Buying only ONE pedal; looking at MXR M80

parmezans · #1 01-06-2012, 12:52 PM

This will probably be my only pedal for a long time. I already have a cheap Behringer guitar flanger which I occasionally use, and that's it. I want to record to my laptop, and I like distortion. Among other things, of course. I also like all other effects, but this pedal looks like it would bring the most to the table.

Dick Tree · #2 01-06-2012, 01:15 PM

Sounds like you have yourself a plan there

parmezans · #3 01-06-2012, 01:30 PM

All right, was just looking for confirmation.

Great! But I've been hearing stuff about some SansAmp Tech21. It's a bit more expensive.

testing1two · #4 01-06-2012, 01:36 PM

If you can hold out another month or so, it would be worth waiting to see the new Zoom B3. It has loads of features & effects and doubles as a recording interface. It will likely be priced at $199 when it's released in the US.

B3 | ZOOM

parmezans · #5 01-06-2012, 01:38 PM

Well wow, that looks too good to be true.

valentine1 · #6 01-06-2012, 01:39 PM

for the longest time, i only had an mxr m-80 and my bass amp. i used that combination for a year, and only recently got myself a compressor (which i personally felt that i needed) and i haven't looked for any other alternatives to it! it's fantastic if you are look for tone shaping rather than a super overdriven sound, because as people will no doubt tell you, it's pretty average overdrive.

instead it's the tone that comes out of the m-80 which is pretty awesome, and the subtle blend of a tiny bit of overdrive into your sound that means you don't lose any low end at all.

we recorded my bands EP last year and for that i was pressured into using our friends' bass rig, which had a SansAmp PSA 1.1 that i was told was simply 'the best.' i don't think my bass sounded as good through that as it does the far cheaper m-80, and this time around i know what i'll record with.

parmezans · #7 01-06-2012, 01:45 PM

Great... thanks for your input.

If my logic is correct, the most essential pedal you need for your bass is either and EQ or preamp of some sorts, that's why I'm going for it.
And btw, no zoom B3 on ebay.

Damn. Is there anything similar to it? I mean, it has it all.
Here's more info on the zoom b3 in this thread: New Zoom B3 has arrived!!!!

parmezans · #8 01-06-2012, 01:48 PM

Just found a GT10b for 150$ ...
Would you recommend it over the MXR m80?

testing1two · #9 01-06-2012, 01:51 PM

The B3 won't be in stores until late February or early March. Right now I think it's only available in Japan. BTW, I have nothing bad to say about the MXR or SansAmp boxes as they do their jobs very well and are used professionally every day. But for the OP, I think the Zoom would be ideal.

parmezans · #10 01-06-2012, 01:55 PM

But it will be more expensive, I just got info that it will cost 180 Euro over here...
It will be less expensive in the USA, but my cousin is coming over by the end of January. So it's either MXR M80 or GT10b (which seems rather complex for a beginner like me, but It looks like it can get anything done). Can I record with it? Any other suggestions?

bassgod0dmw · #11 01-06-2012, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parmezans

If my logic is correct, the most essential pedal you need for your bass is either and EQ or preamp of some sorts

It's all personal preference really.

I could make use of a parametric EQ, but I certainly don't need one. I've gotten by this long without and I've had quite a few effects. I use the same basic tone all the time and change it up with technique or the controls on my bass.

I'd rather record with a straight DI like a JDI, Countryman, or my REDDI and do all of the EQing while mixing.

testing1two · #12 01-06-2012, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parmezans

Just found a GT10b for 150$ ...
Would you recommend it over the MXR m80?

The GT10B is a very good unit as multi-fx units go. In fact, it does so much that you may get lost in all the features. If it's the latest version then $150 is a fantastic price. They are normally $450 new.

chuck norriss · #13 01-06-2012, 01:56 PM

M80 is fun but I got rid of it for a WTDI. More cake, less frosting.

testing1two · #14 01-06-2012, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parmezans

But it will be more expensive, I just got info that it will cost 180 Euro over here...
It will be less expensive in the USA, but my cousin is coming over by the end of January. So it's either MXR M80 or GT10b (which seems rather complex for a beginner like me, but It looks like it can get anything done). Can I record with it? Any other suggestions?

The guitar version (G3) is already on the market in the US and sells for $199 so I wouldn't expect the bass version to be any more expensive.

blastjv · #15 01-06-2012, 08:58 PM

If you're only going to use it to record to your laptop, then you may not need it at all. Just record to you laptop and then you have a whole WORLD of plug in effects and amp modelers at your disposal which will all probably sound better than the M80 (I've never tried an M80, but it's not really intended to do what you're suggesting...not that it couldn't work...I just think my suggestion is cheaper and easier with potentially better sounding results)

-JV

parmezans · #16 01-06-2012, 09:46 PM

Thanks for your input. You are talking about plug in effects as in software, correct?
I'll end up getting a Bass Big Miff Pi, and a Micro Q-Tron if I win the bid. Their combined cost is the same as of the M80.

J Dean · #17 01-07-2012, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuck norriss

M80 is fun but I got rid of it for a WTDI. More cake, less frosting.

I went out this last Wednesday to buy the M-80 at GC. I wound up going home with the WTDI for $10 more. At this point this is the only pedal I need, besides my tuner, to keep me happy for awhile.