Which multi-effects unit should I choose?

[mfrerd]

Hello everyone,



I have a budget of around 500€ and I’m not sure which effects unit I should go for. I was initially considering the Headrush MX5, but it’s been discontinued and replaced by the Flex Prime. The Flex Prime looks promising — it even has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (although Bluetooth is only for audio in).



I’m looking for a multi-effects unit in this price range that I can comfortably use both on stage and for recording. I don’t know much about brands like Hotone, so I’d really appreciate hearing from people with hands-on experience.



Thanks in advance, and best wishes to everyone!

 

[Mikael Dez]

A used HX Stomp,

 

[tekbow]

Do you care about modelling? Or purely FX?

 

[Progressive_disclosure]

A used HX Stomp,

It’s a bit of a stretch money-wise but if you can find a used Stomp that will always be the best choice IMO. Also if you would like a bigger unit Helix LT can be found dirt cheap and Line 6 has said they will continue with updates for awhile. But like I stated it’s a bit above 500 either way.

The Chinese brands like Hotone are definitely catching up but with a Helix or HX unit you always have answers to questions readily available online (or can ask on the forum).

I had an LT for awhile but downgraded to a Stomp since I usually play at home with my tube amp and wanted something smaller. I’ve looked into other units, tried a Mooer, BOSS GT-1 and Positive Grid stuff but for all in one there is only one recommendation from me.

 

[Mikael Dez]

IMO Tonex, Line6 or Fractal are your best bets for someone who isn’t too experienced with modeling etc. Idk about Hotone but I’m just not interested in it and won’t invest my money and time into it, so I guess take my opinion on that with a grain of salt

 

[Mikael Dez]

I’d buy a Boss MFX unit before I go Hotone or Nux or whatever.

 

[mfrerd]

Do you care about modelling? Or purely FX?

I care about modeling

 

[mfrerd]

It’s a bit of a stretch money-wise but if you can find a used Stomp that will always be the best choice IMO. Also if you would like a bigger unit Helix LT can be found dirt cheap and Line 6 has said they will continue with updates for awhile. But like I stated it’s a bit above 500 either way.

The Chinese brands like Hotone are definitely catching up but with a Helix or HX unit you always have answers to questions readily available online (or can ask on the forum).

I had an LT for awhile but downgraded to a Stomp since I usually play at home with my tube amp and wanted something smaller. I’ve looked into other units, tried a Mooer, BOSS GT-1 and Positive Grid stuff but for all in one there is only one recommendation from me.

The Headrush Flex Prime looks like it has a lot of toys and fun. I'd like to buy a new one, but unfortunately, my budget is limited; I can only afford €600. Frankly, I have trouble grasping very complex systems. I don't think I'll be able to do this.

 

[tekbow]

I care about modeling

Fair enough, probably a used hx stomp as others have noted

 

[Progressive_disclosure]

The Headrush Flex Prime looks like it has a lot of toys and fun. I'd like to buy a new one, but unfortunately, my budget is limited; I can only afford €600. Frankly, I have trouble grasping very complex systems. I don't think I'll be able to do this.

On HX Stomp sure you can do complex setups, but a basic signal chain would not be harder to set up than on a competing product.

Another way of looking at it: if you are not happy with the results you get from the Headrush, Hotone or similar, it’s maybe 50/50 between the unit not sounding good and ”user error” from not knowing how to dial it in. On a HX Stomp that number is probably closer to 10/90, and there are so many tutorials and other resources that you can most likely solve it if you give it a bit of time. Even pros use it. My time is pretty limited so I would go with a Stomp!

But if you are settled on a Headrush then go for it. :-) It’s a learning journey getting into modelers regardless of brand.