What effects rack to get?

[hurricane766]

Hi there,
I'm new to racks. My friend has a Digitech 2120, and it's pretty awesome. I'm wondering how the newer effects racks (Boss GT Pro, Line 6 PODXT Pro, TC Electronic G-Force Pro) are in comparision? Are there any that stand above the rest?

I notice that most don't come with a stomp box to switch effects, so I'd also like to know if there is a away around this?

Thanks

[orpheus]

usually you need to get a midi controller to controll the unit, the price range is from about 200-1000 usd, depending on flexability and materials used. you could check out that new tc thing it is a controller with fx inside which can also be rackmounted, i haven't heard it and i am skeptical about things being made in taiwan or so.
now good units... all depends on what you want to spend; but i personally would say g-force or lexicon mpxg2(the lexicon is a little trickier then the g-force programming wise)
and what you look for, more basic guitar fx or more wild crazy stuff....
i have no experience with the rocktron stuff (besides the all access which i like alot, but thats a controller) nor with the digitech.....

[Tone_Gecko]

I'm seriously considering getting a G-major. then the midi controller they make for it. kind of stream line my gear.

[nocluejimbo]

Originally posted by Tone_Gecko
I'm seriously considering getting a G-major. then the midi controller they make for it. kind of stream line my gear.

I've thought about that many times, but I realized early on that the G-Minor midi pedal is too weak to get much accomplished. The smallest controller that I could see anyone using would be the Axess Electronics MFC-5. (http://www.axess-electronics.com/_p_mfc5.htm) It has one global preset and 27 banks of three additional presets.

IMO, that's the midi controller to go for as a long-time stompbox user.

[ASHJN]

I got the Boss GT-Pro and the effects on it are very nice if you are willing to take time to sit down and mess around with them. Boss gave ALOT of control over all parameters on this unit. I am impressed with it and would recommend it if you have the $. It is not cheap, and then you also need a good MIDI controller. I am thinking about getting the Roland FC-200, because the 2 are made for eachother and program very easy. Downside is that the total of these 2 together is gonna put you at over $1100 usd. You could basically get the Boss GT-8 for $450 and have the same set up, but then you would have more wires and power cables and stuff running to your feet. I guess its the price you pay for rackmount equipment

[Peegion]

Originally posted by Tone_Gecko
I'm seriously considering getting a G-major. then the midi controller they make for it. kind of stream line my gear.

Wow... Tone Gecko goes rack...
Anyway, I have a G Major. Here are a few comments:

The G is extremely transparent. I don't even know it's there most of the time.
The gate, EQ, delay effects are great.
The other effects will likely be unimpressive if you are familiar with good pedal versions. However the benefits of programmability and compactness are terrific. If you spend enough time with it you can get some very nice tones, but it is more work than a simple pedal. For instance, a Phase 90 has one control. The G phaser has about ten.
I switch with a Lexicon MPX R1. I have tried other MIDI pedals, and this is the best hands down. It is absolutely perfect for the G Major.
The G Major has a stereo 1/4" output for two switches. This means you can use it to switch channels on your amp. My JSX head needed a different cable, but building it was a snap. Now my amp is MIDI switchable!


The thing I find with the rack is I always end up wondering if a good pedal would sound better and be easier to use than the rack version. For instance, I want a Univibe tone, but the best I can do with the G is either a chorus/tremolo or a simple phaser.

I have seen a TC G System, and I almost drooled on myself. God they are sexy! They appear to be the ultimate system for incorporating rackable, programmable, switchable effects with pedals at the same time. My advice: wait for used G Systems to hit Ebay. I have a feeling that I'll be swapping the Major for a System when they appear on the used market.