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Need Suggestions for MultiFX

J

Just Wrong

Mar 30, 2023
1,449
2,317
#1
Here is list of effects I'm interested in:
  • Reverb to add a bit of room when I practice at home with headphones
  • Octave down
  • Octave up
  • Synth
  • Freeze
  • Tuner
Octave down: My band plays a lot of pop songs with the same chord progression throughout the song, like Ed Sheeran's "Shivers." What I like to do is play the chorus up an octave on the fretboard with an octave down to add something different.

Synth: Not looking to copy exact synth sounds or create overly complex synth sounds. Right now I play Eurythmics's "Sweet Dreams" with an OC-2 clone with the dry and OCT-2 off and I'm fine with that.

Freeze: I would like something like the EHX Freeze to forever sustain a chord so I can solo over when practicing.

I do have a Broughton Audio Subsonic and Mantic Hulk that covers the octave down and synth just fine, but rather than buy other pedals, I was thinking of selling them and getting a sort of multifx.

I don't think I'm going to use more than one effect simultaneously, so maybe I was thinking the HX One? or Maybe splurge on a H90? While the HX Stomp would be ideal, I don't know that I want to spend that much on a digital pedal that's over 5 years old and bound to be updated soon...

Thoughts?
 
#3
57pbass said:
BOSS ME-50B
Click to expand...
I'd opt for the newer 90B instead. It sounds much better than the old 50 IMO. It can do everything on the list. You'd run into trouble only if you need the octave up, octave down and freeze at the same time. 2 of the 3 is fine though. The octaver sits on FX1 or the pedal and the freeze or octave+1 would be on the expression pedal.
The 90B has 2 synths built-in, and if they are not what you're looking for, you can always go down the old-fashioned road by using the 3 effects I mention below.

If you consider the stomp to be too old to invest in, you're basically discounting the HX One as well. Yes, the pedal is newer, but the effects/software are exactly the same as the rest of the HX line. Besides, doing synths on an HX One would be a challenge, unless you settle for just the octaver, which you already use. That would be no improvement. Generally you need 3 effects for a synth tone: Octaver, distortion/OD/fuzz and some form of modulation, usually chorus or an envelope filter. That basically rules out the One.

That said, unless a new HX series dramatically improves the tones you can get out of it, I don't think the stomp will be truly outdated for the next 5 years or so, even if they never touch it again. It's a great piece of gear if you can overcome the learning curve. It really has a LOT of things you can play with. The key with the HX series, at least for me, is don't touch what you don't need or understand well enough. Once you start dialling in mic distances and whatnot, you might just lose yourself and your tone.

I have no experience with the H90, but from what I read it should be able to do what you want, and tons more. I'm not 100% it has a freeze feature but I wouldn't be surprised if it has. It's also quite expensive and unless there's something specific in the H90 you really need and can't get elsewhere, I think you're better off with a stomp. Or, if you're going to spend 1 grand anyway, you might as well go all out and get an HX LT. They're simply more flexible than the H90, both in features as wel as in controlling your effects on stage.

Of course, in the end, it's all YMMV and personal opinions. This is just my 2 cents.

Just Wrong said:
I don't think I'm going to use more than one effect simultaneously,
Click to expand...
You're saying that now. but once you get into multi's it won't be long before people often use more than the 1 effect they thought they needed. Synths and octavers usually work better with compressors for example. Having an on-board EQ is something you'll love having live, even if it's just to take the muddiness out of the room.

It's a lovely deep rabbit hole you're jumping into. But a fun one. Enjoy the ride! :)
 
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#5
Just Wrong said:
Here is list of effects I'm interested in:
  • Reverb to add a bit of room when I practice at home with headphones
  • Octave down
  • Octave up
  • Synth
  • Freeze
  • Tuner
Octave down: My band plays a lot of pop songs with the same chord progression throughout the song, like Ed Sheeran's "Shivers." What I like to do is play the chorus up an octave on the fretboard with an octave down to add something different.

Synth: Not looking to copy exact synth sounds or create overly complex synth sounds. Right now I play Eurythmics's "Sweet Dreams" with an OC-2 clone with the dry and OCT-2 off and I'm fine with that.

Freeze: I would like something like the EHX Freeze to forever sustain a chord so I can solo over when practicing.

I do have a Broughton Audio Subsonic and Mantic Hulk that covers the octave down and synth just fine, but rather than buy other pedals, I was thinking of selling them and getting a sort of multifx.

I don't think I'm going to use more than one effect simultaneously, so maybe I was thinking the HX One? or Maybe splurge on a H90? While the HX Stomp would be ideal, I don't know that I want to spend that much on a digital pedal that's over 5 years old and bound to be updated soon...

Thoughts?
Click to expand...

Just some thoughts on your thoughts on the HX stuff, no matter what piece of hardware of helix you get, you will get free updates on it. And since NAMM just happened and they explicitly stated that there will be no Helix 2 (as of yet), they continue to release (free) updates across all their hardware platforms that add not only effects, but also software and functionality improvements/enhancements. So if you end up getting a stomp, I think you'd be set. It being 5 years old doesn't mean much IMO.

The only kind of weak point I see with the Helix stuff are the synths. Not that what they offer is bad, you just have to dig into them to get what you may want out of it. If you're just going for the "OC2 with chorus and fuzz" style synth though, it's got you covered. I do believe it has a freeze type of effect too. The poly sustain I think. The HX one is great too, but of course only does one at a time as you stated. H90 could get you there too. I've had an H9 for years now, never an H90 though.
 
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#10
bassbrad said:
It does not have to be an either or situation. The pedals you have are very specific in sound and performance and are not readily replicated in any of the multi efx i have tried. I say keep those pedals and look for a device that serves your other needs.
Click to expand...

I'm not necessarily trying to replicate those sounds. I think I'd be fine with any decent-sounding octave down.
 
#11
my only rec is stick with the analog pedal until you can compare it with digital.

If I were to re-do my analog board (I have a subsonic, too) I’d get the compact hx with the extra small foot switches mounted to it.

I think you’ll be able to sell your subsonic fine but will have trouble replacing it exactly if regretting.
 
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#13
I agree with the above sentiments RE: HX Stomp. The thing is, a used Stomp can usually be found for only about what the Subsonic and Mantic Hulk likely cost you, the sounds- if you find they suite your needs- don't just go away even if they release a "better" version (the same way there are still people playing Line 6 M9s and other older digital tech), and any updated new Helix they do make isn't likely to be making huge strides in any of the effects you mentioned beyond what they've already achieved (which is all pretty great IME). It's a great box that can still be found for the price of a few boutique analog effects, but is exponentially more powerful.

I also have an H90, and what it does is great but I think for the typical player and for more basic effects it is not the best choice (I'd wager that most H90 users are pairing it with other FX, and probably often other multi-FX units like the HX Stomp). It has killer synth tones, good pitch shifting (honestly for basic shifting the Helix stuff is probably at least on par with the H90- they actually hired many of the engineers that worked on the Digitech pitch-shifters to develop their own Line 6 polyphonic algorithms, the Eventide stuff though is known for what it does with pitch-shifted signals like huge stereo modulations and less for just the basic shifted voices), and the ambient tones (big spacey delays, reverbs, modulation) are unbeatable IMO (though also somewhat limited vs the many more options in something like the Helix, even if the individual Helix options might be somewhat less impressive), but way overkill for someone just looking for OC-2ish synthy tones, simple pitch-shifting, and a little basic reverb. I think the Stomp fits that role better, and you'd be able to easily set up a single preset on a Stomp that would look and act like a simple analog FX chain and toggle on or off FX as needed to cover all your needs while the H90 can only run two effects at once so you'd need to bounce around multiple presets to get all your sounds.
 
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#14
HX Stomp is a solid choice for all the reasons already mentioned. I have it and love it, but also have a Zoom MS-60B+ incoming shortly.

I can't comment yet on how it sounds or works (specifically in a live setting) but from what I've read so far, the sounds are pretty good and if you keep the pedals you have already, it could be the perfect wildcard to add MULITPLE effects as needed (unlike the HX One) and at only $100 it's worth a shot IMO.
 
#15
Re: the HX Stomp

I don’t know anything about digital effects, but I’m worried that, like other tech (computers, phones, etc.), it will become unusable in some near future — that the hardware won’t keep up with the software. Also, that USB-B port… :vomit:

But I take it I shouldn’t be worried about future software bogging down the HX Stomp?
 
#17
Just Wrong said:
Re: the HX Stomp

I don’t know anything about digital effects, but I’m worried that, like other tech (computers, phones, etc.), it will become unusable in some near future — that the hardware won’t keep up with the software. Also, that USB-B port… :vomit:

But I take it I shouldn’t be worried about future software bogging down the HX Stomp?
Click to expand...
This, imo, is the problem with all digital multi effects that have user updatable firmwares.

…If you view it as a problem
 
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#18
I was going to suggest the H80. Just be cautioned that all the factory presets are ambient or cinematic film score oriented and you have to dial everything down. It has a distortion engine.

No amp or cab SIMs. I use it for what it defaults to, cinematic and film score type sounds either with a bowed upright bass, baritone guitar, tenor and baritone saxes - but never on a basses in cover band, rock or dance bands.

It does have awesome freeze functions. The best. Do not sell your pedals
 

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