Talk me into digital pedals!

[ClusterFlux]

Hmmm

I hesitate buying a digital modulation pedal from a local boutique shop. It got everything I need (chorus, flanger and phaser, plus other things), features are great (including a blend knob!), the price is reasonable (more then, actually)... but I'm always reluctant when it comes to digital... I'm always under the impression the sound won't be as organic as analog.

So, convert me please!

It's not 1982. Digital is not new. The idea that digital can't be "organic" or "warm" has been over for many years now. IMO, the sound quality, power and flexibility of digital effects these days is stunning.

I recommend you pick up a digital multi-effects pedal and go to town. For example, the Zoom B1 Four costs less than most single pedals, is fairly easy to use, and has tons of effects, amp sims and cab sims.

 

[Ihaveshingles]

If it sounds good, that why would the digital/analog thing be a bother? I find myself wanting to out together an all analog pedalboard sometimes, and then I feel like a bit of a cork sniffer.

Dude, your avatar is awesome

 

[DirtDog]

101110101000101001

oooh. messed up the order of operations there.

 

[Matty Koff]

@GMC nailed it imo. My source audio pedals can sound better than various analog pedals I've used to obtain some of the effects I get out of them. At this point I don't get hung up on analog or digital, it's about the sound, and digital effects have come a long way since their infancy.

 

[Raoul_Duke]

It's actually Dr. Gonzo in the picture, but man... what a great pic! I had to use it.

Thank you!

Dude, your avatar is awesome

 

[el murdoque]

I have not seen a fat multicore running from the stage to the mixing desk in a long time. Everybody and their mother have the X32 now and that runs a single networking cable from the desk to the stagebox.
What people hear through FOH is a digital signal, even If I go through an all analog chain up to the DI box.
What is somewhat important to me is that there is true bypass so I'm analog when it's off.
I use two digital pedals, a synth and reverb, and I'm happy with both.

 

[lizardking837]

The only digital pedals I use are those that do tricks that analog cannot do. (Things like reverb or the freeze pedal.)

Staying mostly analog helps avoid noise issues and allows me to make mods if I want to. For me, personally, analog is better.

How is the freeze pedal. I can't not be interested in something that cool

 

[Bikeguy57]

I'm not really knowledgeable on effects pedals. How long have they been around? Did the any of the great players of the sixties or seventies use them. Totally off topic, sorry.

 

[Nev375]

I dont think so.
At least in my experience.
I bought a boss gt1b and ended up selling all my analog pedals.
No more pot scratch noises, bad wirings or bad jack connections.
Everything sounds crystal clear everytime.

When I was talking about noise issues I really meant from supplying power. Pot noises and bad jacks can occur on any pedal whether whether they are digital or analog.

When it comes to power, digital pedals typically require more current and if they are daisy chained with other digital pedals they can often induce signal noise. Of course, using a proper isolated supply eliminates this. Analog pedals aren't as sensitive to non-isolated power so I have the option to use a $25 one spot over a $200 brick.

I just like to keep things as simple as possible as a personal philosophy. I don't begrudge anyone who prefers digital devices.

 

[Nev375]

How is the freeze pedal. I can't not be interested in something that cool

Don't take my word for it. I'll defer to someone who actually knows what they are talking about.

 

[Grizelda100]

Don't take my word for it. I'll defer to someone who actually knows what they are talking about.

I thought about getting one for practice purposes, but you can just play a drone off of YouTube for free.

 

[Feral Feline]

101110101000101001

In the name of all that is good and logical, we give thanks for the digital tones we are about to use — to quote the prophet Jerrematic:
1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 … 0 0 1 - 0 1 1 0 0 1 — 2

Amen