Which Small Multi-FX?

[Bassic Playing]

Hey all,

My pedalboard is coming together really nicely. I have a nice OD, fuzz, and delay/reverb. Those are the fx I use constantly. Now I am looking for a small multi-fx for the stuff I would like to use just occasionally, for specific parts or when the mood takes me. Doesn't need to be the greatest quality (though obviously the nicer the better), just useable live. Looking to use stuff like phaser, octave, wah, delays etc. Don't need any dirt, or anything super whacky like pitch-shifting or ring mod. I have a Boss LMB-3 that I use for specific gigs (like musicals and one offs), so I decent compressor isn't paramount, but it would be nice.

At present, I'm looking at the Line 6 M5, and a couple of the Zooms, like the MS60B or 70CDR. Any thoughts on the pros/cons of these, or suggestions for different stuff? I've heard the octaver on the M5 is superb, but the zoom stuff is constantly rated well here.

 

[FretNoMore]

The MS-60B is hard to beat really, just takes some tweaking because the factory presets aren't very nice (as with most multis). The main drawback is the limited live control, you can only do so much with a single switch, you'll have to reach down and use the knobs to change presets.

 

[GMC]

I've had a Zoom B3 (which I liked a lot) and MS-60B which I liked but isn't as featured (but a lot smaller) than the B3 and I'm currently using a MS-70CDR for my ambiance duties. Which in my opinion is where the Zoom digital multis excel. Dirt and other stuff are very erm..."passable" but nothing special.

 

[Bassic Playing]

I've had a Zoom B3 (which I liked a lot) and MS-60B which I liked but isn't as featured (but a lot smaller) than the B3 and I'm currently using a MS-70CDR for my ambiance duties. Which in my opinion is where the Zoom digital multis excel. Dirt and other stuff are very erm..."passable" but nothing special.

Yes, fortunately I have great dirt boxes, and just need the ambient stuff and probably wah and octave, which is why I thought the Zoom boxes could be good. I think the B3 probably has far more stuff than I need, with all the amp sims and stuff.

 

[FretNoMore]

Take a look at the effect list for the different pedals though, for instance the MS-70CDR does not have some of the effects you mention.

 

[Adamixoye]

I've never owned the Zooms. The Line6 M5 is very useable if you are mostly interested in one-effect-at-a-time modulation and delay.

 

[Bassic Playing]

I feel like the Line 6 might be slightly too limited, and the MS60B is a bit too much. Ill probably go with the m5 if no one has anything bad to say about the m5 sounds

 

[Adamixoye]

I think the general consensus is that the M5 sounds great for delay/modulation/reverb, mediocre for wah/filter, bad for dirt (at least on bass, due to no blends).

 

[bassbrad]

My suggestion would be the MS60B, can't beat it as a Swiss Army pedal tool, not perfection but damn good, handy and useful. B3 rocks like a big dog and has some very cool effects not on the ms60 with added control but a larger footprint. The Zoom pedals offer the ability to create patches with multiple effex which can be where more fun lives. Fwiw long time Zoom user.

I do have an M5 on my wish list for the few special things line6 offers.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I'd love to recommend the Line 6 M5, but there are too many reliability issues with failing to power up. Fine for bedroom use, not okay for real world use when it matters.

 

[imdkoz]

+1 on the Zoom B3. Only effect on my pedal board right now.

 

[SteveV74]

How about the Korg Pandora Stomp? I have the PX4D but Im thinking of getting the stomp.

 

[SteveV74]

If not the stomp then definiely the MS60b, but they seem similar

 

[Trombassix]

The Pandora stomp has hum and noise issues.

 

[SteveV74]

The Pandora stomp has hum and noise issues.

Huh,ok ms60b it is

 

[Bassic Playing]

Looks like the MS60B might be the winner. Shame as Ive only ever heard good things about the m5, but creating patches will probably be very useful

 

[SirMjac28]

I had a MS-60B and I just bought a B3 I love the extra features of the B3 DI, tuner, looper and the ability to download and edit patches plus the size is perfect.

 

[singlemalt]

B3. You'll find all kinds of fun things to do.

Drum machine, looper, interface, editor program, all great stuff.

Plus it's got three options for powering the unit, wall wart, double a batteries and USB from your computer.

A cool little all in one practice station with great headphone sound.

About $150 used.

 

[Bassic Playing]

B3 is definitely more than I need though. Im just looking for something very simple to ocassionally use effects I dont want to shell out big bucks on.

 

[GreyBeard]

I haven't used the B3 but have had sever other Zoom pedals and I've liked them all.