So I’m thinking of dipping my toe into the magical world of MultiFX pedals and currently looking at either the GX-10 or ME-90B. Not only do I wish to avoid having a pile of analogue pedals to carry around, the idea of programming a MultiFX appeals to my not-so-inner computer nerd
Whilst the GX-10 appears to have more options (though you pay extra for the privilege), the ME-90B is a dedicated bass pedal. The GX-10 controls look a lot cleaner to me, whereas the ME-90B controls look like they should be on the console of a fighter jet!
Wondering if anyone has any opinions/experience of these two pedals, particularly if able to compare/contrast them? I’m also open to other, similar, offerings if people have any suggestions - though I suspect those threads have been done to death, so thought I’d be a bit more specific.
I have the ME-90B. No experience with the GX-10, but it is a similar template to most multi-effects pedals in that price bracket.
I think it depends on your use case, which one is better.
If you are new to effects and/or want the ability to experiment and adjust on the fly to try different things out, the ME-90B is the perfect choice.
If you have a solid sense of what you like, and want something that you can program your patches and be able to quickly look down and select one for gigging, go with something like the GX-10, Zoom B-6, or Line 6 HX Stomp.
I love the ME-90B for all the different ways I can play around and experiment. It is absolutely capable of programming patches that can be pulled up later. The lack of a proper display to see which patch is pulled up and which effects are in it in what order, can be rough. I have workarounds, but I would probably want something different for regular gigging. At which point, I would probably pick the GX-100.
I’ve got the GX-10, if you don’t know pedals and are just looking for something to plug into and play I’d go with the ME-90. The GX-10 can be fairly simple but it shines with layers upon layers of things you can dive into on it. While the 90 looks more complicated and messy, everything you see is what there is. Also, the GX works with bass, and is perfectly fine for it but it was built with guitar in mind so out of the box it’s set up with a lot more presets for them.
GX-10 user here. I love it. I agree there’s a ton of options and controls but I don’t think it’s too hard to get a handle on. I like being able to organize the chain how I want and have visuals on exactly what preset I’m on and what’s active
General question on multi-FX pedals including the new Darkglass Anagram:
Do any of them allow you to split the FX chain in two parts, routing one part (like a compressor and the tracking pedals) into the preamp input, and the other part into an FX loop post-preamp?
The GX-10 does. I usually set my patches up to run two amp sections with different amps / cab set ups (generally a 4X10 and an 8X12) so I can switch them up on the fly or run them together for an even funkier tone. My post punk patch sounds gnarly running both amps. I could, if I wanted run different effect chains in each also, but I usually don’t bother with anything more than each one getting its own noise suppressor.
Helix for sure let’s you do this. I’d expect all of the more capable ones to at least allow you to run parallel and merge at the output which is functionally the same as going into the effect return unless you’re looking for power amp stage distortion.
So … after a bit more deliberation I took a totally different route!
I came across some tests/reviews of the Line 6 Pod Express Bass, and changed my mind completely. The small form-factor appeals to me, it has the physical controls of the ME-90B, and with the new App it looks like it has enough configurability to appeal to my inner computer nerd.
It feels like a fairly “light” and cheap way to dip my toe into the wonderful world of multifx - hopefully it shouldn’t overwhelm me with options etc, which I was worried the Boss Pedals might do …
Thanks for all the thoughts and opinions - they did help, even if I didn’t end up going for one of the Boss pedals
Just arrived and only just started playing with some of the basic manual controls. Awesome fun and you can get some great sounds, with a combination of the Amp models and different effects
Really looking forward to taking a deeper dive into the effects - particularly programming it via the App.
