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I need a rundown on different pedalsD:

#6
Start with modulation effects like chorus or flange. Modulation effects are used to add motion and depth to your sound.

Effects such as chorus, flanging, and phasing are well-known examples. Modulation effects typically delay the incoming signal by a few milliseconds and use a low frequency oscillator (LFO) to modulate the delayed signal. The LFO may also be used to modulate the delay time in some effects. An LFO is much like the sound-generating oscillators in synthesizers. Its not exactly like that but the technology is similar.

Distortion or overdrive effects simulate amps pushed hard into clipping mode or over saturated tube amps. There are thousands of these types of effects and finding one that works for you can be difficult, frustrating or FUN FUN FUN!!!!! I prefer the class A style clipping, meaning the harder you play the more drive you get. I like these effects because I like to control my playing style with my picking hand. There are also distortion effects and fuzz effects. Fuzz is IME either on or off. There is limited control save whatever knobs you have on the pedal. We made a fuzz for a while with several controls and was absurdly complicated...... that's great if you like fuzz, but I don't.

There are also combination effects and amp modeling effects. A good example of combo effects is the EHX bass balls. It combines an envelope filter (wah style) with a fuzz or drive effect. Its great if you are after a desired sound. Amp modeling effects (Boss, Catalinbread, Line6, ETC) mostly IME model drive or frequency character of a particular amp. If you like the way a B15 sounds, you can get a pedal that generates tones similar to the frequency range of that amp.

OK bla bla bla.....If anyone disagrees with me, thats fine. Im just an amateur.
 
#8
my suggestion would be to find a free recording software, record a riff, and then play about with the effects on there. the effects wont be facsimiles of actual effects, but you will get to see what different effects do.
 
#13
Matt Dean said:
Get a multi and play around with all modeled effects and discover for yourself what you like.
Click to expand...

+2. The multi will probably have some really awesome sounds, and some that sound tinny, and that you really like, so you'll want to buy a stand alone for that. The one that immediately comes to mind is an envelope filter. The envs on multis I've tried all sounded silly and weak, also the synths on the multi sucked, too. But this is based on trying the Digitech BP80 and Zoom B2 (I think), the GT10B looks pretty awesome, and a friend was killing it with the GT10B. I believe the GT10B also had a looper on it. I'm using the BP80 a lot less now that I have 8 more pedals, but last night it came in handy when I needed delay and reverb for a new song I was working on. Also, the BP series has upgraded immensely since I got my unit, and I've never had a serious issue with it, and I love that it has a line out I can use as a DI for recording.
 

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