Multi-Effects, or separate pedals?

Tupac · #1 09-24-2011, 07:53 AM

I'm thinking of getting my first effects, and I'm wondering if I should get a multi effects pedal or start accumulating a bunch of seperate pedals. The BP90 is the multi one in question, by the way.

Chef FourString · #2 09-24-2011, 07:57 AM

Do not start spending money on separate pedals. Buy a decent multi and find out what you like, then go from there. You could spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on pedals to find you don't like or need most of them. Get the multi and do some experimenting.

Von Felgenhauer · #3 09-24-2011, 07:59 AM

I would recommend the line 6 m9. A bunch Of different and good effects to see what you like and can use in your band

CopperheadLXXIX · #4 09-24-2011, 08:01 AM

I think it depends on what your eventual effects goals are.

As a generalization, multi-effects tend to have a lot of bells and whistles, are usually less expensive than several good single pedals, but the downside is that the sound *usually* isn't as good or tweakable as singles.

If you are just starting out with effects, a multi may not be a bad idea just to get a feel for what different effects do to your sound, and down the road you might end up switching to singles.

MSUsousaphone · #5 09-24-2011, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chef FourString

Do not start spending money on separate pedals. Buy a decent multi and find out what you like, then go from there. You could spend hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on pedals to find you don't like or need most of them. Get the multi and do some experimenting.

Totally agree with that. I'm just now graduating to individual pedals....I'd have been lost if I hadn't done with the Boss GT10-B, first.

droo46 · #6 09-24-2011, 11:43 AM

I feel that it all really depends on what kind of a sound you're after. If you are just looking to experiment then a multi pedal would be a great way to start. If you have something specific in mind then I would suggest cruising YouTube listening to clips of different pedals so you can find something you like. When you do, TalkBass classified baby!

DeltaPhoenix · #7 09-24-2011, 11:52 AM

I went the multi route a long time ago, they have improved vastly since then. When I got back into effects, I went for single pedals. Man, I have learned a lot. I have taken shots in the dark, read like crazy, listened to a ton of clips. Found some gold along the way, played some great pedals that weren't just for me. My board is part boutique, part bigger brands. I had to get honest about what effects I am really going to use. My pedal board is already too small. Thank goodness for TB classifieds. What didn't work out for me was easy to sell or trade. I have had no bad experiences with my dealings on here.

bassbrad · #8 09-24-2011, 01:06 PM

A good multi would be my siggestion for a starter pedal just because of the versatility and bang for the buck and they all make excellent practice tools.
Once you find what you really like or need then you can go the single effect route, but do your research, these days there are so many choices it can be a real money pit.

Crystalman85 · #9 09-25-2011, 05:40 PM

Some multi-effects processors can be usable for live performances. the zoom b2.1u is one of them. I own one and it's really a great sounding multi-effects processor. I use it for recording and live performances. of course some multi-effects processors like the digitech bp355 is more suitable for recording. if you own a multi-effects processor that doesn't really color you sound that much, it can be usable for live performances. I have recorded sound samples of many different multi-effects processors on my sound samples on my soundclick website. here's the link.

SoundClick artist: Crystalman85 - page with MP3 music downloads

Feel free to check it out. also when it comes to buying effects, it's all about personal taste in sound quality. try out a few multi-effects processors and see which multi-effects processor is right for you.

impactwrench · #10 09-25-2011, 07:29 PM

I've never been huge on bass pedals, but as a guitard, i ended up with single pedals first. At some point I bought a boss multi effect thinking I would ditch all the single pedals. Well that didnt last long...I returned the multi. It may be easier for a guitard because your first pedal is gonna be a dirt pedal. For bass, I think chorus is probably a good first pedal. It doesn't screw with your tone too much that you lose your bearings.

A multi effect probably is a good way to start out, unless you can borrow some pedals from your guitard player or a buddy or something.

Kwesi · #11 09-25-2011, 07:33 PM

Get individual pedals if you know exactly what you want. Otherwise get a multi. If I could get a multi that did everything my board does, I would but that doesn't exist, lol. I say if you do get a multi go big and get a Boss GT-10B. That thing is just amazing. Fantastic sounds abound and easy to use. As far as bass multi-effects go, that thing is the best choice by a mile. I'm tempted to get one myself but it would be overkill for me, haha.

MSUsousaphone · #12 09-25-2011, 07:52 PM

It's a bit expensive, but I really liked my Boss GT10-B. It's got a ton of sounds. A lot of multi effects pedals sound like lower end individual pedals, this one sounded more like mid level ones.

cybersnyder · #13 09-25-2011, 07:59 PM

I went from multi to individual pedals on a big board to a constantly changing smaller board. Now I think I've struck the happy medium between individual and multi. I'm using:

FEA Opti-FET -> EBS OctaBass -> Line 6 M5 -> MXR EVH Phaser -> SansAmp BDDI.

With this setup I can cover a lot of ground and it all fits conveniently on a Pedaltrain Mini powered with a OneSpot.

I'd suggest getting an M5 and then adding the individual effects you find that you really like.

gastric · #14 09-26-2011, 05:47 AM

I have a lot of GT-10B sound samples on my website. Link in my signature below. A multi is great for getting a ton of good sounding bread-n-butter effects. And depending on the multi, you can get some usable experimental and non-standard effects as well.

caeman · #15 09-26-2011, 06:19 AM

Even better than buying a multi-effect unit is giving yourself a day at a Guitar Center or other store with a wide selection of pedal types to try, and multi-effect pedals. You may find that the the Line6 M5/9/13 are just what you need for any or all of tuner, compressor, dirt and modulation. You may also find individual pedals that have exactly the sound you are hearing in your head.

Be open to the possibilities. Try not to get caught up in the dogmas of digital vs. analog or hand-made vs. mass produced. Recreate the sound in your head now, subscribe to dogma later.