Touchy

So BOSS is now in the touch-screen bandwagon with the GX-100. I have not been in touch with multi-fx units, pretty much happy with my simple set up. My experience with them is that they turn good guitar tones into a digital mush but with names like Fractal & Kemper dominating proceedings for the last few years or so, the digital tone realm is in good hands. Coming back to the GX-100, I've listened to a few clips & still prefer the no-frill, straight into the amp type of set up. I must say that I'm old fashined but I'm sticking to what works for me. In any case, do give the GX-100 a listen:

Pic: BOSS

Core tones

 

BOSS is aiming this GT-1000 Core at something obvious, something very similar in looks, something that had been the darling of many contemporary pedalboards. Come to think of it, this is rather fresh from the Pocket GT release & the pertinent message relating to size is rather, you guessed it, obvious. After listening to the promo clip below, they might have tweaked things in the OD department or the ones used in the clip came from elsewhere. I've been avoiding BOSS multi-fx simply due to how synthetic the drive/ distortion sounds like. 

GE go!

Had been reading good stuff about Mooer's GE300 here from the recent NAMM coverage. I'm not too enthusiastic when it comes to a multi-effects unit because it ends up being fiddly. Most of the time, if there are any synth modules in there, the latency issue just kills the joy of playing (& the stupidity of paying for such a unit kicks in). But we have to give it to Mooer for living the times, such issues have come to pass. If you think this one is aimed at a certain LINE 6 implement of a similar nature then you do get the hint. Home recording dweebs will appreciate the IR modules included here so this is a really neat release by Mooer. 

Cerberus

The NUX camp has released this multi-effects unit called the Cerberus as seen above (List: USD299). This will give the Valeton Dapper unit quite a competition in terms of value-for-money. We have local distributors for both Valeton & NUX here so it's a matter of time; whichever brand name gets to us first, the impression would be quite marked. 

I'm saying this because both the ZOOM & BOSS camps are not fishing for a substantial share in the multi-fx market in light of recent developments. Perhaps they have other focus in their respective catalogs pertaining to gear. Both Fractal & LINE 6 are offering costly floor-based units which are aimed at the pro players looking to re-create top notch tones. The hobbyists among us are sticking to individual pedals & clunky pedal boards in the mean time & as it seems, nobody's quite complaining. 

Dapper mini

Valeton's Dapper unit was featured here recently: CLICK. It's a direct competition to Tech 21's Fly Rig 5, no secret about it. Things are getting more compact come 2017 as the Dapper gets a MINI version seen here. I own a Valeton overdrive unit, it's above average but I wish more of the manufacturer's products are brought in come 2017. Like Moer & Hotone, the Valeton name hold its own when it comes to sensible offerings albeit the obscurity. 

The boss is available

As mentioned in a previous entry, the BOSS GT-1 is NOT a current replacement of the celebrated GT-100. It's simply a back-to-basics version of the manufacturer's GT line. I personally believe that this is one of the worthy no-frills multi-fx unit one could consider acquiring. It is now in stock at Swee Lee (List: $299).

By the way, how much did Swee Lee pay me to put this up? Absolutely nothing. If you think some entries here are inclined towards a favourable mention, perhaps you have yet to understand my dedication for this blog- I empower you to make informed decisions. Nothing else. How then, is such an entry, empowering you towards making informed decisions? Simple- prices are mentioned, store names are mentioned, stock availability/ re-stock frequency is mentioned, fundamental product appraisals were done, so if you have a better deal elsewhere or if you've been had by some online deal, then you have a pivotal reference to reduce/increase subsequent buying experience. 

GT-1

BOSS GT multi-fx units have come a long way. I've tried every one of them but have committed to none. With the advent of amp-simulation technology, you'd think that these people would go with the flow but they are still keeping the GT unit alive. Here's the latest- GT-1.

It's a back-to-basics with this one. Less to-step-on options & a more direct approach to editing.

If you missed that, so there :-)

Fractal: FX 8

Some of us had been waiting for this with bated breath; a Fractal floor unit (because we can't do rack units - downright impractical for home use per se). But here's the let down- it's a 'multi-effects pedalboard', to quote the manufacturer. This means all those menacing amp simulators are omitted, hopefully for a later development.

Why would you want a Fractal in the first place? For multi-effects application? That's not what made the Axe-FX units so monumental to begin with. Players are after that amp voicings in there, many of whom would readily give up their actual amps for this substitute. You'd say amp simulation technology are in numerous existence these days; yes, but they don't sound like a Fractal. Upon hearing/ reading this release I felt rather betrayed (personally, at least) because it's like releasing a Les Paul without a cutaway, a Strat without single coils, A Marshall without a Brit-voicing, A MESA Dual Rectifier without overdrive- you get the drift. I was looking forward to purchase this as a tribute to reputable digital technology but it's effectively off my list now.

LINE6 HD

I've just given the LINE6 HD units a workout @ City Music (it's yesterday actually) to hear what the buzz's about. According to the manufacturer, the HD manifestations are the company's refined LINE6 range of multi-effects, voiced to be more organic than their last effort.

The HD units feature a very user-friendly working control panel, it's like accessing your amp with some additional knobs so if you think you are too old for some digital mambo-jumbo (or too lazy for that matter), the HDs would be a different appeal. The tones on offer are more organic as promised but still lack that analogue-dynamic relationship in a non-digital set up. Despite this very minor lackluster, the HDs' on-board voicings are indeed the standard to beat; personally, I find them appealing. There's also an external loop feature in case you wish to rope in your pedals into the mix. The interface panel helps by keeping the display objective- it reflects whatever tweaks you dial in. I could safely say that the HD units are for the LINE6 lovers who could do better with less programming & more live tweaking during play. Of course, this is the best time to consider any of the models on offer since they are clearing at SALE prices, just visit City Music's showroom to hear them in action.

On a personal note, it's more fruitful for you to visit the store on a weekday instead when there is a lesser probability of being in the same room with old geisers who are more inclined to boss around during try-out time instead of making an actual purchase.

Pedals vs Multi-FX

That time of the year is coming, where employers across the land would bestow extra remunerations to their hardworking employees in appreciation of the hard work they put in. Friends are asking me if they should spend this extra cash on effects pedals...

 

...or get on with a multi-effects unit.

The answer is quite simply: Whichever suits your needs.

Consider the benefits of having either set-up in your applications. If you are the type of player who need only some effect types to supplement your tones as you do NOT require the rest; you are better off with individual pedals. This selection would also means you get to choose a preferred brand name which offers the best appeal to you & not conform to only one brand name offering. Having a multi-effects unit on the other hand, addresses simplicity. You get everything in front of you & possess the option to programme your wants & switch off the rest for some other applications. Some of us feel good having extras for future experiments rather than not having any to begin with; it saves the trouble of having to buy an add-on to our effects line-up.