Pedalboard vs multi

[ardi100]

Hi everyone,

 

It seems my Boss Gt1B has died (I haven't ruled out it being fixed, it could be simple, but - GAS . . .) and I'm considering what to replace it with.

 

When I was in a Madonna cover band I needed lots of synth-type sounds that I could (almost) replicate on the Boss multi, but it did have limitations of effects blocks. I'm now playing in a rock-ish band that doesn't need much more than a bit of valve-like grit. 

 

I would like (but don't really need right now, but who knows into the future) octave, filter, some modulation, fuzz, and delays/reverbs - basically all multi effects' lists. I feel like I could get away right now with a valve pre/DI that wouldn't have to be actually valve based. Oh, and my budget is tiny to not really existent!

 

My one big question is how do people manage single pedals when you need different sounds out of the pedal within or between songs? I built patches for each song on the Boss and then just flicked through them at will. How do players manage a complicated pedalboard with multiple sound changes live?

[jimbobothy]

… spend a boat load of money!!

 

You could use a pedal switcher type pedal like. Gigrig G3S, then have all your preferred individual effects (after you’ve bought loads finding those gems you prefer), use expensive patch cables for the switcher system (or at least way more than you’d anticipate), power it all with a nice isolated PSU, but you’ll most likely need at least 2 of them (lots of pedals = lots of power!), then you’ll have to see if the pedals play nicely together, and if they do then you’re onto a winner. If you’re pedals are fancy they may take Midi control, but that’s not something I know about to comment.

 

Or buy a modern multi fx and be done with all the above 😆.

 

However I don’t have a G3S, but have enough of everything else mentioned in the first paragraph lol!!

 

Currently I’m favouring small (ie Pedal Train Nano sized boards) but that could all change in the future!

 

Don’t think I’ve really answered the OP but had a brain dump instead 🤣

 

 

[Skybone]

Do you need it for "just" effects or for amp/cab sims as well? 

 

If it's just for effects, then maybe have a look at the HX FX?

 

Zoom B range get good write ups.

 

Or, there's always the tried & tested Boss GT range.

[ardi100]

Thanks.

 

I've never used amp or can sims, I'm pretty happy with the tone of my amp and cab.

 

Anything helix is going to be outside my budget, but the zoom pedals are on my radar.

[warwickhunt]

Zoom MS60B £50-60 used... it'll do everything you need and more.

[PinkMohawk]

3 hours ago, ardi100 said:

Hi everyone,

 

It seems my Boss Gt1B has died (I haven't ruled out it being fixed, it could be simple, but - GAS . . .) and I'm considering what to replace it with.

 

When I was in a Madonna cover band I needed lots of synth-type sounds that I could (almost) replicate on the Boss multi, but it did have limitations of effects blocks. I'm now playing in a rock-ish band that doesn't need much more than a bit of valve-like grit. 

 

I would like (but don't really need right now, but who knows into the future) octave, filter, some modulation, fuzz, and delays/reverbs - basically all multi effects' lists. I feel like I could get away right now with a valve pre/DI that wouldn't have to be actually valve based. Oh, and my budget is tiny to not really existent!

 

My one big question is how do people manage single pedals when you need different sounds out of the pedal within or between songs? I built patches for each song on the Boss and then just flicked through them at will. How do players manage a complicated pedalboard with multiple sound changes live?

For just the basics I'd do a cheap Zoom multi, I have the B1 Four X on a little board with a Joyo Sansamp clone, that covers me for quick and dirty covers and rock stuff. My main board has a Stomp XL, which in future I'm planning to swap to an Anagram when I've got the money. 

 

As for how you manage big, complex boards live, it's usually a MIDI controller. More and more pedals have some form of MIDI control nowadays, which allows a user to program a foot controller to switch pedals on and off, change presets, etc. all with one footswitch. Prior to my current board, I was running a Source Audio Aftershock and a Line 6 M5 as well, along with some other non-MIDI pedals (Pitchfork and a couple of others). I used a loop switcher that was MIDI enabled to control it all, switching sounds with a single press of a switch when I needed to. Great live, but the caveat is that you need to spend quite a bit of time setting up your sounds beforehand. 

[Elfrasho]

the cost of building a pedal board from scratch mounts up very very quickly. I could only see it being  a sensible option if you already had some pedals, and/or theres certain pedals you need that the multiFX just dont cover. Otherwise, a multiFX is the obvious choice in my view!

 

The zoom stuff is greaet. I've gigged it for years although latterly I'vemoved onto a HX stomp. But, I've happily used the ms60b for the occasional gig recently when ive loaned my stomp to another band member for the set. I also dont use alot of effects, so thems60b does a grand job. It is limited though obviously.

 

I'd 100% recommend the b3 and b3m, or even the old b9.1ut if you can find one cheap! gigged them all over the years with zero issues! the Latter has a weird 2 way control pedal that you can get quite creative with!

[fretmeister]

I couldn’t decide so I didn’t…

[PaulThePlug]

@ardi100

Behringer BDI21 c/o @Bassybert - £15 Posted...

Then maybe something like a Zoom in slower time.

 

Multi's are great for building a 'batch' of sounds that can be called upon, best at storing 100 (B1on) of sounds, sound per song, name them, save them external, even use your phone to re-order the patches to match the gig list order... Great and Cheap - £45ish B1 Four, even includes s tuner

 

But a board's on the fly versatility might be what ya want?

At a minimum a Behringer BeadyEye for a bit of grit and XLR into a mixer keeps it simples

 

Could do the same with a Zoom.

Edited 1 hour ago by PaulThePlug

[ardi100]

2 hours ago, warwickhunt said:

Zoom MS60B £50-60 used... it'll do everything you need and more.

Thanks, they look perfect, but how do you scroll through patches?

[PinkMohawk]

22 minutes ago, ardi100 said:

Thanks, they look perfect, but how do you scroll through patches?

The little black buttons that surround the switch. I really don't like it as an interface, but I also have size 13 feet and only wear Doc Martens, so, I may be a little biased there. 

[warwickhunt]

25 minutes ago, ardi100 said:

Thanks, they look perfect, but how do you scroll through patches?

 

@PinkMohawk as on about the later version.  The original version (still quite recent), you simply select the patches you want (scoll and click) and then they are set to be accessed sequentially when you simply step on the centre button.  You can make up to 50 patches/presets so I duplicate my EQ patch and place it in between each 'effect' patch.

 

EQ>Flanger>EQ>OD>EQ>Octave

 

It's easier to create/do than it is to describe!  LOL

[warwickhunt]