With Xmas approaching, my mom has insisted I provide a list of stuff I want within the next two weeks. After playing with just a practice amp since I started 4-5 years ago, I'm thinking about getting into some technology and trying to determine what I might want to get for Xmas. Problem is, I'm utterly clueless when it comes to effects.
I've been looking around a bit at what's available and there are some nice options, but it seems as though all of them have things I don't want, or don't have things I do want. Basically, what I want in a box is:
- effects: wah, phase/flange, chorus, delay [others are fine but unnecessary]
- expression pedal and at least two "stomp buttons"
- direct recording to my PC
- ability to use live, should I ever join a band
The boxes I've looked at are:
Boss ME-50
This looks like exactly what I want, but it doesn't have direct-recording, and it's a tad expensive. Looks really rugged and easy to use, though.
Digitech RP Stuff
This stuff looks great too, but it has all that amp/cab modeling stuff which I don't really want. It also is cheap compared to the Boss unit, which makes me wonder about its quality.
Behringer V-Amp
Looks viable, but there's no expression pedal and it has the modeling stuff as well. Plus, I don't know how easy/safe it would be to use at a gig, should the need arise.
I'll go ahead and say right now I don't have clue #1 when it comes to direct recording. How is it done? MIDI, line-ins, USB? I want the easiest way [iE: no MIDI]. The Digitech RPx400 has USB but it's the only one I've seen. Also, is amp/cab modeling required for direct recording?
Would it be easiest for me to get the V-Amp and either buy an expression pedal to control or buy a separate wah unit? Should I go with the Digitech stuff and ignore the modeling functions? Is it possible to record directly to my PC with the Boss unit?
Please help me, as I am dumb. Thank you for your time.