A guitarist’s pedalboard often reveals their personal priorities.
For several years, my setup combined a multi-effects processor with one compact drive pedal.
Here are the advantages I find in multi-effects units.
Advantages of a Multi-Effects Processor
Many Effects in One Unit
The obvious benefit is the range of included effects. One purchase can cover most basic needs.
The exact selection varies by model and manufacturer, but the broad choice should contain useful sounds.
Modern Units Sound Good
Older processors often weakened the tone, creating a reputation for poor sound. Modern units can sound excellent.
Buffer technology appears to have improved, preserving the signal without unwanted coloration.
Connecting many compact pedals can also degrade the signal, so a multi-effects unit may sound cleaner by comparison.
Exact Delay Times from the Song BPM
This is especially valuable to me. Entering the BPM sets delay times precisely.
Some compact pedals such as the DD-500 also support BPM, but a multi-effects processor includes many other effects. If performance and tone are comparable, I prefer the all-in-one unit.
Easy Volume Matching Between Presets
Each preset can store its own level as well as BPM.
You can raise volume without adding gain, or reduce it just as easily.
Fewer Cable Problems
With many compact pedals, a failure during rehearsal or a show can be hard to locate.
More cables create more possible faults.
A multi-effects processor uses fewer cables, making troubleshooting simpler.
Addressing the Drawbacks
Multi-effects units have disadvantages, but most can be managed.
Back Up and Restore the Data
If a compact pedal fails, the rest of the board may continue working. If the multi-effects processor fails, the entire rig is affected.
Professionals may carry two identical units. Backing up the data to a computer makes restoring presets to the spare straightforward when the model supports it.
Computer-based preset editing is convenient too.
Add Any Compact Pedal You Prefer
If the included sounds do not satisfy you, add a compact pedal.
I add one compact drive pedal to my own setup.
BOSS GT-series processors include an effects loop, letting you place the external pedal wherever you want in the signal chain.
Conclusion
These benefits are why I continued using the BOSS GT series.
Some guitarists dislike multi-effects units, but modern models are impressive and worth auditioning.
At the time this article was written, I used a GT-1000. It was a major step beyond the GT-100, especially in perceived detail and clarity.
