Nick,
I own the P5XD and am somewhat disapointed with it. I will list my gripes though not necessarily in order.
- It sounds like crap when played through my amp
- As en effects unit it does not have a good interface for playing live
- When I use it as an interface it makes a lot of hissing and noises
- When I use it as an interface in Ninjam it superimposes the return signal with the original signal which make it sound like echos
What I like about it
- Sound spretty good through heaphones when used by itself
- It's small and compact
- Tuner and Drum machine included
I've never tried the Zoom but were I to do it over again I'd be tempted to go with it since it is a multieffects pedal first I assume it sounds decent through an amp. Others have said the interface on the Zoom is clunky, I don't know. The interface can't be any worse than the Korg's.
I had a Mixer on back order but after waiting for over 2 weeks I canceled it today. I changed my mind on what I am going to get and I think that tomorrow I will likely pull the trigger on a
Focusrite Saffire pro 24 for $237.
Details can be found here
In hindsight the company that left me waiting for a couple of weeks may have done me a favor. The Saffire comes with 16 inputs (although 2 are loopbacks, so 14 actually) I still get to do in software anything that I could have done with a hardware mixer.
The Saffire is Firewire so I still need to add a firewire card (about $20) just make sure to purchase one with a TI chip on as that is what most Audio manufacturers recommend.
You may want to do Like I am going to do and get something like this. I'm planning on Keeping my P5XD to use as a portable headphone practice amp. You have your P4XD and could do the same. If you want to do stuff on your computer with something like the Saffire you aren't likely to find yourself outgrowing it anytime soon. It comes with the Focusrite plugin suite, which (I think) is basically the software version what is embedded into the hardware of the more expensive Saffire PRO 40. Additionally, if you get yourself a DAW like Reaper ($60) you can use a whole host of VST software effects many of which are free and basically mean the sky is the limit for what you can do on your computer. Additionally, if you research the Saffire you'll find out that their Win 7 driver support WAS really bad. The most recent set of drivers have apparently fixed all of that and are reported to be stable.
I'm, going to get this and then in the coming months spring for an M-Audio Axiom 49 MIDI controller and a good Mic. This should keep me busy for a long time to come.
In conclusion it may be worthwhile to spend a little more now to avoid buying something you could quickly outgrow and find yourself looking to replace again. (Yeah, I know I wish I were better at practicing what I preach). At any rate hope this helps, good luck.
Andy
