Got $400 to spend only at GC - Gas'ing for M13

walknbluez · #1 08-10-2010, 01:50 PM

Long story short: My amp went out second time, under extended warranty, so I called them up and told them it went out again with the same problem. They told me their limit of liability is down to $400 so we're just going to cash you out. The amp is being repaired by my tech for $140 (if it doesn't need tube replacement). However, the warranty company sends out a two party check made payable to me AND Guitar Center. So....I can only spend the money there. Let's see, I have two basses, I want a third but I like to buy those used. Same with cabs. I'm set in the amp department. I don't want to buy 10 or 20 sets of strings. Hmmmm....what else could I get?

Well there is the M13. I do need a couple of effects. But that could be overkill. But then again, if I'm going to spend a couple of hundred bucks, what's a couple hundred more to get something really really good?

$499 though and I have searched online and there is no cheaper price so I doubt GC will come down. Plus I would like the expression pedal so that's another $50. So $550 plus the $140 I'm spending to get my amp repaired is $690 less the $400 GC check which would be a net out of pocket of $290.

I welcome all comments talking me in or out of this!

strke-fender · #2 08-10-2010, 02:07 PM

Go with the M9. $100 bucks less, same effects just less presets. I'd wait on the exp pedal and see if the effects you like would benefit from it. That would narrow your expensive margin.

walknbluez · #3 08-10-2010, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strke-fender

Go with the M9. $100 bucks less, same effects just less presets. I'd wait on the exp pedal and see if the effects you like would benefit from it. That would narrow your expensive margin.

Ah, this I didn't realize. Same exact effects? What is the difference in the number of presets?

redstrand · #4 08-10-2010, 02:16 PM

It has one row instead of three, I have a M13...love it. All the effects are the same. Countless tones.

walknbluez · #5 08-10-2010, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redstrand

It has one row instead of three, I have a M13...love it. All the effects are the same. Countless tones.

Ok, I'm a multieffects noob, so can you explain that? Does that mean I can program ONE preset effect(s) on the M9 and that's it but on the M13 I can program three?

strke-fender · #6 08-10-2010, 02:27 PM

No. These units are set up in what's called scenes. The number of switches on the unit determine how many presets per scene can be stored. M13 has 12 per scene the M9 6. The only real difference between the two is number of presets per scene and the M13 has an fx loop.

strke-fender · #7 08-10-2010, 02:28 PM

Oh and with the m9 you can have 3 effects engaged at the same time but the M13 can have 4

Blankmann44 · #8 08-10-2010, 02:41 PM

-1 for Multi effects. Never had a good experience. If it's not the quality of the effect sounding cheap, then it's not being able to turn on the right combination (in the right order) of effects because of processor limitations. Thats my OPINION anyway.

walknbluez · #9 08-10-2010, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strke-fender

No. These units are set up in what's called scenes. The number of switches on the unit determine how many presets per scene can be stored. M13 has 12 per scene the M9 6. The only real difference between the two is number of presets per scene and the M13 has an fx loop.

Thanks strke. Ok, can you give me an example in a practical situation?

The way I'm understanding it is there are 6 presets (which seems plenty to me) PER SCENE. But what is a scene and how would this apply in a live playing situation?

walknbluez · #10 08-10-2010, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blankmann44

-1 for Multi effects. Never had a good experience. If it's not the quality of the effect sounding cheap, then it's not being able to turn on the right combination (in the right order) of effects because of processor limitations. Thats my OPINION anyway.

Is this your experience with the M9 as well?

cybersnyder · #11 08-10-2010, 02:55 PM

Definitely need to try out the M9/M13. Definitely the best multi-effects unit out there.

walknbluez · #12 08-10-2010, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cybersnyder

Definitely need to try out the M9/M13. Definitely the best multi-effects unit out there.

I read somewhere about the need to do a firmware update (on the M13). Does this apply to the M9 as well and if I purchase new, is this not even necessary?

Blankmann44 · #13 08-10-2010, 03:02 PM

I can't say that it is. I haven't tried the line6 multiefects pedals, but i dont think that you can use any combination of the effects in a multieffects pedal. Almost all multi peds group similar effects and assign a single processor to each group. Each processor can run only 1 effect, so if you wanted two similar effects at the same time it's impossible. An example is lots of pedals group delays, pitch shifts, reverbs together, meaning you can only utilize one at a time. This can be so frustrating when all the effects you like are on the same processor.

Another short coming is you can't order the effects how you like them. For instance, say you are using distortion and a filter. Which effect comes first will have an effect on the tone, but you won't be able to chose with a multi effects ped. Distortion into a filter is subtly different from a filter into distortion.

I started down the multieffects route and am sorry for it. It was my first effects pedal, so i didn't know any better, but i wish someone had told me! You don't get the return on your investment and eventually you will get fed up with the limitations and have to sell it on a loss.

There is one purpose i can think of for a multieffects pedal. If you had no idea what various effects sounded like, it would be useful to have a pedal that had many many effects to chose from. That way you can narrow down which types of sounds you liked. Hopefully you could figure it out quickly enough (within 30 days) and just return the unit for full value.

Lastly, let me just say im NOT an expert on multi effect pedals, i don't know all the various features of the newer model stuff, like the m13, m9. But almost anyone will tell you a combination of individual stomp box effects will sound better and limit you less than a multieffects pedal.

strke-fender · #14 08-10-2010, 03:07 PM

With the M13/M9 each button is designated to a specific effect. Like an individual stomp box and when the effect is engaged it displays the settings. Allowing for ultimate on the fly tweak-ability. So you never have to worry about not getting to the right effect. A scene is like having pages in a book, but each page is a set of effects (12 in the M9, 6 in the M9)

So you could have a scene for your metal band and scene for a punk band. For example the band I played in had a song with lots of open spaces I filled with effects, and I had a whole scene for that song. Its a definetly a powerful easy to use unit. Highly suggested.

Blankmann44 · #15 08-10-2010, 03:07 PM

Its a value thing mainly. A multi effects pedal is a jack of all trades, master of none. Its definitely a generalists pedal. Individual boxes cost more in the long run, but they are modular. If you buy an extra stomp box and don't like it you can sell it. If you find an effect in your multiped and don't like it, you don't get your money back, short of selling the whole thing. Also, a stomp box breaking doesn't break your whole rig, you can just take that effect out and get it fixed. If you multiped breaks, well now you can only play clean.

Get what im saying?

walknbluez · #16 08-10-2010, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blankmann44

I can't say that it is. I haven't tried the line6 multiefects pedals, but i know for a fact that you cant use any combination of the effects in a multieffects pedal. Almost all multi peds group similar effects and assign a single processor to each group. Each processor can run only 1 effect, so if you wanted two similar effects at the same time it's impossible. An example is lots of pedals group delays, pitch shifts, reverbs together, meaning you can only utilize one at a time. This can be so frustrating when all the effects you like are on the same processor.

Another short coming is you can't order the effects how you like them. For instance, say you are using distortion and a filter. Which effect comes first will have an effect on the tone, but you won't be able to chose with a multi effects ped. Distortion into a filter is subtly different from a filter into distortion.

I started down the multieffects route and am sorry for it. It was my first effects pedal, so i didn't know any better, but i wish someone had told me! You don't get the return on your investment and eventually you will get fed up with the limitations and have to sell it on a loss.

There is one purpose i can think of for a multieffects pedal. If you had no idea what various effects sounded like, it would be useful to have a pedal that had many many effects to chose from. That way you can narrow down which types of sounds you liked. Hopefully you could figure it out quickly enough (within 30 days) and just return the unit for full value.

Lastly, let me just say im NOT an expert on multi effect pedals, i don't know all the various features of the newer model stuff, like the m13, m9. But almost anyone will tell you a combination of individual stomp box effects will sound better and limit you less than a multieffects pedal.

Wait a minute, the description on the GC website says:

"M9 Stompbox Modeler is set up like three FX units. Each effects unit can have two stomps at the ready, and any three effects can play simultaneously. Use one effect at a time, arrange effects in tried-and-true combinations, or create your own original blends.

LuvMusic · #17 08-10-2010, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by walknbluez

I read somewhere about the need to do a firmware update (on the M13). Does this apply to the M9 as well and if I purchase new, is this not even necessary?

Yes and it's not hard to do. You will need a Midi cable. The newer units may be shipping with the new firmware, but, I don't know. Maybe someone here who bought one recently can comment (or Rich?).

Personally, I like many of the models on the M9. Given it's size/easy portability, the extensive number of models and flexibility, it's a bargain. Also, with so much "stuff" in it, I find is very easy to use.

Anyway, if you're looking for a few effects and want to experiment, I don't think you can go wrong with either an M9 or M13.

Here's a link to the M9 page where you can read more and also get a listing of all the models and features.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showth...ic#post9415018

Last comment. The M9 is driven by firmware/software. And, as you referred to earlier, is upgradeable. This is an important feature that many overlook. This unit can be upgraded and Line6 has already released one update which included some features that were targeted specifically for bass players. I SUSPECT Line6 will continue to release periodic updates for both the M9 and M13.

As you can tell, I like the unit. Have fun with your mon!

Blankmann44 · #18 08-10-2010, 03:11 PM

I guess i have to go try one to be an expert on it, but so let's say theres one bank of 100 effects and 3 processors so you can in fact use any 3 of 100. What if a tone you want to make is the combination of 4 effects? You wouldn't be able to pull that off.

strke-fender · #19 08-10-2010, 03:13 PM

Both of the first two points do not apply to the M13/M9. While only 4 and 3 effects can be run simultaneously (respectfully) but it does not dictate which type of effects are chosen. You can run three reverbs at the same time

Also the buttons are numbered 1,2,3,4 and they are representative of which order the effect is applied to the signal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blankmann44

I can't say that it is. I haven't tried the line6 multiefects pedals, but i know for a fact that you cant use any combination of the effects in a multieffects pedal. Almost all multi peds group similar effects and assign a single processor to each group. Each processor can run only 1 effect, so if you wanted two similar effects at the same time it's impossible. An example is lots of pedals group delays, pitch shifts, reverbs together, meaning you can only utilize one at a time. This can be so frustrating when all the effects you like are on the same processor.

Another short coming is you can't order the effects how you like them. For instance, say you are using distortion and a filter. Which effect comes first will have an effect on the tone, but you won't be able to chose with a multi effects ped. Distortion into a filter is subtly different from a filter into distortion.

I started down the multieffects route and am sorry for it. It was my first effects pedal, so i didn't know any better, but i wish someone had told me! You don't get the return on your investment and eventually you will get fed up with the limitations and have to sell it on a loss.

There is one purpose i can think of for a multieffects pedal. If you had no idea what various effects sounded like, it would be useful to have a pedal that had many many effects to chose from. That way you can narrow down which types of sounds you liked. Hopefully you could figure it out quickly enough (within 30 days) and just return the unit for full value.

Lastly, let me just say im NOT an expert on multi effect pedals, i don't know all the various features of the newer model stuff, like the m13, m9. But almost anyone will tell you a combination of individual stomp box effects will sound better and limit you less than a multieffects pedal.

walknbluez · #20 08-10-2010, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blankmann44

I guess i have to go try one to be an expert on it, but so let's say theres one bank of 100 effects and 3 processors so you can in fact use any 3 of 100. What if a tone you want to make is the combination of 4 effects? You wouldn't be able to pull that off.

True and good point. However, I'm playing straight into a tube amp as it is right now with zero effects and just need chorus and distortion for the time being. I get what you are saying about individual pedals though and have been considering that as well.