[Beginner Guitar Talk] -Is it better to buy a compact effector or a multi-effector? ~

Hello

This is sukuta takafumi (@sukutakafumi).
Twitter: https://twitter.com/sukutakafumi

This time, I would like to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of multi-effectors and compact effectors for beginners.

I made a video on YouTube this time as well. I would be happy if you would subscribe to the channel.

These are the advantages and disadvantages of each, in my personal opinion.

○ Advantages of compact effectors

1. 1. Compared to multi-effects, one unit is lighter and smaller.

   BOSS, which can be said to be an average size, weighs about 400g and is small enough to fit in one hand.
   When you go to the studio for a band rehearsal, you only have to bring the effectors you need, so you can control the weight of the load to some extent.

2. 2. You can easily create sounds by playing with the knobs directly.

   Unlike multi-effectors, you don't have to press various buttons to create sounds, and you can create sounds intuitively without spending too much time.

3. 3. It is less likely that you’ll get buried in the band sound.

   Perhaps because it is an analog circuit, if the sound is thick and the settings are made properly, it is less likely that you’ll get buried in the band sound

4. 4. You can freely choose the effector from your favorite manufacturer, which allows for individuality.

   The sound of the effector projects the individuality of the manufacturer.
   Since you can select the manufacturer of each compact effector individually, you can create sounds that take advantage of the characteristics of the manufacturers.
   In other words, it is easy to find and create your own sound in the end.
   In the long run, the sound you create will ultimately be directly linked to your personality as a guitarist.

○ Disadvantages of compact effectors

1. 1. You may have to buy many.

   It costs money because you may have to buy more pedals to create various sounds.
   Also, if you are particular about handmade or vintage items, you can buy one and you will end up paying tens of thousands of yen.

2. 2. In the end, you may end up building a large effector system.

   For example, when playing a song, when you want to apply chorus or another effect to the verse and delay or distortion to the solo.
   If you line them up in series at your feet, you will have to quickly operate multiple effectors at your feet at the same time.
   If that happens, you may need a programmable switcher to control the effectors.
   If you do so, you will bend up building a large-scale effects system, and the weight and cost will be the same as or more than a multi-effector unit.

   Of course, depending on your playing style and the songs you play, you may not need to build a board, and you may not need a programmable switcher.

○ Advantages of multi-effects and simulators

1. 1. If the music of the band you want to play uses a lot of effectors, it may be easy to reproduce immediately if you know what they are using.

   Moreover, since you can save multiple settings, it is easy to switch sounds or recall different sounds for each song during a song or set.
   Also, if you set it up properly and put it out on the line (without passing through a guitar amp or mic), it will be easy to get your usual sound without being affected by the environment in the live house or studio.

2. 2. You can practice with headphones without having to use the amplifier at home.

   If the multi-effects unit is equipped with an amp simulator, you can practice with headphones.
   Also, if you can connect it directly to your computer, you can easily record.
   Recording is effective for practicing, and it is important to listen to your guitar playing objectively.

3. 3. Preset sounds are included from the start.

   There are many preset sounds created by the manufacturer in advance, so it's fun just starting from there, and it's also a learning experience for creating sounds.
   Also, I think it's a good idea to set the sound to your liking based on a preset.

4. 4. Contains amplifiers simulators and effectors from various manufacturers.

   Recent multi-effectors include amps and effectors from various manufacturers, so you can get the basic sound characteristics of each device.

○ Disadvantages of multi-effectors and simulators

1. 1. The unit is large and heavy.

   Depending on the effector, it may weigh 6 kg or more.
   Of course, some are light and small.

2. 2. The operation may feel complicated.

   Many of them are complicated to operate, and are difficult at first compared to compact effectors.
   Furthermore, if you are a beginner, you may not know what kind of effect each effector will have, so it is even be more so.

3. 3. The output feels faint, probably because it is digital.

   The output often feels faint, and when you play it in a band, you may get the impression that the sound is drowned out by other instruments.
   Of course, it is different if you set it properly or use it in combination with other compact effectors as well, but I think that it is difficult to deal with it.

4. 4. As new products (multifunctional, improved quality) are released one after another, the value tends to gradually decrease.

   This is in contrast to analog compact effectors, which are sometimes referred to as vintage effectors and can add value.

○ Conclusion

I mentioned the advantages and disadvantages of each, but the conclusion is correct regardless of which route you take.
Because even if you buy a compact effector first, you may want a multi-effect unit later, and vice versa.
This is more about which one you should choose to recreate what you want to do at the time, rather than which one is better.

By the way, the author is in the compact effector group.

▼ The following equipment is used in the review video.

Guitar:
Kanji Guitar ST type, TL type
（https://twitter.com/KanjiKawabata）

Effector:
Ibanez TS-808、Ibanez TS-9

Amplifier:
Fender Deluxe Reverb 1965
Silent Speaker Box (made by Kanji Kawabata)

Spatial effects are set on the computer.

In addition, I, Takafumi Sukuta, am looking for manufacturers and individual builders who can loan me equipment for review videos and creating articles.