foot switch them on and off too. There is an up down switch to choose the effect and 3 parameter knobs for each block.

Works great in the loop and has loads of great sounds. Studio quality reverbs, delays, chorus, phaser, etc. and a surprisingly cool compressor.

Best thing, it's cheaper than a boutique pedal that does just one thing.

FYI - You can boost the Reverb in a Mark 3 a lot. I modded mine with a resistor on the black wire that goes from the PCB to the fx return jack (I seem to remember). That gives loads more depth to the stock reverb knob. I can now dial in Dick Dale type sounds and fender type reverbs with it.

Details of this super simple mod here. I used a 15k resistor.

http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=65720

More details here

http://www.forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?t=25014

 

[tony777]

I would advice you to check out the Eventide H9.

 

[lowercasee]

I have been very happy with a Lexicon MX200 in my MK3 loop.

http://lexiconpro.com/en/products/mx200

It is very simple to set up with two separate fx blocks and with a stereo cable you can foot switch them on and off too. There is an up down switch to choose the effect and 3 parameter knobs for each block.

Works great in the loop and has loads of great sounds. Studio quality reverbs, delays, chorus, phaser, etc. and a surprisingly cool compressor.

Best thing, it's cheaper than a boutique pedal that does just one thing.

FYI - You can boost the Reverb in a Mark 3 a lot. I modded mine with a resistor on the black wire that goes from the PCB to the fx return jack (I seem to remember). That gives loads more depth to the stock reverb knob. I can now dial in Dick Dale type sounds and fender type reverbs with it.

Details of this super simple mod here. I used a 15k resistor.

http://forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=27&t=65720

More details here

http://www.forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?t=25014

Thanks for the recommendations, definitely going to do the reverb mod. Will check out the lexicon too.

Will look into the Eventide H9 as well.

 

[lowercasee]

Came across a great deal on a Lexicon MX200 so I figured I would give it a shot. Just got it today and have had a few minutes to mess around with it. It sounds awesome just with the factory settings and it is quite easy and intuitive to use so far. I am definitely going to enjoy getting to know it. Also, sold the Quadraverb today for nearly double what I paid for it so that's another big plus! Thanks again Promethean for the recommendation.

 

[Promethean]

Came across a great deal on a Lexicon MX200 so I figured I would give it a shot. Just got it today and have had a few minutes to mess around with it. It sounds awesome just with the factory settings and it is quite easy and intuitive to use so far. I am definitely going to enjoy getting to know it. Also, sold the Quadraverb today for nearly double what I paid for it so that's another big plus! Thanks again Promethean for the recommendation.

That's great to know. the only thing I have to keep in mind is the routing which for mono fx loop use, you need in series - routing 2 I think. Some factory presets change it.

I use mine with a Boss FS-6 dual footswitch and a stereo cable to give me independent module on/off. I put green and orange stickers to show which colour coded module each pedal controlled. I'm toying with idea of getting a basic midi changer but I usually only use a couple of patches and can change them manually between numbers.

If you do the reverb mod in the boogie, it could be so good, you may find you can free up a lexicon reverb slot for something else too.

 

[lowercasee]

Cool, thanks for the recommendation. I am pretty much just a home player so I think it will work fine as is. You are right about routing 2 as well, that's the one to use for guitar.