Are large sound processors becoming extinct?

Fred Layman · Post by **Fred Layman** » 7 May 2002 8:19 pm

I noticed at the recent Chattanooga show that only about 1/3 of the performers were using larger sound processors like ProfexII, Transtubefex, etc. Most were using small foot units, e.g., Boss. Is there a significant move away from these larger sound processors? If so, why? Those of you using the smaller foot units, what is preferred? Why?

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 7 May 2002 8:52 pm

Since Bobbe Seymour turned me on to the Boss RV-3 I don't need anything else. Beats the amp reverb hands down.

Michael Johnstone · Post by **Michael Johnstone** » 7 May 2002 11:16 pm

I have a Boss SE-70 Multi-fx unit in one of my stage racks - the one w/my IVL midi rig etc and I've worked up some nice presets on it.But 90% of what I use it for is the digital reverb,so on a normal bread&butter country bar gig,I prefer to leave that rack home and just use a little Alesis NanoVerb sitting on top of my Nash 400.It sounds great and fits in my pac-a-seat.

Chip Fossa · Post by **Chip Fossa** » 8 May 2002 12:42 am

I too, have a Boss RV-3 and wholeheartedly agree with Kevin, that this great little unit
has about all I would want/need for 'effects'
and is unequivically better than any of the stock reverbs coming thru amps today. [except for maybe the old Fender Twin Reverb reverb]...still haven't found a unit yet that can duplicate the Fender's depth/richness/clarity.

I have a Vegas 400 and an Evans 500 and although these are great steel amps, quite frankly, their respective reverbs stink.
JMHO[This message was edited by CHIP FOSSA on 08 May 2002 at 01:44 AM.]

Rusty Walker · Post by **Rusty Walker** » 8 May 2002 2:09 am

I've never used a large sound processor-I guess because of size.I have an Alesis for reverb and an MXR Dynacomp which I like for attack and sustain.But I'd like to find a good chorus pedal for stage.I practice thru a Rockman RX100 which has a great chorus sound but have no idea which brand pedal would give me that sound thru my amp.Anyone have a suggestion? The Sound I'm looking for is not a wobbily sound as I've heard some players get with chorus-but a shimmering effect.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 8 May 2002 7:11 am

I have a Tube Works rack mounted set up. This has a spring reverb in it. I recently acquired a Lexicon MPX 200. I am going to use the compressor, delay and chorus that this unit will provide. You'd have to string out quite a few floor units to get all these effects.

Uff-Da!

Keith Hilton · Post by **Keith Hilton** » 8 May 2002 2:16 pm

Hello Fred, I have been wondering where you were. Large multi-effect processors are really becoming smaller and somewhat easier to operate. All of these effect units are made for the standard guitar market. If you look at what the standard guitar player is using, you will see really small multi-effect units that do an amazing number of things. In many cases the technology is way beyond the ability of the beginning musician. The techonology is also beyond those that don't want to take the time to "fully" understand how to program the new multi-effect units. Many units take time to understand. Once you do understand how to program a unit, and get a nice sound at home, that same sound can be terrible out on the job. Case in point, I programmed an Alesis Quadra Verb to sound wonderful at the house. Went to my first job at a big night club in Kansas City and the sound was so terrible I had to disconnect the unit. You not only have to know how to program a unit, but trouble shoot and get a good sound quickly. Peavey helped this problem for steel players with pre-set programs, and this has worked for me. I just can't tell you how many steel players I have run into that don't know that on the Peavey ProFexII there is a volume on the front, one in back, and one on each part of each individual program. I feel the simpler, individual effects are coming back. Why,you might wonder; Because they are less expensive and the beginning musician can understand and use them without knowing much. They can be set up and programed quickly. Least we forget, the vast number of musicians are beginners. I have really been surprised that multi-effect units have got as complex as they have. This market is also flooded and I look for many of them to go out of business. I don't understand how the beginning musician could even start to understand how to program some of these units. Some of these units come with books as thick as the bible. Looks to me like it would be a nighmare for the manufacturer, as they would have to educate so many people. People calling in saying, "Hey I just bought this multi-effect unit and it distorts!" The real reason it distorts is because the guy who bought the unit doesn't know how to run it. The manufacturer then has to take the time and resources to educate the user. Mike Brown does this job for Peavey every day.

John Flewellen · Post by **John Flewellen** » 11 May 2002 8:11 pm

I have a 21 space rack set up for guitar with all sorts of 'digital' multi effects. But I also have a tray that holds 3 or 4 analog pedals that I can make part of the loop. Sometimes analog just sounds better. There are very few analog rack mount multi effects units. BTW, I use a Nashville 1000 with no effects except for a little reverb for pedal steel. I haven't tried the rack for steel. I personally don't like the sound of a steel through a processor. But that's me.

winston · Post by **winston** » 12 May 2002 6:51 am

Fred, Most people do what they see other people do. What they see the big boys use they use too, not realizing the big boys do not need to use anything. Everyone wants to sound like someone else so they think they can buy the sound, not wanting to work for it. Gadgets can be bought but good sound and tones can't. BTW I am now using an RV-3.

Steve Feldman · Post by **Steve Feldman** » 12 May 2002 9:05 am

I've got a kick a$$ stereo rack system with a wonderful Lexicon processor that sounds so good it almost hurts! I also have a Fender Vibrasonic combo that I use with just a touch of reverb and a healthy dose of delay with a Boss DD-3. BTW, I personally don't care for the sound of the RV-3 reverb ...too digital/harsh compared to either the Lex or the Fender, but then, I generally prefer delay, anyway.

In any event, the rack system is just about as good as it gets (to me...), but it just depends on what I feel like lugging around.

I doubt I'll be giving up on the rack processor system anytime soon. You can add so many interesting and fun dimensions with the Lex - or you can dial in some interesting crunch with the Mesa Boogie V-Twin preamp, for that matter - that that in and of itself is reason enough to keep it, IMO. Sure, it sounds teriffic, but it's also just plain fun to fool around with. [This message was edited by Steve Feldman on 12 May 2002 at 10:09 AM.]

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 12 May 2002 10:09 am

I use my Stereo Steel rig with a Digitech Quad 4 processor when I can take it with me. But most steel shows that I play (like Chattanooga) are farther away than I care to drive, so I fly out and can't take any of that with me, so on such shows, I just bring my RV-3.

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The "Master of Acceptable Tone"
www.jimcohen.com