toneworks/korg ax1500 and all other multi fx pedals may seem very overwhelming at first especially if you are new to pedals or more intimidating if you're still new into the guitar world.
i've found myself saying things like, "wth is 5150? wth is a Rectifier? so many friggin knobs and such a small screen."
i've had the Boss GT8 for about a year now and i can pretty much fly through all the controls and actually understand each of its functionality, but i still have hard time making the exact sounds i want. since the multi fx pedals take you to a broader range of sound, i'm trying to take advantage of that, but it's hard. but i know it'll come in time (of experience).
after i've used the Boss GT8 for few months, i tried out many multi-fx pedals, and they more or less work in the same concept.
the way i learned to use it is actually read off the manual. i know we're known as the 'never-read-manuals-i'll-work-it-out-by-myself' generation. but i needed the manual to start me off.
some people, even professionals, prefer the single boxes. some people prefer simplicity.
personally, if i were to satisfy myself with the sounds that i like, i would need about... 2 dist. - OD - 1 wah - EQ - phaser - delay - tuner - limiter/compressor - flanger... Anyways, the point is I probably spend more than the multi fx.
i tell ya, if you learn how to use it properly, you'll enjoy it more. just like everything.. (like Halo2, it's not fun having a 0-25 record, but it's pretty fun if it's more like 17-8)
*ahem
think it over, but really if single fxs suit you better, then so be it. =)