Recommended Multi-Effects Processors by Guitarist Type

For guitarists, effects units are crucial equipment for creating their own unique sound. While a simple style of plugging directly into an amp is cool, haven't most guitarists fallen into the "effects pedal rabbit hole" at least once?

This time, I will introduce processors categorized by a guitarist's purpose from the vast array of effects units available, mixing in a bit of my own personal opinion and bias.

■ For Beginner Guitarists

BOSS / GT-1 Multi-Effects Processor

This is a massive hit from BOSS that can be purchased for just over 20,000 yen.
The secret to its popularity is likely the fact that it packs the same engine as the high-end GT-100 model at this price point.

Despite its small chassis, the sound and capabilities are close to the GT-100, and it even features a pedal that can be assigned to volume or wah.
Beginner guitarists who are not yet used to sound design with effects and amp modeling can use the GT-1 to study the fundamentals of sound creation.

Additionally, in addition to an adapter, it can be powered by AA batteries for approximately seven hours.
This makes it useful for street performances or when you want to keep your floor wiring as tidy as possible.

■ For Vocalist-Guitarists

VOX / StompLab IG

This is a multi-effects processor that can be purchased for as low as the 4,000-yen range.
At this price point, one might even worry if it works properly, but this is a popular model that has continued to sell well for 10 years since its release.

It puts particular effort into distortion-based effects, and some people even incorporate it into their pedalboards as a dedicated distortion multi-unit.

There are two reasons why I recommend this effects processor for vocalist-guitarists.

The first is that it is an effects unit that can be bought at a low price.
I believe that vocalist-guitarists should also allocate their budget toward their own microphone or vocal effects processors.
In particular, there are still few users of vocal effects processors.
I have previously written a column titled "Do You Use Vocal Effects Processors?", so vocalists who have never used them should give it a read.

The other reason is the chassis with its two simple buttons. Vocalist-guitarists often have to switch effects while singing, and since they don't have much leeway to look down at their feet, they frequently make mistakes while stepping.
Because of such circumstances, there is also a model with a pedal called the StompLab IIG, but I am intentionally recommending the version without the pedal.
Since there are only two buttons, the risk of stepping on the wrong one can be kept to a minimum.

■ For those of you who want to utilize the sound of their amp

Line 6 / M9 Stompbox Modeler Guitar Effects Processor

Most modern multi-effects processors come equipped with amp simulators as standard.
However, for people who own their own amps or are satisfied with the studio's JC-120, an amp simulator isn't really necessary.

For those who want a multi-effects unit that purely provides effects because collecting individual compact pedals is difficult, I recommend the LINE6 M9.

While you could just turn off the simulator on a multi-effects unit that has one, the price of those units includes the cost of the manufacturer's pooled technology, so it feels a bit wasteful not to use it.

Sound-wise, the modulation and "wildcard" effects have a great reputation, and many guitarists purchase it just to use those.

The distortion effects have mixed reviews, but when I used it previously, I frequently used a distortion called TubeDrive.
If you can't find a distortion sound you like, it's also an option to prepare that separately.

Additionally, the global noise gate is a subtly welcome feature.
It allows a pre-set noise gate to apply to all channels.
While the M9 allows for up to three simultaneous effects, this global noise gate is not counted as one of those three.
If applied too strongly it can sound unnatural, but it's a function you'll want to keep on lightly at all times.

■ This is the one for highly skilled guitarists!

Kemper Profiling Amplifier / PROFILER STAGE Floor-Type

Once you reach this price range, every product offers a wonderful sound, but the Kemper PROFILER STAGE is my top recommendation.

While modern multi-effects processors feature high-performance amp simulators even at low prices, the Kemper works on a completely different principle.
Rather than utilizing technology to reproduce actual equipment as faithfully as possible through traditional modeling, it uses the actual captured sound of an amp, resulting in a raw vividness that other multi-effects processors cannot match.

Until this product was released, it was difficult to use the system in a live setting without adding a dedicated foot controller (approx. 70,000 yen) to the Profiling Amplifier (approx. 200,000 yen). However, since this all-in-one unit was released, this single device is all you need for both home and live use.

■ A Multi-Effects Processor Recommended for the Compact Pedal Enthusiast!

TC ELECTRONIC / NOVA SYSTEM

Even knowing how convenient multi-effects processors are, there are still many people who cannot stand that "digital flavor," and the compact pedal faction remains alive and well.

If you have a specific sound that you absolutely must have through a compact pedal, there is no helping it, but otherwise, please try the NOVA SYSTEM.
The distortion section is designed with analog circuitry, and its warm sound feels completely free of any digital thinness.

Since it was released in 2008, it’s quite old, but it’s still being manufactured today, so you can purchase it brand new. As a product that was perfected in its own right, it continues to sell without a successor.

Points to note are that it does not include an amp simulator and features a simple design where the distortion is limited to only two types: overdrive and distortion.

■ Summary

There truly are so many options for effects processors that it’s easy to get lost.
Well, choosing equipment is fun, including that hesitation.

Since there is no end to it, I introduced only one product per type here, but there are still many legendary units I want to recommend.
By all means, please fall into the effects pedal rabbit hole.

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