Multiple Effects Boxes

[zandro]

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.

[Saber]

I've never given any of those units a serious try but I would figure that amp modeling and especially cab modeling (or simulation) would be preferable for direct recording. Check if those units can have the cab and/or amp modeling turned off or by-passed so you could drive a real speaker cab when you play live.

[westhemann]

i hear many good things about the vamp

[Speedy McFeely]

you don't really need a unit to have direct input for recording. if you save a few bucks and buy a direct plug in box, then it would serve the sam need.

as far as Boss or digitech, i think they are both excellent buys for the money. i have an old rp40, that i still use time to time. i have a few boss pedals, and they are fantastic. i also have a DOD (digitech's cheap line) chorus that is good too.

a mic pre-amp also will work for direct plug in.

also amp and cab modeling is great, and handy for recording, especially direct. i may be going out on a limb here, but it sounds like you are budget minded, so to find an all in one unit sounds like the best idea. i say go with the digitech RP-** whatever one best fits you needs, mine has lasted like 7 years, so they are rugged.

good luck

[weezerboy]

one bad thing about the v-amp is that when switching between patches there is a gap of silence.

[zandro]

you don't really need a unit to have direct input for recording. if you save a few bucks and buy a direct plug in box, then it would serve the sam need.

as far as Boss or digitech, i think they are both excellent buys for the money. i have an old rp40, that i still use time to time. i have a few boss pedals, and they are fantastic. i also have a DOD (digitech's cheap line) chorus that is good too.

a mic pre-amp also will work for direct plug in.

also amp and cab modeling is great, and handy for recording, especially direct. i may be going out on a limb here, but it sounds like you are budget minded, so to find an all in one unit sounds like the best idea. i say go with the digitech RP-** whatever one best fits you needs, mine has lasted like 7 years, so they are rugged.

good luck

Except for the fact that I am still clueless, I understand what you said.

The Digitech RP stuff seems like it'd be my best bet. Now it's just a matter of deciding whether I want the 200A, 300A, or x400.

A more general question, how is direct recording done, exactly? I have a SoundBlaster Live! Platinum with the Live!Drive, and it has SPDIF i/o, mic- and line-ins, and MIDI i/o. Which of these inputs would be the best for recording, if I want to go guitar->effects box->PC? And what software do I use? And what's with these strings on this oddly-shaped plank of wood, anyway?

[Speedy McFeely]

i have the same sound card sort of, i have an audigy 5.1 with the front panel interface. i use cakewalk sonar 2.0XL, it's really user friendly, and sounds good, plus tons of effects and plug ins to dick with.

here's how i have my humble home studio set up. i usually mic up my amp, then run it thru an old 4-track for a pre-amp of sorts, from there i run it into an alesis midiverb 4, then to the front interface of my sound card (line in, because the 4-track sends a line level output).

mic -> 4-track -> alesis -> soundcard.

if you were going to plug in direct, i recomend to do it this way.

guitar -> processor -> pre-amp -> sound card.

In the recording software you will have a virtual mixing board, you can level everything there.

if you don't have a pre amp, then you could just use the line out of your processor straight into your line in port of your interface, and adjust the level in the program, keep in mind it doesn't sound very good that way, unless your box was made for direct plug in. there are cakewalk plug-ins (programs that run with cakewalk for certain effects, like cab sim, or amp modeling) that can adjust for this set up and simulate a more warm signal. i have a plug-in called "amp farm" it is basicly an amp modeler, but it also has effects that can make a sterile signal sound like it is run thru an amp first. pretty cool, but requires some tweaking.

you can download lots of free recording software, just do a google search for them.

also you could always get one of those guitar-port things by line6. those are ok for direct recording.

[zandro]

if you don't have a pre amp, then you could just use the line out of your processor straight into your line in port of your interface, and adjust the level in the program, keep in mind it doesn't sound very good that way, unless your box was made for direct plug in. there are cakewalk plug-ins (programs that run with cakewalk for certain effects, like cab sim, or amp modeling) that can adjust for this set up and simulate a more warm signal. i have a plug-in called "amp farm" it is basicly an amp modeler, but it also has effects that can make a sterile signal sound like it is run thru an amp first. pretty cool, but requires some tweaking.

Okay, two questions. What's line level? And how can I tell if a box is made for direct recording?

[Speedy McFeely]

line level is a different signal than say the ouput for a speaker. it isn't amplified like a speaker signal would be, in most cases it is balanced, and is much much quieter. in a direct recording situation you want the least amount of noise possible, because the more tracks you put on a recording the more noise is amplified.

you can tell if a box is made for direct plug in if it says so.

just look to see if it has a line level ouput. or if it has RCA output, which are those little red and white jacks like on a playstation.

if i'm not mistaken, most of the digitech rp's are equipped very well for all kinds of situations. the key would be to ask the sales clerk at the store if i does everything you want. if he, or she doesn't know then ask for the number to customer service at digitech and ask them, they are going to be able to answer any questions you might have.

[MikeB]

you should try the korg AX-1500G or the older 1000G (the one i use) its a great pedal, good control over the distortions, and delays etc... the vamp has been well acredited, but i think it would be best for multitracking, where switching delays dont come in to play. its a desktop modeller i think.

[Librero]

I have a Digitech RP-100 here. Lot's of good sounds. I should be able to do some direct recording later. That cabinet simulation should come in handy.

However, I don't like some of the distortions/amp models in the unit. And I'm not sure whether my problem is somewhere in the rest of my setup or in the unit itself, but I sometimes get feedback (the bad type) and white noise with high-gain patches.