GD ... why doesn't anyone make a good multi effects unit?!?

[thetruthguy]

Seriously, we like tube amps. We like tube amps for their distortion. So why do all the multi effects units have a thousand different amp modelers?

Why can't someone just make a multi effects unit that can sit on the floor, be powered by a 1/4" guitar cord so there's no need to have a separate power source, be able to be run in front of the amp (or if through the effects loop then still make the tuner accessible while on stage), and just provide effects to the amp that already sounds good?

Is it too much to ask? All I want on stage is my amp, a floor unit for effects, and a simple cord setup going from the effects unit to the amp. I don't want to run four or more cables across the stage, have multiple power sources, etc. And I don't want to spend $1500 for a rack unit just so I can have a midi board out in front. Seems someone would have made something like this by now. Is there anything?

[Axegrinder87]

Most of the multi-effects units let you disable amp modeling, to use exactly as you describe.

[Hellbat]

Those new line 6 DT series amps and the HD pedalboards do pretty much what you are looking for. One cord to the amp and one to the pedalboard. Sound quality seems good in demo's but I haven't hit it myself to give it my own thumb up or down...

[warlok]

Ummmm... Randall MTS system?? All tube (cause we all like that). Tons of cheap rack effects units work great with it. Midi controllable (1 or 2 MIDI cables across the stage), whiner free, simple, easy to set up... what else??

[javert]

Nova System, G-System, G-Major 2 all don't have any modeling in them, and I'm pretty sure there are several others. But as others have said, why not just turn that part off? It's cheaper for the companies to sell one version rather than two different ones, one with modeling, the other without. Anyways, I have a Nova System that I use at home and a G-System that I use with the band. I love both. If my amps (Mesa and Engl) had MIDI switching, I think I would simply go with the Nova System.

[javert]

Oh, I forgot to add that the Nova System goes in the loop or in front of the amp, so it only requires two cables across the stage.

[Cygnus X1]

Powered by the 1/4" cable?
Not gonna happen, sorry.

[javert]

Oh, missed that part... never seen that.

[VitaminG]

why haven't they developed telepathic control, so I don't to remember when to step on a pedal? My wireless, powerless, pedalless, amp modelless unit should be able to sense when i want it to change and just do it. I'm sure the technology is there, but they're withholding because there's more money to be made in forced redundancy caused by electrons being forced through a device that I have to jump on to make work. The bastards

[javert]

Lol, VitaminG.

Regarding the number of cables, power, etc., the G-System is really nice. I have the effects unit on top of my amp and all I need to run across the stage is the RJ45 cable for the controller. It doesn't even need separate power. It's a bit more work hooking it up, of course, unless you're using a rack setup.

[chrisolson]

Love my Line 6 M13... Just sayin'.

[Rich#6]

Like some have said spider valves ?? or is there a stipulation on brands that should not be included.

[Newc]

Get a powerstrip and plug your amp and fx unit into that. You take up one wall socket. If 2 power cords are 1 too many, them just imagine you're using effects, and tell the audience "ok, for this part, imagine there's a subtle chorus effect".

Or rip the guts out of one of those crapass Effector guitars and jam it into your axe.


And yes, Virginia, there is a Return port on most all-in-one racks that bypasses the preamp. This is where your amp's Send output goes.

[roodyrocker]

I use one of two basic setups, and no neither one is cheap. For rack effects I have the G-Major as well as G-Force. Run it in the loop and use a simple device like a Behringer FCB to switch patches. I don't mind plugging in a power cord to any of them as I usually plug everything into my Furman Power Factor Pro. It helps eliminate noise and hum playing live with everything plugged into the same source. The other setup is pedals which I run through a looper so I can switch on/off combinations of them. The pedal board has all the power cords to the pedals running into either GigRig or Dunlop power supply. Sorry, no powered 1/4" guitar cord yet just like Cygnus pointed out The other option is something like an Axe Fx and you can simply not use the amps in it. Thing is the Axe Fx sounds so good you might just ditch your amp and use the whole thing anyway

[dvscool]

"be powered by a 1/4 guitar cord so there's no need to have a separate power source" Yeah, sorry but I don't see how that's ever going to happen. Everything else your looking for is pretty much out there. For me? A multi effects unit will never replace the sound of individual effects. I tried that route. I prefer being able to pick and choose. But that's just me. Plus, If you build a board, then you basically have the same thing right? You only plug in with guitar and out to the amp. Everything else is always plugged in...