Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

mantis

New member
Hello everyone,
Over the last decade I have been going back and forth between Boss GT processors and pedals. I always feel Pedals sound better but at a huge cost especially the way I want them to work.
Money wise Pedals with Board , Power and cables are upwards easily of $2500.00 give or take how many you use and quality of each pedal. Now you also need or not control which also can cost another few bucks. So Lets give it a full number of $3000.00 you have invested in your killer personal pedal board.
Then you look around at all the different Processors all in one available on the market and look at the cost of them. The GT-100 right now can be had brand new for $499. Then you need 5 cables , Front of amp , Send , Return , Amp Control or Midi and Guitar to Board. Your looking around $600-650 depending on length and quality of cables. No Power supply no Shortie jumpers , you don't even need a board as you can stick it right on the floor and go.

So then there is sound quality. Many including myself will argue you can't beat pedals for sound and personal taste. But at the cost of what you have to spend to get there is it worth it? I'm actually finding out now that for me it is not. I'll explain.
I have had the GT series since the GT8. I had the 10 and now 100. Each time and in between I go back to pedals and do the chicken dance when I want to do something. I learned about control as many companies now make Pedal and amp Midi controllers to manage your rig and it's like having a GT series flexibly at a huge cost.
So this weekend I did a side by side comparison with a few pedals vs the GT-100 and I was actually shocked how good I got the GT to sound vs the pedals. The Delay , Chorus and Reverb was basically solid tie and the only benefit I see using pedals is analog stuff like Boost , OD and Distortion types.
This leads me solid into using a unit like the G system which doesn't have any Modeling on board which I don't want anyway , no Expression pedal and no volume pedal. This might be as many have said be the best of all worlds using your OD pedals , expression and volume with a G system and you got pedal quality with control flexibly and lets call it grace. And not to mention a better price for a rig that sounds just as good as if you went all pedals , controller and a board.

This path also shows the incredible value of the GT-100 from Boss as even using it's digital OD and Distortion can make for a hell of a good sounding and good feeling rig. It takes a lot of time and experience to Dial in the GT boards but with all my experience over the years I really got it working great.

I'd like to hear your experiences with maybe a path like mine and where you are now with it. I plan on venturing into a G system like product or it itself or if Boss makes my wish come true and come out with a Waza Level GT board with just effects and control and no modeling and makes it of th highest quality I would go that route. They could charge up to $2000.00 for such a board and I would find a lot of value in it.

Opinions?
 
Re: Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

I tried using a G-System for awhile. It was great when set up for songs. It wasn't so good for improv. I felt the G-System was good at delay, reverb and chorus. I didn't like most of the other modulations because (IMO) stuff like phase and vibe sounds best before gain. I stopped using it because I felt like I was just using it for delay and as a pedalboard/amp controller.... so I sold it and got a Strymon El Capistan, which was easier to dial in the fly.

My pedalboard is currently a wah, phaser, overdrive and delay. It's intentionally limited as I don't like tap dancing. If I didn't have to tap dance I'd expand it with vibe, chorus, tremolo and have a few different delays.

If I were to do another "multi-effect" setup I'd get a Strymon Timeline and Modulus. All the delay and modulations I want... none of the sh*t I don't... I can reach down and tweak knobs whenever I feel like it, and I could control it all via midi if I so desired.
 
Re: Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

I use an Axe FX these days because I need lots of effects and I like the flexibility of the routing/signal chain layout. I also use expression pedals to morph sounds. Most multi FX will have decent modulation/delay/reverbs but can be rubbish at distortion, in the past I have used multi FX (a GT-10 and a GX-700 from Boss) but with a few external pedals (big muff, a damage control solid metal, a moog delay and a Boss RE 20). The distortions on the GX are loads better than the GT-10. I've heard they have improved on the GT 100 though.

I'm selling all of my pedals now. The Axe does everything and it does it extremely well, all in one box.

Our bassist uses pedals by eventide and Moog etc. and he can control it using the Moog expression and controller pedal. But then he can't switch the signal chain, I need to be able to do that.

Our vocalist/guitarist uses a G System and the third guitar uses a GT-10 with a Black star distortion and bad monkey booster.

We all sound really good. It tends to be how you program/use them. Being resourceful and learning how to program sounds is key.
 
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Re: Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

Instead of the GSystem consider the Fractal FX8, its designed to work better with amps in 4CM, tc electronics had released a modded gsystem or nova system that was supposed to work better with amps as well. Most of the features are overkill on stuff like these though.

And speaking of the GT100, https://youtube.com/watch?v=NFbo58jcyi8
 
Re: Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

I've become a big fan of the GT-100 since I picked one up used this summer. I'm using it for everything, amp models and all, into a power amp. It takes more time to program in the sounds you want, but I've been able to create patches to do what I need, and not feel like I'm missing anything from my other rig. FWIW, I hate programming and love the simplicity of pedals, but it's worth it for the convenience.

If I had the $, I wouldn't hesitate to check out the Line 6 Helix or Fractal AX8. That said, if you have an amp you love and just want effects, the G-System is supposed to be a great unit, but I would also look into the Fractal FX8 as Hank suggested, it's made to do exactly what you want and the boost and drive effects in either should definitely be up to par so that you don't feel the need for any extra pedals.
 
Re: Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

Being on a pretty tight budget has forced me to become a multi-effects processor guy by default, especially playing for a working cover band. I shopped around a bit this year and picked up a Zoom G5 and I'm quite pleased with it. The reason I liked it is that it's set up much like 4 stomp boxes in a row along with the multi-directional Z-Pedal, and you have a lot of control over what sound goes where in the chain. After some experimentation I have it so that I don't have to tap dance too much. I actually use two different amp models (each assigned to its own patch), along with "clean" and only use effects when they're needed, so I can just select the patch that has the amp model I want and go, only doing the tap dance on certain songs... and even that's not bad because I have it set to show me the effects I want to be able to turn on and off. It sounds great, it's convenient, and it didn't put me in the poor house.

That being said, it seems like there are always some kind of limitations with multi-effect units where an extra pedal would come in handy! :D
 
Re: Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

Age old question? Age old answer: Use what works for you by whichever criteria you use to discern that (tone, convenience, weight, cost, flexibility, whatever) None of it matters, you can only get it right, even if you decide it isn't right after you get it. We all approach the gig differently and make adjustments as we go along, gain experience or make new distinctions. Even on a budget you never have to make a finite choice. Speaking for myself, I will always go without, save, sell, barter, work overtime, get up early, whatever it takes to get the gear I wanted. It's a very positive and powerful thing and my gear tends to be long-term. I protect myself from letting small compromises add up and diminish my tonal perception and vision overtime. Have fun brother. RG
 
Re: Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

I've become a big fan of the GT-100 since I picked one up used this summer. I'm using it for everything, amp models and all, into a power amp. It takes more time to program in the sounds you want, but I've been able to create patches to do what I need, and not feel like I'm missing anything from my other rig. FWIW, I hate programming and love the simplicity of pedals, but it's worth it for the convenience.

If I had the $, I wouldn't hesitate to check out the Line 6 Helix or Fractal AX8. That said, if you have an amp you love and just want effects, the G-System is supposed to be a great unit, but I would also look into the Fractal FX8 as Hank suggested, it's made to do exactly what you want and the boost and drive effects in either should definitely be up to par so that you don't feel the need for any extra pedals.

I remember chatting with you about this. Glad it's working out man! If the amps and distortions are a lot better than the GT-10 then I probably got into debt for nothing! Hah!
 
Re: Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

Being on a pretty tight budget has forced me to become a multi-effects processor guy by default, especially playing for a working cover band. I shopped around a bit this year and picked up a Zoom G5 and I'm quite pleased with it. The reason I liked it is that it's set up much like 4 stomp boxes in a row along with the multi-directional Z-Pedal, and you have a lot of control over what sound goes where in the chain. After some experimentation I have it so that I don't have to tap dance too much. I actually use two different amp models (each assigned to its own patch), along with "clean" and only use effects when they're needed, so I can just select the patch that has the amp model I want and go, only doing the tap dance on certain songs... and even that's not bad because I have it set to show me the effects I want to be able to turn on and off. It sounds great, it's convenient, and it didn't put me in the poor house.

That being said, it seems like there are always some kind of limitations with multi-effect units where an extra pedal would come in handy! :D

I've not found any limitations with the Axe FX - yet. They are just so expensive though. Ridiculously so.
 
Re: Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

I've not found any limitations with the Axe FX - yet. They are just so expensive though. Ridiculously so.

Yeah, I hear ya. I'd love to get my hands on a Line 6 Helix, but $1500 is a lot more than the $300 I put into the Zoom. I'm satisfied (for now) with what I have, but the grass is always greener...


[emoji450] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk [emoji441]
 
Re: Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

Yeah, I hear ya. I'd love to get my hands on a Line 6 Helix, but $1500 is a lot more than the $300 I put into the Zoom. I'm satisfied (for now) with what I have, but the grass is always greener...


[emoji450] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk [emoji441]

The Digidesign Eleven looks decent. But if you're happy with what you have then job done man. I've always wanted masses of DSP but that's my thing when it comes to guitar. I love messing with FX and signal chains.
 
Re: Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

The Digidesign Eleven looks decent. But if you're happy with what you have then job done man. I've always wanted masses of DSP but that's my thing when it comes to guitar. I love messing with FX and signal chains.

I love having the options available, but I find that I mostly play with just the amp models and reverb (my band does classic rock covers), with occasional delay, chorus, tremolo, wah, and a couple others that are suited to just one song for the night. When I consider the money I'd have to put into purchasing all those effects separately (especially with only using them sparingly), I feel pretty good about my rig. [emoji1303]

Of course, it's also a helluva lot of fun to start stacking the effects up to see what comes out! [emoji12]


[emoji450] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk [emoji441]
 
Re: Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

I love having the options available, but I find that I mostly play with just the amp models and reverb (my band does classic rock covers), with occasional delay, chorus, tremolo, wah, and a couple others that are suited to just one song for the night. When I consider the money I'd have to put into purchasing all those effects separately (especially with only using them sparingly), I feel pretty good about my rig. [emoji1303]

Of course, it's also a helluva lot of fun to start stacking the effects up to see what comes out! [emoji12]


[emoji450] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk [emoji441]

Using lots of effects kind of defines what my band does. Doom metal on a bad acid trip. Until I got my hands on this unit I always settled for a multi FX - for the signal chain flexibility and to enable recall of complex sounds - and a few pedals. The GT-10 is great, I used one for years, and before that it was the Boss GX-700. I'm selling my Boss GX for £60 and that unit sounds seriously good. I even did an A/B comparison with the Axe and it stood up extremely well. If you can get your hands on one they are fun and cheap....and the distortions destroy the Boss GT series (apart from maybe the GT-100)
 
Re: Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

....running a wah then a delay and reverb into a distortion. Those are the kind of silly things I do.
 
Re: Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

I would take multi-effects to jam sessions because no one is judging my tone; I just need quick access to variety of sounds while being easy to transport.

On my own time, my I love plugging in 5 pedals & stretching them to their limits.
 
Re: Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

I tried using a G-System for awhile. It was great when set up for songs. It wasn't so good for improv. I felt the G-System was good at delay, reverb and chorus. I didn't like most of the other modulations because (IMO) stuff like phase and vibe sounds best before gain. I stopped using it because I felt like I was just using it for delay and as a pedalboard/amp controller.... so I sold it and got a Strymon El Capistan, which was easier to dial in the fly.

My pedalboard is currently a wah, phaser, overdrive and delay. It's intentionally limited as I don't like tap dancing. If I didn't have to tap dance I'd expand it with vibe, chorus, tremolo and have a few different delays.

If I were to do another "multi-effect" setup I'd get a Strymon Timeline and Modulus. All the delay and modulations I want... none of the sh*t I don't... I can reach down and tweak knobs whenever I feel like it, and I could control it all via midi if I so desired.
Does your amp not have an effects Loop? You know the G system can be wired in the 4 cable method. This way you can place your effects exactly in your signal chain as you want.
From what I understand the G system is an effects only Processor which is what I would like to have and it's supposed to be better then the GT-100 but I gotta do a side by side to see if that is true for me.
 
Re: Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

I use an Axe FX these days because I need lots of effects and I like the flexibility of the routing/signal chain layout. I also use expression pedals to morph sounds. Most multi FX will have decent modulation/delay/reverbs but can be rubbish at distortion, in the past I have used multi FX (a GT-10 and a GX-700 from Boss) but with a few external pedals (big muff, a damage control solid metal, a moog delay and a Boss RE 20). The distortions on the GX are loads better than the GT-10. I've heard they have improved on the GT 100 though.

I'm selling all of my pedals now. The Axe does everything and it does it extremely well, all in one box.

Our bassist uses pedals by eventide and Moog etc. and he can control it using the Moog expression and controller pedal. But then he can't switch the signal chain, I need to be able to do that.

Our vocalist/guitarist uses a G System and the third guitar uses a GT-10 with a Black star distortion and bad monkey booster.

We all sound really good. It tends to be how you program/use them. Being resourceful and learning how to program sounds is key.
I've owned both the Gt-10 and GT-100 and did some side by side comparisons between the 2.
The GT-10 was mote "digital" Sounding and the GT-100 is more ' Analog with better response and retains more of your amps natural tone the the GT-10 did. What I found hard was setting up the Gt-100 from the Gt-10 as it is much harder to do until you get to know it better.
The Distortion and OD type effects on the GT-10 where not that good. The GT-100 however does a great job. I have compared the GT-100's Tube screamer to an actual Ibanez 808 Tube Screamer which I also own and I was shocked how good the GT-100 does that sound with dynamics. It really close to the point if you close your eyes you don't know which one is on. Thats what the GT-100 does way better then the GT-10.
I don't use any modeling amps cab's or what nots as I like my amps sound so I use the GT-100 as a control and effects only processor.
 
Re: Multi Effects vs Pedal age old question.

I've become a big fan of the GT-100 since I picked one up used this summer. I'm using it for everything, amp models and all, into a power amp. It takes more time to program in the sounds you want, but I've been able to create patches to do what I need, and not feel like I'm missing anything from my other rig. FWIW, I hate programming and love the simplicity of pedals, but it's worth it for the convenience.

If I had the $, I wouldn't hesitate to check out the Line 6 Helix or Fractal AX8. That said, if you have an amp you love and just want effects, the G-System is supposed to be a great unit, but I would also look into the Fractal FX8 as Hank suggested, it's made to do exactly what you want and the boost and drive effects in either should definitely be up to par so that you don't feel the need for any extra pedals.
I'm a tone chaser and a huge amp snob that I learned recently. I went into Russo's Music a few months ago and basically told them all their amps suck and I can't find anything I would like to own. They carry Orange , Mesa Boogie and Blackstar which is what I checked out. They also carry others but I'm a metal guy so I'm only interested in Metal amps.
 
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