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Which Small Multi-FX?

#21
#22
Fyi the line 6 m5 can be used in patch mode where the switches change patch up or down (but it's harder to switch off this way). Delays on the m5 in particular are fantastic; it might be worth the $100 or so (used) just to have those available. The modulations are also pretty good and there's a lot of great options in the tones.

Can't speak for the zoom or others as I haven't used them.

I'd recommend reading the manuals before pulling the trigger - might help to clarify a feature that you'll really want. The m5 manuals are here -http://line6.com/support/manuals/m5/
 
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#23
The Zoom Multi-Stomp pedals are all really good, but some things to know;

1: Like most digital/multis, the dirt/distortions are no better than OK. Not a problem as you have this covered elsewhere.
2: Of the dynamic effects, the 'Comp' and 'RackComp' effects are quite reasonable, although nothing beats a real analogue comp. The 'SlowATTCK' effect is very good.
3: The 60B only does maximum 4 F/X in a patch. If you don't need the bass amp simulations, I would go for the 50G or 100BT (I have one of each) - these allow 6 effects per patch.
4: If you just want high quality chorus, delay and reverb, the 70CDR is a good bet but there are no 'specials' so may not meet your needs.
5: From a practical perspective, footswitch patch change is only 'UP', cycling through up to 26 of the available 50 patches. If you miss your slot, you either have to bend down and press a button or cycle through your patch list. Fine of you only have 3 or 4 in the list, but if it is long, a bit of a PITA.

If you need UP and DOWN footswitches, the B1-on has a similar range of effects and uses the same DSP. It is cheaper and only does 5 per patch but has aux inputs, rhythm tracks and a looper(!). I think if the B1-on had been around when I got my 50G I might have been swayed.
 
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#27
For selecting patches and on/off it's also worth noting that the M5 does MIDI, so you can do a lot of control that way (MIDI clock, going directly to different patches, effect on/off). It sounds like the OP is looking for something simpler than that, but I just thought I would throw it out there.
 
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#31
MultiScaleMale said:
I guess we'll have to disagree on "reliable".
Click to expand...

It has a design flaw...more than granted!

But it's a known flaw with a simple and cheap DIY fix. I noticed the flaw (via occasional extended flickering) for while but it only caused me genuine trouble one time, at which point I looked it up and applied the fix. Since the fix, I don't even get the flickering. So yeah, for me...reliable. YMMV.
 
#32
I have a few of the Zooms. the Ms-100BT is hard to beat if you have an ios device as it can do six effects at once and you can download every single zoom multi-stomp effect that doesn't come standard. so it can do everything any of the other ms pedals can do. (60B, 50G, 70CDR, etc)

On a side note, the Pandora stomp is essentially a PX4D 16 bit 32khz. Decade old tech. Less than CD quality. That being said, I still record with mine for the amp models. They are noisy as all heck, but so are a lot of real amps. they cut through in the mix. I don't find any of the effects up to snuff with the exception of the two early reflection programs Dry Air and Wet Air. but those two reverbs are fantastic for making you sound like you are recording in a room.
 

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