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previous: AMZ >>the downsid... -- 7/31/1999 6:53 AM

Re: Pedals vs. Processor

8/5/1999 7:57 PM
MJ Harnish	Re: Pedals vs. Processor I've tried both routes and think that alot depends on the tone you want and what kind of amp(s) you're using. If you're using an amp w/o a FX loop, processors generally don't work, the exception being floor processors. The quality of your FX loop also plays a role since some amps fx loops don't work very well. Pedals offer more of a low-tech feel which I like; they tend to sound warmer and part of this is due to the fact that you have high frequency roll-off; it also doesn't hurt that most are purely analog. The Rocktron Replifex, which most people really like, sort of illustrates this point since it purposely rolls off the high end. Also, while digital effects can sound great, I find for guitar they tend to be a little too hifi-ish for my tastes. Things just sound too processed, especially for chorus and flange. Again this is IMO and YMMV. EVH went from a pretty straight analog signal to a BIG rack of digital stuff. I still like his tone but it's radically different than on VH1... For me rack gear does have a distinct advantage for gigs since it can be packed and unpacked easily and is protected. My solution since going back to pedals was a DMC GCX which lets me switch my pedals via midi and keep everything permanently in place in the rack. I also get to mix & match so I can use my Boss CE-2 with a Marshall Guv'nor and anything else in between. It also eliminates the issue of bypass so I can use even the most heinous tone-suckers (wahs are notorious for this). This isn't the cheapest approach but it saves me a lot of time and hassles so it was worth it in the end... BTW - I've known a couple of people who were thrilled by the Lexicon G2 initially but ended up returning them b/c they just didn't sound right after they had played with them for a while; they ended up buying the TC Electronics processor instead. Again, YMMV As far as floor processors go, I've heard good ones and bad ones. The other guitarist in my band has a Digitech RP-6 which can sound heinous if he goes crazy on the effects, but otherwise sounds really great and gives him a million different sounds. For my style I just really want a few good tones though; everything else is mainly for a splash of color here and there. MJ

8/5/1999 7:57 PM

MJ Harnish

Re: Pedals vs. Processor

I've tried both routes and think that alot depends on the tone you want and what kind of amp(s) you're using. If you're using an amp w/o a FX loop, processors generally don't work, the exception being floor processors. The quality of your FX loop also plays a role since some amps fx loops don't work very well. Pedals offer more of a low-tech feel which I like; they tend to sound warmer and part of this is due to the fact that you have high frequency roll-off; it also doesn't hurt that most are purely analog. The Rocktron Replifex, which most people really like, sort of illustrates this point since it purposely rolls off the high end. Also, while digital effects can sound great, I find for guitar they tend to be a little too hifi-ish for my tastes. Things just sound too processed, especially for chorus and flange. Again this is IMO and YMMV. EVH went from a pretty straight analog signal to a BIG rack of digital stuff. I still like his tone but it's radically different than on VH1...

For me rack gear does have a distinct advantage for gigs since it can be packed and unpacked easily and is protected. My solution since going back to pedals was a DMC GCX which lets me switch my pedals via midi and keep everything permanently in place in the rack. I also get to mix & match so I can use my Boss CE-2 with a Marshall Guv'nor and anything else in between. It also eliminates the issue of bypass so I can use even the most heinous tone-suckers (wahs are notorious for this). This isn't the cheapest approach but it saves me a lot of time and hassles so it was worth it in the end...

BTW - I've known a couple of people who were thrilled by the Lexicon G2 initially but ended up returning them b/c they just didn't sound right after they had played with them for a while; they ended up buying the TC Electronics processor instead. Again, YMMV

As far as floor processors go, I've heard good ones and bad ones. The other guitarist in my band has a Digitech RP-6 which can sound heinous if he goes crazy on the effects, but otherwise sounds really great and gives him a million different sounds. For my style I just really want a few good tones though; everything else is mainly for a splash of color here and there.

MJ