Thoughts on multi effects

[ratiug]

I have always enjoyed messing with multi effects but I never found them gig friendly for all the usual reasons. Too shrill, way too much gain, drastic volume differences between patches.
Most multi effects are designed CD quality hi-fidelity where guitar amps are basically low fi. My GT-8 has a low pass filter that I set to 4kHz . I also set the high pass filter about 100hz.
When I read that people are using FRFR amps for guitar it doesnt make much sense to me.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

While I agree about multieffects (and that's simply personal preference), FRFR amps are meant for modelers with amp, cab, speaker and sometimes mic modeling. Running a RP80 into one would sound terrible.

 

[devastone]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

Exactly what PFD said about FRFR amps, it's basically a mini PA for modelers.

As far as making gig-able patches, starting from scratch is the only way. Yes, setting up low and high end roll-offs usually helps, but if you are having drastic volume changes between patches, you can go in and edit the volumes in the patches (not the overall volume of the unit).

FWIW, I run a GT-100 direct a church, it's definitely not the best amp modeler, but the effects are very usable and it is possible to get usable tones from the built in models although I've been experimenting with some of the Mooer preamps in the loop and bypassing the amp models. I rarely switch patches, I mostly run in manual (stompbox) mode with one of the footswitches set to switch between a clean Fender-ish model and a medium-high gain Marshall or something on the other channel. I'm not sure if the GT-8 can do the dual amp thing.

 

[gregory]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

While I agree about multieffects (and that's simply personal preference), FRFR amps are meant for modelers with amp, cab, speaker and sometimes mic modeling. Running a RP80 into one would sound terrible.

FWIW, the RP80 has cabinet modeling and the manual indicates that it can be plugged directly into a mixing console.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

I think the OP is just not spending enough time editing. As always, less is almost always more. Especially with multi-fx units. The amount of gain is up to you. Most have a lot of EQ options - use them well (but too much!), and of course, the presets are designed for use in Guitar Center.

As for the volume, I have used them live no problem. Again - that's all about spending the time, getting a little feedback, and tweaking.


And yes - the FRFR is exactly what you want for one. Most modelers actually sound great in headphones. As for multi-fx, try first into the front, and modulation/delay/.verb into a loop.


What exactly are you using?

 

[SlyFoxx]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

RE consistency...Create a basic vanilla patch based of your favorite clean sound, mid grind sound and high gain sound and any other types you use a lot..but for most of us three is a good start. Now make sure all three basic patches are at the same level as you switch between them. Keep these in a bank (I used bank 1) and don't screw with them again. Now as you need to add effects you copy the basic tone to a new patch and then sprinkle on the goody....verb, delay ....whatever. Now every new patch you create will work with all your others. If you need a boost patch that's OK...just add a few ticks to the level and bam...lead patch. Same thing if you need a patch that's a little bit weaker...lop off a few dB. A/B them until you're happy. My old GT-6 was invaluable back in my band days keeping my stuff consistent from day to day. Just set the amp level for the stage and sit back with no worries.

 

[PFDarkside]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

FWIW, the RP80 has cabinet modeling and the manual indicates that it can be plugged directly into a mixing console.

Sorry I was just grabbing one of those old Digitechs out of my ***. I think you get my point though, one of the simple multi effect pedals.

 

[Sirion]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

Multi-effects are an extremely mixed bag, too, and I suspect that the people who generalise about them primarily will have experiences with the lower-end models. There is a world of difference between a Zoom multi-effect or (to move slightly up the scale) a Boss board, and something like a G-System or an FX8!

SlyFoxx has given some good advice regarding how to get started with one, though. Start with something basic, and build thence – A/B as needed, until a patch adds the effect but otherwise changes the sound minimally. Then, once it is set up, you shouldn't have to worry about it again.

 

[frostopsy]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

My beef with multi FX pedals is they always color the sound. Why would I want an "amp sim" and "cab sim" when I already have a great rig? As much as I like the simplicity of having just one thing to plug in, I can't get over how it's hard to bypass all the junk on there.

 

[frostopsy]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

I would consider going for something like this... if I didn't already have a ton of FXs

https://reverb.com/item/3624511-henretta-engineering-custom-eight-speed-multi-effect-8-in-1

 

[gregory]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

Like all the things on that boo-teek board don't color your sound.

How did multi-fx all of a sudden become synonymous with an all-in-one amp modeling pedal?

 

[ratiug]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

I did start from scratch by setting the tuner to bypass and matching the clean sound and level to the bypassed sound then copying that to the first three banks.my plan was to use the GT8 in manual mode with no preamp or cab sims into a Vox MV50 which doesnt have an effects loop But I found i n manual mode on the gt8 there is no good boost so I am forced to use it in patch mode with preamps cause the preamps have a solo boost feature. I can get them sounding pretty good through the front of the amp if the gains are set very low 5-10 range.
I knew I should have waited for a Zoom G5 to turn up!

 

[Mincer]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

High end multis (Line6, Fractal) meet or exceed any pedals I've ever owned. Priced below those, you start running into issues. I dig my Line 6 M9 a lot, but there are tons of low-to-mid-level multieffects that are noisy and destroy your tone. You gotta sit there and try them, and that is difficult in a store.

 

[devastone]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

My beef with multi FX pedals is they always color the sound. Why would I want an "amp sim" and "cab sim" when I already have a great rig? As much as I like the simplicity of having just one thing to plug in, I can't get over how it's hard to bypass all the junk on there.

Then turn them off or get something like the Fractal FX8 or TC G-System which are high end effects only.

 

[devastone]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

I did start from scratch by setting the tuner to bypass and matching the clean sound and level to the bypassed sound then copying that to the first three banks.my plan was to use the GT8 in manual mode with no preamp or cab sims into a Vox MV50 which doesnt have an effects loop But I found i n manual mode on the gt8 there is no good boost so I am forced to use it in patch mode with preamps cause the preamps have a solo boost feature. I can get them sounding pretty good through the front of the amp if the gains are set very low 5-10 range.
I knew I should have waited for a Zoom G5 to turn up!

On the GT-100 there is a solo function in the OD/Dist pedal settings too, not sure exactly what you are looking for. You could also set up an EQ to for a boost and turn it on and off.

 

[Hank-]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

I did start from scratch by setting the tuner to bypass and matching the clean sound and level to the bypassed sound then copying that to the first three banks.my plan was to use the GT8 in manual mode with no preamp or cab sims into a Vox MV50 which doesnt have an effects loop But I found i n manual mode on the gt8 there is no good boost so I am forced to use it in patch mode with preamps cause the preamps have a solo boost feature. I can get them sounding pretty good through the front of the amp if the gains are set very low 5-10 range.
I knew I should have waited for a Zoom G5 to turn up!

There are 8 assigns available per patch in manual mode for the CTRL pedal & EXP pedal switch or the pedal itself. There are many ways I can think to have a solo boost without using the preamp solo A/B or solo OD feature. Easiest way would be to assign the patch volume level(& patch mids/bass/high) to the Ctrl Pedal(if it's free) or the EXP pedal switch or at the very bottom travel(toe down) position of the EXP pedal such that a little movement towards the heel position returns to normal levels. Actually that last trick is much useful for turning manual mode on/off.

 

[Aceman]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

Why would I want an "amp sim" and "cab sim" when I already have a great rig?

Because 10 great rigs.

 

[frostopsy]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

Then turn them off or get something like the Fractal FX8 or TC G-System which are high end effects only.

That ship has sailed. I just did the old fashion pedal board. It's much more fun to put together your own setup.

 

[Hurricane]

FX - LESS IS BEST IMHO

FX - LESS IS BEST IMHO



Hey Gang :

This forum has taught me a lot about FX and how to use them . I have been playing now 18 years and when I got here to learn I was lost .

I had been playing since , around Oct98/Jan99 when I got my first acoustic nylon then a year later a steel dread , took 3 years to get to a
decent level of proficiency , on my 4/5 year I got my first every electric a whammer jammer of a guitar , a Godin electric, acoustic electric/midi
didn't have a clue on how or what to get to be able to get that electric [ TONE ] going not to mention the other two voices it has . The Godin has
SD Custom Custom's II & III's, it rips serious tone .

To my Godin LGXSA I got for my first modeler , one that had the actual chip set(s) of the Tube Screamer , Univibe , DOD , and other heavy sounding
FX units , and I learned to use them sparingly and to pay attention to the tone quality I was after before the FX , it being the objective and to stay
close to it :cool2:.

It was a Digitech GNX4 and I'd still play it if , it had not been stolen :argh: . It was an awesome thing , took me a long while to figure
what I wanted to replace it with cause they are no longer made :banghead:

I'm into my 6th. month with my T.C.Helicon Voice Live 3 X - it hiccup'd , and had to be sent in for a warranty repair , good news was it was only a
week gone and returned to me fixed from here in so.Cal. to Las Vegas & back - one week turn around :eek2: 2 caps & a new LED screen later and
it works well again :reporter: . I like the 3 year factory warranty it has big time .

I've listened to many T.C. stomps through the years while I had the GNX4 and always liked what I heard , they make good and solid sounding FX
stomps to be sure . When I got to the final group of modeler's to review the VL3X came closest to the GNX4 . The VL3X has no drum machine like the
GNX4 , so that's the last link to fill in my solo act .

I had been doing great with the solo act with the GNX4 - when my wife took ill and passed away I was away from the house a lot caring for her , that's
when lot's of my stuff disappeared . No pity party here man- life goes on . I'm still inspired to play music & am , I just turned 67 :headbang: .

I love the FX of the fifties tremolo , spring reverb , I have a factory installed original Leslie Spring Reverb in my Polytone Mini Brute , it's killer . I love when
the new FX first started popping up in the mid to late 60's with fuzz , delay's , chorus , and all that stuff .

:smokin: Takes a bit of time to realize how to dial these FX in so they don't detract but instead enhance your tone .

EZ :

HR

 

[Diego]

Re: Thoughts on multi effects

I had some meh experiences with cheap, old multiFX units you don't see around these days, from Zoom and Boss.
I didn't like them all that much. A friend had a Boss ME-30 and that wasn't too bad if you really went for it and tweaked the presets to your rig.
The default patches were ridiculous and I think that's a big culprit in the perception most of us have about multiFx units. The damn presets.

Anyway, I bought a used Line 6 M13 early this year for cheap and the damn thing is spectacular. It doesn't do shrill, thin or cheap sounding unless you want it to. And it's nearly 10 years old tech!
I went from using 5-6 analog pedals to just my M13 into my amp and it's FX loop (4 cable method)

Some FX I don't really use (synths and flanger/phasers), some FX I don't think are that good (EQs, compressors)
and some models are killer (Rotary Speaker/RAT/TubeScreamer/Boss CE-1/Mu-Tron III/Every freaking Reverb and Delay on it).

I don't know much about other multiFX units, but I have no doubt that more recent units from Boss, Digitech etc. will do just as good a job, not to mention devices like the Helix and the Fractal MultiFX unit (AX8 I think it is?) which are just insane.