Multi-Fx vs Pedals - what are we saying?

[fiftyshadesofslay]

Seriously torn at the moment. Used modellers and multi-fx for ages but I’m at a point where I need to put a board together and not sure which direction to go.

I know I could grab a Helix or VP4 and have pretty much every base covered. But honestly the thought of programming a device like that currently fills me with dread, part of me says fuck it, I’ll just get a DD3, DM2, Holy Grail and call it a day.

I do have to cover tons of sounds for function work but then, does anyone really care? I reckon I could use one sound with a lick of delay here and there and no one would notice.

Unfortunately budget is limited (just bought a badass amp) so it’s either a handful of pedals or a multi and that’s that.

 

[gearJunkie]

I enjoy both. If you're willing to invest the time up front in learning a device and creating patches, multi-fx is your best bang for the buck and convenience. Making adjustments during a gig is more complex and may increase anxiety and kill your mojo.

IMO, pedals are more fun because of their immediate nature and quick access to controls, but you may need to tap dance during a gig, and a bad cable somewhere in your chain can ruin your big day on stage.

I started with multi-fx for convenience over 30 years ago with the Roland GP-8. Now, I spend more time swapping out pedals instead of building patches.

It really comes down to what will encourage you to play more often.

Good luck on your journey!

 

[Richard_G]

Well, I've been into pedals lately and have put together two boards I enjoy immensely:

Love both of them. Even with less control than with presets over MIDI etc. I just find them inspiring and fun to use.

 

[TSJMajesty]

I do have to cover tons of sounds for function work but then, does anyone really care? I reckon I could use one sound with a lick of delay here and there and no one would notice.

For that part, I'd totally agree. But when I have a thought like that, the other voice in my head reminds me that I care. And who among us is truly pragmatic when it comes to this stuff?

Plus, part of the fun is dialing in those tones. Imho

Unfortunately budget is limited (just bought a badass amp) so it’s either a handful of pedals or a multi and that’s that.

My thought is that the VP4 is an exceptional bang for your buck. I don't have one, but from what I can tell from the threads about it, it's much easier to set up than the other Fractal units. In fact, they designed it with that in mind:

So if you decide to go deeper later on, you can dig into it further.

When I bought my Axe III, it was intended as only a multi-effects unit. But it has opened up so many more possibilities for me (that I still haven't fully explored 4 years later, lol), that I'm glad I went for it, and got something that could handle more than what I wanted at the time. Specifically, the amp modelling. (Just using that as an example; not trying to sway you towards one of their other units.)

 

[gearJunkie]

if you decide to go the pedal route, start with a couple of gain stages, a modulation effect, and a delay. That should cover 90% of anything.

 

[Orvillain]

What amp did you get Jay??


In many many many cases, pedals are not only more fun, but sound better - depending on your needs. There's some logic to this in that a multi-effect needs to ensure it has enough processing power for a whole range of tasks all at once, whereas a dedicated pedal for a particular type of sound can dedicate all of its processing resources to that task.

And if it's analog, you've got a whole host of pro's and cons with that too.

Multi-effects tend to be quieter in terms of noise floor. But a bit less accessible in terms of accessing parameters and all that jazz.

I've added a few extra pedals to my collection recently, and along with the VP4 I've got all bases covered really. Nothing wrong with having a collection of stuff. You don't always have to use it.

Pedals are basically guitarist lego. Good to fuck around with! We've just gotta remind ourselves that the music is the most important thing.

 

[fiftyshadesofslay]

What amp did you get Jay??


In many many many cases, pedals are not only more fun, but sound better - depending on your needs. There's some logic to this in that a multi-effect needs to ensure it has enough processing power for a whole range of tasks all at once, whereas a dedicated pedal for a particular type of sound can dedicate all of its processing resources to that task.

And if it's analog, you've got a whole host of pro's and cons with that too.

Multi-effects tend to be quieter in terms of noise floor. But a bit less accessible in terms of accessing parameters and all that jazz.

I've added a few extra pedals to my collection recently, and along with the VP4 I've got all bases covered really. Nothing wrong with having a collection of stuff. You don't always have to use it.

Pedals are basically guitarist lego. Good to fuck around with! We've just gotta remind ourselves that the music is the most important thing.

Got a JCM 800 2203X incoming. So pretty basic but should sound killer, think that’s kind of swaying my decision. Seems a shame to use an amp like that and then end up processing everything within an inch of its life with a digital multi

 

[gearJunkie]

Pedals are basically guitarist lego.

 

[Richard_G]

Got a JCM 800 2203X incoming. (...)

Nice!

 

[Orvillain]

Got a JCM 800 2203X incoming. So pretty basic but should sound killer, think that’s kind of swaying my decision. Seems a shame to use an amp like that and then end up processing everything within an inch of its life with a digital multi

siiiccckkkk.

I'd get a few single stompo's and just go from there.

 

[duzie]

 

[SillyOctpuss]

siiiccckkkk.

I'd get a few single stompo's and just go from there.

Yeah. I'd go for a boost and a delay then see what else you need later.

 

[AFKAEjay(retired)]

On a budget and/or needing lots of sounds…A multi should defenitly be at least part of your setup.
If you want to dodge a lot of programming…go “hybrid”…A multi for your time efx and clean solo boost, pedals for dynamic stuff (drives/compressors.)

Boss MS 3, hotone ampero, tc plethora, hx stomp, boss GT core, nano cortex…all stuff that is decent, for prices that come close to a verb, DeLay and clean boost, especially if you count in cables & power.
Couple of non boutique drive pedals next to it…and you are ready to be rock god

 

[KingsXJJ]

You could go either way but with an amp like that choose wisely and don’t skimp. Should sound killer.

 

[spawnofthesith]

Every time I go 100% multifx I regret it and revert back


Loving my current hybrid approach. I’m a “mostly pedals” guy but after loving the HX one for a while I decided to upgrade to stomp for even more flexibility. I pretty much use it only for additional FX, and mostly oddball stuff

 

[TubeStack]

Pedals + VP4 in loop is where I'm at, these days.

 

[spawnofthesith]

Pedals + VP4 in loop is where I'm at, these days.

I’m tempted to get a VP4.:: I assume it can probably do everything the stomp does and then some…..

How are the octave and synth fx?

 

[spawnofthesith]

I’m tempted to get a VP4.:: I assume it can probably do everything the stomp does and then some…..

How are the octave and synth fx?

Yo wtf why are the only VP4s on reverb listed at 2x retail. According to fractals website they’re in stock

 

[- ★ - BROCKSTAR - ★ -]

Yo wtf why are the only VP4s on reverb listed at 2x retail. According to fractals website they’re in stock

Seems like they have the chase bliss disease! Selling higher then original price even when in stock!

 

[- ★ - BROCKSTAR - ★ -]

I’m tempted to get a VP4.:: I assume it can probably do everything the stomp does and then some…..

How are the octave and synth fx?

Well vp4 can only do 4 effects at once compared to 10 in stomp or is it 8? I forget... However the effects sounds so good!

Octave is fine but mono synth is a bit glitchy if you dont play clean.