All-in-one effects processor

[SoCal80s]

I'm thinking of trading in my pedal board for an all-in-one effects processor and need some recommendations. Floor-mount is preferred but rack-mount with remote pedal switches could work. Requirements:
1. Must include a compressor, chorus, and distortion at least. Don't need anything too fancy. It must let me turn on and off the chorus and distortion one at a time as I choose, not just by switching presets (i.e. have an on/off switch that I can assign to those two).
2. Prefer an XLR output, as I go direct to the board, no amp.
3. I am a big fan of the Ampeg sound, so bonus if it gets a similar sound.

My other question is, the main reason for wanting to change is that I get a lot of noise from my current pedal chain. Am I right in thinking that the reduced power and signal cables would help reduce the noise?

 

[J Posega]

My other question is, the main reason for wanting to change is that I get a lot of noise from my current pedal chain. Am I right in thinking that the reduced power and signal cables would help reduce the noise?

Have you done anything to diagnose the noise in your current pedal chain?

1. What are the pedals in question?
   
2. What kind of power supply are you using?
   • Using a daisy-chain power supply (like a One Spot) can often introduce noise. An isolated power supply, while not as inspiring a purchase as a cool new pedal, is vital to reducing noise otherwise caused by pedals sharing the same ground.
3. Are you using decent quality cables from bass to pedals, all over the board, and to your amp?
   • Cheap cables are often not well-shielded and can be noisy. It's worth investing in decent cables
4. Do you get noise everywhere you take your pedalboard, or is it only at certain locations or on certain power outlets?
   • Sometimes, people get noise because of the outlet they're plugged into (I think because of shared ground lines or something, don't quote me on that), and that can happen anywhere.
5. Are you using a pedal with an XLR to go straight to the board, or a DI box?
   • If there's a ground lift and you haven't hit the button, try it and see if that reduces the noise.

Switching to a multieffects pedal could reduce the noise but if the issue is the wiring in the places you play or cheap cables being used then you're probably still going to get noise. Additional caveat, most multieffects have a noise gate built in which can further help reduce noise in between notes.

All that said, if you're hell-bent on a multieffect, I'd get a Zoom B3n and a DI box or the Zoom B6. They are well-regarded as sounding good enough or even great to many players (I've never owned either but have had other Zoom pedals that I like the sounds/functionality of) and have amp sims built in. If you don't need amp sims, I can personally suggest (I own one) the Line 6 HX Effects as a super-flexible and easy to operate multi. It would need to be paired with a DI box.

 

[JonathanPDX]

If you don't need amp sims, I can personally suggest (I own one) the Line 6 HX Effects as a super-flexible and easy to operate multi. It would need to be paired with a DI box.

I'll second the HX Effects. I was in the same position as the OP a couple of years ago, looking to downsize from a big clunky pedalboard to a single unit. The HX can be a bit overwhelming, it's easy to tweak on the computer but there are so many settings, you can spend literally dozens of hours just setting up your banks and adjusting each effect.

The first time I took it on a gig I was sure the band would hear the difference between this single box and my big board filled with numerous boutique pedals, but they said the new thing sounded even better. Honestly I don't know if it's really getting every nuance from the boutique pedals, but I'm also not really sure if anyone can actually hear the difference in a live setting anyway.

Anyway, it's compact, super easy to use, and does pretty much everything I could ask from a multi-effects unit. If you demo or buy one be sure to add an expression pedal, they aren't expensive and you can control a lot of parameters with it. For example, I can set my overdrive to a range from "light fuzz" to "chainsaw Armageddon" and use the expression pedal to sweep between them.

 

[SoCal80s]

Have you done anything to diagnose the noise in your current pedal chain?

1. What are the pedals in question?
   
2. What kind of power supply are you using?
   • Using a daisy-chain power supply (like a One Spot) can often introduce noise. An isolated power supply, while not as inspiring a purchase as a cool new pedal, is vital to reducing noise otherwise caused by pedals sharing the same ground.
3. Are you using decent quality cables from bass to pedals, all over the board, and to your amp?
   • Cheap cables are often not well-shielded and can be noisy. It's worth investing in decent cables
4. Do you get noise everywhere you take your pedalboard, or is it only at certain locations or on certain power outlets?
   • Sometimes, people get noise because of the outlet they're plugged into (I think because of shared ground lines or something, don't quote me on that), and that can happen anywhere.
5. Are you using a pedal with an XLR to go straight to the board, or a DI box?
   • If there's a ground lift and you haven't hit the button, try it and see if that reduces the noise.

Switching to a multieffects pedal could reduce the noise but if the issue is the wiring in the places you play or cheap cables being used then you're probably still going to get noise. Additional caveat, most multieffects have a noise gate built in which can further help reduce noise in between notes.

All that said, if you're hell-bent on a multieffect, I'd get a Zoom B3n and a DI box or the Zoom B6. They are well-regarded as sounding good enough or even great to many players (I've never owned either but have had other Zoom pedals that I like the sounds/functionality of) and have amp sims built in. If you don't need amp sims, I can personally suggest (I own one) the Line 6 HX Effects as a super-flexible and easy to operate multi. It would need to be paired with a DI box.

Thanks for the info and help, EmptyCell. Here's additional info:
-Current pedal chain is Shure GLXD16 wireless->Boss TU-3 tuner->Ampeg Optocomp compressor->Ampeg Liquifier chorus->Ampeg SCR-DI.
-I am using a One-Spot with daisy chain, so maybe I just need a better power supply. Any recommendations?
-Cables are whatever was on the counter at Sam Ash, so maybe I do need better pedal cables. Any recommendations?
-Noise is similar at home and at gig venues, so I don't think it's a ground issue. I've tried it with everything plugged into the same outlet.
-Isolating signal and power found most noise coming from SCR-DI (especially when raising the treble knob). I get a constant hiss and intermittent faint choppy sound like a helicopter, and other noise that sound like morse code (maybe cell phone interference). So I was thinking the unit is going bad and looking for something to replace it with, but I figured while I was at it I could replace the compressor and chorus too so I could have fewer power and signal cables.

 

[SoCal80s]

I'll second the HX Effects. I was in the same position as the OP a couple of years ago, looking to downsize from a big clunky pedalboard to a single unit. The HX can be a bit overwhelming, it's easy to tweak on the computer but there are so many settings, you can spend literally dozens of hours just setting up your banks and adjusting each effect...

Is there a bass-specific HX Effects, or do you just use the one for guitar?

 

[JonathanPDX]

Is there a bass-specific HX Effects, or do you just use the one for guitar?

There is not a bass model, but it sounds great with the bass and has a number of bass-specific settings and options.

If you are unfamiliar, basically (pun intended) you plug the unit into your computer, download software, and you can select from a long, long list of effects for each slot in your 6-effect bank. Then you can toggle through these 6-slot banks freely, though switching banks will turn off whatever was active before, so you are maxed out at 6 things running at once.

For example, in my normal gig bank I might run: overdrive, octave-down, envelope, clean boost, EQ, chorus. Then in Bank #2, set up for solos, I can run a totally different set of 6 effects: octave down, envelope, big EQ, echo, synth, volume pedal (controlled via expression pedal).

They all have labels you can customize and even color via the app, so it's easy to see how everything is set up at a glance.

 

[eriky4003]

For a power supply, I have Voodoo Labs PP2 (I believe) but there are a lot of good makers out there and the search feature will probably help you find 1 or 2 easily attained units. I believe that may be your noise solution. The Ampeg SCR DI may be a bit of drain (may operate on 9 v but probably could use 18v).
More recently I purchased a three pack of Ernie Ball patch cables that seem quite flexible but I wasn't experiencing any real noise issues that I could blame on cables.
Good luck!

 

[J Posega]

Thanks for the info and help, EmptyCell. Here's additional info:
-Current pedal chain is Shure GLXD16 wireless->Boss TU-3 tuner->Ampeg Optocomp compressor->Ampeg Liquifier chorus->Ampeg SCR-DI.
-I am using a One-Spot with daisy chain, so maybe I just need a better power supply. Any recommendations?

I would suggest something like the TrueTone CS7, or even the CS6 if it can power your wireless unit.

-Cables are whatever was on the counter at Sam Ash, so maybe I do need better pedal cables. Any recommendations?

I've been pleased with EBS flat patch cables but recently switched to TourGearDesigns because they offer more lengths.

-Noise is similar at home and at gig venues, so I don't think it's a ground issue. I've tried it with everything plugged into the same outlet.
-Isolating signal and power found most noise coming from SCR-DI (especially when raising the treble knob). I get a constant hiss and intermittent faint choppy sound like a helicopter, and other noise that sound like morse code (maybe cell phone interference).

The SCR DI may not be working properly, but most noise happens in the high frequencies so it's not surprising that you get more noise when you turn up the treble. The morse code sound is definitely wi-fi and cellular interference (put your phone on airplane mode while you're playing or put it farther away from your bass/amp), and the choppy sound could be the same.

Noise issues are made worse by using a daisy-chain power supply, and especially with a digital wireless. Digital pedals make the most noise when they're on a daisy-chain PSU.

So I was thinking the unit is going bad and looking for something to replace it with, but I figured while I was at it I could replace the compressor and chorus too so I could have fewer power and signal cables.

The HX Effects works great for bass. Many of the effects have a blend built-in, and there are plenty of bass-specific effects, but you can also add parallel signal paths so you can have a clean or low-end signal paired with the effected sound. It has many Ampeg pedal sounds built-in (because Ampeg and Line 6 are both owned by Yamaha).

Are you getting the same amount of noise when you plug into your pedals with a cable instead of using the wireless?

 

[Isaac_James]

You might be happy with the Tech 21 Bass Fly Rig. I use the v2 pedal, though it's quite similar to the original. It does a number of things, some well, some not as well, but the things I think it does well are all on your list of must haves.

-Chorus is a dedicated switch (press and hold for a tuner) and though it has only a single knob, it sounds pretty good to me.

-Compressor is decent, if lacking in a few features that a dedicated pedal would have. I don't use much compression but I like the way this one sounds turned up just a smidge.

-Preamp is a Sansamp with two character modes, VT bass mode is very "Ampeggy" and sounds great. There is a channel switch option and you can dial in as much drive on it as you want for some really good dirt tone and go back and forth from clean to dirt easily. Not strictly speaking a distortion, but a very nice OD.

-XLR output as it is a Sansamp unit.

The main shortcomings to this unit are in the "Octafilter" section of the pedal, Tech 21 tries to cram a fuzz, envelope filter and octave divider all in one and on their own they don't sound great. Used all together and you get a pretty decent synth bass sound, but it isn't quite the multi-effect that it's advertised to be.

They go for about $300 new, which is a very good price for what you get out of it. Let me know if you have any other questions about it, I've been using mine for about a year at this point and I know it pretty well.

 

[alembicbones]

Out of all my pedals, the Zoom B3 continues to be my go to. It's definitely dated but still works like a champ for me.

If I were in the market for a similar pedal, I'd be very interested in the Zoom B6.

Bones

 

[DonaldR]

If you like Ampeg tone, check for a used Eleven Rack. Very good SVT amp model and 8x10" cab model. Classic OD/Distortion/Chorus/Fuzz/etc. pedals and studio compressor/reverb/delay. You can get one for less than $300. I'm dealing my tones from the front panel so all my adjustments are just a "pedal button" press and I a knob turn away. I'm saving presets that I can recall using a Tech21 Midi Mongoose midi footcontroller but I also turn two effects on/off using a another 2-button TRS footswitch.

 

[DonaldR]

-Current pedal chain is Shure GLXD16 wireless->Boss TU-3 tuner->Ampeg Optocomp compressor->Ampeg Liquifier chorus->Ampeg SCR-DI.
-I am using a One-Spot with daisy chain, so maybe I just need a better power supply. Any recommendations?

I had the same "helicopter" problem when I daisy chained my Atomic Firebox. Used a Joyo 9v isolator and it solved the problem until I added another pedal. I bought a Cioks 4 and it solved my problems once and for all, everything is now super quiet. The Cioks 4 can be powered by your One-Spot or it can also be powered by a battery.

 

[DonaldR]

I'll third the HX Effects.

Although there's no bass amp models, the Zeroamp distortion is a Tech21 BDDI v1 model and IMO is way better as I can add a EQ after it to add mids if needed. I can also save 2-3 presets which made it a BDDI Deluxe.

The Octaver is top notch as well the Studio compressor. The Teemah! distortion is sounding really good for bass. The Ampeg Scrambler is there also and I think it's a matter of time before we see other Ampeg pedals (as Line 6 is owned by Yamaha). You can add IR if you want cab sims (I don't need them for the moment as the BDDI is handling that part perfectly for me). I have not tried other effects yet but I could easily gig with just the HX Effects.

I fitted mine on a Templeboard Solo 18 with the Cioks 4 bolted under. Output of the HX Effects is impedance balanced to you can use TRS to XRL cables to the FOH, and you can bring a DI for those situations where additional noise is present. I wired mine for 4-cable method just in case I want to use it with an amp.

I have not opened the User Guide yet on the HX Effects and I have not used the editor. The scrimbler stripes and the footswitch ring colours are very useful. I run in pedalboard mode (6 effects on/off switches) and one footswitch can on-off more than one effect (in this case the outboard preamp is disabling the Zeroamp block).

 

[Michael Stanley 2112]

If the XLR out isn't a deal-breaker, I recommend the BOSS GT1-B

 

[DanGroove]

Get a Helix. It has all that and more. It's akways had ampeg models, but now that Yamaha owns both brands, they can actually call them Ampeg. You can choose to go floor or rack with floor board. As a bass player you can probably get by with the much cheaper HX Stomp or HX Stomp XL. I prefer using the full Helix though.

 

[57pbass]

I use the Boss ME-50 B. Has everything I need and are reasonably priced on the used market. Built like a tank. Easy to use

 

[abarson]

I'm thinking of trading in my pedal board for an all-in-one effects processor and need some recommendations. Floor-mount is preferred but rack-mount with remote pedal switches could work. Requirements:
1. Must include a compressor, chorus, and distortion at least. Don't need anything too fancy. It must let me turn on and off the chorus and distortion one at a time as I choose, not just by switching presets (i.e. have an on/off switch that I can assign to those two).
2. Prefer an XLR output, as I go direct to the board, no amp.
3. I am a big fan of the Ampeg sound, so bonus if it gets a similar sound.

My other question is, the main reason for wanting to change is that I get a lot of noise from my current pedal chain. Am I right in thinking that the reduced power and signal cables would help reduce the noise?

Look into the Valeton Dapper Bass. It seems to tick all the boxes.
Valeton Dapper Bass

 

[vvvmmm]

Re the noise, you might try using two One-Spots.

 

[mmon77]

I'll second the Helix. I love mine and with it, I really don't need much else. The only other pedals I really use are my future impact V3 , and my tech 21 DP-3X . And if I really wanted to, I'm pretty sure I could eliminate the need for the DP-3X using the Helix. There are so many good amp models. My favorites are the ampegs and the Mesa 400. The DG distortion models are good too.

I haven't used the smaller Helix style pedals, but I can only assume that they're just as good only somewhat stripped down as far as features go.

 

[Ewo]

My .02:

I don't have deep experience with pedals and only run a modest number in front of my amp, but switching to an isolated supply can often help. I used to use a One-Spot daisy chain with no problem, but when I switched out the fuzz I started getting noise. Powered the board with an MXR Mini Iso Brick, and the noise was gone. AFAIK noise problems from a pedalboard are specific to the particular pedals and the way they're sequenced; an iso supply makes that a non-issue.

Another thing that might help is to put a buffer amp at the beginning of your signal path. Maybe you don't need a buffer when you run a wireless...dunno...but Broughton makes a very good one (the Buffer Bandwidth Amp, or BBA) at a reasonable price. Not quite the same situation, but a while back a beginner bass buddy queried me about a tone problem she was experiencing: her active bass sounded fine through her pedals but her passive bass sounded lifeless and dull. Running the bass into the BBA and then along to the other pedals fixed the problem; she was very pleased with the result.

Hey, one more thing... I know that a lot of folks enjoy all-in-one effects units, and more power to them. The reason I've stayed away from them is that I enjoy being able to pick and choose specific pedals from different builders for their unique character. Just saying that's a constraint the all-one-effects impose.