Hunting for Multi FX pedalboards
 

I'm in a post-rock band and would love to have some variety of effects and to be able to store and tweak effect patches. I currently have a basic, small, analog pedalboard consisting of a Korg Pitchblack, a BBE Optocompressor, an EH Bass Big Muff and an EH Octave Multiplexer. I lack of synth, overdrive and, specially, reverb, delay and chorus effects. A looper or a loop effect (infinite feedback delay) would come in handy.

I only have about 200€ to spend, so I assume a multiFX is the best option. I had a B2.1u for some years before selling it, I didn't quite like half of the effects and it was bad quality overall, but I recognize it had tons of flexibility. I've seen lots of you have the Zoom B3 and report improvements, but I'm skeptical, and its limitations puts me off. In the other hand, I can get a Boss ME-50B and a Line 6 Bass Pod XT Live used within my budget, and maybe a Line6 HD500 too (but that's unsure). I've seen both of these have the delay, chorus and reverb on the same patch bay, which I'd like to get separatedly.

I'm unsure what to get. My preferences are good sounding FX and versatility, don't care much about amp simulation and the pre-amp section. Expression pedal and looper would be a plus, as well as having separate bays and be able to re-arrange pedal order and analog fx-loop circuit (for my analog pedals).

Am I asking for something that's not yet been built? Am I better off saving up spending about 600 bucks in analog pedals or are there any good-sounding digital alternatives for less than that?

You've already got a good start, why not add ONE pedal at a time? All-in-one multi fx pedals will not sound near as good as an individual fx box.

Basically, I need effects I won't use that much. I don't really know if it's worht it myself, but I consider a MULTI FX a good solution for all-purposes. I know it's not gonna sound as good, but the alternative is spending 100 or 200 for each individual effect; reverb, chorus, flanger, looper, echo, overdrive... etc. Let's say I like the versatility. I constantly use my analog pedals but don't know if I'm gonna sue echo, delay, reverb, chorus, flanger... all that much, but I want them to be there for certain tones.

I still have to think it over, but it could be a viable solution.

I don't own a B3, but until recently I used a B9.1ut for live, rehearsal and recording. Loved it to death, and I'm kind of sorry I sold it this past summer; I only got rid of it because I wasn't using it to its fullest...haven't found a standalone envelope filter that I like as much as what was in that unit yet. I also use a G3 when I play guitar and love the modulation, delay and reverb effects.

Based on those experiences, I'd say the B3 is worth a look or two.

It would be something to consider, certainly, for the price, and if Zoom ever made a B5. But my previous Zoom wasn't up to my expectations (the B2u), producing noise and affecting the signal and I'm weary about their products.

If you don't like the sound quality of Zoom B2. 1u, I reckon you will hate all other multi fx units out there

I have that Zoom B2.1u once, love it. Moved on to a Boss ME-50B, love it even more. Now I'm on the single boxes path, but still keeping a Vox Stomplab IB for silent practice purpose.

The Zoom MS series may be worth a try to you. Right now only the MS50G (guitar) and MS100BT (Bluetooth for Ipad/pod) are available, but before long the MS50CDR (chorus delay reverb) and MS50B (bass) should be out. Takes up the space of a Boss pedal, costs about $100, reports are the guitar version sounds pretty good. Win/win/win.

The MS50B does sound interesting. Any ideas where it might come out? Has any of you compared the B2 with the B3 in terms of sound quality and noise output?

They rebranded them MS-60B and MS-70CDR at the current NAMM I guess.

My understanding is the guitar version compares favorably to the G3, but I've owned neither so take that with a grain of salt.

I read on TGP that there is a high pitched artifact on the high gain amp modeling that has to do with Zoom slowing the processor down for battery life or something, but that it doesn't seem to affect the other effects. I don't know how or if that will translate to the newer versions.

Ive had them both and the B3 sounds better than the B2.

I've owned a Zoom B2, B2.1u, B9.1ut and now a B3.

B9's are the best (and biggest) as far as live switching, but the B3 gets the nod for versatility and effects variety and quality. I don't use a ton of effects, but my gig-rig is an A/B switch, an amp footswitch and a B3 and I'm really happy with it. Totally different (and quieter) critter than the older B2 series (which, if I recall correctly, had a dedicated 'Z-noise' suppressor filter....)

That's good to hear, I had a mkediocre experience with the B2, feeling a lack of quality in some effects (although others were wuite good) and a bad interface. Now that I already have a compressor, an octaver and a original fuzz (that are always the hardest to replicate digitally) I might look into the B3. Any news of a possible B5 coming up or an update to the B3 that would allow 6 simultaneous effects?