Best Guitar Multi Effects Pedal Review – Top Rated Models in 2020 with Buying Guide
The rich variety of products available on the market might make the process of finding the best guitar multi effects pedal a very challenging and time-consuming task. To simplify that, we have examined the most appreciated products and concluded that the TC Electronic Ditto is the first multi effects pedal for sale to keep in mind. The product will help guitarists explore new realms of creativity thanks to its various features, it is easy to use and perfect for live performances. In case you can’t find this product, you might want to check the Line 6 M9 for a reliable alternative in terms of quality.
Comparison Table
Our Top Choice
Boasting a simplistic design and a display of controls that is easy to use, this pedal is worth considering if you want to customize your sonic performance and add a touch of your personality to it. Due to the dual loop tracks, you can create multi-track compositions. In case you’re into live gigs, rest assured that the unit will allow you to engage in such activities as well.
According to one customer, the unit developed loud popping noises after a firmware update.
Give this pedal a try if you’re looking for a model that can be used for both live and studio sessions. It is user-friendly and it boasts a stylish design.
2nd Best
Created for musicians interested in portability, this unit comes with an old-school yet easy-to-use design as well as a variety of effects that will help you translate your sonic creativity. The pedal features more than 100 vintage and modern stompbox effects that will enable you to explore and experiment. What’s also great is that you can use up to three effects at the same time.
Given its features and specifications, the product falls a bit on the expensive side.
You might want to consider this product if you’re interested in a great variety of effects that will help you explore as well as a stylish and user-friendly design.
Also To Consider
Easy to use and stylishly built, this pedal is committed to helping you find your sonic path and express it with ease. The product offers a great range of hyper-driven tones and comes with various controls so you can enjoy enhanced flexibility. Due to the Gain and Output controls, you will be able to choose the distortion and volume you get. Plus, you will enjoy true bypass switching.
The unit comes with a variety of appreciated features, which means it may be a bit expensive.
Explore your creativity and express your personality with this effects pedal. Thanks to the various specs it comes with, you will get to create endless effects.
9 Best Guitar Multi Effects Pedals (Reviews) in 2020
Finding a good guitar multi effects pedal calls for a thorough examination of the critically acclaimed products in the line and reviews of multi effects pedals for guitars. In order to help you find all the information you need to make the right decision, we have compiled a list of guitar multi effects pedals reviews.
- 1. Ditto X4 Looper
- 2. Line 6 M9 Stompbox Modeler Guitar Multi Effects Pedal
- 3. MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive · Guitar Effect
- 4. Carl Martin Multi Effects Pedal
- 5. Line 6 M13 Stompbox Modeler
- 6. Soul POG
- 7. Digitech Element XP Digital Multi-FX Pedal
- 8. Zoom G1xon/UK Multi Effects Pedal for Guitar
- 9. Keeley Dark Side Effects Pedal
- Yearly Guide & Report
1. Ditto X4 Looper
The first option to consider when looking for a new multi effects pedal to flavor your gigs according to your preferences and translate your creativity is the Ditto X4 Looper from TC Electronic. Built on the great features of the original Ditto Looper, this model comes with extra specs that will significantly enhance your music experience.
The pedal is not only easy to use thanks to its simplistic design and user-friendly display of controls but it also offers a pristine sound quality you can hardly experience with other products on the market.
The dual loop tracks will help you create multi-track compositions whereas the 7 loop FX will give you even more freedom to customize your sound. Thanks to the MIDI Sync and Stereo I/O featured, you can easily use it for live performances. The item comes with a USB cable so you can import and export loops.
Pros
If you’re looking for a multi-effect pedal to give a new sound to your gigs and express your creativity, the Ditto X4 Looper is the right choice for you.
A modern remake of the original Ditto Looper and boasting most of the previous model’s features, the new product features extra specs designed to embellish your sound on stage and boost your music experience.
The simple design and the user-friendly display make this guitar pedal easy to use, even by inexperienced musicians.
You can fully customize your sound thanks to 7 Loop FX, while the dual loop tracks will allow for multi-track compositions.
Cons
Despite the great qualities of this product, it is not a fully reliable one. Even after closely following the manufacturer’s instructions and user guide, you may still find that the pedal doesn’t respond fast enough or according to the commands you are sending.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($259)
2. Line 6 M9 Stompbox Modeler Guitar Multi Effects Pedal
If you’re looking for memorable stompbox tones, an old-school design as well as ultra-portability, the M9 model from Line 6 is worth considering. The product will help you customize your gigs and find the sonic shape of your creativity through an easy-to-use design and a rich variety of effects.
You get more than 100 vintage and modern stompbox effects and a 28-second looper. You can thus use the reverbs, delays, distortions, filters, and mods that meet your preferences best and create your own music. This model is three FX units in one, which means you can use up to three effects at the same time.
Thanks to the total control you have over the effect type and arrangement, you get the chance to create your own blends and try all sorts of combinations. The dedicated knobs will make it easy to explore limitless sonic possibilities and the MIDI in/out will allow scene backup.
Pros
If the price is no concern for you when investing in music gear, we suggest that you take a look at the new Line 6 M9 Stompbox as it boasts over 75 stompbox effects, making your guitar sound unique.
The product allows you to use up to 3 effects at once and have other 3 ready to use when you want, which makes the overall experience more calculated and reliable.
The 28-second looper features dedicated footswitches for Play/Stop, Play Once, Record/Overdub, Undo/Redo, and others.
The total pedal control allows you to customize your sound, picking the effect type and arrangement of your desire, meaning you can easily create new blends, record them and use them in your later shows, and experiment with new sounds.
Cons
From what we have noticed, the parameter number 5, usually the one designated for output or mix seems to have a personality of its own as it doesn’t respond too well to your commands.
Buy from Amazon.com
3. MXR EVH 5150 Overdrive · Guitar Effect
In case versatility is what you’re interested in, the EVH5150 from MXR might be just what you need. Designed in collaboration with Eddie Van Halen, this model is committed to providing the player with a great range of hyper-driven tones and a user-friendly design.
The product boasts multi-stage MOSFETs and comes with various controls that will enable the musician to enjoy overdriven tube-like tones as well as enhanced flexibility. The controls were designed to help players dial up a wide range of tones from classic to super-articulate ones.
With the help of the Output and Gain controls, you will be able to choose your volume and distortion levels whereas the 3-band EQ section will enable you to further shape the sounds you create. To tame unwanted noise, you need to use the Gate control. For extra gain and compression, the product sports a Boost switch. Moreover, the player also gets true bypass switching.
Pros
Designed in close collaboration with musician and composer Eddie Van Halen (hence the EVH initials), this device is extremely versatile, allowing you to create a large number of unique effects and experiment with new sounds while rehearsing or on stage.
It features a user-friendly design which makes it easy to use, even by less experienced musicians, as well as a wide range of hyper-driven tones.
The controls are created to help you dial up a wide range of tones from the more classic ones that you usually encounter in the soft rock songs to super-articulated ones, designed for the metalheads.
The Output and Gain controls allow you to adjust the distortion levels and the volume, while the 3-band EQ section helps you shape new sounds.
Cons
Although we appreciate the sturdy construction and the wide selection of customizable sounds it delivers, the pedal is slightly let down by its tone. In other words, you may hear an uncontrollable fizz that cannot be removed from the EQ settings.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($199.99)
4. Carl Martin Multi Effects Pedal
Because the classic guitar tones have lost prominence once the digital era of guitar amps and effects started to gain attention and conquer the market, Carl Martin created the Quattro model that includes the four best-known effects signed by the artist. The great flexibility the player gets to enjoy is not the only great thing about this model. The item is also easy to use.
The unit boasts four main sections, just as the name suggests it: Compressor, Overdrives, Tremolo, and Echo. Each section comes with various controls that ensure versatility and a great flexibility. For instance, you get single controls for compression and level in the Compressor circuit and switches for on/off as well as tone and level controls in the Overdrives section.
Designed with ease of use in mind, the product also features a high-quality onboard regulated +/-12V power supply and offers quiet switching. It measures 21.5 x 8 x 4.2 inches and weighs 4.41 pounds.
Pros
The Quatro model includes Carl Martin’s best four known effects signed by the artist, in an attempt to fight against the digital era of guitar amps that have conquered the market in the past two decades.
The product is easy to use and provides increased flexibility, making it a reliable pedal you can count on while on stage.
The unit boasts four main sections – Echo, Compressor, Overdrives, and Tremolo, each coming with various controls to increase their versatility and flexibility.
Another thing that we liked is that, despite its wide variety of functions offered, the device remains compact and lightweight, weighing little over 4 pounds, meaning you can easily carry it with you anywhere you go.
Cons
If you’re clumsy or not in the right state of mind while on stage, the chicken-head knobs might be a challenge to adjust using your feet.
It may not be perfect but few models boast the same rugged construction, lightweight feel, and variety of functions within the same price range.
Click to see the price on Amazon!
5. Line 6 M13 Stompbox Modeler
Ease of use and great versatility are the main features to describe the M13 model from Line 6. If you want to enjoy a full-featured looper and the most popular stompbox sounds in one package, then this product might be of your interest.
Sporting a full collection of memorable stompbox FX, a simple design, and a solid build, this model is committed to taking your sonic experience to the next level. The item teems with more than 100 reverbs, delays, distortions, and filters including pitch effects and wahs. The great thing is that you can use up to four models at the same time and in any combination and order.
Another important feature that makes this product worth considering is the ease of use. You will get to enjoy endless sonic combinations without complicated menus. Moreover, you are also able to adjust your sounds while overdubbing and looping thanks to the dedicated footswitches.
Pros
If you’re looking for an item to help you fully customize your sound on stage, the new M13 stompbox features over 100 FX, 18 distortions, 26 filters, 22 mods, 19 delays, and a universal tap tempo.
Thanks to its unique design, you can use up to four FX at once in any combination or order you want, meaning you can truly elevate your performance and create new sounds.
The simple design and user-friendly interface make this unit easy to use, even by those less experienced in the field.
You can adjust your sounds while looping and overdubbing with the help of the dedicated footswitches that are easy to access while on stage.
Cons
You can still hear the digital conversion while using this device, which is not something all musicians will appreciate.
Although we appreciated the rugged and sturdy construction of the pedal, the footswitches seem of poor quality and flimsy.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($325)
6. Soul POG
If you’re interested in getting a model that will provide you with the effects of an overdrive pedal, you might want to consider the Soul Pog from Electro-Harmonix. Combining the Soul Food Overdrive and Nano POG Polyphonic Octave Generator in one stylish package, the pedal is committed to providing the musician with versatility and ease of use.
The Soul Food pedal delivers transparent overdrive offering great response and headroom whereas the Nano POG sports a polyphonic sub-octave and octave up offering accurate tracking and the possibility to choose from two different octave-up sounds.
The player can use the two pedals together or independently. They can be placed first in the chain yet with the FX loop, you can also insert other pedals between them. The item measures 8 x 3.5 x 7 inches, weighs 1.95 pounds, and comes with the EHX9.6DC-200 power supply. Considering its dimensions, it is easy to carry and add to your gear, which makes it ideal even for travel guitars.
Pros
Combining two units in one, the Nano POG Polyphonic Octave Generator and the Soul Food Overdrive, this device provides maximum versatility to its users and is easy to work with.
It offers the effects you would normally get in an overdrive pedal within a stylish package that will look good on stage.
The Soul Food pedal delivers great response and headroom while the Nano POG boasts a polyphonic octave and sub-octave, counting for accurate tracking.
One of the best features of this model is that you can use the two pedals independently or together, counting for increased versatility and increased freedom in picking the sound you want.
Cons
When using some of the modes, your electric guitar might sound a bit clogged, as if the sound coming out is choked by the pedal and doesn’t deliver its full intensity. If you don’t mind the low tonality, then this product will be of great use for you.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($286)
7. Digitech Element XP Digital Multi-FX Pedal
With this model from DigiTech, you get to explore new sonic possibilities and create excellent guitar tones. The Element XP guitar multi-effect pedal was designed to help players find their own sounds and try new exciting sound combinations using just one pedal.
Featuring 37 stompbox sounds, 12 amps, 9 speaker cabinets, and 100 presets, this model is ideal for players interested in flexibility and variety. It allows musicians to build and save up to 100 custom presets. The item also comes with a guitar tuner and dedicated headphone jack to enable you to practice without disturbing the people around you.
Thanks to the pedalboard style layout and editor, you can easily and quickly adjust the settings according to your needs and preferences. Sporting a 1/4″ a guitar input along with a stereo 1/4″ output jack, the pedal can be connected to an amp or a mixer to enable direct recording.
Pros
The “all in one” design counts for an FX pedal with headphone output and a digital amp modeler, ensuring increased versatility and customized design, according to your preferences.
You can choose between 200 different presets (100 of your own and another 100 factory-set), as well as from 20 tones/FX bank combinations, meaning you can play with the device as much as you want and come up with unique sounds for every one of your guitar solos.
The built-in chromatic tuner will help you easily keep your guitar tuned and playing accurately. The product also features a built-in expression pedal and comes with an included power supply.
If you want to add a touch of drama to your guitar solos, you will find the built-in drum machine extremely useful to express your feelings. It comes with 45 high-quality drum patterns you can choose from.
Cons
The device isn’t shipped with a user manual but you can find one online, on the manufacturer’s website.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($159)
8. Zoom G1xon/UK Multi Effects Pedal for Guitar
Designed to provide guitarists with new ways to play and get creative, the G3Xn Multi-Effects Processor from Zoom teems with a great variety of effects that can flavor one’s music and tickle any musician’s imagination.
Including 5 realistic amp models, a built-in expression pedal, and 5 cabinet emulators, this model is an option you might want to bear in mind if reaching a higher level in your sonic journey is what you want. The model is loaded with 70 high-quality digital effects and allows players to recreate guitar tones or try new sounds thanks to the 75 custom-designed patches.
The product is the ideal practice rig due to the 68 built-in rhythm patterns that allow solo performances. The G3Xn also comes with an onboard looper that will enable you to record and overdub 80-second phases. The expression pedal included gives you control over tone, volume, and other parameters.
Pros
If you’re looking for an effect pedal that can help you play and express your creativity while on stage, this product features a wide array of effects to spice up your guitar solos and tickle your imagination.
It includes a built-in expression pedal, 5 realistic amp models, and 5 cabinet emulators, on top of the 70 high-quality digital effects, meaning you can customize your sound and create new ones every time you’re touching your electric guitar.
If your stage performance still needs improvement, the effect pedal represents a great practicing unit thanks to the 68 built-in rhythm patterns for your solo performances.
Last but not least, we also enjoyed the onboard looper that allows you to record and overdub phases of 80 seconds, more than you would normally find in a device within this price range.
Cons
The product isn’t dual-voltage so make sure your energy outlet is the right one or you risk breaking it before even using it.
Buy from Amazon.com
9. Keeley Dark Side Effects Pedal
They say effects are a great way of translating your creativity and emotions. The Dark Side model from Keeley was designed to simplify the transition of your feelings into the sonic realm. Providing all the textures players need to capture their essence, the pedal boasts a stylish and easy-to-use design to further enhance the musician’s experience.
The pedal combines vibrant modulation effects, fuzzy tones, and multi-head tape-style delay, which makes it perfect for players interested in getting psychedelic and classic rock tones. The unit is based on a 1977 op-amp fuzz circuit and is committed to delivering maximum clarity and sustain.
With this model, you get 12 syncopated delay patterns and 4 other effects in the Modulation section including the Rotary Speaker, Flanger, Phaser, and U-Vibe effects. Thanks to the Order switch, you can easily change the order of your effects. The item offers the possibility to connect an expression pedal so you can enjoy even wilder tones.
Pros
Welcome to the dark side of the effect pedals where you get maximum flexibility to express your voice (well, at least your guitar’s sound) on stage. The item was created to turn your feelings into sounds and help you create new ones.
The pedal combines multi-head tape-style delays with fuzzy tones and modulation effects, making it the perfect device for those who enjoy the psychedelic vibes of classic rock and metal.
Based on an op-amp fuzz circuit pretty popular in the 1970s, the new model keeps the retro touch but adds more clarity and sustainability to your sounds.
The Order Switch is a welcomed feature that allows you to easily change the order of your effects to create unique sounds. And, if you’re feeling wild, you can even connect an additional express pedal.
Cons
We know that no product is perfect but we couldn’t find a drawback worth mentioning after reviewing this Keeley device. Maybe we have already converted to the Dark Side.
Buy from Amazon.com for ($299)
Yearly Guide & Report
No matter if you are a beginner or an advanced player looking for the best effects pedal for guitars, your shopping might be burdened by the great variety of products the stores offer these days. Not to mention the different specs pedals come with.
Whether you’re looking for bass pedals, a new delay pedal to get the best out of your acoustic electric guitar, or a cheap guitar multi effects pedal, there are various things you need to bear in mind and use as guidance when browsing the products today’s market offers. We have highlighted the top features you need to consider in order to find the multi-effects pedal that best serves your needs.
Effects
We’re talking about multi-effects pedals, so it’s obvious they are about effects yet the different models you will find will feature different effects. So, this means you need to filter them by keeping in mind the effects you need for your practice and gigs. Some pedals will come with modulation and distortion effects whereas others focus more on vintage effects.
Furthermore, some products are loaded with great numbers of different effects and are designed to meet the needs of eclectic guitarists. You will find pedals that boast amp models and even drum machines. If you’re new to this field and you still don’t know what effects to go for, you can ease your process by considering other effects-related aspects such as the number of effects you can use at the same time.
There are pedals that allow only one effect at a time while other models like some of the ones reviewed above enable the player to use three or more effects simultaneously. Also, you might want to look for a pedal that allows you to change the order of the effects and if you’re interested in enhanced control over them, consider a pedal that comes with separate control knobs and even expression pedals.
Audio connectivity
All such pedals come with the standard guitar in and amp out connections. You will also find models that offer a bunch of other options regarding connectivity. There are pedals that have line outs, simulated outputs, effects loops, amp control, and digital outs, just to name a few. Usually, the more in-depth connectivity, the higher the price.
If you’re at your first pedal or you’re simply looking for a pedalboard replacement, a pedal featuring the basic inputs and perhaps an amp channel control should be enough. In case you want to level up your experience and get most of your sound from the effects unit, you might want to consider a product that offers more as far as connectivity is regarded.
The same goes if you’re looking for a complete amp replacement. You will need a pedal that features line outs. They can be either balanced ¼” outs or XLR outputs. No matter the type you go for, you will enjoy the high-grade audio experience you want.
Digital connections
Different models offer different ways to digitally connect up your rigs. There are multi-effects pedals that offer additional control through external connections whereas some models work as audio interfaces that will allow you to record into your computer with no other hardware needed.
You will find products with USB ports. Such items usually allow players to download presets from other artists and even load their own pieces. Since not all of them offer both options, it is best to examine the individual specs of the units you have set your eyes on.
MIDI ports are generally found on high-end units. They are great at offering you control over all of your effects and amp emulations either from a MIDI controller or a separate computer. Then you will also find the S/PDIF connection which allows you to digitally send the audio to your audio interface or mixing desk. You can take full advantage of it if you use a high-end premium interface and a digital converter, though.
Size
The whole idea behind multi-effects pedals is that you use one to replace a complex and large pedalboard with a single unit that will do it all for you. The purpose of such a pedal is to help you get creative and versatile when playing without requiring too much space. It is made to get you multiple effects delivered by other pedals in just one body.
Although most multi-effects pedals are compact, there are some models that are not that small. Check its dimensions before placing an order. Also, think of the situations that will call for such a pedal. Will you be traveling a lot? Do you need it small enough to fit in a pedalboard? The answers to these questions will make it easier to go for the right pedal.
Body and design
Since a multi-effects pedal will replace various other pedals, it means it will be heavily used. This calls for a solid body that will keep up with your practice sessions and live performances. Look for durable units that will stand the test of time. You don’t want a pedal you will have to replace soon given the fact that many of them are not that affordable.
Plus, if you are a beginner, you might want to opt for a design that is user-friendly and will make your new music experience enjoyable and easy. You can upgrade to something more complex when you advance and get better at using effects.
Bibliography:
1) Guitar effects pedals explained
2) Must Know Things About Guitar Pedals For Beginners
3) How to Connect a Guitar Pedal
4) Studio effects and early stand alone units
Which one among zoom g3xn and g5n would be better?