VOX vs. BOSS...

[Teh RedWizard]

Let's say for simplicity sake,you have decided to go the multi-effects processor/modeler route...TO GO IN FRONT OF A GREAT TUBE AMP.Which of these would you pick,and why? I know better can be had for 3 & 4x the dough,but these are in my price range.

Also,feel free to write in your suggestions,but please still vote in the poll!

[Teh RedWizard]

With regards to the Vox unit...does anyone know if the amp modelling section can be taken out of the chain (bypassed) so as not to affect the tone?

[Tone_Terrific]

I really thought I would like a Tonelab SE and it does have some great features and functionality, but in front of any amp it is not a good choice, IMO, as ALL the amp models break up harshly. the pedal models are better but do not offer the programmablity I wanted. My Korg ax1500g can be set up to sound much better in front of an amp as it seems to be designed for that.
Beware of modellers that are aimed at direct recording or PA use when trying to preserve and use your amps natural clean tone as a base.

[Teh RedWizard]

Originally Posted by lamotta77

Yeah, actually I forgot to mention that amp modeling doesn't quite work so well going in the front of the amp with these kinds of units. It's much better suited to the loop if you have one.

The amp I'd be using does not have a loop,but is supposed to be a great clean platform for pedals.

[Teh RedWizard]

Keep the votes coming.

[jignant]

I just incorporated an ME-50 into my setup. I have been a guitar/cable/amp guy for years now and went thru the ringers trying to find a useable multi unit for live applications. Front loaded into a DSL-50 & 4x12, the ME-50 is essentially transparent to the amp, easy to use and for the subtle effects I need, works very well. If effects were more important to me, the G System might be the way to go but for the coin, the ME 50 delivers leaving my tone intact. If you are running away from amp modeling like I was and don't have over a grand for the G System, the ME 50 IS the solution. I could not be happier!

[TheFlash]

Ok, I own and voted for the Tonelab LE, but after reading the original post carefully, I feel like I'd better explain my thought process.

First of all...you can turn off the amp and cab sims on the Tonelab and just use the effects. The effects are very nice sounding for the most part but you are limited in how many you use and where they're placed in order with each other. You have pedal > modulation > delay > reverb (if you're using just effects). The pedal section contains the wah and compressor, so you can't use either of those along with an overdrive which can be a pain if you're not using the amp sims for drive. I've spend some time with the Boss ME-50 and it is very easy to use and allows you to use a compressor and wah separately from the overdrive section. I don't think the effects in the me-50 are quite as nice to my ears as the effects in the tonelab, but the me-50 is more user-friendly for dialing in your tone because everything has a dedicated knob to work with.

The GT-8 has almost infinite flexibility with effects. You can use tons at the same time and pick the order of them. I haven't spent nearly the time messing around with a GT-8 as the other 2, but it's got a much higher learning curve to get what you want out of it.

The Tonelab LE is much improved sonically from the the earlier Tonelab versions and where an above poster talked about the amp sims breaking up harshly in the SE, I find the amp sims in the LE to be WONDERFUL sounding in the clean to slightly breaking up tones that I search for. I bought the tonelab to replace a pod XT live that I didn't like the tone I was getting from. I loved the sound and feel of the amp sims so much that I've been using it into the effects loop of my classic 30 recently with the cab sim off instead of my pedal board (psilocybe>keeley rat>buster jangle>dd-20). Because my pedal board was already simple to begin with, I've been able to put up with the annoying limitations of the tonelab that I listed above, but not everyone will feel the same.

For JUST EFFECTs and no amp sims, the GT-8 is the most powerful and hardest to use, the Tonelab is the least powerful, and the ME-50 is in the middle and easiest to use. The reason to get the Tonelab for me is the amp sims and how good they sound and feel (in the lower gain range of things). As far as effect quality, you need to use your own ears to determine that, but all three sound pretty good to me.

[TheFlash]

If you are really just looking for effects and are willing to spend a little more cash, you should probably check out the brand new nova system. It doesn't have a wah, but I bet it would sound great into a good tube amp. Pricewise, it'll be in between the g-system and the ones you've mentioned.

http://www.tcelectronic.com/NovaSystem

[Mercury25]

Originally Posted by jignant

I just incorporated an ME-50 into my setup. I have been a guitar/cable/amp guy for years now and went thru the ringers trying to find a useable multi unit for live applications. Front loaded into a DSL-50 & 4x12, the ME-50 is essentially transparent to the amp, easy to use and for the subtle effects I need, works very well. If effects were more important to me, the G System might be the way to go but for the coin, the ME 50 delivers leaving my tone intact. If you are running away from amp modeling like I was and don't have over a grand for the G System, the ME 50 IS the solution. I could not be happier!

Sorry to revive an old thread, but I just picked up a used ME50 and I have to say, in front of a tube amp it have just enough effects to be a great grab and go solution--and it is very transparent to me.

[Zero]

I used an ME50 on a New Years Eve gig, someone loaned it to me. I thought it sounded great. I Plugged into the low input of my Randall Ss combo using only the clean channel. Now I'm thinking - screw individual pedals. I want one of these.

[Ronsonic]

You are comparing products from the company with the worst "tell him to buy something new" attitude in the industry with one of the best companies in the industry. The moment that Vox model is superceded and out of warranty there will be no parts for it. The ME50 has been around for years and will be around many more and there will be parts and support for it for many more years after that. And it will deserve it.

I'm no fan of multi's but the Boss ME's sound good, work well and have really earned their place.