Help me choose a multi-fx unit!

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napalmdeath

napalmdeath

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I've been tirelessly looking at upgrading my multi-fx from a dinosaur RP1000. It still does the job, works flawlessly, but is a huge eyesore, footprint-wise. I need something smaller, user-friendly and great effects.

For context, I run presets, vs. stomp modes. I typically have rhythm patches, and lead patches. For rhythm, I have patches with light delay, light reverb, some with delay, reverb, chorus, some reverb, delay, flange, univibe, (which the RP's isn't that great, nor is the phaser). Lead patches also basic. Reverbs, delays, some modulation, and a great harmonizer would be a huge plus, (another shortcoming of the RP that is downright awful).

I don't need an expression pedal, as long as I can boost the lead patch levels.

The HX Effects has been really the top contender, followed by the GX-100. I've also looked at the HX XL, which would give me modeling if I decide to go with some headphones. Drives aren't important, though they all have them.. I have my favorites I'll be using externally but who knows...

Fractal is too complicated. Helix is overkill, as is the LT. I'm thinking maybe spring for going back to pedals?
 
What amp(s) are you running it with? Do you need to switch channels? The HX FX worked pretty good when I had it running in 4CM, and it has external switching built in. No complaints at all, I just found I preferred using pedals since my effects needs aren't terribly complicated. I think one of the more recent updates bumped it up to 8 blocks.
 
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Quadraverb. Never before or since has effects ever been better.. Try not to hate..

MT_89_04_alesis_quadr_large.jpg
 
Bullshit aside, a dedicated anything is usually better than an all in one..
 
They make smaller versions. I’m running a boss ms3 myself….
 
I know this doesn't fully meet your criteria.. but the Fractal FX8 is great. I dabbled with so many different effect units, went rack, floor multieffects , etc.. and ended up with the fractal FX8 Mk ii. 99% of my effects and all channel switching is done by the FX8.

The thing I found with floor multieffects, if you want small size and simplicity, it doesn't give you the flexibility sadly. Ie: limited buttons (usually 2-3 buttons for switching banks).

EDIT - sorry, I realized you mentioned Fractal is too complicated. Which is understandable. 👍🏻

Cheers
 
napalmdeath said:
I've looked at that one too. That's pretty ideal, footprint-wise.
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The loops are a pretty neat feature also. It has a learning curve but I hook it up to my laptop and edit patches and set up everything.
 
If you get one of the Line 6 HX/Helix hardware devices, you can get a discount on Helix Native plugin.

I have an HX-FX I run in 4CM. If you need effects without amp/cab modeling that's worth a look. I haven't tried the Boss ME-90.

I recently ditched nearly all of my hardware modelers (except Boss SY-1000 and Mooer Prime P1) for a computer rig which is working great for me.

Some of my fav guitar plugins include: PolyChrome DSP McRocklin Suite; Neural DSP Archetype Petrucci, Mesa IIC+ Suite, Helix Native, and Softube Marshall Amp Room.

If you have an audio interface, some of the plugins run standalone, others you'll need a plugin host (e.g., DAW, or Blue Cat Audio PatchWork - I have both), many plugins offer free trials so worth a look IMO.

If you want a hardware modeler, I'd be looking at the HX Stomp / FM3; or Helix / FM9.
 
Do you want your signal digitized? I know I have been into keeping my tube stuff analog and running through mixers and running effects in parallel so that it is never fully digitized.
 
It's slightly outdated, but I have a Zoom G5N and it's perfectly adequate. Granted I'm not a big fx user, but it sounds good and fits my needs perfectly. Might he worth looking into.
 
Greazygeo said:
I still use the RP1000 myself. Had it since they came out I think. Can’t believe it still works.
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I just played for about 2 hours. The RP sounds darn good, and was really ahead of its time back then. I started second guessing and it certainly ain't broke, why fix it? For simple chorus, (Lexicon) reverbs and delays, it's more than adequate. Just dated.. I'm just missing a few that aren't that great on in it, (harmonizers, phasers and pitch effects leave a lot to be desired).
 
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