Boss MS3 Vs Line6 HX Effects. Shooting out the two leading multi effects available.

Hey.
So I've been using both the HX effects and The MS3 for many months now and I've really come to see that they share a great many similarities in terms of capabilities. I decided to make this video to try and show their individual strengths and weaknesses and ultimately demonstrate where I think they both will work best.
This is a long video so if you want to skip to certain parts their are time stamps below:
Intro: 0:58
Features: 3:21
Audio demo: 6:29
Basic sounds: 7:11
Complex sounds: 18:17
Conclusion: 27:39
In short the conclusion is this. If you want to gig use the MS3 if you want to write and record use the HX effects!!
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[@lowrencemayfield4271]

Man you did a really great video as always, i agree 100 % of what you said about the Ms 3 which i have, it's just incredible how it can control everything on the pedalboard. Sometimes i think to replace it with the HX Effect but i never do it, i've got a Line 6 M5 instead that i've put in the loop and hooked up via midi for when i need some weird sound, not bad at all. Cheers...

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Thx Lowrence. I really love the MS3. I have a video up on the M5. I genuinely believe it’s the best thing they ever did. Absolutely amazing pedal.

[@Ry_Valz]

1st time in your channel. You really look like Octavius from The Gladiator. Your catch phrase should be, "Are you not entertained?!". Nice review by the way.

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Ha. I get that all the time. Can’t see it myself but thx all the same.

[@eugenehavens]

Your video is a good, thoughtful review of these units. The key issue is the aging tech in the Boss. It’s likely the same COSM tech found in the GT series. When it gets updated to the latest modeling Boss uses, it should be a great option. It’s too bad Boss asks so much for an older version of its modeling.

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Hey. Thx for the comment. Appreciate the kind words about the video. The aging tech of the MS3 is an interesting one. Because there’s no amp modeling involved on either product i feel the tech is less of an issue. It’s more of a case of boss not choosing to have expressive sounding effects. But keeping the effects more workmanlike. The line6 M series is old tech too but it has far more ambitious reverbs and delays in terms of the creative potential in the sounds. Up until pretty recently I don’t really think that was Boss’ wheelhouse really. They were more about making standard feeling and sounding gear with functionality that just massively overpowered the competition. I really respect them for that. It’s kind of what makes them the BOSS of pro gear for gigging guitarists in my opinion.

[@emach07]

I've always like Line 6 stuff and used their stuff for years. never cared for any Boss pedals but got the MS-3 years ago after searching and waiting for years for someone to come out with a mutli FX unit that had loops for analog pedals that I wouldn't have to sell my house to afford lol I've had mine now for years and have gigged as well with it and still love the thing. I have a Pod Go as well and really enjoy messing with that and it does sound fricking great and I occasionally drool over the Helix, Fractal, etc. 😆 but the MS-3 and all it's functionalities? And for it's price range?? just wow!! I get the job done just fine with it

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Hey. Thx for the commmet. So I eventually settled on the HX effects and sold the MS3. But I must say the MS3 is still one of the best and most innovative pieces of kit I’ve ever come across. I just needed the extra sonic options from the HX effects.

[@bennettskb555]

Cheers Rob, an excellent/practical review. Your points of switching functionality for the gigging player are well articulated. Best wishes

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Cheers Steve. Appreciate that. Yeah I think the switching capabilities of the MS3 really make it a great choice for live use.

[@oleksandrnovakov4295]

Hey! I think that using (external) foot switches and programming “assign” functions on MS3 you can switch to a lead sound within the same preset (you are talking around 11:00). You can assign engaging/disengaging several effects at a time on a single switch. I use assign function to change eq settings, distortion gain and turn delay on/of by one tap.

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Hey. Thx for the comment. So do you mean assigning one switch to turn on multiple things while in Manual mode?

[@cpfs936]

HX Effects =FX+Controller, MS-3=Controller +FX.

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Hey. Thx for the comment. Yep that’s pretty much it!

[@AndrewMooreLearningLicks]

Very informative video Rob cheers 🍻

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Cheers Andy. They’re both great units.

[@AndrewMooreLearningLicks]

@@TheGuitarEffect I'd probably go for the MS3 myself, I love the soft latch switches and the overall quality and versatility of the unit

[@TheGuitarEffect]

The MS3 controllability is unreal. It’s a beast for gigging. Especially since it’s so small.

[@seanpitts792]

Great video - I certainly agree that the boss unit's size and number of external loops for outboard pedals is nice - your comment about not being able to simply kick on a tremolo (or other effect) once you're in a preset without stepping on two footswitches is actually addressed in the Line 6 unit by "snapshot function" - essentially each preset you create has 4 subpresets (snapshots) of that preset so you could simply have one of your snapshots be the tremolo on or have 1 be an intro sound, 2 a chorus part, 3 a lead sound and 4 an outro - so it may be a bit more setting up but once you select the desired preset each footswitch give you access to each of those 4 states - making it easier when your singing ....

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Hey Sean. Thx for the kind words and glad you liked the video. I actually use snapshots within presets on the HX for some stuff I do. I don’t feel it solves the problem though. Effectively as I understand their use, a snapshot is a preset within the preset. So if I’m in the clean preset for example and I have 4 snapshots clean, clean with chorus, clean with trem and clean with Klon (all of which I can do within the 1 preset on the MS3) I still have to get out of snapshot mode, back to preset mode to change to my lead preset. On the MS3 I can be in the clean preset, turn on the individual effects as I need them and then jump to the lead preset whenever I need it.Does that make sense?

[@StratEdition]

Using something like the EXH Cntl knob (static expression pedal) on the HX effects might allow you to control FX blocks with it on a footswitch and have the same usability as the MS-3 has with footswitches.

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Hey Tiago. That’s a really interesting idea actually I’m gonna look into that. Thx

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Hey. Thx for the comment. I get the principle of what you are saying completely. It definitely would work. I guess the argument here is that from a functionality POV boss has already built that into the product. Know what I mean.

[@brandt69420]

I have used both, for live playing the Boss is far superior.

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Hey thx for the comment. I agree. That’s the conclusion I reached in the video too. However I must say even at that for my originals band I have settled on using the boss OD200 with the HX effects. The effects in the HX Effects are leagues ahead of the MS3 and that combo is the best compromise

[@andyzpam5441]

hello, If you turn off all effects in the hx effects, and leave it with just clean sound from Tonex, no means bypass on the hx Effects, its colored the tone of the tonex preset , is like a tone sucker, like other multieffects?

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Hey Andy. To be honest I’m the wrong person to answer this question. I am not really ever worried about tone sucking. I have never noticed a problematic difference in tone with the HX effects. Any tone sucking it does have is worth the power it has as a tone shaping tool in my opinion. But like I said I’m not a tonal purist.

[@twiglet2214]

I'm a synth/keyboardist just getting organized with some effects pedals and ended up finding the Boss MS3 and the HX Line6 and would appreciate your input in which would be the best option for me please ( as a hobbyist not a giggist ) - currently have the Boss RC500 looper,TC Electronics Triple Flashback Delay ,Eventide H9 Core and Strymon Big Sky.Thanks for the great review.

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Hey Twiglet 22. Thx for the comment. If you are not gigging I’d say the HX effects hands down.

[@twiglet2214]

@@TheGuitarEffect Ok great thanks mate - now i'm giggling ! I had gone round in a circle back to the HX and saw that you had replied - must have been to a gig ? Anyway thanks for the reply - the HX does look pretty i must admit ! Thanks.

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Hey Twiglet 22. I think if you are not gigging the HX’s variety and quality of effects are hard to beat. If you are gigging the switching capabilities of the MS3 are way ahead.

[@twiglet2214]

@@TheGuitarEffect It's the HX Stomp box that i'm going for having dug around for a long,long time ! I'm retired so i can while away many a happy hour researching,buying,practising and learning - such an exciting journey - with valuable insights and knowledge from those that have travelled far ! Thanks for your input. My teacher set revise the circle of fifths for this weeks homework and i came across 'Awaken ' by Yes from the album Going For The One and listened to it and then another video of a composers reaction to it - so i've also ordered the CD - still got a player. Give it a look if you havn't already come across it. Cheers mate.

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Hey man. Thx I’ll check that song out.

[@vladimirpavlovic9488]

MS-3 solved so much for me. I see it as a very good loop and midi switcher with effects, most of which are very average and some very nice ones, but all come ih handy and do the job if you need them. It is actually very creative if you explore and use it inside the board, with another units (especially midi enabled). As a standalone fx unit, HXFX is by far better judging by the quality of effects. But it is not nearly as powerful of a switcher as ms-3 (especially when you count in assigns and virtual expression (WAV,INT) capabilities. So, if you already have some analog and digital effects that you adore and you just need a unit to control them and add some interesting sounds or effects that you wouldn't buy as standalone units, ms-3 is perfect.

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Hey Vladimir. Thx for the comment! Really well put. I agree with everything you said. My only problem with using outboard digital midi enabled pedals with the MS3 is not being able to move the individual loops within the signal routing. I think that’s stifles it a bit. I do agree though. The MS3 is a far more powerful unit from a control POV.

[@vladimirpavlovic9488]

@@TheGuitarEffect Yeah, but if those effects are mods, delays and reverbs, you can ignore loops altogether and control their bypass and preset selection state trough midi. Powerful little unit. I would like to see the updated version of it with the new boss gt1000 fx engine. That would be ace.

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Hey Vladimir. Is that happening is there a new version coming out?

[@vladimirpavlovic9488]

@@TheGuitarEffect Unfortunately, not that I know! The GT1000 Core is kind of similiar in functionality, but actually very different in layout and price

[@TheGuitarEffect]

A new MS3 based on the GT1000 would be fantastic

[@tonebox8205]

maximus Aurelius Gladiator have a youtube channel

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Indeed he does. And if you don’t subscribe… he will have his vengeance in this life or the next.

[@tonebox8205]

@@TheGuitarEffect of course subscribe done even to the after life

[@karlmar2]

Did you look at using Command Center?

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Hey. Thx for the comment. I’m actually pretty familiar with the command centre. When you ask did I look at it. To do what specifically?

[@StephaneBergeronPixelyzed]

I've used the MS-3 for at least 3 years now and gigged quite a bit with it. I just got myself an HX Effects and started recreating all my patches in it (I plug both in 4CM with my tube amp). While I agree that the MS-3 is easier and faster to deal with for editing in the moment, it's also a much simpler device except for its Assigns which to me are one of its main strengths. It takes me longer to tweak things with the HX Effects but I've had it 3 days and I'm not familiar with all the models yet (my only other Line6 device was a PodXT bean years ago). But as for playing live, I completely disagree with your conclusion. I can already see I will have a much easier time live with the HX Effects and its snapshots feature as everything is clearly labelled.I can move presets up and down with foot switches 1 and 4 and I can press both at once quickly to either show the current bank's presets of the current preset's snapshots. If I need more fined grained control on a preset/snapshot in the moment, one press and I'm in stomp mode with 4 switches to manage... also labelled clearly. On the other hand, I used the MS-3 with an FS-7 2 buttons switch and an EV-5 controller pedal (which I'll also use with the HX Effects). In this case, my button assignements variy with each presents (we play neo-prog originals and a Marillion tribute) and I sometimes need 4 different presets for any given song with footswitch assigned to modify things on the fly like turning a drive on and off to preserve delay trails without the need to change presets. My set lists had detailed notes on them as I needed to remember what swicth was assigned to do in each song and preset (I pretty much assigned one bank per song as the MS_3 has more presets than the HX Effects). Trails is not an issue anymore and also, I can now set a switch to send a Program change to my amp (the Revv Dynamis 7-40 has MIDI capabilities around its 100% analog tube signal path). The Assigns in the MS-3 could not do that, they can only send CC messages. Also, repressing a footswitch on the HX Effects re-triggers sending the Instant commands that are triggered when selecting a preset. Not very useful live but it made it easier to program my amp which has not visual cue of selected midi patches. In any case, I've yet to test it live but, so far, on paper, the HX Effects should work much better for me live.

[@StephaneBergeronPixelyzed]

I should also add that, with both, I also use a MIDI controlled G-Lab analog switcher that holds the Ego Compressor, the Tumnus Deluxe and a Boss SY-1. In the MS-3 I inserted it in loop 1 , amp preamp in loop 3 (4CM) and I had a JHS "The AT" distortion pedal in loop 2. With the HX Effects, I have the amp preamp in loop 2 and the JHS in loop 1 and the G-Lab switch is simply placed before the HX Effects in my signal (guitar > Polytune 3 Mini > G-Lab Switcher > HS Effects). Works well so far.

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Hey Stephane. Thanks for taking the time to share that comment. I know what you mean about remembering the last extra footswitch per preset on the MS3 it does get complicated with multiple patches. However I still maintain that for a basic 4-8 preset pedalboard for covers it wins out over the HX effects for playing live. The action of switching modes to get yo then pedalboard mode in the snapshot on the HX effects for me is just one switch too many. I recently made a video where I’ve programmed the HX effects for gigging with my own originals band. And I’m using it in exactly the way you described. The sonic difference is immense. The HX effects is streets ahead and in more preset per song / snapshot per part operation in an original context it’s fine. But the MS3 still wins for me in switching capabilities

[@TheGuitarEffect]

Interestingly I’ve considered buying one of those Glab loop switchers for years but I must say the drive effects on the HX effects are so good that one loop for fuzz abs one for distortion is loads for me.

[@StephaneBergeronPixelyzed]

@@TheGuitarEffect I understand. I bought it before I got the HX Effects. I never liked the drives in the MS-3. When I first got it I put it in front of my old trusty red knobs Twin so the JHS AT was my main dirt source. When that amp dies in early 2020 (at our last pre-pandemic gig) I replaced it with a Katana head MKII and I used its gain channels and phased out the AT. But by then I added the SY-1 (synth for vers specific GR-300 type tones in Marillion songs) and the Wampler Ego Compressor and Tumnus Deluxe. That mean I was lacking one loop and got the G-Lab switcher. Don't know why I didn't put it in front of the MS-3 like I do now with the HX Effects but it works fine too as none of thos effects would go post amp preamp/loop anyway. With the Revv Dynamis, the JHS AT is just another dirt flavor (espacially great at the least saturated switch setting and powered at 18v... chewy great Marshall crunch to searing JCM-800 gain tones) but the harmonically rich red channel of the Dynamis is hard to beat for me now. A great tube gain channel is just in another league. And I agree with you about the HX Effects being sonically miles better. It was immediately apparent to me. The reverbs especially are in another league compared to the MS-3 (they really are its weakest link)... but most of its effects are so generic and flat in comparison... there's so much more character in the HX Effects). And since I need to emulate Steve Rothery's 80s tones, I can use the 70s chorus which is derived from the JC-120 (I played one for years in the 80s and earl;y 90s so I know its sound well) to his use of the TC 2290 delay. It makes a difference and the controls are specific to the model. That always annoyed me in the MS-3.

[@TheGuitarEffect]

There’s also no question that the HX effects is a more pleasant programming experience. Especially with the editor.