Modern Amp modelers vs Individual pedals vs old skool Multi effects

[chris m.]

I seldom use pedals beyond my trusty Blues Driver, Caline reverb, and Joyo Trem. Chorus, flange, weird reverb, compression, treble boost, touch-wah, and a dozen different dirt pedals would all be a waste of money for the three times I might use them in a year. But a decent, inexpensive modeling amp like the Vox VT40X gives me access to all those effects for the price of about two pedals (or half a pedal, in the case of the used POD2 I snatched off eBay). That's a great compromise for the rare occasions when I want access to those effects.

I totally agree. There are some very affordable multi-modal pedals that allow you to bring one pedal to cover a whole bunch of rarely used effects. For example, something like the Joyo R-09...just over $100 for a plethora of effects.

I stopped putting a wah-wah on my board because I only use it for maybe one or two songs. Not worth the trouble....ditto for flanger and tremolo. Phase, chorus, compression, and echo I use enough to keep on the board as individual pedals. Phase is close enough to univibe/rotary that I don't miss those, either.

Amazon product ASIN B085PPQWDM

 

[Blues Twanger]

I will only add to the notions that judging amp modelling based on an experience more than a decade old is folly.

The technology today really is approaching a level that from a purely sound standpoint you and your audience, whether live or on a recording, can't tell.

It's another reason I've embraced the combination of amp and IR modelling mixed with traditional pedals. It's not as compact as an all-out multi fx but I don't need one, and my Iridium sounds like a cranked plexi through the house or into the computer, that and a few well chosen pedals is all I need and takes up very little space.

 

[Leonardocoate]

I had a tube amp 40 years ago. I know it was a Peavy with two 12" speakers and super heavy. It sounded awesome and felt great to play through but it is long gone. I have since embraced the SS and digital world to where I am comfortable, but it isn't the same. My Quilter Super Block is nice and I love my Zoom MS-50 for timed and modulating effects, but it is the OD and saturation that I always seem to be chasing (the quilter is good but not the same). That world is long gone for me. 40% of what I hear is coming through a hearing aid and I am restricted to lower volumes. I will take what I can and enjoy it. The feel is what I miss, the sound after being recorded is arbitrary.

 

[codamedia]

I'll buck the trend.... I'd prefer to use a quality, modern multi-effects / modeling.

Modern "higher end" multi-effects / modeling is fabulous. Latency is not an issue, there are flexible layouts, there is quick (often instant) access to "needed" controls, and the tone palette is great. Although my core tone(s) are very simple, I love having the flexibility at my disposal.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[Fiesta Red]

I don’t need (or want) 200 different overdrive models. I want the one or two overdrives I like.
The same could be said for phase shifters, fuzzes, delays, boosts and all the other pedals on my board…

So I go with my Big Ol’ Board of Sonic Bliss, with individual pedals.

 

[johnnylaw]

For short set engagements or casual jam type sessions, the 5f11 and Tele can cover it. If multiple acts are involved, I’m on and off the stage in a blink.
For multi-set presentations, I bring a small board with tuner, dirt, delay, reverb, and maybe one other box.
The pedal format (for me) is simple, intuitive, manageable on the fly, and flexible enough to bend to my whim without reading an owner’s manual.
I play bass in a different outfit where the guitarist plays through a multi-effects unit into a Quilter Mach II, and his tone is fantastic.
I guess this post is of little use to those on the fence.

 

[trevorus]

I've recently bought a Headrush pedalboard system, and I must say, for versatility and the do-it-all-ness, it's amazing. Touch screen, logical analog style pedal layout, and it works wonderfully for my amp-less church rig.

The tones are amazing, the convenience is unmatched, and I always know what I'm sounding like out front.