Beginner Guitar Multi FX Shootout - Boss GT-1, Line 6 Pod Go, HeadRush MX5 & More!

[@johnconnearnmusic]

Guitarists are spoilt nowadays for sure, I know which I’d pick!

[@Quinceps]

I agree, but still calling that a beginner level piece of gear? 😅

[@snoolee7950]

and which one is that

[@j.jester7821]

lots of rich kids these days. sadly way more poor kids too. plug your guitar straight into a good amp for change. you will be pleased and spend more time practicing for sure.

[@michaelcarey5568]

@@snoolee7950 I think anyone would be crazy not to pick the HR MX 5! The emulation is far superior, as they mentioned in the video you're getting the same chips that are put in higher-end models without loosing too much else for the price-point.

[@86lanzo]

It all depends on what you like and what sounds better to do..i had the full fat headrush pedal board and didnt like it the sounds were meh and it was a tank to carry round..i sold it and got a pod go..now looking to go from the pod go to the valetongp200

[@cchavez248]

When you first introduced this series with Digital John, I thought it was going to be limiting and corny, but these have come to be some of the most informative and entertaining videos! I now look forward to seeing Digital John on the thumbnails. P.S.. We also love our Dave Simpson and Queenie vids! Anderton's has winners who have ably stepped in and filled the shoes of legends!

[@christopher-miles]

right on, man!

[@johnconnearnmusic]

Really appreciate this Curtis - cheers!

[@blessedheavyelements8544]

@@johnconnearnmusic Hey! Kudos to you. You have a nice, honest presentation style with no BS "awesome" fake crap. Best or luck to you lad and Best Regards and Best Wishes for your career!

[@michevanessen]

Agreed! Been watching this for ages - I love it when this spontaneously comes together!

[@seaningtime]

I also think he did a great job 👍

[@eduardorivera8996]

Digital John sound byte slays me everytime

[@RayC234]

"Everything's better with Reverb" needs to be a tee shirt.

[@msh6865]

Unless you never use reverb.

[@danielspangler8358]

Another one would be " drums are just triggers for reverb".

[@davea9406]

Also one with “nobody likes it dry” 😅

[@TomPapasBread]

​@@davea9406"Still waiting for the next Wet release..."

[@davecooper360]

Wet Ass Production

[@gibsonguitarplayer]

I played a bunch, but it took me less than 2 minutes on the GT1 to get a massive Marshall tone. $199 at Sweetwater shipped. Set up a few Marshall patches, a Recto, and best of all the Boss Power Drive!!!! Throw in the tube screamer, a little chorus and the Tara Echo and played it live through the PA. Best tone in years!!!

[@greg6162]

Nice! Started playing 6-months ago and I just joined a 3/pc pop-punk band w/co workers that jam. My THR10II won’t cut through the drummer so I’m gonna get a Boss MKII 50 (or MKII 100) and I have no pedals. What would be a good all around pedal ($300 range) that has a looper to pair with that. I don’t have a working PC currently so something I could shape the tone with just the pedal would be ideal. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated 🙏… I’m gonna get a tube amp eventually, but all this gear confuses me. Help 😮

[@michaelmay9059]

I will definitely be buying the boss gt1 as it also allows me to play street fighter 2!

[@johnengland2996]

😂

[@kotogray8335]

30 years ago I was one of the first to buy a Digitech GSP 2101 with foot controller. It was phenomenal and had the most amazing amount of sound and control anyone had ever developed. I fell in love with it and used it for years live and in the studio. People were always commenting on how good the clean tones were and how raunchy it could get all directly into a sound board. I still have it and reminisce every time I see the newest multi-effect unit come out because I don't think anyone has ever topped it in any way

[@Allguitarinfo]

It was cool..and to each their own. But Fractal,,,, Helix,, kemper ,, Are pretty dumb hood. He'll even a spark sounds as good as the old gear

[@algrundau9441]

I feel the same exact way about my Vox ToneLab le......Johnson J--Station and POD 2.0.......Seriously!!!!.....I am not some cheapo that doesn't like spending money...(I do)....It's just I STILL have not heard a massive improvement, as long as the speakers, cabinet, cables ect. are good. I am good to go.

[@georgestevens1502]

Ditto my Zoom G1 I got for $54 in 2006. I blend phaser and flanger with it, and like several tweakable OD/distortion settings. Thinking if getting the inexpensive Vox for it's rotary setting.

[@HenryMusic255]

Same for my Digitech RP355, the sound is still phenomenal & it’s built like a tank, 9 years in

[@juanvazquez23]

Love the editing. The fighting game in the display of the boss was great!

[@MarcCoteMusic]

I currently use 2 Boss GT-1 and a Mooer GE200. I've been gigging them for years without issue and both models sound really good when you take the time to dial in your presets. One of the things I most appreciated about both units was the fairly new (at the time) feature of being able to assign multiple parameters and functions to the Control switches and expression pedal. My typical patch will bring in a drive pedal with the Control button. The pedal is usually assigned three functions which will simultaneously increase the gain and the amp volume as well as increase the volume of the delay for solos. The pedal, when at its lowest setting is my rhythm volume (rather than the usual 'silent') and the highest pedal setting is my lead tone and volume. That's what has worked for me. EDIT: Having watched the video I have a couple of additional thoughts... 1) I think the Mooer GE200 would have been a better choice because it's more in line with the budget nature of the shootout... assuming that model is still available. 2) The Line 6 and Valeton were underwhelming. 3) The Boss GT-1 Marshall patch held its own against the Headrush and Mooer... Indeed, while I liked the Headrush (and I used to have an Eleven Rack, on which it is based), I feel no real desire to get one. Until (and if) I can afford a Kemper floor or some Fractal Audio or Neural DSP unit, I suppose I'm OK sticking with what I have.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

@Pero R - Different strokes for different folks... Your opinion is as valid as mine.

[@KennethDonnellyStargazer21]

Valeton done by another reviewer on yt is ...impressive. So agree about the marshall 1, with others and gt1 is sweet

[@stingylizard]

Nice video on these pedals! We've used them all and prefer the GT-1 thanks to the killer COSM engine and portable power via batteries. Connect a GT-1 and a battery operated vocal pedal into a Mackie ThumpGo battery powered PA cabinet (or two) and you can play Voodoo Chile remotely on your local mountain top. Sooo much fun --- thanks,Boss👍

[@Milez5858]

The Boss GT-1 is one of the few that can be run on battery power making it a great choice for busking/mobile setups. I use it with a Bose S1 Pro and together they make an effective and long lasting mobile combo.

[@lekkerblankastudio]

good point!

[@furoraguitars]

Zoom ms50g is king in mobile situations.

[@MartinCraneRockbeast]

Now everything that has 9v can be ran on battery?

[@randyespeleta9252]

@@furoraguitarsno one is king

[@sh4rkbyt3]

Out of all of them Pod Go seems to have the most friendly user-interface by far.

[@joseespinoza7777]

I feel like that is the best start for beginners to multi fx and digital stuff

[@sh4rkbyt3]

@@joseespinoza7777 I agree. I have the Helix which is a lot to learn, almost too much to be honest but so many good sounds too.

[@IamMusicNerd]

What’s great about the GT-1 is that it is so small and still has the pedal integrated. So I use mine on my pedal board for mainly the volume/wah pedal, and all the extra effects that I do not have room for on my main board. So I mainly use it for things like phlanger, phaser, pitch shift, harmonizer, etc, but I use my real pedals for the OD, EQ, etc. The other multi-effects units are either too big for my board, or do not have the integrated pedal.

[@TheDilligan]

I've thought about doing that with other pedals like it. Just treating it as a "fill-in-the-blank" pedal.

[@GUSCRAWF0RD]

U put it on a what?!?? Blasphemous! No I agree it makes a versatile stand in or a whole board itself

[@EmDzejFrom1980]

Gt-1 you can use with a bare foot for others you need to ware something.

[@breidbee]

Haven’t watched the whole video yet- One thing worth mentioning about the MX5 is that it has the most DSP and the most flexible effects routing out of all of these. This allows you to have multiple reverbs, delays, really anything you want. This is a big win over something like the Pod go. (I own and love both fwiw)

[@martin-1965]

Yeah the MX5 is not really in the "beginner" ranks to be honest and unless you are a fully pro session or gigging musician, it does everything when it comes to recording perfectly well without the need to mic up cabs at decent volumes in a home studio. Still wish they'd sort out a computer application as that 4 inch screen can be an arse to deal with at times, but sounds wise - with ability to use IRs - it's a damn fine box of tricks. Not got any complaints.

[@gordospeti]

Let me please ask a question! Can U get overdriven sounds at lower volumes with digital multi fx's than with overdrive pedals? My tube combos are way too loud for home usage, my JC-40 with Plumes OD is moderate, but could earn overdriven sounds at even lower volumes with these multi fx's? Thanx very much.

[@breidbee]

@@gordospeti It depends on how you use the multi effects. As far as I know, if you use it like a traditional OD pedal into an amp it should behave the same as any other overdrive pedal. But, If you were to use it into just the power section of your JC-40 by going into the effects return and use the amp modeling on the MX-5, you could theoretically have the volume of the rig as low you want I would think.

[@gordospeti]

@@breidbee I have been thinking of buying the MX5, and I would connect its outputs with one or two studio monitor(s). What do U think?

[@breidbee]

@@gordospeti That should work just fine! It works well with flat response speakers

[@steved1099]

Of note if youre considering these models.... updates can make a huge difference. I have no brand loyalty. l have the pod go, and the cabs and tones are vastly expanded and improved with the most recent updates. Some companies never update the units. Worth considering before you buy

[@akzdb]

I will add a few more things to the GT1 because I have it and I know the things it has. the output setting turns the cabinet on or off, plus it has all the effects that are outside, and many more in the effects chain inside, and the assignments are the best part. the worst part is not being able to load IR, but you will never have problems with running out of memory, as happens with the Zoom G3xn. in the case of the GT1, you can use all the effects if you wish

[@PikaStu666]

Shout out for the NuX MG-30, holds its own against the bigger named units

[@5150show]

Yep , I,got this too

[@MrAntisound]

I had that, i don't think it does.. even the Boss GT-1 still destroys it in quality.

[@randyespeleta9252]

Mg30? Nah.

[@NEWTONBRAHMA-gb7nu]

Destroys in which feature/sound ​@@MrAntisound

[@zaporoshti3392]

you can add mooer cab x2 at the end of boss gt1 to give it the capability to install IR files.

[@peternorthedge1058]

Even if you don't want to adjust the multiple tone-shaping options in the Pod Go presets to get it to sound the way you like with your amp and other hardware, there's a simple Global EQ option in the menus which lets you quickly shape the overall tone of all presets in one hit - so it's easy to quickly add or remove any perceived hump or notch in, say, the mid-range.

[@CL_Audio_Tuning]

Thank you guys, now i have to go back to rewatching all the shoot outs for the PodGo vs the GP200! Dang it! Well done guys! And thanks! :D

[@n3ssaya972]

That's what I was doing and then ended up buying the Boss GX-100, zero regrets.

[@georgebluestorm2439]

I own the GT1 and MX5 and also a few analog pedals Since the day I got my headrush I stopped using everything else, i just plug my amps for rehelsals or whenever i need to be heard, most of the time I just plug my monitoring headphones into my MX5 and play. GT1 is pretty decent but the MX5 just outshines it in a lot of aspects, the looper being one of them.

[@taketwo-e5u]

The Pod Go also has microphone selection and select distance from the speaker cab and IR's and a reasonable selection of inputs and outputs. The Line 6 has a expression pedal which can be used as many things. Love the stomp mode with 6 pedals. Toch screens can be fiddly.

[@taketwo-e5u]

Also, like the headrush, the Pod Go is a smaller version of the big brother Helix it has the same sounds which you suggested it was a modler in its own right.

[@ericwarrington6650]

Yes!! Thanks guys! Hey Cap! Hey Digi John! I've been hoping for this kinda shootout..15 months ago I took the guitar back up after 14 years away from playing..I started w my 2020 PRS custom 24 se in charcoal burst..the Boss katana mk2 50 and boss gt1 processor...and a couple boss cables..I absolutely love this unit even w no fancy interface, touch screen,etc..the versatility, minimal approach and killer boss effect and engine from the bigger units..cosm amp modeling..very basic cab emulation... USB interface built in..boss tone studio..looper..tuner...Ive been making custom patches for last cpl days w it.. always wanted to see it compared to multiple units like this...great work!

[@AudioJanitor]

I have owned: Helix LT, Atomic, and others. Currently, AXE FX 3 and just got the HeadRush MX5. The MX5 sounds a hair better!

[@strumlead8741]

Great comparison review of sounds Anderson team! I have the Mooer GE300 for a few main reasons that were not discussed in much detail. 1) XLR out for live performance is a must. 2) looper that I loop in acoustic tones then lead with electric OD or ambience, etc., 3) various ways to program the pedals and 4) 8 pedals to control on/off effects if you'd like

[@AT-wl9yq]

The xlr out is not a big deal. Its easy enough to work around not having that feature, it would never be a deal breaker. XLR is nothing more than a connector that supports 3 conductors. The real issue is if the signal is balanced or single ended. Assuming a balanced signal, TRS connectors are also used for balanced connections. So, if you have balanced TRS, Its electrically identical to an xlr. They're interchangeable. Very few people know what I'm about to tell you. In order for you to have a balanced connection, the 2 components you are connecting have to be balanced, and you need a 3 conductor cable to connect them. If all 3 conditions are not met, the signal can't be balanced, and defaults to single ended. That means only 2 of the 3 conductors are used, making it the same as using an rca cable. In most cases, people think they have a balanced connection when they really don't. If you are mixing balanced and single ended components, a DI box is needed. You use it to make a single ended signal balanced. That's why not having xlr connectors is no big deal. A cheap DI box will make everything compatible.

[@louaguado995]

I'm a player that uses the volume control on my guitar often. Would have been nice to hear how it cleans up gain by rolling back the volume, I know Rob did it often, but this player is always on 10

[@nandy-ww8xj]

I've got Mx5 , Valeton gp200 and nux mg30 . Headrush works great clearing the gain with guitar volume,much better than Valeton and Nux

[@stevewest4994]

In the original review of the MX5 I thought Lee and Pete were a bit lukewarm about it--probably because the factory presets are not too good. Digital John's programming demonstrates just how good it really sounds.

[@JAHDUBProductions]

I think that's because of their old school bias. Digital John just makes it sound right, calmly. The old guys complain that it doesn't sound like an AC30 or bring up tubes. They focus on what new gear isn't. Digital John focuses on what it is, so I appreciate that.

[@sadul]

I would not call them "beginner multi-fx pedals". These "cheap" pedals do more than any stupid expensive pedal/digital system could do 15 years ago. Maybe even 10 years ago. I am a pro guitar player in Finland. I use cheap 100€ Zoom MS-50G as my "liverig". It is awesome and sounds great! No need to worry about spilled beers. Things have changed in a big way.

[@socialdef3]

Yes, great tones are much easier to access now, I use my Zoom G1 Four for my liverig, and home playing, got rid of all my giant amplifiers and when I want to jam, record or gig I use this tiny monstrosity. Not only do people not know about an ampless rig, they come up to find out where I'm getting my cleans and reverbs, or my edge of breakup tones. This little pedal can do it all!

[@KennethDonnellyStargazer21]

I never underestimate zoom, since my first zoom player 2100 to the gx's, sweet sounds are just a tweak away 🌛

[@tonyharley5230]

I used a Zoom G1 for my live rig. Unbeatable tone. I'm now on a G3. Tried tons of expensive MFX pedals, for me the G1 is untouchable for tone.

[@kunal_k_]

It's been a hot minute since I messed around with new pedal boards. Can anyone tell me if the Zoom ones or the ones in the video have pitch shifters? What about synth sounds?

[@sethjohnson7624]

@@kunal_k_the zoom ms50g+ has a pitch shifter but idk about synth sounds

[@davepayne164]

I have a nice board that I’ve put together myself, but also a Boss GT-1. Got it cos it fits in the pocket of a gig bag, so I can carry that, plus guitar plus a little portable amp really easily. It’s a great bit of kit. Not flash, but easy to use and pretty convincing sound wise.

[@KennethDonnellyStargazer21]

Seeing comments on the gt1 I agree; must add that it's the one of my multis that immediately sounded like potential.. and it's only confirmed with time 👽

[@slimmestcharlest]

Love these videos. I would like to see a shoot out between these units, but along the lines of "What is the BEST clean/crunch/heavy tone DJ can get from each unit?". No limitations, one rig for each per unit, custom IRs, let DJ go completely wild. I think this would would be good because most people aren't going to settle on out of the box sounds - they are going to try and optimise the tone as much as they can.

[@bgrierofficial]

I have a tip for you on this one. Buy a Line6 Catalyst amp - it already had built in Helix amp, reverb, and delay simulations (or pitch effects) and channel switching, which you can use for an alternative config. Then, you can run a Pod Go into it for effects (just turn off the amp/cab simulation). So all your OD/distortion pedals. This is a pretty versatile setup.

[@MotownGuitarJoe]

Cool idea. But it also depends on your goals. One of my goals is to never lug around an amp to gigs ever again.

[@ferdk16]

Big fan of these with DIGITAL JOHN, though surprised the NuX MG-30 didn't make it here. Seems like it's in the range and would compete nicely with these. Nonetheless, loved the video!

[@danbuck2110]

I don't think they sell it, they only compare what they're flogging I guess!

[@portuguesebeer5069]

All great products. I think the main difference is the size and connections, cause in terms of tone, i think they are all on the similar level. Cheers from Portugal 🤘🍺🇵🇹

[@rjester21]

Awesome video! Lots of fun! Question: can we have a series where The Captain and Danish Pete Go through high gain boot camp, and learn how to dial in heavy gain settings, modern gain settings and learn some serious chugs and learn how to make heavy guitar sounds with various combinations of amps and pedals? Would love to see this! 🔥😎

[@rafsnchz]

MX5 sounds amazing. I recently bought one. Stock presets are terrible but it doesn’t matter to me because I deleted all stock presets at once by connecting MX5 to PC. Built few presets from scratch and it sounds amazing. In fact I had Kemper Stage for two years before I sold it(as funny as it sounds Kemper is too big and heavy for me and also very not user friendly in terms of tweaking) and can easily say that MX5 with Celestion IRs sounds as good as my Kemper Stage did.

[@EJK36]

GT-1 is both an older UI and older COSM modeling from the GT-100 and not the flagship A-I-R-D modeling from the GT-1000 and GX-100; it's like 5 or 6 years old now and sort of like one half to a full generation behind these newer modelers. I get why you guys picked it for this, but it sort of doesn't really belong and fits better alongside some of the Zoom G Series processors and the like from the same time period. But having said that...I grabbed one about a year ago due to its tiny size and battery capabilities. I stuck it to a small pedalboard along with a Behringer V-Amp 2 footswitch(matching blue and black lol) for two additional access controls, and then put a little 50 watt class D power amp/power supply on the board too lol. I literally just built a teensy little fly rig/backup rig for all situations that can fit in a small carry bag. The GT-1 is great if you can grab it at a low price...mine was like $115 US as an open box item. Otherwise, you're losing a newer screen/UI scheme among additional amp models and possibilities for newer tech like sound profiling, and IR uploads with more specific speaker/cab modeling present...the GT-1 is very generic in its cab/speaker selections and doesn't model specific speakers and cabs that belong to each amp so much as it does basic cabinet types and the number of speakers found within each. It's not anywhere near as comprehensive as the others within this particular area, and again is based around older tech and concepts. But it's a good little box and it does what it does wonderfully...Boss obviously shines with its modulation, delays, and self-modeled dirt boxes. But COSM is old tech and I could see Boss coming out with an upgraded GT-1 that's based on some of their latest tech/modeling releases. They sort of already have the basis for that within the GT-1000 CORE, but a device like that if/whenever it is released would be a much better comparison with the others within this video. The GT-1 is cool, but I really wouldn't choose it over the others unless it was drastically cheaper; totally not worth choosing vs the others if the pricing is similar between them.

[@atrothe]

GT1 is designed to be used live, rehersals on stage and even on the street with battery power. The GT1 will fit in a gig bag. It is illuminated easy and powerfull to use. Has fantastic oncreen editor of PC, acts as a USB DAW interface for guitarists. Has full sytem exclusive control in real time. AMAZING piece of kit. Sounds fantastic.

[@Cougar139tweak]

Have GT-1 and MX5 Holy cow do you get bang for the buck from both of these units!!! in fact sold my Katana MKII 100w head as I demo'ed the GT1 (as a goof) with a DSL 20, bought a used DSL20 and sold the Katana and made $50 :) Wife bought me a MX5 after I head to head with the Helix LT.... extra juice ain't worth the squeezin'

[@KennetDeBondt]

Would be nice to do a blindfold with cheap and expensive multi-effects

[@EuropaMan]

BOSS GT-1 when used with their software is easy to set up and sounds amazing. You can get a lot of great setting out of this pedal. Hands down the winner in my mind. The sample sounds demonstrated in your video could have been much better.

[@mundane_in_the_membrane]

I'm really liking these videos from the polls! Also I'd like to see those blindfold pedal "types" shootout videos from about a year ago make a return!

[@jmorg1267]

I gone through 3 pedals since December (MX5, Pod Go and now Boss Gx-100) and have come to a couple conclusions. No matter what multi-FX pedal you use, presets need to be designed specifically for how you are going to be using it, as in direct to desk, mixer or FRFR speakers. If you’re wanting to use it with a real amp which is my current preference, you’ll have to design specifically for that application. That will usually involve bypassing amp and cabinet sims. You would also need to decide whether you’re going to go direct into the amp or use the 4 cable method. Either would require different tweaking. As an amp guy sometimes I just think these pedals are best for desk recording and just use individual pedals for amp use. I don’t think I have seen any videos of anyone designing patches straight to an amp. It has been a bit frustrating trying to use multi fx pedals with an amp. The most successful, for me thus far, is to run the multi pedal through the fx send-return for ambient fx and run a distortion pedal straight into my amp, a Dr Z Jetta. Just my 2 cents.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

You're correct about setting up presets for different use cases. I'd also add that you might want to program presets based on different guitars, too, as that can hugely affect the tone. What works for one or two of my HSS Strats doesn't always work quite as well for my other HSS and HSH Strats with different pickups. And going to my Tele, well, that's a whole different tonal base, so... back to the programming I go, which is fine as I enjoy the process.

[@kodykindhart5644]

I can actually disagree a bit about the bypassing of amp and cabs I have a hx stomp and play bass I run amps and cabs into front of house and to my amp/cab on stage I do run the cab in parallel and blended down 5-7db I like my reverb on that parallel too I run a hp/lp last in the chain and run an tilt eq into the amp

[@MarcCoteMusic]

@@kodykindhart5644 Well, if that works for you... thumbs up. And on bass, it might be fine. On guitar, not so much. That's not to say you can't... I have done it, but it requires some fairly radical EQing on the amp side of things. Even then, it didn't sound as good as just turning off the amp and cab models - at least in my case. Clearly, it could be different for different people or use cases.

[@JosePineda-jn8jk]

I use the 4CM most often and utilize the preamp swap so I can use my amp (Carvin Legacy 100) and then switch to direct in the fx loop bypassing the preamp and using amp models. I prefer it personally to going into Front of House but, I also have backup patches for FoH. Yes it is tedious but you end up with way more options and backups to those options from my experience.

[@W4TSKY]

I agree. I bought an HX Stomp to basically use as a pedalboard replacement that would run in front my amp. Wasn’t too happy with the result. Went back to using regular pedals with my amp and I use the Stomp for exactly what you said, desk recordings. I could see myself using it as a small gig rig with a few pedals in front of it, but I definitely wish more people would make straight FX patches designed to be plugged into amps.

[@EltoV]

Great review guys! I was planning to buy the Valeton or Line 6 Pod Go but the Mooer just blew me away and is definitely worth the extra bucks. Thanks!

[@guitarbrew6391]

A deep dive of the GT1 would be awesome :)

[@Pulse2AM]

I've had one for a couple years, try different things, like a clean amp with your choice of distortion pedal for a rock tone, try the humbucker to single coil emulation, etc. There are quite a few patch tutorials on KZbin for them.

[@KennethDonnellyStargazer21]

It's a beast

[@seanrosedotcom]

Between hi-fi and guitar I have over 2 dozen pieces of tube gear. I still love my MX5.

[@SionynJones]

Mx5 is a modeler and dose it job well. It's the same system across the board the nice thing is the form factor.

[@bojames7841]

When I found that I was having problems with the mooer ge300 and that they were not supporting it any more I returned it and got the Valeton gp-200 and I have to say I’m very happy with the sounds and ease of use and reliability over the Mooer!

[@HugoPaulo]

To me the Pod Go is by far the most realistic. Those are the same amp models and fx as the big boy helix units and sometimes people forget about that just looking at the price

[@merlin5420]

Beginners I suggest purchasing the Axe FX 3 😎

[@MrMindlink]

Thank you! Please do an updated version of this video - Thanks in advance.

[@simoncox3473]

Love the video! It'd also be useful if you used different guitars. E.g. Users who want a Fender sound will likely buy a Fender guitar. It'd be nice to see that compo. Plus a Les Paul with a Marshal sound.

[@JediMasterRick2]

I’ve had the Headrush MX5 since October and since then I sold my Marshall and all my pedals. It’s like having everything you could use in one box. I never had a better tone. And you can run it through a PA or like I do at home. I run the MX5 and my TV into a mixer then straight into my JBL home theater system.

[@Quinceps]

Wonderful! Doesn’t sound like a beginner pedalboard though.

[@davesegal2631]

@@Quinceps it's pretty straightforward. If you are comfortable getting custom IRs, then it is super simple to create amazing tones.

[@JediMasterRick2]

@@Quinceps it’s very easy. If you can use an iPhone you can put together anything you want. It’s all touchscreen drag and drop. I have a few videos on it.

[@rtroiani]

I had the GT-1 and now have the Pod Go. In my opinion the GT-1 and Boss in general had better sounds, so I also have a set of WAZA Air for practice and love them. I only got the Pod Go for the additional ease of use on stage switching presets and turning on and off separate effects. I may end up going to a bigger BOSS GX100. Love Tone Studio and the tips from Studio Rats as anything they do with a Katana works on most of the other Boss gear. The display sucks on the GT1, but via USB to the computer works great with their software.

[@dougthompson6225]

On Guitar Patches Chris Benton has gone through The Studio Rats Katana work & patched it for the GT1. 20+ really nice settings. Definitely worth loading into Tone Studio. And give The Studio Rats some love for amazing free content

[@rtroiani]

@@dougthompson6225 I posted this awhile ago and have since sold the Pod Go and went with the GX100. Love it! And def was able to use the Studio Rats guidance on a lot of the patches.

[@ChrisG9978]

The headrush seems to sound the best because of its realistic tones and amp presets. However, the BOSS GT-1 is a close 2nd...loved the Street Fighter 2 display, though in reality it's more like a Gen 1 Gameboy.

[@williammolina9792]

I have the old Zoom G3X. And I'm very happy with it. Can use it as individual pedals, and have 6 effects at the same time. Greetings

[@ChrisLoNgShAnK1990]

I recently bought an Ampero One, and I must say at £219 it stands up to any of the pedals in this line up!

[@Pulse2AM]

I've had a GT-1 for a few years, there are a lot of useable tone you can get out of it but you have to roll your own. I wouldn't call it a beginner box, with the APP you can set it up to do some amazing things. Sound wise I liked the Headrush best.

[@MrKartos1]

I've been using the Zoom G1X Four and I'm pretty happy with it Easy to program, drum sets, can record multiple guitar parts (+ different effects) and has a pedal if you want a wah

[@socialdef3]

I too use a Zoom G1 Four (no expression pedal) for jamming, recording and live use as well. People are astounded when they see where I get my tones from! Excellent amp modeling, cabs and effects, the looper, drummer and tuner are worth the asking price. No need to spend more than $150 these days to get decent tone.

[@stanislavmigra]

The Headrush was the only one, that made Marshall sound, that sounds like a Marshall. And the EVH sound, sounded like hot rodded Plexi, so exactly like I imagine proper EVH sound.

[@briietsai1997]

I honestly really love digital John videos.

[@brucesatinover906]

John the presenter does a good job detailing and explaining the GX.I enjoy using mine, it’s very flexible. I also have a Headrush Gigboard in my main studio. It takes a different approach with the touch screen. I mention this as Lee makes a passive aggressive swipe at the Boss’ GUI. When things are out of his experience Lee frequently gets negative. This has happened with pedals, guitars, pretty much anything he is uncomfortable with. When I was researching a multi effects unit for a DAW-less system I was unimpressed with the way he whined and complained without ever using the unit other than futzing around with a control and again, finding fault without putting any serious effort into the review. I almost went in a different direction until a friend that owned this and a 1000 said he preferred the GX 100 because it was simpler to use. He was kind enough to visit and let us demo both units. The 1000 has a few extras that would have been nice but probably seldom used for my applications. There were no noticeable changes between either unit. The interface was a mild culture shock from the Gigboard’s 7” screen compared to the GX’s 4” I believe. But that touchscreen is very useful. I find I use both physical and touchscreen controls, it has become second nature and took little time getting learning this way. I feel bad criticizing others but think it is germane to this discussion of the GX 100. Hopefully by describing my usage experience this long post will be somewhat useful.

[@donhaskins1671]

Everyone seems to ignore the Zoom mfx. But they are some of the few that do not have a fixed chain which I think can be very useful, especially if using the unit to add effects to the amp.

[@socialdef3]

Agreed! Case in point: The tiny but powerful Zoom G1 Four. Being able to move the blocks in any order I want is a great tone shaping tool to have. The effects are great, but what continues to shock me is the amp and cab modeling for the price paid! Use mine for everything from jamming to recording and also live use. It holds up in most every connection possible (DI box, direct PA, input or fx loop/ send/return) plus you can power it by USB or power bank as well as the wall adapter. Not noisy, light and portable, it fits in my guitar case in the front pocket, and with the included tuner, drummer and looper I can use it with headphones and jam anywhere at any time.

[@tdrake59]

I own an Ampero and a Headrush MX5. I much prefer the sounds of the Ampero, which is much more limited in features than the MX5. In your demo, I was surprised at how good the Valeton unit sounded.

[@BluesRockAcademy]

Because Valeton and Hotone are the same company.

[@HardbrasH1]

Yeah, Valeton is a Hotone with less dialing your tone

[@judosailor610]

Digital John is clearly a little more… lower energy… than the rest of the Andertons crew, but I dig his vibe and his perspective on this stuff. And his playing is tops!

[@AuntAlnico4]

That's the difference between analog and digital, isn't it !?

[@JAHDUBProductions]

I like that he's not biased by the past, or an old school gear snob. He just calmly does his thing.

[@TheBlueskyson]

John's hairpiece looks great. I like the Valeton. ty lads.

[@triplev3539]

I own the Helix but the little headrush unit seems pretty good what I have seen.

[@jaminjimlp]

I have a Helix also but last year I got a GP 100 and use it at church and small gigs (Golden head patch and an Affinity Strat with SSS switched to neck pick up is all you need lol) where I don’t feel like lugging my Helix and just going to play a cheap guitar… then immediately after I got a great deal on it $89… GP 200 came out fast forward to last week… just seen Walmart has them for $289 so I picked one up it is equally cool… have 11 rack still so Headrush always cool to see what they are doing.

[@MicroChipMonk]

Turn off the cab FX and learn how to use an EQ!. I would look for an Multi FX pedal with a sturdy expression pedal, quality Stomps like phaser, distortions, chorus, delay, pitch shifter to replace expensive boutique pedals and HAVE ability to turn individual FX on and off. Dont rely on shuffling through presets. create a few presets with a core sound and the ability to turn of and on stuff.

[@randysutton2120]

Cool video, but Zoom really needs to be included in this... My G1Xon cost under $100, has a drum machine, 30-second looper, tons of amps/cabs/effects, tuner, and an expression/wah pedal.

[@ddilley83]

the g6 is am amazing unit. so quick and easy to use, and sounds great. Zoom always gets overlooked though

[@randysutton2120]

@@ddilley83 I agree, and I'm not sure why. I got the G1xon for my birthday a few years back, and I'm still having fun with it...

[@rogerblack4603]

Totally agree that the Zoom is good. I started with the Zoom G1on, and still use it on my board today.

[@rogerblack4603]

Forgot to mention analog fx pedals,. Eg the Mosky sol918 (reverb, delay, OD, distortion). It also has a Fx loop that I can use to switch out the Zoom (and become a analog purist).

[@donhaskins1671]

A used G1on is such a great deal, because no one seems to know how good they are. Want more foot switches? G3n and G5n , G6.

[@JaredGunstonTV]

Gigged a GT1 for a year. Proper solid and hard. Buttons are hard.

[@weareeversis]

Before our guitar player switched to the HX Stomp, he used a Boss GT-1 thing is built like a tank as well don't get deceived by the plastic. It fell from everywhere, got stomped and drinks spilled it's still going strong.

[@vileindividual]

Often wondered why we never see any nux stuff on Andertons. I've heard from a lot of people that the Nux MG-30 really shoots above its weight and can rival stuff double its price.

[@jasonhe6947]

Such a great video and comparison. Really help me a lot to decide which to purchase

[@1rwjwith]

This is just an observation but young “digital John” definitely has the young man’s preference for the higher gain sounds. I think the clean Fenders got the short stick until The Captain started dialing it in more and taking compression off. So the Head Rush got a better sound for the Fenders after that.

[@DougZbikowski]

Got a Line6 earlier this year to replace my aging M13. Can’t recommend it enough!

[@triton1044]

Digital John very quickly becoming a favorite of mine

[@mr.d.572]

He has that digital sheen :)

[@tonepilot]

Whoa, Digital John is pretty busy these guys! Great videos. Maybe Lee's next pedalboard build won't be he and Pete sitting on the floor, it will simply be a unit like one of these.

[@batphink2655]

I bought the Boss GT-1 in summer of 2021 and thought the distortions a bit naff so after 2 weeks of noodling I took it back.I deffo prefer the Valeton GP-200 by a nautical mile!

[@lescaster2179]

Shocked to see lack of NUX MG 30. That seems like an obvious inclusion and a potential winner of this roundup were it to be included.

[@chelososamusic]

I wanted to see it here too

[@davidstorm4015]

Don't think Andertons stock it, which would explain why it's not included

[@benallmark9671]

Junk

[@tonray9395]

Have owned the Valeton gp-100 for awhile now but just 2 foot switches is a bit limiting. I likely will upgrade to the GP-200 after seeing this..you guys just keep getting me to spend more $$$..

[@weareeversis]

Had the Boss GT-1 until we upgraded to HX Stomp. Did not disappoint, was a banger unit. \m/

[@TheComedyGuitarGuy]

I have a Mooer GE150 for my back up ‘amp’ and it sounds excellent

[@zarkaun96]

Really enjoyed the Street Fighter bit. And Digital John is a great presenter

[@ericwatt4307]

Just ordered a gp200! Thanks guys!

[@JohnnyPostal]

I had a gt-1. The pedals were too close together for me. If they had switches I probably would have kept it. Been happy with my podgo ever since

[@skarfie123]

I love my zoom g3xn. Really intuitive layout

[@benjaminnaidoo9776]

This is the one I I've been waiting for!!!!

[@ledhendrix5054]

You can adjust the contrast on the Boss gt 1 screen

[@andertons]

We did that - even on its most extreme settings the camera couldn’t read the displays

[@anditezda3462]

POD GO also has microphones and distance and reflection parameters

[@Michiel1972]

My first beginner guitar multi effects unit is the Ibanez Guitar Multi-Processor PT3DX 🙂

[@therealtech833]

I love my HeadRush, but that Valeton gp200 is probably the best value of them all.

[@IamMusicNerd]

The Boss GT-1 is the best value in my opinion. You can find them for around $200 brand new on sale. All these units are good, but the Boss sounded the most realistic to me when comparing to the other small sized multi-effects options.

[@MarcCoteMusic]

I quite agree, but then I might be biased as I own two of them. I also have the Mooer GE200 which sounds great though quite different to the Boss. I tend to think the Boss sounds more produced, like a recording, while the Mooer is more of a raw, live-amp kind of tone.

[@AuntAlnico4]

Honestly If I had to have a boss it would be the old analog pedal board called "BE-5"and it's awesome. Digital isn't bad or wrong as I've got the Headrush sand love it but boss swings better when it's analog or maybe katana.

[@greg6162]

@@AuntAlnico4new player (6/months) and I just started jamming in a 3/piece pop-punk band with guys from work. I’m getting a Katana 50 (or 100) MKII and I don’t have access to a working PC currently… which pedal would allow me to shape my tone the best without a PC? Any advice for what goes best with a Katana MKII would be greatly appreciated 🙏. I learned you don’t being a Yamaha THR10II to jam with a live drummer 🙄

[@MikeJBlues]

Just got an MX 5, fantastic. Better then all the others.

[@davegoodwin1848]

Got rid of my POD500 for the Valeton200. No regrets at all.

[@edes01]

Love these shootout videos.

[@JorgeTheilacker]

Hotone Ampero should be in this comparison....

[@Rockerrobin]

It would win at least the stomp 2 which is the best sounding multi effect outside high end unit like a helix or axe fx.

[@hey0mcfly]

The ampero is a beast, I believe it would wipe the floor of these units

[@jamesdeliamusic]

Being someone who still owns a Roland GP-8 and a couple other units racked up, and cringes from the lack of remote parameter control... I love the multi units, with one exception... catastrophic failure of an all in one unit. If I have separate pedals or multiples of each and one goes bad, I take it out of the chain because the show must go on. Now on the other end, if you're just going to use it for jamming or DI recording etc., no worries.

[@leonardodharmaputra840]

I would not call what chosen here "beginner multi effects" since the tone they are able to deliver can really be used in any professional gig. Myself, I have been ditching my tube amp and pedalboard for my live gigging for the past 2-3 years, been using the Zoom G5N for live mainly for stability and consistency. I'd say, been playing since the day of Korg AX1000G, that digital products has been greatly improved and by now, as audience, as players even esp when you are using IEM instead of real amp as stage monitor, you almost can't really tell the difference

[@socialdef3]

Agreed, I love my Zoom G1 Four. I use it for everything from recording to live use and it sounds great in any situation.

[@che2335]

I went MX5 found a used frfr speaker and never looked back. With 6 scenes but the possibility of blending 100% between 2 rigs from clean shimmer verb sounds to death metal w the assignable wah/volume pedal its really like having 12 scenes total. Its switching or blending 2 completely different rigs together w the wah pedal.

[@petesmith6434]

Headrush MX5 has the most realistic amp and cab sounds. In addition, the build quality is great. The touch screen makes programming rigs a breeze. So, the Headrush MX5 is the top unit to me.

[@JediMasterRick2]

I put up a couple videos already on my MX5. I’m gonna be putting up more to show the rigs I made. Without a doubt, the best tone I ever had.

[@plotin2009]

Great comparison, good work! 👍👍👍👍

[@blessedheavyelements8544]

I love my GT-1000, but hate the UI..it sucks Love the Valeton GP-100 AND it's computer UI. Great solid rock sounds and amps. The GP-200 seems like more of the same. Want an MX5 later this year. Good disvcussion. You should do it right by getting the Ampero II Stomp and the MX-30 and do a Loooong, comprehensive shootout. The Mooer unit is way out of this price range so doesn't really fit. Best Regards!

[@davidcane7211]

Let's see super budget, show the Valeton GP100 😁