Single effects vs. multiple effects processors

David Doggett · Posted 8 Nov 2004 11:59 am

Has anyone ever directly compared classic single effect stomp boxes with the new digital multiple effects emulators such as POD XT? I am specifically thinking about fuzz/overdrive pedals such as Ibanez Tube Screamer vs the POD XT emulation of the Tube Screamer. Do they sound the same, even at top volume? Inquiring minds want to know.

Billy McCoy · From: Ft. Worth, Texas, USA

Hey David,

I have not tried the overdrives in the POD XT for my steel. (on live work).
I have in the studio...and it works great!

As we all know...studio and stage are different scenarios. It really depends on your ear and amp set up you are using.

Also, how much noise is acceptable.
The tube screamer that is made today sounds different than the one made famous by rock bands in the 70's.
The POD XT models the earlier version of the Tube Screamer. (without the noise)

I had to turn down the TONE knob on the POD version ...and always had to turn the TONE knob up on my 80's model Tube Screamer.

So, let your ears be the judge.
Obviously, a stomp box costs less than the POD XT....but you can't really use that stomp box in a studio situation and be happy with it. You will be able to do a LOT of different things with the POD XT.

Look forward to hear what you decide on.

b

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MSA Millennium D10, Walker Stereo Steel, Stone Tree Custom Tele, LINE 6 Vetta II and POD XT PRO

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

Hey David, I have gone away from the stomp boxes as I was getting tired of buying and changing batteries !

I use an old Peavey PROFEX and have edited a few effects for gig use..mostly Delay/Reverb..
but I have fooled with the CRUNCHY sounds.

I'm thinking that somewhere inside these POD's and rack mount units is everything you are looking for..and more..but ya gotta spend the time to find it..and tweak it in..

I don't think having 2 or 3 stomp boxes in a row is a good thing for the signal chain..

Sometimes I edit the variables as I am playing to adjust to the stage..but mostly the effects that I have edited and saved are pretty close to what I will use during the gig..

I went the cheap way and built a small floor standing PINE case for the rack effects..

here it is..totally gig ready..

No Batteries..the only way to go..

The POD XT is a great unit , it does it all..but I would opt for the rack mount..

[This message was edited by Tony Prior on 09 November 2004 at 02:47 AM.]

David Doggett · Posted 9 Nov 2004 6:34 am

Thanks for the opinions, guys. I had a POD XT that was stolen. Since I only used the reverb and occassionally the Tube Screamer for rock and blues, I was thinking about just getting a fuzz stomp box to go along with the digitech reverb I have. This would be a cheaper and simpler rig. But I hate batteries; and having a power strip with all the wall warts plugged into it is messy. Also, if I ever decide to try another effect, such as delay or chorus, then I might as well go ahead and get another POD XT. It would sway my decision toward a single fuzz stomp box if it in any way sounds better. And it would sway me toward a POD XT if it emulates the stomp box adequately.

My experience with POD XT through a NV 400 was not good. The tube amp emulations only sounded good up to moderate volumes, but at high volume it all sounded like the stressed out solid state amp I was playing through. I didn't get a chance to play much with the stomp box emulations, but I'm worried they will have the same problem as the amp emulations. On the other hand, I now play through a Dual Showman or a Super Twin amp head, so I no longer have to worry about the tube sound, as long as I want it clean. But of course those amps don't overdrive, so I need a fuzz stomp box for rock and blues. Thus, my question about whether a POD XT fuzz emulation will sound as good through my tube amps as a stand-alone stomp box.

Any more opinions?

Billy McCoy · From: Ft. Worth, Texas, USA

David....
You can turn off the amp modeling in the POD XT when running through the front of your amp. It will NOT sound right if you don't turn the amp modeling off.

I used mine (POD XT) today with Steel and my Black Face Deluxe (Fender)...Although I don't use any overdrive tones usually...I tested this as well today. Come to the conclusion that it sounded better than my stand alone tube screamer with LESS NOISE.

Hope this helps out.

b

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MSA Millennium D10, Walker Stereo Steel, Stone Tree Custom Tele, LINE 6 Vetta II and POD XT PRO

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