Best Guitar Multi-Effects Processor
Why it's best: Attention: Electric Guitarists, Bass Guitarists, Acoustic Guitarists, Vocalists, Songwriters; not only is the POD X3 Live a powerful tool for any of you, it’s an amazing tool that is for all of you! Starting with 78 amp models, and a litany of features, for guitarists, this is one impressive unit right out of the box. Add in an XLR microphone in put with powerful vocal processing, including six studio-grade microphone preamp models, 28 Bass amp models, 98 Stomp box effects….. I’m getting dizzy. The crème de la crème is the ability to either create two completely separate processed signals, and then blend them, or play two completely different instruments through the unit, utilizing all the features at-hand. This is crazy. With the USB 2.0 output, you can record two fully-processed instruments at once, or use the ProTools-ready S/PDIF digital output. Attention Everyone: The Line 6 POD X3 Live is without doubt, the “Best Guitar Multi-Effects Processor” See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Even when Vox goes digital, they still think “Amp” This sentiment is obvious in the design of the ToneLab LE. Here you have a unique balance of actual and virtual; a 12AX7 pre-amp tube complimented by a virtual output transformer and a dummy speaker load. Again, they are always thinking “Amp”. What is so cool about the dummy speaker load is that it dynamically re-configures itself to mimic the characteristics of the amp that it is modeling. [Cue audience applause] Taking things to an even cooler level, there is an icon display that lets you know the model number of the power tubes being emulated in the program. There is a download able software editing program that not only makes it easier to tweak your sounds to dizzying heights, but you can also save your setting and share them with other ToneLab LE owners. [Cue standing ovation] See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Boss was very creative when they came up with their “EZ Tone Wizard”. This feature of the GT-10 provides an icon-based wizard to assist guitarists in getting a particular sound. Quite often, the sound one is searching for is iconic (i.e. the “David Gilmour Strat Sound” or the “Angus Young SG Sound….”), so why not cut to the chase and simply let a wizard prompt you for a few simple parameters, and then, off you go! Don’t worry though; if you like to tweak and shape your own sound, there are plenty of spices for you to sprinkle all over your tone. Boss' legendary COSM amp models are available in two separate effects paths that can also be used simultaneously, or blended via an expression pedal. Simple, powerful, flexible; the GT-10 is a top-shelf multi-effects processor. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Amazon.com
Why it's a best pick: What makes this unit so good is its “Manual Mode”. When engaged, this mode allows you to essentially have four stomp boxes on the floor. Each is fully programmable and editable. Of course you can return to “Memory” mode, where the unit operates very much the same way as most other units. It’s the choice that is such a great feature. Many folks (like me) are a bit old-school when it comes to pedals. We just feel more comfortable when we look down and think “The first pedal makes this funny sound, and the second pedal makes that swishing sound….” and so on. Well. With the ME-70, you can replicate the feeling of having your four favorite pedals on the floor, and simply turn them on or off [very 70’s], but you can also tweak, edit save recall and create until the cows come home. An old world stomp methodology, supported by up-to-date digital technology. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: Much easier than trying to list all the things that the GNX4 does, it might take less time to detail what it does not do. Here we go: Nothing. This little pedal really does it all! With a compliment of solid guitar and bass sounds, editing and programming, you are off and running with a great multi-effects pedal. But did you know, it is also a digital 8-track reorder? Well, now you do. With a ¼” stereo input, an XLR input and 42V phantom power, you are equipped to capture your creative brilliance whenever the moment strikes you. Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that there are 10 Bass amp models and a built in drum machine? Yes I did. Well now you know! See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
