Multi fx's box

[fyfo]

I have the Boss GT core 1000 and find it fantastic. You'd be very hard pressed to run out of effects in it.

My core sound is input HPF, Frequency Divider (low frequency stays clean, with high frequency going through the effects chain), compression, Amp modelling, Noise Gate, Output HPF/LPF, Cab Sim and Mastering Compression. You then have drive, pitch, modulation and time effects with up to 3 signal splitter/dividers for parallel paths. So the complex signal path you can create, is for me, one of the biggest advantages of a digital multi like this. There are 3 built in foot switches, and you can add 4 more switches or expression, midi switching and amp control. Pretty amazing for such a small pedal.

The only thing it lacks is a DI output, so if you want to connect directly to a PA, you'll likely be mounting on a pedalboard with a DI box/pedal. You can get very small passive DI now (for example I have a Switchcraft 314DI that conveniently fits underneath my Warwick Rockboard ).

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

If I were to ever (currently) have the need/want of a multi effects unit for Bass, that I didn't need to "spend way too much", satisfy my avoidance of as much computer stuff as possible and sounded good with the most bells and whistles in common use today would be the $399 floorboard from BOSS.

 

[TOOL460002]

Used Empress ZOIA (several on Reverb for 350 which is less than I paid for either of mine). I have never been blown away by any form of distortion on multis I've played with, but the ZOIA has usable ones. But if ran in mono you can insert an analog distortion or even a loop switcher, so it can go bass->ZOIA->external pedals->ZOIA->Amp. Tons of processing options.

 

[stubbsonic]

Zoom B2 Four for price and decent sound quality (cons: not super tweakable, some fx mediocre)

Fractal FM3: incredible sound, massive flexibility/versatility, amazing features, great updates (cons: steep learning curve, less focus on bass gtr)

Boss GT1000 CORE is somewhere between. (I have no direct experience). Great sound and hardware. Durable. (cons: ??)