Which Multi FX Unit to run with my VH-4?

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Mizati20

Mizati20

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Finally got a head+rack space roadcase for my VH-4, and going to do my setup the right way which I have wanted to do for years, that band is doing great and it's time I upgrade, I hate having a few pedals up front and having to run the 4cable method before every show and blah blah blah, whatever....

I've read here and there that the TC stuff seems to have problems with Diezel amps, never looked into it because at the time it didn't concern me.

I used reverbs, choruses, delays, maybe some flanger stuff, and I'm sure once I get going with things will make some cool patches for intro type stuff, and a few other things that we have recorded on our EP that is difficult to duplicate live because of the Pro Tools magic.

My budget it $400.00 max for just the unit, but cheaper would be cooler as well, I currently use the parallel loop of my VH-4 because it is MIDI switchable, but would prefer to find a product that is transparent enough to just keep in the series loop all the time, but I suppose that may be wishful thinking.

I've heard good things about the Rocktron Units as well, but know nothing about them, granted, I know nothing about any of the multi-FX stuff.

Anyhow, just figured I'd give a bit of background on my setup, I'm starting from the ground up and this is the very first step of my rack gear quest aside from the power conditioner, any other rack gear recommendations that are a "must" will be considered as well, thanks fellas!!
:rock:
 
$400??

Either a new Eventide ModFactor, or a used Eventide PitchFactor. Done. The Pitch will do everything, but they're retail is $499 new I believe, might be able to find one that was a display unit or some 14 year old bought it and didn't know how to use it and is dumping it on ePay, etc.

I use 'em with my V, absolute BUTTAH!!

V. :thumbsup:
 
Tc electronic G-Major. If you take the time, match the input- and output levels properly and use the right cables it works fine (better then Rocktron).

How about running your pedals in a looper (g-lab, voodoolab)?
 
Using an effects unit in the serial loop results in phase issues that suck tone. Run the effects unit in "Kill Dry" mode and use the Parallel Loop for the best sound.

Some effects work great with "Kill Dry" in a Parallel Loop:
- Reverb
- Delay
- Harmonizer
- Detune

Certain effects do not work very well in "Kill Dry" in a Parallel Loop:
- Chorus
- Phaser
- Flanger
- Tremolo
- Whammy
- etc.. etc...

The effects that don't work well with "Kill Dry" should be in front of the preamp. Buy a processor specifically for these effects and place it in front of the preamp.

The Decimator Pro Rack G is an awesome noise gate. I recommend it.

Also, you should avoid analog-to-digital conversion of your signal when effects are not in use. Use something like the GCX Audio Switcher (Rocktron, Sound Sculpture, and RJM make similar units) to bypass the first effects processor and go straight into the preamp when no effects are required before the preamp.

The signal chain should be like this:
Guitar -> GCX Audio Switcher (Loop1:Decimator Pro Rack G, Loop2:EffectsUnit#1) -> VH4-Preamp -> EffectsUnit#2 (set to "Kill Dry" in the parallel loop) -> VH4-PowerAmp

Instead of using an effects processor in "Loop2" of the GCX Audio Switcher, you can wire a bunch of pedals into the GCX Audio Switcher. This will take up more rack space though.
 
Wow thanks for the replies so far guys, definitely giving me something to think about....

Ventura.... I have no experience with the Eventide stuff, I do know that they are top of the line, however, are you saying just ONE of those units will get me everything I need? Or I would need to pick up a few? You can't run multiple effects at once with those can you? Correct me if I'm wrong, I know the Timefactor allows you to do a delay and chorus type effect at once because of a dual delay setting, but I definitely want to be able to mess around with some patches that will have 4+ effects for intro type stuff, and on a few of my clean patches I need some reverb, pitch detune, chorus and delay, I know you swear by those units, but picking up more than one of them used is already pushing my budget.

Kev.... I know about the GCX and RJM loopers and such, however, I don't currently own that many FX pedals, actually just a delay and a chorus, and rather than buy all the stomps that I want, and add to the number of patch cables and worry about powering all of them and finding a good pedal drawer etc, I would rather buy a multi-FX unit.

sdhnc123.... Your post was awesome, thanks man, given me quite a bit to think about, to the Gmajor and Rocktron units have this "killdry" setting? And could you please explain why chorus and the other effects don't work so well in the parallel loop? Right now I run my delay and chorus in the parallel loop, neither of my pedals have a 100% wet setting, so I just crank the parallel mix knob, and I don't have any phasing issues what-so-ever. Your saying have a dedicated unit for the pedals that I need to run before the preamp? So your saying basically in the chain with my guitar signal before it hits the input of the amp? I feel a bit foolish as I am a big gear nerd, but know next to nothing about all of this.

I do know that I want to do it right the first time, which may not technically happen, but I don't want to have to buy something and find out it doesn't work for me, wait to sell for less than I paid just to get something else, I have also heard about noise issues with Diezel amps and the TC stuff, I would like to be able to avoid that as much as possible as well. I know the Pro Rack G is a killer unit, will probably start looking for one of those used, as I know they are a bit pricey.

Any more help would be greatly appreciated, the more I start looking into this the more daunting it seems to become, I definitely have my work cut out for me it seems.
 
Mizati20":306r2k3d said:
Ventura.... I have no experience with the Eventide stuff, I do know that they are top of the line, however, are you saying just ONE of those units will get me everything I need? Or I would need to pick up a few? You can't run multiple effects at once with those can you? Correct me if I'm wrong, I know the Timefactor allows you to do a delay and chorus type effect at once because of a dual delay setting, but I definitely want to be able to mess around with some patches that will have 4+ effects for intro type stuff, and on a few of my clean patches I need some reverb, pitch detune, chorus and delay, I know you swear by those units, but picking up more than one of them used is already pushing my budget.
Click to expand...
You're right, only one effect at a time. If you scour the used ads, you could pick up a couple of Factors to cover a couple different effects at once... I'm an Eventide fanboi. Apologies.

Multi effect consoles that are of good enough or equal quality to pair with the V is a hard find at $400 m'man... Just saying.

Mo/V.
 
I find the older, made in USA, Rocktron Intellifex to be absolutely great. The presets are ass kicking, no delay in switching, no noticeable tone suck (of course this has some to do with the VH4 loop). And, you can find them on ebay for less that 2 bills.

Steve
 
i use a tc g-force, but in your budbet is the g-major.
i guess there is no need for the 2nd version.
i earlier had it myself - see pic :D
 
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