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Multieffect units

Larry

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 6, 2005
Messages
3,687
Location
Iowa
Im looking to get a multieffect unit such as the Boss GT-8 or GT-6 im just looking for someone with some experience to tell me the ins and outs and if there is a better model from what i have read the GT-8 has enough things to make my head spin so is it really worth the $425?
 
I'm wanting to buy a multieffects pedal since january, have done some research, heard some clips and i was thinking about the GT-8 the zoom g9 and the digitech gnx3000, i've been using zoom since i can remenber but this batch of modeling machines.....f^ck'em i heard some samples at the site and i dont like them a bit, maybe if I can put my hands on one....but nah... I u r more inclined towards the distortions i'll say the gnx3000, theres a cool warp thing that u can do mixing two amps and u can come up with some interesnting sounds. If u r more into FXs i'll say the gt-8 the effects r very good and the routing posibilities r awesome, i just dont like the distortions on the boss, but thats me, in any case i should go and test drive them and see wich one suits ur needs
 
I've got both a GT-6 and a GT-8 - and I love them both. What would you like to know? They can both be a tweaker's dream, or a nightmare. I frequently fall into the trap of the infinite tweak loop. They are some of the most programmable, flexible units around - but you can end up spending more time tweaking than playing. The amp models are weak too - the GNX3000 seems to have the edge here.

If you want great effects, and virtually limitless editing capabilities, go for a GT. If you just want something that will give you good sound easily, look at the GNX3000, PODxt live, VOX tonelab, etc.

Mike
 
see i want tweekable but also something that i can just jam with and have fun.. i know i ask too much
 
Colin said:
Go with a gt-6 or gt-8 you won't be disappointed.

Actually, I think he might. Both the GT-6 and 8 take some getting used to. Most people don't like the sound right out of the box - and then they get frustrated by the hundreds of settings when trying to fix it. If you are into amp models, you'd also likely be disappointed running them straight into a guitar amp. They sound best through a full range amp (like a keyboard amp) or a PA. Again, more places to get frustrated with the sound.

If you just want to plug in and have fun, it's likely the GT series isn't for you. Just my 2 cents...

Mike
 
larryandrews said:
Im looking to get a multieffect unit such as the Boss GT-8 or GT-6 im just looking for someone with some experience to tell me the ins and outs and if there is a better model from what i have read the GT-8 has enough things to make my head spin so is it really worth the $425?

Are you looking to use the effects only or the amp models too? I've had the GT-6 for a while now & the effects are good quality. You can pick one up for less than $300. I don't use the amp models, though, so I can't really offer much of an opinion on them.
 
im looking at effects though ive never really tried amp modeling but from what ive heard from others its never as good as the real deal so ive tended to stay away from it
 
larryandrews said:
im looking at effects though ive never really tried amp modeling but from what ive heard from others its never as good as the real deal so ive tended to stay away from it


it's been my experience that amp modeling works WAY better when being directly recorded than it does live.

i haven't heard any modeling amps that can keep up w/ my amp tone wise. .......& not even close at higher volumes..........
 
To give you an indication of how amp modelling can sound. One of my college tutors knows Dave Grohl's tech. When he is doing a live performance, all the amps and stuff on stage are just for show. The Foo Fighters live sound is coming from a PODxt Pro going through a PA

Amp modelling isn't crap, it's like everything else, its how its used
 
I've got a GNX3000 that I've been using for awhile now as well as a old RP3, still use both.

I'm used to the RP3 programming and can edit it on the fly without spending to much time on it. Still haven't figured out half the options the GNX has avalible on the unit itself but the USB interface and software the comes with the GNX is a godsend, now I find myself using the computer to edit presets and options to my tastes, and saving it back to the GNX for use without the computer. The editing software make programming the unit a breeze without having to spend a ton of time bent over the unit and playing with buttons until you figure out how to change something simple like the delay rate. With the software on the PC, click on the delay pedel and change it in a second or two.
 
tommyindelaware said:
it's been my experience that amp modeling works WAY better when being directly recorded than it does live.

i haven't heard any modeling amps that can keep up w/ my amp tone wise. .......& not even close at higher volumes..........
What amp do you use live Tommy?
Do you use an acoustic amp as well ? - I just got a "tiny" 60 watt AER acoustic amp and using a split feed from the AL through the AER and my 50 Marshall combo, the possibilities are endless.
Cheers
Spud
 
larryandrews said:
Im looking to get a multieffect unit such as the Boss GT-8 or GT-6 im just looking for someone with some experience to tell me the ins and outs and if there is a better model from what i have read the GT-8 has enough things to make my head spin so is it really worth the $425?

The other guitar player in one of my bands uses a GT-8 in front of a couple of &ender Deviles and the unit sounds great. There are a lot of good sounds in that box. It did take him quite a while to get things dialed in though. Big learning curve with that box if you want to use it live and cover a lot of ground, but the end results can be very nice.
:)
 
right now im running my Axis through a Korg Pandora PX4 Tone Works box then into my Fender Hot Rod Deluxe with Celestion Vintage 30. The Pandora is all right for what it is its got basic effects but alot of them sound very cheap when turned up. How does the GT-8 effect sound in a high volume situation. Also does the GT-8 have a noise gate because i know i need one of those when the high gain meets high volume
 
If you're talking about the effects, the GT8 sounds great turned up. It's the amp models and some of the distortions that aren't wonderful. And yes, there's a noise gate.

Mike
 
im starting to take a shine to this GT-8 might have to take a drive to Guitar Center
 
The GT8 will NOT sound great through an amp if you use it's modellor. The amp will colour the sound. That being said, it does not sound "bad" just not "true". For that you would need somthing like a keyboard amp,P.A. or powered speakers.
I love mine, although only had it couple months and am still only scratching surface of it's capabilities.
 
Ok...if you're set on the 8, then at least get it from somewhere that will let you return it. Some people like it, some people hate it - and like we've said here, it generally takes work to get it to sound they way you want.

Otherwise, go for it, and have fun! It really is a great unit if you're willing to give it the time it needs. If you want to learn more, feel free to jump on over to www.BossGTCentral.com. That's the other forum I regularly read - great bunch of guys, and lots of solid GT info.

Mike
 
I had a GT3, the boss was a pain in butt to tweak. Now I have a gnx4. I like the Digitech product better. Seems a bit easier to dial in stuff. I also like the recording capabilities and drum machine. The multi units can be and are a pain in the butt. Big learning curve to be able to tweak right. But they do offer alot of sounds. It adds another factor to playing that many do not want or like because it will consume alot of time trying to dial in tones. You have to really enjoy that aspect or you'll hate it. My unit I believe has 80 presets, I use maybe 10. As the years go by I just don't feel like tweaking crap anymore. I'll let someone else tweak away and then download the preset from the gnx4 site.....:eek: :D :D
 
Larry (and others)
IMO Processors have gone straight to hell recently.... in days gone by the Boss ME5 era was the best.... the new stuff seems to be very tinny by comparison - and as for AMP Modelling - COSM - don't even get me started!

By some stomp boxes, and a marshall for your heavy stuff and a fender hot rod deluxe for the clean......a/b/ a few stomper boxes....JOB DONE!!!
 
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