Multi FX for Dummies

Marley's Ghost · #1 11-08-2009, 05:21 PM

So the wifey actually asked me what I wanted music wise for Christmas.

Since a bass or amp is not going to happen, I was thinking multi fx box. But I don't have the time or aptitude to learn something complex. I play in a rock/funk cover band, so it has to be something easy to use live and durable. About $200-300 ought to do it.

duke2004 · #2 11-08-2009, 05:29 PM

In my experience, the reason most people lose interest in the multi fx is that they dont put in the time to work with them. Cant be blamed, who has that much time, its better spend playing. For a multi i would vote for Zoom B2.1u which u can get close to the 100 range in price.

The best multi for dummies is probably pedals...but for that price you cant get much, although some of these have multi fx going on and are very easy to use. check them out. hand made, high quality sounds that u wont grow out of

http://www.zcatpedals.com/?dir=hot

Crystalman85 · #3 11-08-2009, 06:03 PM

At your price range and from your description of a multi-effects processor, I would say go for either the boss me-20b or the boss me-50b. they're both easy to use and they're gig worthy.

LuvMusic · #4 11-08-2009, 07:43 PM

I'd suggest checking out a Line6 M9. These seem really well built, come with proven effects and will be upgradeable as Line6 adds new firmware and effects.

Before everyone says "the OP asked for a 200-300.00 price range and the M9 is 399.00!" here is my thinking. The holiday season is upon us and I'm sure at least one of the online retailers will have a 20% off special at some point. If you can grab an M9 during one of these "sales" your wife will be able to snag an M9 for about $320.00

That's my plan!

Chowowbus · #5 11-09-2009, 10:55 AM

The newer Boss multis are so simple even I can use them!

ME 20b or ME 50b will stay in your price range.
I have owned the ZOOM and it is a PITA to program.
I own the ME 20b now.
The Boss is the closest thing to seperate stomps that is available today.

Nyarlathotep · #6 11-10-2009, 01:19 AM

Either the M9 or the B2.1u get my vote. I still own my B2 among all the other stuff I've had. Great little unit. Pretty easy to program IMHO, but YMMV as usual.

The M9 does look interesting. I plan on picking one up eventually.

gus1894 · #7 11-10-2009, 09:53 AM

I've looked at the M9 briefly - thought it was guitar-centric - so it does have bass application, eh?

MooseLumps · #8 11-10-2009, 09:55 AM

Boss ME-50b. Essentially like 3 stomps and a wah in the same housing, but with some added goodness. Price is dropping on these all the time, and they can pull of some really great tones. Plenty of knobs, no menues.

MooseLumps · #9 11-10-2009, 09:56 AM

M-9 is not bass specific, but it's perfectly suitable for bass. The goal with the M-9 is modeling effects, so if the effect is friendly for bass, that setting on the M-9 will likely be as well.