el cheapo rack FX processors.(MPXG2 content)

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RJF

RJF

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I'm putting together another dual head stereo rig and I want the effects to be very simple. So simple, that I DON'T want to use a bunch of pedals, just a simple rack unit that has everything I'd need in it, plus I want a wet/wet setup so it needs to be stereo.

I have a G major 2 in my Diezel stereo rig and while I really like it, I want something simpler for my Mesa rig.

Are these cheaper units like the TC M300, Lexicon mx200/300/400, MPX200 any good? Seems like I read mixed reviews, some guys say the FX sound quality is compromised as compared to more expensive processors, and some say the sound quality is great like the higher end processors, but it's the simpler layout and less options/program-ability that makes them cheaper in price. :confused:

I can pick up a Lexicon mpx200 for $75 locally. All I really need is a few effects, midi in/out, and dual inputs/outputs (L/R stereo) for the loops of both amps. I have a GCX switcher and Ground Control that will be the brains of the operation.
 
The Lexicon MPX1 is a really nice unit that's stereo in and out and not very expensive anymore...If you wanted something before the amps to split to stereo in front of the amps a cheap Roland GP8 or GP16 has most of the cool Boss stomp boxes inside them...
 
paulyc":zdkqjggu said:
The Lexicon MPX1 is a really nice unit that's stereo in and out and not very expensive anymore...If you wanted something before the amps to split to stereo in front of the amps a cheap Roland GP8 or GP16 has most of the cool Boss stomp boxes inside them...
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I've been eye balling the MPX1, I've read that's a notch above the MPX200 and newer MX line. I would prefer to run my effects through the loop of each amp, rather than running the guitar input through too much up front.
 
The Roland units just give you some more flexibility, of course you don't have to run them...even the ME5 floor based unit that Nuno used back in the day is good for Boss stomp boxes.
 
Hard to beat a Rocktron Intellifex for the money. Cheap and although it may lack some features, there's no compromise on sound.
 
these two units i have in my rack at home deliver the goods and can be found affordably($400-600)

https://youtu.be/1z-SUdPkd_s


honestly the korg (i got mine for $400) switches very quickly between presets and does very high quality chorus and multitap delay effects simultaneously, along the lines sonically of a 2290 (which i had briefly and got this in it's place)
and it also has very warm or glassy musical eqs in it.

and the pcm 80/81 is world class. i got mine for $500 but for $300 more upgraded the eprom to v1.10, replaced the battery/compartment, boght the pitchfx and dualfx algorithm cards, and added the optional RAM to increse my delay time to 42 seconds!! new thing was $2500 and the fx cards were $250 each!
the 80 has a lexichip reverb engine and a second multifx engine which has multitap delays with filters and modulation to flange and chorus with, multivoice pitch shifting, resonators, custom LFO waveshapes so you can swell or chop or pan your parameters in ways you cannot imagine, and the algos can run in parallel or in series. only drawback is it takes a second to load a new preset as you can see on my clip but if you have other effects going on ypu can mask it.

considering the original price and how other devices of this era still command respect it is amazing what these go for now considering the quality you are getting.

my only reservation with the cheaper stuff is you will hit the limits and want to upgrade when you might have just paid a little more up front for stuff with no bounds.
 
What effects are you looking for exactly? If the Intellifex can deliver what you want, I highly recommend that. I've had a few, and once they're set to Pre-HUSH, they're always super transparent. You can usually find them for $100 or less these days, as well.
 
Just simple stuff. Delay, reverb, chorus, and maybe a flanger or something.
 
Delay, reverb and chorus are exactly what the Intellifex excels at. It also has pitch shifting (unintelligent) and a noise gate. Doesn't do flanging, but you can kinda fake it with the effects in there already.
 
Code001":33l8cyos said:
What effects are you looking for exactly? If the Intellifex can deliver what you want, I highly recommend that. I've had a few, and once they're set to Pre-HUSH, they're always super transparent. You can usually find them for $100 or less these days, as well.
Click to expand...

I'm still trying to work out how to program mine, I have a black face.. How do you set all the presets to pre-HUSH? The software didnt seem to want to play nice with win7, does everyone use xp or something when programing it?
 
Sorry, nzsteve. Didn't see this before. I program mine via the on board controls. It's an old unit, so there are lots of compatibility issues with MIDI to USB devices, the software, and so on. If you're dead set on programming it with your computer, the best person to ask would be analogkid85. Dude has the best presets for the unit, too!

RJF, I have an old Intellifex Blackface model in my closet if you wanna buy it for $110 shipped. i was gonna hold onto it, but it's not going to be used for years given that I'm moving, so I might as well sell it to someone who'll put it to good use. PM me if you're interested.
 
Rocktron Intellifex or Replifex. I have both I got for about 100.00 a unit. They have stood the test of time and sound good if you don't go crazy on the effects. Plus the older ones are made in the USA. I also have a T.C. electronics G major that is a bit cleaner sounding and more transparent however in live situations you really can not tell the difference.
 
Ok. So forget the mpx200 then.

I am looking at the intellifex, replifex, Alesis Quadroverb, G major (probably not), and Lexicon MPX1.
 
Intellifex is more rack-based effects oriented. Replifex/MultiValve/Xpression is for stompbox-based effects like flangers, phasers, cabinet sims/rotary stuff. It also has delay, chorus and reverb like the Intellifex, but they're not the same quality. The pitch and noisegate are the same, however. Was never a fan of the G-Major, but the G-Major II is quite nice, albeit not as transparent as the Rocktron units from what I've tested when set to pre-hush, and unless you lock the algorithms, you're gonna get switching lag. MPX1 has some nice sounding effects, but it has the standard Lexicon lag. Never tried the Quadroverb, so I can't really comment there.
 
It looks like the MPX1 is complicated to program. The G major has obviously had reliability issues. Sounds like the intellifex would be a better choice than the replifex.
 
How does your twin Mesa rig sound ? I've never tried my triple rec with my Mark III blue stripe, but I bet it would sound pretty killer. Any tips or settings you'd like to share ? Speakers used with each ? Thanks
 
paulyc":1qu3xu7e said:
How does your twin Mesa rig sound ? I've never tried my triple rec with my Mark III blue stripe, but I bet it would sound pretty killer. Any tips or settings you'd like to share ? Speakers used with each ? Thanks
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I haven't fired it up yet. Just too lazy I guess. :lol: :LOL: No, I don't have a complete setup yet for it. I just acquired a GCX/Ground control switching system about a week ago. I have not gathered up a Furman Power conditioner yet, I guess that is what I have been waiting for to actually fire it up since I have no power source at the moment.

I will be using two Mesa oversize 412 recto cabs, I have one now and will be acquiring another eventually. My settings are pretty common, presence about noon, and I run my mids around noon-2oclock. On my Mk3 I run everything pretty typical, everything pulled, treble dimed, and typical V on the EQ. I will have to sort through which channels are in phase with one another on both heads. I know it will be the orange ch on the recto, I don't like the red ch on any rectos.

I'm in no big hurry, I had an extra dual head road case and thought "what the hell, I'll build another stereo rig." I am just trying to gather up stuff as cheaply as possible. I really enjoy putting together bigger, midi switching rigs.
 
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