a cheap but tolerable multi-effect box?

Is there a decent-sounding, small and cheap multi-effect box? Preferably something with an expression pedal (an expression input would be tolerable). I'd like a nice MILD overdrive sound and good sounding delays, preferably modulation delays. I play a lot of lap steel at acoustic-instrument volumes in cramped quarters. I've been using a good buffer pedal, a volume pedal, and a delay, but I'd like something in a single box, something where I wouldn't be upset were it damaged or lost.

I don't expect GREAT sound. I'd like okay sound, though. And not too flaky. Zoom? Digitech? Boss?

Looks like your best bets would be the one of the cheap new Zoom units or one of the new Digitech RP units.

There are plenty of cheap ones...can't help you with tolerable though:mrgreen:

I'm using a Zoom G2.1u and it's fairly good. Use it mostly for effects through a tube amp (Laney VC30). Delay and tremolo are fairly good. Have used it in the studio as well as live with good results. It has an expression pedal that you can use for volume, wah etc.
The default settings of the distorsions are over the top, so it takes some tweaking to get slight overdrive. In fact, I prefer the Laney's onboard OD.

A cheaper alternative is the Zoom G1X, that I haven't tried tried. I assume it basically has the same effects as the G2.1u but looks less sturdy.

Klas

I've herd good things about Digitech RPs; and I've heard good sounds come out of them.

I would recommend that you steer well clear of Zoom, because in my experience their pedals are very poor.

I am having more fun than I can stand with my Digitech RP50. I had one of these in the 90's and it stunk. They have improved this pedal significantly.

I am having more fun than I can stand with my Digitech RP50. .

the rp 50 is not bad. and they are on sale everywhere.

As long as you go into the multi-effects world with the mindset that it isn't going to replace that Marshal stack that you had intended to buy next week, then you are OK.

If you want some like tones, from other amp types, without deviating too far from you current sound, then you will be happy.

You can get a nice little overdrive, controlable delays, even the compressor is pretty darn good.

The Yamaha MagicStomp is a fantastic pedal. I have no idea why these didn't take off. They are stupid cheap and sound superb.

My two cents..
A lot of people here and elsewhere complain about multieffects sounding horrid and such. Well, here's the thing, MOST of those complaints have to do with the amp models or the cabinet simulations.
Fact is, most of these are not very pleasent sounding through an amp. Through headphones, or into a PA or into your recorder, however, they can sound pretty good and very "Amp" like.
When playing "live" into your amp (This is what I do 90% of the time I'm playing into a real amp) simply turn OFF or BYPASS the Amp sims on the modeler/effect unit. Used as pure multieffects without the amp and cabinet sims, most new multieffects are really amazing little buggers. Save the amp sims for headphone practice or recording direct. It's that simple.
The other thing to remember is that the factory presets are most likely NOT going to sound good with YOUR particular guitar and amp.
I honestly believe most people who put down these devices haven't really given them a chance.
I have a zoom, a RP-250 and a Behringer V-amp 2. My personal favorite is the V-amp, the digitech is number two.
Even if my V-amp didn't do half of the useful things it did (headphone practice, recording interface, etc.) I'd STILL keep it for the reverb settings.
Whith the amp sims bypassed I use it for a really killer reverb pedal. Think of it, tap tempo, multiple reverb settings available with a footswitch etc...plus it has like 7 diff reverbs.
Anyway, multieffects are great for what they are. No they will never be "quite" as good as highend stand alone pedals, but the usefullness outweighs this for me.
(oh, and the Flanger on my V-amp is also as good as any flanger I've tried..for a phase shifter, though I prefer my Small stone ran into the V-amp)

+1

This is a very well thought out summation of multi-effects pedal usage.

I love my Digitech RP-200 for home practice & recording. I don't use it with an amp.

I have had the best luck with at Digitech through a DRRI vs. any other amp.

My son's RP-80 is a hoot.

Yeah, less is more on the multi-effect thingys. The factory presets are way overdone and are optimized for impressing the buyer for about 90 seconds - about the time you'd spend on a preset at the shop. Once you get it home and try to make it useful, you gotta dial down some of the fx (especially amp and cab sims).

You can have tons of real fun with them, though, and without breaking the bank. For less than $100 you've got Overdrive, Distortion and Fuzz; reverbs; tremolo; chorus; flange; wah; volume pedal; delays; auto-wah; compression and all kinds of cool stuff. There's just a bit of learning curve with it.

I have been using a Boss ME-50 for four years. I adore it. No amp sims, just a mess of effects... and no buttons! It's all knob controlled, just like a pedal.

You can find them used for $200 if you look long enough.

+1 on what mojohand said

Making proper use of a multifx is more important than buying the best one.