Question Does anyone use a rack system

[gary mitchell]

When I was playing guitar in a christian rock and metal band back in the day. I used a Mesa Boogie MarkIII head and 2 410 cab.. For effects I use a rack system with a Midi pedal easy. I had a Yamaha SP90, aural exciter, Alesis Reverb. Great sound. I called Yamaha and TC Electronic they have a rack effects processor they said could handle bass with know problem. I know everyone tells you single pedals give you better effects Bull Hockey, unless your buying Strymon very high end pedals thats bull hockey. To me it would be easier just one midi pedal, then to dance around a bunch of single pedals, I have been playing guitar and bass over 50 years and used about every effect out there one time or another. Has anyone here ever tried a rack system. If you get good stuff it blows some pedals out of the water, you could probably get buy with one nice rack effects something like the SP90. I guess a lot of pedals will give you bragging rights. I just was wondering. wish I hadn't sold my rack system but I don't think I would use an Apex aural exciter on bass.

 

[Nev375]

The problem with multifx, whether rack or pedal form factor is that particular company might make great digital modulation effects, but not be so great with analog dirt effects. Most of us are verrrry picky.

I DO use a rack compressor because It's typically always on and I like the simplicity of use along with the feedback LEDs so I can see how much it is working. Many pedals lack that functionality. But there is no rack reverb in existence that does what I want that I'm aware of, so I use both.

Also rack FX units often have digital menus and LCDs. I find those clunky and hard to use. I've used the ART SGX Nightbass and the Boss SE-70. If I want to adjust something I just want to grab a knob and turn. Not select-scroll-enter mode-select parameter-adjust-save-exit.

 

[gary mitchell]

The problem with multifx, whether rack or pedal form factor is that particular company might make great digital modulation effects, but not be so great with analog dirt effects. Most of us are verrrry picky.

I DO use a rack compressor because It's typically always on and I like the simplicity of use along with the feedback LEDs so I can see how much it is working. Many pedals lack that functionality. But there is no rack reverb in existence that does what I want that I'm aware of, so I use both.

Also rack FX units often have digital menus and LCDs. I find those clunky and hard to use. I've used the ART SGX Nightbass and the Boss SE-70. If I want to adjust something I just want to grab a knob and turn. Not select-scroll-enter mode-select parameter-adjust-save-exit.

 

[gary mitchell]

But I have run into some junk analog stuff, like Boss pedals and others. I prefer analog but good analog can be expensive , I think I sometimes would rather have a decent digital then a cheap analog. My Markbass Jeff Berlin 151p is digital, so know matter what you run threw it, it will have a hint are more digital sound, there's a difference playing live then in studio, myself I rather use analog to record. And unless your playing for house full of musicians , most won't know the different, but they will notice your skill how well you play, my next move is to replace my Markbass Head II in my combo to a Markbass Tube Head.

 

[gary mitchell]

To get a good analog sound get a tube or analog amp. Most bass amps used today are transistor or digital so you can use all the analog effects you want because your still going to get the sound of your amp. Orange makes a analog bass amp 799 dollars, Quilter makes the Block it's analog and I am sure there's others, if you want that true close to analog sound.