Just replaced my ME-70 with a Fender Mustang Floor. The ME-70 was a good no nonsense floor processor, but the problem was that there was no way to integrate the amp models with my amps, so I would just use it in the loop for its delays and choruses, and not use any of its models.
The Mustang Floor is unique in this price range in that it has a switchable FX loop. While the loop can't be repositioned (it is the first in the chain), because of this, it does not go through an additional round of AD/DA conversion! Basically, the switchable loop is like an analog AB pedal at the input. Put your amp's preamp in the loop and it can easily switch between your amp's preamp and the built in models. Because the pedal has midi out, it can also be used to switch your amp channels, with a device like the Voodoo Labs midi switcher, if your amp is not midi capable.
Another trick is that with an external Y pedal at the input (or a wah or compressor with 2 outputs), you can have the FMF switch between two amp preamps. So run the dry guitar signal to both heads, have one go into the input, and the other go into the return jack, and you can easily switch between two heads. This is an amazing deal for only $200!
The other nice feature is that it has comprehensive global EQ options that apply to only the patches with models. I found that this is useful to tone match the patches to your amps channels so they sound like they are coming from the same place. Used with a JSX/6L6s, I put the global EQ on "Stack+treb" and the models now all sounds like they are matched to the amp channels. There are further fine adjust treb/bass controls.
Now onto the models and FX. This has some of the best low and mid-gain models I have heard. I am not familiar with the individual Fender amps, but the all respond to input dynamics and volume changes like a real amp. Played lightly they can be clean, and dig in for for grind. The models are also sensitive to pickup types and does not homogenize pickups.
There are not many high gain models, but the ones it has a quality. I tried to cop the tone of my JSX's Ultra channel with the "Metal 2000" model and got very close. The Metal 2000 does not have the Peavey mid honk, the bass is broader and flatter like a Dual Rec, but the model has similar dynamic response and played through the same half stack, miced with a 57, the model sounds like a credible representation of a Dual Rec, responding to volume/pickup changes authentically. The EQ of the model is dynamic enough to match the active EQ on the JSX - so I was able to Ab the model against the JSX and it sounds like I'm switching between two channels on the same amp, not two separate amps.
The amp models are sophisticated and have controls for "SAG" and "bias" that can simulate various degress of tube saturation and power amp characteristics. I found that when played through a tube amp, put the bias to cold and it takes the mud out of the high-gain models. Also, each patch has a dedicated Noise Suppressor and cab model. The cab models obviously need to be turned off when playing through a live rig. It would be nice if there was a global setting that allowed one to do this. There is no global or dedicated noise suppressor, but earlier versions of the firmware apply the patches noise suppressor to the chain even when the model is disabled, so it helps clean up when a high gain external pre or pedal is used.
Basically, this is a no-brainer for someone who wants to add a pallette of Fender tones to their high-gain rig with seamless switching. The board does not look like a multi-FX unit instead looks like a no-nonsense switcher. It is not packed with any "toys". All the FX are bread and butter. There is no looper or whammy effects.
I haven't played with the computer software or programming the FX yet. Will probably add to the review when I get a chance. I wanted to get the word out on this fine piece of gear. Its not clear that Fender plans to continue making these in the congested multi-FX market. But this is a rare board that does not look like a spaceship and does all the things a working musician will need.
The Mustang Floor is unique in this price range in that it has a switchable FX loop. While the loop can't be repositioned (it is the first in the chain), because of this, it does not go through an additional round of AD/DA conversion! Basically, the switchable loop is like an analog AB pedal at the input. Put your amp's preamp in the loop and it can easily switch between your amp's preamp and the built in models. Because the pedal has midi out, it can also be used to switch your amp channels, with a device like the Voodoo Labs midi switcher, if your amp is not midi capable.
Another trick is that with an external Y pedal at the input (or a wah or compressor with 2 outputs), you can have the FMF switch between two amp preamps. So run the dry guitar signal to both heads, have one go into the input, and the other go into the return jack, and you can easily switch between two heads. This is an amazing deal for only $200!
The other nice feature is that it has comprehensive global EQ options that apply to only the patches with models. I found that this is useful to tone match the patches to your amps channels so they sound like they are coming from the same place. Used with a JSX/6L6s, I put the global EQ on "Stack+treb" and the models now all sounds like they are matched to the amp channels. There are further fine adjust treb/bass controls.
Now onto the models and FX. This has some of the best low and mid-gain models I have heard. I am not familiar with the individual Fender amps, but the all respond to input dynamics and volume changes like a real amp. Played lightly they can be clean, and dig in for for grind. The models are also sensitive to pickup types and does not homogenize pickups.
There are not many high gain models, but the ones it has a quality. I tried to cop the tone of my JSX's Ultra channel with the "Metal 2000" model and got very close. The Metal 2000 does not have the Peavey mid honk, the bass is broader and flatter like a Dual Rec, but the model has similar dynamic response and played through the same half stack, miced with a 57, the model sounds like a credible representation of a Dual Rec, responding to volume/pickup changes authentically. The EQ of the model is dynamic enough to match the active EQ on the JSX - so I was able to Ab the model against the JSX and it sounds like I'm switching between two channels on the same amp, not two separate amps.
The amp models are sophisticated and have controls for "SAG" and "bias" that can simulate various degress of tube saturation and power amp characteristics. I found that when played through a tube amp, put the bias to cold and it takes the mud out of the high-gain models. Also, each patch has a dedicated Noise Suppressor and cab model. The cab models obviously need to be turned off when playing through a live rig. It would be nice if there was a global setting that allowed one to do this. There is no global or dedicated noise suppressor, but earlier versions of the firmware apply the patches noise suppressor to the chain even when the model is disabled, so it helps clean up when a high gain external pre or pedal is used.
Basically, this is a no-brainer for someone who wants to add a pallette of Fender tones to their high-gain rig with seamless switching. The board does not look like a multi-FX unit instead looks like a no-nonsense switcher. It is not packed with any "toys". All the FX are bread and butter. There is no looper or whammy effects.
I haven't played with the computer software or programming the FX yet. Will probably add to the review when I get a chance. I wanted to get the word out on this fine piece of gear. Its not clear that Fender plans to continue making these in the congested multi-FX market. But this is a rare board that does not look like a spaceship and does all the things a working musician will need.
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