The Line 6 Pod HD500 represents a huge leap forward for amp modeling. It is the sole multi effects pedal that boasts 16 brand-new, state-of-the-art Line 6 HD amp styles, 100 contemporary and vintage-styled M-class effects, and a comprehensive digital and analog I/O.
The latest interface created for the Line 6 Pod HD500 is a guitar player’s dream come true. The display shows a series of easily identifiable icons laid out in a signal path just like a real-world amp and effects rig. Spin a knob and choose an amp model, which loads together with the relevant speakers and cab. Don’t like them? Rotate the knob and test all of them until you discover the one you like. Add your effects at any place in the signal path—before or after. Don’t like it there? Hit the “Move” button and place it somewhere else, as you would in reality.
Zoom G3
Zoom G3 – The Digital Interface We could discuss the cost of many pedals vs. the equivalent packed into the Zoom G3, but it seems commonplace now. At one time, manufacturers would jam as many sounds as they could think of into a new multi effects pedal, but half of them (or more), would be [...]
DigiTech iPB-10
Things are changing fast in the world of the multi effects pedal!! The latest addition to the great Digitech multi effects series now includes the Digitech iPB-10 integrated with the ipad. When I first saw this pedal, I have to admit I was a bit blown away. We’ve all seen the iRig, and all the great [...]
Line 6 Pod HD
Line 6 Pod HD - High Definition Sound In the same desktop multi effects pedal family as the Pod X3, Pod 2.0 and Pocket Pod, the Line 6 Pod HD brings the sound to the next level. As Line 6 says, the HD line of effects contain 10 times the amp DNA of their predecessors. With [...]
Rocktron Utopia G300
The Rocktron Utopia G300 is the largest, and most feature packed multi effects pedal in the Utopia family (G-100, G200 and G-300). This multi effects pedal features 64 factory presets, 64 user presets with 4 useable channels for creating your own sound. The addition of a 4 band EQ allows you lots of versatility to [...]
Zoom G2G George Lynch
Zoom is one of the first multi effects pedal manufacturers to begin producing signature multi effects. The signature series includes pedals by George Lynch, Richie Kotzen, Michael Amott, Kiko Loureiro, and John 5. Also, coming in April/May (according to Zoom) is the Dave Mustaine Signature Multi Effects Pedal.
Line 6 Pod HD500
February 28th, 2011 
steveg Boss Looping Pedals
February 27th, 2011 steveg Boss RC-20XL Loop Station
Many consider this to be the best of the affordable looping pedals. That being said, the looping pedal world is changing, and fast. Regardless, the RC-20XL is still in the top 5.
Known for its ease of use, and simple interface, this pedal is ideal for someone entering the looping pedal world for the first time.
With 16 min. of recording time, this is not the leader when it comes to memory (Digitech JamMan Stereo has 32 min.), but sound quality, and simplicity win out here. Read more »
Boss ME-70
February 27th, 2011 steveg
The ME-70 combines over 40 great BOSS effects into a single floor-based multi effects pedal. Unlike more sophisticated multi-effects processors, the ME-70 has no menus to navigate or numerous displays to cursor through—it was designed from the ground up to work with the ease of a collection of stompboxes. The effects are organized into logical groups, and you tweak the sound with dedicated front-panel knobs, just like you do with your favorite compact pedals. Like every BOSS stompbox, it’s built to last with a rock-solid all-metal chassis, and it runs on either AC power or batteries, so it’s always ready to go where your music takes you. Read more »
Loop Pedal
February 26th, 2011 steveg loop pedal – What is a loop pedal?
When Robert Fripp and Brian Eno starting playing with tape loops back in 1973, they probably had no idea what it would become. In the 80′s, tape loops gave way to digital loops, which began the key cross-over to allowing the average guitarist access to this amazing tool for songwriting, practicing and performing.
Loop pedals (as they are now known) are able to store hours of loops with SD cards, produce stereo output with CD quality sound, and are built for live performance, or home use. Once you learn to use it, you can add melodies, textures, and beats to create the sound of a full band with one instrument.
A looping pedal is basically a multi-track recording unit that you can control with your foot. You can start by recording a track of yourself playing rhythm (with a guitar, your voice, your hands, etc…), then overdub this track with another of yourself playing accompanying rhythm, lead, vocals, etc.. and so on, and so on. Read more »
Vox Tonelab EX
February 19th, 2011 steveg
Reviews are just coming in now for this product. Multieffectpedal.com will have them for you here soon. The coolest thing I can see so far about the Tonelab EX is the built in speakers! First multi effect pedal that I know of that features this. For now, here is the word from Vox themselves: Read more »
What is a Multi Effects Pedal?
November 13th, 2010 steveg
What is a Multi Effects Pedal?
In a nutshell, a multi effects pedal (or unit), is a one-stop-shop for guitar effects. They are designed to replace multiple single effects pedals chained together. They can range in price from $100 to $1500 depending on features and quality. Designs can range from floor (live use) to table top, or rack mount.
The Early Multi Effect Pedal
The earliest multi effect pedal was a pretty basic design with 3 or 4 effects built into it. The main problem with them was that they were new attempts at reproducing analog sounds digitally. As the years have gone by, and digital technology has improved, the multi effect pedal has become a true smorgasboard of sounds for any guitarists whether you play at home, or on stage.
Most new multi effect pedals come equipped with five types of effects: reverb, chorus/fx, distortion, delay and compression. Many also now have wah-wah pedals built into the chassis. The great thing about this of course, is that you can have all the pedals you used to have (and more) without taking an hour to set up and run all your cables!
For the bedroom guitarist who wants to be able to plug into his or her computer, or play along with itunes, the Zoom G2 multi effects pedal fits the bill at $99 bucks. If you are looking for monster pedal board replacement for your live gigs, you might want to consider the Digitech RP-1000, or the Line 6 HD500 in the $400 to $600 range.
Multi vs. Single effect pedals – Which is best?
November 13th, 2010 steveg 
If you spend some time on the guitar forums, and review pages, you will find endless opinions on what is better – The multi effects pedal, or individual effects pedals. The real choice in the end comes with your ear.
The common argument is “multi effect units sound harsh and digital”. This may be true with some older models, however, with the right setup, the latest multi effect units can produce sounds equally organic and soul-full as the single effects pedals.
The latest Digitech units for example (RP-500, RP-1000) feature an amp bypass capability, defeating the internal amplifiers and cabinet models, giving you a straight up stompbox pedal board. A pedal board that features every pedal known to man, without any cables! Read more »
Why use Multi Effect Pedals?
November 13th, 2010 steveg Origins of the Multi Effects Pedal
The origins of the Multi Effects Pedal began with the development, and success of the single effect pedal. In order to combine all of these great effects in one package for live, or home performance, players began creating elaborate “pedal boards” to tame the many-cabled beast!
Many great players such as David Gilmour, Pete Townshend, and Eric Johnson have used large and complex effects pedal boards to re-create their sound in a live situation.< !
As digital technology evolved, the early versions of multi effect pedals gave way to great sounding, compact units capable of a much wider variety of sounds than possible with single effects pedals chained together.
The latest versions of the multi effect pedal now come equipped with distortion, compression, chorus (fx), delay and reverb at a minimum. With many featuring stereo XLR output, USB connectivity, and bundled recording and editing software, its hard to consider going back to the “snake pit”! Read more »
Zoom G2
November 13th, 2010 steveg Zoom G Series multi effect pedals are based on an all-new ZFX-3 processor that 32-Bit Processing, 96kHz sampling, and 24-Bit A/D, D/A converters, bringing the specs up to pro audio standards.
Conventional floor-type multi-effect processors are designed to sound good when they are plugged into a guitar amp. Modeling processors are designed for recording in line. Until now, there was no product that could handle both scenarios with equal finesse. Introducing the G Series from Zoom.
The Zoom G2 pedal offers two algorithms: One for live and one for recording. The sound you created at practice or in the studio can now be brought straight to the stage. Or take the sounds you worked out during a rehearsal and apply them seamlessly in the recording studio. Your creative scope has suddenly doubled.
Zoom G9.2TT Twin Tube
November 13th, 2010 steveg Starting with the processing power of the Zoom G Series, the monster Zoom G9.2tt Guitar Console features 2 real tubes in the signal path providing a Tube Accelerator function that adds a pre-overdrive and natural compression and a Tube Energize function for drive and volume. Twin expression pedals, one with 3D control, can be set to your desired control parameter and the dual preamp design gives you instant A and B channel operation ideal for live performances. Read more »
