Looking for a good Multi FX unit

[Ezzo]

So I rented a line 6 M5 on a whim to use with my home practice amp (Vox ad4tv) and I have to say I'm really impressed. Years ago I used a PodXT with a couple of powered KRK RP5 monitors and got some really nice tones but it took up a little to much space. Anyway, the only thing that I don't like about the M5 is you can only use one effect at a time. I noticed that the Zoom G3 was around the same price and let you have three models going at the same time but the sound quality didn't seem quite on par with the line 6. I'm thinking about looking for a used a M9 but its a bit more than I want to spend for my practice set-up. Anyway just wondering if anyone has had any experience with the M9 or the G3 or is there is another similar unit that I'm missing.

[randombastage]

I have the M5 and ZoomG3 right now and don't find the sound quality of one to be above the other except the high definition reverb of the G3 is superior to the reverb of the M5 I think. They both have some weak spots but they both have lots of useful good sounding stuff as well. The G3 works as a backup through a PA with it's modeling or as a great little headphone amp modeler for silent practice...and a looper function too!

I think both of them are worth their price but I don't use them as a primary effect pedal for the things I use often...delay, drive, rotary, fuzz. Maybe I'm just enough of an analog snob to refuse to depend on them for that kind of duty. I do use them for occasional stuff like reverb or weird stuff like slicer, sub octave, seeker, etc.

If you like the M5 better you can get the M9 and have 3 effects at once like the G3 has.
the M13 is even better if you want to use the M stuff a lot. I had one for a while and it wasn't bad...lots of versatility to it.

a much better floorboard style multi unit is the TC Electronics G System but that is near $1000 where a used M13 is around $300-$375.

[tjinca1]

I've tried line 6 stuff so many times and sent them all back. I got the zoom g3 and really like it. The od and distortion box effects are pretty darn good. I use it to save room on my pedal board. I use it instead of a delay pedal, a tuner, a fuzz and a chorus. That took 4 spaces away and saved room. I wish i could use the vibe or phaser but didnt like either of those effects.

[Endr_rpm]

Had an M9 loved it, but upgraded to the M13. Also have a GT6, used to have a GT10 and a Carl Martin Quattro, and used PODs for years. M0/13 is simple to use, sounds good, and really isn't THAT expensive for what you get, IMO.

[Ezzo]

Thanks guys, I've tried line 6 stuff through my live rig and never really cared for it. I have a couple pedals that I use for live playing but I'm just looking for something to use with my practice amp. The store was closing and I basically went with line 6 because I'm more familliar with their stuff. I really like the features of the M5 but I'd like to be able to use reverb AND an od. The fact that G3 has a looper is a big plus. Long story short, I think I'm going to give the G3 a try.

[Heady Jam Fan]

I personally think good and MFX is a juxtaposition

[Ezzo]

Perhaps. But they are good at saving space and when your playing at the 1/4 watt setting to avoid a noise complaint; having board loaded with boutique pedals is kind of pointless.

[Heady Jam Fan]

It is convenient, when I owned a boss one, I never really used it, just plugged into the amp. I don't really own extremely 'boutique' pedals anymore I suppose, but even when playing at home, I can't bare to play quietly

[rsm]

I've been digging Zoom for many years, most recently the G3, but I use it as a modeler.

For MFX, I have and dig: G-System, Nova System and Glass Nexus.

I'm on my second Nova System, sold my first when the M9 was released. I used the M9 for around 9 months and sold it, got another Nova System, then the G-System.

The TCE mfx just work better for me, and sound better to me.

YMMV