best effects processor???

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layer7

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I'm looking for some kind of effects processor unit. I think I've narrowed it down to the 3 units below:

Boss GT-6 (looks good but kind of expensive)
J- Station (looks easy but I worry it may lack effects)
Boss VF-1 (kind of random but I've heard good things)

I want something with a ton of effects (to experiment with) but also solid clean and distortion sounds. It's more for home use and recording ... don't really need it for gigs.

Anyone have any thoughts?
 
Im using the Behringer Vamp. I tried a few different one out and that one seemed to be the best. I think they have a newer model out now....

kev
 
j station is a di box dude.... not an effects processor.... its meant for recording not a guitar rig... i have it an love it to death.... but id never use it for my rig... check out the tc electronic g major.... or g force or the lexicon.... ummm forgot the model ### go to their web site and ull know when u see it...
 
I can't say this from owning one because I don't, but for some reason no one has said POD. Sooooooooo...........ya. All I see on this BBS is how great the POD is and how everything in life revolves around POD, and yet it has not been offered in the first 2 responses and that is scaring me. I don't know why but it is.
 
thats because the pod isn't a reeeeeeal effects processor.... its a DI (Direct Input) box.... what this means is that it is designed to be the medium (or preamp) between ur guitar, and ur mixer or recorder... the DI modeling boxes like the POD the J-Station, the V-AMP, and the Genesis are designed to take the hassle out of recording in the sense that you don't need to mic the amp ur using to record and that u have a multitude of different amps to choose from. In all the descriptions of the DI boxes they say its like having a room full of different amps, and thats exactly the purpose of them. The effects section of these boxes is just an xtra bonus... if u will.... more or less the icing on the cake... If ur looking to get into effects, in my opinion, ur best best is to get dedicated delay and reverb units first, and then look into a multi effects processor.... ur delay and reverb units are almost essential... I mean after all, how many times have u heard a screamin lead without delay or reverb.
 
all-in-one solution

Thanks darknailblue for clearing that up. I'm still trying to figure all this stuff out.

While I'm sure they are limited, I'm looking for an all-in-one solution. Something that will be fun to experiment with (many effects), have the traditional reverb and distortion type sounds, will work w/ a live rig and can be used to record with (so I won't have to mic an amp).

Am I dreaming or will something like a GT-6 work?

Has anyone used a VF-1? It's a half-rack item and does not come with a peddle .... but I hear the sounds are great and I found a used one for only $200.

Thanks for the input!!!
 
I've worked with the VF-1, and it only has some decent modulation effects (in fact, it has the same engine as the Boss GT-3, which I've owned for 5 years).

To put it simple, try these:
TC Electronic G Major
TC Electronic M-One (XL)
TC Electronic G-Force (probably the best out there)
Lexicon MPX1 G2 (tailored for guitarists)
Rocktron Intellifex

Boss GT-6 can be usefull if you do some direct recording as well, since it has a bunch of pre-amp simulations. The problem I had with my GT-3 is that it either sounded too dull (with the pre-amp and cab sims on), or too bright/harsh (with pre-amp off, and only OD/DS on). It also had some nasty digital distortion high-pitched whining going on when you solo with lots of gain.
The GT-6 has better AD/DA converters, so that might be fixed.
 
The Rocktron Prophesy. It's a preamp (with a tube) and FX processor. Rocktron claims it has 12 times the processing power of the original Intellifex. I've had an Intellifex and I must say that the Prophesy is quite superior. There are 4 preamp "styles" Clean American, Texas Blues, Vintage Brittish and Mega Drive. Lot's of EQ possibilities and really good FX including, verb, delay, trem, rotating, 4 voice chorus, flanger, wah, Phaser and pitch shifter.

Definitely worth a look.
 
Since you are looking for home use I would recommend the Zoom BFX-708. The effects are not performance quality IMHO but the built in drum rythm accompaniment as well as loop sampler to slow down recordings or play back a riff of yours is pretty cool stuff to play with. And best of all these things are pretty cheap (under 150.00) it even has an expression pedal built in as well as progrmammable patches. The headphone out is stereo. I use mine to practice along with drummpatterns to tightnen up my playing and to hash out ideas. Bang for your buck.



Clif
 
I own a Boss GT6. In it's favour it has a great range of sounds, particularly heavy distortion types. I'm not so keen on the clean sounds...I tend to always use my amp for those. The problem with it is noise...I think the GT6 is really a live tool rather than a studio one. It is quieter than many floor based FX units but some people would still not be happy with it in the studio.
 
well, I did it

I finally broke down and bought the GT-6. Now I just have to figure out how to work the thing.

I've played around w/ it a bit ... and it really is a lot of fun. I'm treating it more as a tool for experimentation. I've been playing an acoustic for 15 years so this is a big departure for me.

My first impression of the GT-6 is that it is great for playin' around at home ... but may not be something to record or play live with. I may change my mind the more I learn how to use it.

I also bought a fender hot rod deluxe amp and a Schecter C-1 Elite. Nice to finally be "plugged-in".
 
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