Multi-FX or modeling unit for the technically challenged?

[brucesinger]

Hey guys,
I am a Worship Leader at our church. One of the guitar players at our church insists on using a BOSS Micro BR as a preamp into the house system. As you can imagine, it sounds terrible. (the rest of us use various amp/analog pedal/multi-fx set-ups with great tone).

Is there a simple multi-fx type pedal out there that can be run direct to the PA that will sound good? I'm not looking for every sound under the sun. Mostly a good clean sound, a couple of ODs, chorus. Just the basics.

I've searched the threads about units like the Vox Tonelab and the DigiTech RP350, but can't find mention of them running direct.

[mtmartin71]

Originally Posted by brucesinger

Hey guys,
I am a Worship Leader at our church. One of the guitar players at our church insists on using a BOSS Micro BR as a preamp into the house system. As you can imagine, it sounds terrible. (the rest of us use various amp/analog pedal/multi-fx set-ups with great tone).

Is there a simple multi-fx type pedal out there that can be run direct to the PA that will sound good? I'm not looking for every sound under the sun. Mostly a good clean sound, a couple of ODs, chorus. Just the basics.

I've searched the threads about units like the Vox Tonelab and the DigiTech RP350, but can't find mention of them running direct.

You can run both of those direct to the board. Both get good marks. The Vox has a preamp tube used as a virtual power amp tube. A lot of people like that. I think the RP500 would be a better choice as far as options and sounds. Both are better than the BOSS Micro BR.

[bronco1891]

pod x3 live

[BadMelonFarmer]

I run a PodX3 live direct into a PA for live and it sounds really good.

But to be honest pretty much any of the current POD range will sound better than the Micro BR solution IMHO.

if budget is tight then the Pocket Pod is easy enough, but the Pod XT and X3 is where things get more exciting, again IMHO.

[aleclee]

Originally Posted by brucesinger

I'm not looking for every sound under the sun. Mostly a good clean sound, a couple of ODs, chorus. Just the basics.

Such a simple-sounding request.

IMO, the reason modelers are complicated is because there are so many ideas of what constitutes "a good clean sound", etc. As a result, you're either stuck with the designer's idea of what constitutes good tone (given the limitations of the device), a zillion presets to cover a multitude of tonal preferences, or a buttload of parameters to tweak.

Back to the original topic, have you considered using stompboxes with a modeler that just provides an acceptable clean tone? That would simplify the modeler search while providing the user-friendliness of regular pedals.

[Matt Jones]

Look into the Tech21 character series pedals. From what I have heard, they sound pretty good direct and you can use traditional pedals with them to keep is as simple as you want.

Is this a solution for just one guitarist, or are all of your electric players going the direct route?

matt

[brucesinger]

Thanks for the replies! After I posted this, I remembered Tech 21. After looking at their site, I think the Character Pedals are probably the way to go. Maybe even the Tri-AC.
Thanks again.