Looking for a Multi-Effects pedal

[CrashGordon]

I'm looking at getting a multi-effects pedal. Budget is around $200 (slightly more is ok, less would be better). The main effects I'm looking for are OD/Distortion and chorus. Something that can get close to Cliff Burtons sound on Orion, but that's not the only sound I'm after, just using that as a example.

I've been looking at a few of them and would like to know what you'd spend your money on.
Zoom B3, DigiTech BP355, DigiTech BP90, BOSS ME-20B or something else?
Thanks

Probably be ordered from Sweetwater since I already have an account there.

 

[Swift713]

I have the Zoom and I like it. Digital multis generally are not great at overdrive, distortion etc. However, the B3's SVT model makes a nice overdrive IMO and I like the Fuzz Face model. I have no experience with the Boss and Dogitech multis.

 

[Wagz]

I have a Line 6 Bass Pod XT. They're no longer rmaking them but you can find them on eBay. It does EVERYthing and it's totally giggable.

 

[MHensleyJr]

Zoom MS-60B. It's a great buy. Only $99!

 

[CrashGordon]

Would it be better to go with separate pedals like the Boss ODB-3 & CEB-3 (OD & Chorus) for example? Those two are in the total price range. I checked out the Darkglass BK3 but it's just out of the budget.

I don't need line out or headphone functions (got that covered already).

 

[Dave W]

If you're looking for a Cliff Burton fuzz you need a Big Muff of some sort. I believe he used an American version.

Neither the ODB-3 or B3K aren't really going to do it.

 

[villhelmromero]

+1 on the line 6 pod xt. I've got the rackmount pod xt pro and yes you can easily achieve the burton sound. it's very flexible. I got the anesthesia pulling teeth sound down to a T. I got mine NOS (new old stock) at sam ash for $200. I would highly recommended it.

I'm all for analog. in fact I prefer it but you cannot beat the bang for your buck with the bass pod xt pro. you get soooo much.

 

[Darknut]

I've owned a Boss GT6B & a GT10B .... Have a Zoom MS60B now
& I think it sounds a little better than the boss stuff, especially in the Dirt department.

I still like a good "Dirt" pedal better but the 60B is surprising good for digital ..... It took a while to find but it is there.

 

[waveman]

Zoom B3 or Zoom MS-60B Best sounding bass multi you can buy for the money. I have two MS-60B's I love it so much. One for practice/backup and one on the gig board.

 

[AlexBassMP]

+1 for the Zoom

I have a Boss ME50B and it sounds great, but I bought a Zoom MS60B as a backup and Zoom is my main pedal now. I play in three bands and I have everything I need in a single pedal which fits in my gigbag.

If you're patient you can wait until the new Zoom B1Xon release: About 79$, 75fx and expression pedal ( great for that Burtonesque moments ) . The only deal with it is that ti'll be plastic made

 

[rockbeachbass]

I have the older zoom. The b2.1u, I'm very happy with it . The 3 looks even better.

 

[Mosfed]

I would scoop up a used EHX Big Muff and a Boss Chorus pedal if that is really what you need. If you bought on ebay or something similar, those two together would be well in your budget.

In my experience, the digital players you list above can do a decent job on chorus, modulation, delay etc but really fall on their face when they try to do overdrive or distortion. i think the Boss multi unit is analog, but can't really remember.

 

[Dave W]

In my experience, the digital players you list above can do a decent job on chorus, modulation, delay etc but really fall on their face when they try to do overdrive or distortion.

+1.

I'll use a multi for everything but distortion/fuzz/OD.

 

[gregmon79]

Have you considered raising you r budget just a little and getting the OFD and Orbital by Source Audio and their Soundblox 2 series?? It would run about $320 together. The dirt sound in the OFD (overdrive/fuzz/distortion) are marvelous and the Orbital sounds great as well and can do everything from chorus to phaser and everything in between. Just a thought.

EDIT: Sorry, I just saw the B3K was out of your budget which would put both of those pedals named above out of it as well. Maybe juat go with the OFD for now and save some money and get an Orbital or the ms60b. Or even the Zoom 70cdr. These pedals are very good sounding. The only thing that I will echo is the dirts in the 60b arent that great. You can however get pretty close to a decent sound if you build your own patches. But the 70cdr is all about modulation and delay. I'd go OFD and then a 70cdr eventually.

 

[Darknut]

I would scoop up a used EHX Big Muff and a Boss Chorus pedal if that is really what you need. If you bought on ebay or something similar, those two together would be well in your budget.

In my experience, the digital players you list above can do a decent job on chorus, modulation, delay etc but really fall on their face when they try to do overdrive or distortion. i think the Boss multi unit is analog, but can't really remember.

The Boss GT's are digital ...

I feel mostly the same about Digital Dirt & felt the same about the MS-60b at first, but after messing with it a while it really can do dirt surprisingly well.

I'm still not gonna give up my analog Dirt pedal for the 60b dirt .... but live with drums & guitard I'm not sure you could tell the difference .... IMHO

 

[DagoMaino]

I have a gt6b that has been demoted to my omni-chord effect pedal... but have 3 Zoom multis (B3, MS60B, and CDR) on my bass boards... they just sound better and are much easier to use.

 

[CrashGordon]

Thanks for all the input and all kinds of options to look through/at. I had a feeling that the multis were just like anything else that's a AIO (all in one). It's decent at most things but not great at everything, that'd just make it too easy and simple.