Flanger: Modfactor vs. line6 M9 vs. Barracuda

[christoph h.]

Hi!

I'd like to get some input on the following:

In general, I'm not a big effects guy, since most of my gigs don't require more than a great clean sound. But I do think that in the right situations, FX can add the final touch!

I currently own the following effects:

- OC-2 octave
- Funky Fish Envelope Filter
- Boss SD-1 Stinkfoot Mod (Hair/Dirt)
- Demeter Compulator
- EHX Bass Muff

I will definitely buy an Bass VT for some more grit/overdrive.

Now to my question:

Since I really love Anthony Jackson's use of a flanger (for example on Steve Khan's "Guy Lafleur" from the Suitcase Live Album after 6:10) I decided to finally get one.

But I'm torn whether I should get a dedicated flanger or something that has way more effects
and can be used on more experimental gigs. I'm just a little afraid spending money on something I
will not use or that will be a hassle to integrate in my existing setup.

I have the following options, listed with the (basic) pros and cons:

1) Toadworks Barracuda (or maybe the Hartman)

- Pros: price, size, 9V-power
- Cons: flanger only

2) Eventide ModFactor

- Pros: Sound, different FX, also experimental stuff (Undulator, RingMod)
- Cons: Price, power supply

3) Line6 M9

- Pros: Lots of FX, some very usable (delay, reverb, filters), some experimental
- Cons: size, power supply

Any experiences or opinions?

Thanks!
-Christoph

[nad]

I own a Hartman and Barracuda, and they both have a filter mode (switch for the Hartman, expression pedal for the Barracuda) so each can get a bit experimental. I love them both, but they sound nothing alike.

I can't comment on any multi-fx, but if you are really searching for Flanger + Extra look into the A/DA flanger or something based on it (Ibanez Airplane, HBE Frost Bite, Montgomery '77). That design is absolutely whacked.

Or just pick up a Boss BF-2 for cheap. They are really somethin' special.

[kenstee]

+1 for the BF-2.

You can get the Black or Green label MIJ versions for $45 to $60 or so on eBay or sometimes here at TB. Do get the Made in Japan versions though. Personally, don't see (or hear) what you really get for spending $100 more except perhaps ability to use an expression pedal.

[bassbmx]

The Modfactor is awesome. Super versatile. I like being able to have control over every parameter.

My M9 should be here Monday so I'll let you know what I think of it.

[grovest]

These three choices seem awfully different from each other for a shootout. Guys have dedicated 1000s of bucks to dedicated analog modulation pedals, each one a few degrees different from the other, in search of their grail.

Do you like tweaking knobs and digging into settings? Saving patches and reading manuals?

I've had and loved the Modfactor. And I mean loved it. But it has to be what you're looking for. And I think it's a killer value for what it does. My impression is that those that find the price high aren't aware or wouldn't utilize all its features (expression pedals, aux switches, MIDI, sub LFO, stereo, etc).

[christoph h.]

Originally Posted by grovest

These three choices seem awfully different from each other for a shootout.

Well, at first I only wanted to get only a flanger - one that works for the AJ sound.

But then I thought that once FX GAS sets in, things will just add up - get a delay here, add a synth, etc. So why not skip those steps and just get something more flexible that allows for more drastic effects.

Do you like tweaking knobs and digging into settings? Saving patches and reading manuals?

I'm not sure how much use I would make of the extended features of the ModFactor, except the added FX types and the expression pedal. The Eventide does indeed seem very complex and powerful, also compared to the M9.

[christoph h.]

I think I can make things a bit clearer by adding the following:

a) Can the sound quality of the ModFactor or Line6 M9 match the sound quality
of a "dedicated" flanger such as the Barracuda?

b) If I already have octaver/filter/distortion will I gain much by getting an M9 over the ModFactor?

[grovest]

Originally Posted by christoph h.

I think I can make things a bit clearer by adding the following:

a) Can the sound quality of the ModFactor or Line6 M9 match the sound quality
of a "dedicated" flanger such as the Barracuda?

b) If I already have octaver/filter/distortion will I gain much by getting an M9 over the ModFactor?

I'll give you what I think is the most accurate possible. Whatever - exactly - the Barracuda does and sounds like, it will do better than either of the others. Then there will be 20 things the others do that the Barracuda can't do at all. I know this is a bit of a delima... maybe buy used and buckle in for adventure?

And to me the M9 seems like something you'd buy if you were toying with the idea of replacing your whole pedal board with one multi. That's just me, though.

[Bassmike62]

Originally Posted by grovest

Do you like tweaking knobs and digging into settings ? Saving patches and reading manuals ?

+1

I had a cheap Zoom bass thing and at the end, I just got fed up of tweaking and saving patches. To me, it all felt like a pile of trouble (I like to toy around with settings). So I went for dedicated effects. I do have the BF-2 and use it as often as possible. It sounds great for what I need.

[cheapbasslovin]

I can't really help you make a decision soundwise, but I can tell you that the most basic level of programming on the M9 and M13 is SUPER SIMPLE. The interface looks and acts just like a dedicated pedal. Where it gets more complicated is when you start trying to add expression functions and selecting where in the chain to put the playback loop and how to use the midi.

The act of making the pedal sound like what you want is 5 knobs (each corresponding to its' own clearly labeled effect parameter) and an effect selector.

I hope you make the right choice.

[funkucan'ttouch]

I find the modfactor is a REALLY great sounding flange if you take the time to set it EXACTLY how you like. If you try to quickly set and forget, It will probably sound good.. but not great. It took me sometime to dial in what I liked but it was worth it.

big thing to remember.... it doesn't just have ONE type of flanger.. you get positive, negative, jet and thru zero... which all sound very different. Then you can control parameters from that.



YAYA!!!!!

[christoph h.]

Thanks for the input, everybody!

Seems that as far as flanging (or general modulation) goes, the Eventide seems to be a better choice than the M9. Unfortunately it's also the most expensive choice.

You know, I spent so much time on the web in the last week, researching all my options, listening to sound clips, etc. that sometimes I just want to go for the BOSS and be done with it...

I just wish I could just order all 4 of them (Eventide, Line6, Barracuda, BF2), spent some time with them and then return the ones I don't like...