The Zoom G1x Four comes from a long line of compact multi-effect pedals from Zoom. The form factor that started with the Zoom 505 continues to this generation. The G1X Four retains the two-pedal setup popularized by its predecessor and obviously gives a nod to them with the aesthetics.

Similarities end there however, as the Zoom G1X for runs on an entirely modern engine. And this new engine allows for a wider selection of over 70 effects along with 13 amp and cabinet models. You can only mix and match up to five of these effects, which is a bit limited, but given the pedal's size and cheap price, it is still quite impressive in terms of value and portability. And it's not just about quantity, because the sound you can get is quite good, even in the high gain range. Just don't expect it to be as clear and high-def as more expensive processors.

With so many features, Zoom was able to make the G1X relatively intuitive to use, making it a good starter multi-effects pedal, and a good trainer for learning about different effect types, their parameters and their placement in your guitar signal.

As is the case with most multi-effects pedals, built-in presets don't showcase the unit's capabilities. You'll get better results when you learn how to tweak the pedal for your preferred tones.

It's ancestor, the Zoom 505 paved the way for the compact digital multi effects market today, it found itself in the gigbags of a lot guitarists. The G1X Four continues from this legacy by providing great sounds, great effects and great portability all within reach of even the most budget-conscious musician.

Specifications

• Effects: over 70 built-in effects
• Amp Modeling: 13
• Presets: 50
• Footswitches: 2
• Input: 1 x 1/4"
• Output: 1 x 1/4"
• Extra Features: Can be Battery Powered (4 x AA for 18 hours operation) or USB powered, Chromatic Tuner
• USB: USB (For Update and Power)
• Dimensions:156 mm (D) × 216 mm (W) × 52 mm (H)
• Weight:1.34 lbs

Demo

Carrying over tech from the flagship Helix line, the HX stomp features a single SHARC ADSP-21469 processor (the more expensive Helix has two) that provides all the processing power needed for this compact, feature rich multi effects pedal.

For those who want to get started with great tones right away, the HX Stomp has 126 base presets out of the box that can be fully edited to your tastes. For more hardcore tweakers, the HX stomp allows for deep editing of parameters, including the virtual amp's tubes "sag" in response to playing. Tones are up to par with its bigger sibling, but with some limitations effect combinations and parameter control.

The HX stomp includes 300+ effects, amps and cabs with in depth parameter tweaking all in a stompbox format no bigger than a paperback novel. And this blend of portability and versatility is a great fit for those who want a small yet flexible guitar processor. It's main strength are its mid-gain tones and wide ambient textures that work great in worship settings. But it also has good enough high-gain tones that rock and metal players appreciate.

Given the sheer amount of tools and parameters, learning all the parameters can be overwhelming at first, but diving through it's features will let you get more out of the pedal.

The Line6 HX Stomp is a deceptively deep piece of gear that delivers a complete digital rig's worth of features in a small package. Get it if you're a tonechaser and tweaker at heart.

Specifications

• Effects: 200+ (8 Simultaneous)
• Amp Modeling: 80+ Amps, 40+ Cabinets
• Presets: 126 (42 banks x 3 presets), 3 Snapshots per preset
• Footswitches: 3
• Input: 2 x 1/4" (L/mono,R), 2 x 1/4" (L/R, aux in)
• Output: 2 x 1/4" (L/mono,R), 1 x 1/4" (stereo send)
• Extra Features: Chromatic Tuner, IR support, Looper, 2.4" full-color display, MIDI switching capability, USB audio interface with re-amp capabilities, FX Loop
• USB: 1 x Type B (8 x 6)
• Dimensions: 7.01" x 4.96" x 2.6"
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.

Demo

At the core of this guitar processor is Roland / Boss' COSM technology, which gives the unit over 25 amp models and 44 effects. While the number of effects may not be as many compared to recent releases, others don't have the same control and sound quality that the GT-100 provides.

Speaking of control, instead of merely choosing your preferred amp, this processor lets you custom build your virtual amp and cabinet, an interesting feature that allows for even more freedom in crafting your own tones. The downside to this feature is that it's not as intuitive, but it gets easier with experience. Another nifty feature is the ability to assign effects to its many footswitches, making the unit behave much like a regular pedalboard. The GT-100 also comes with polyphonic tuning and USB recording.

Boss is known for reliability and practicality, and these apply to the GT-100, it will last you quite a long time, and it does the job consistently well. This durability also translates to being quite bulky and heavy, so this is not ideal for minimalist set ups. Note that the software editor does not do the GT-100 justice, especially when compared to newer processors.

If you're looking for a tried and tested multi-effects processor, then get the Boss GT-100. Given the company's reputation for durability and product longevity, the real challenge is not letting it outlast your interest in playing.

Specifications

• Effects: 44
• Amp Modeling: 25+
• Presets: 400 (200 factory + 200 User)
• Footswitches: 8 + Expression Pedal
• Input: 1 x Instrument, 1 x TRS Male 1/8" (aux), Footswitch
• Output: 2 x 1/4" (main), 1 x TRS 1/4" (phones)
• Extra Features: Tuner, Amp Customize, OD Customize,
• USB: Editing, Audio Interface
• MIDI: In/Out/USB
• Dimensions: 4.06" x 21.38" x 10.69"
• Weight: 10.625 lbs.

Demo

Line 6 continues to dominate in the world of floor-based guitar processors, with their flagship unit Helix Floor leading the charge. It combines up-to-date amp and effects modeling technology with extensive input/output options, resulting in a true, jack-of-all-trades processor that works great in both live performance and studio recordings.

At the core of this pedal is the Line 6 HX technology, which emulates the behavior of actual amp and stompbox components. This means that instead of merely copying the sound, it recreates pedal or amplifier components in digital simulation, allowing the models to respond to guitar tone and adjustments much like the real thing. And this realistic response impresses many pros, who can now reserve their expensive amps for special use, and use the Helix Floor as their main gigging gear. There's no denying its popularity especially among church musicians.

While it originally had 70 effects, firmware updates have raised this number to over 200, which is more than enough to keep you busy for months, if not years. Amp, cab and mic models were also increased to 115. Since Line 6 is well known for providing updates, it is reasonable to expect more expansions in the future. With the new firmware updates bumping the effects and amp models beyond the initial offering, Line 6 has only been adding value to the Helix Floor over the years.

It does everything that the Helix LT can, with some extras, most notable of which is the LED scribble strips for labeling each footswitch. The Helix Floor also comes with expanded input/output options to work with mics and other instruments.

Given all the features, the Helix Floor takes up considerable space, and is quite heavy. It is also above the budget of hobbyists and average musicians, but those who saved up for it have good things to say. You also have to exert effort in learning the ins and outs of its software, to make the most out of the pedal.

If you're looking for one of the best multi-effect pedals that money can buy, then get the Line Helix Floor. Despite being feature packed, filled to the brim with tone and tweakable to your heart's content, it's still priced lower than other pro-tier modelers. With the latest firmware update, the Helix Floor is more versatile and powerful than ever.

Specifications

• Effects: 200+ effects (Helix & Legacy combined, latest firmware), Up to 32 simultaneous FX (DSP permitting)
• Amp Modeling: Over 100 Amp, Cab and Mic Models (latest firmware)
• Presets: 1024 (8 setlists with 32 banks x 4 presets)
• Footswitches: 12 + Expression Pedal
• Input: 1 x 1/4", 1 x XLR, 1 x 1/4" (Aux), 4 x 1/4" (Ext Control), 4 x 1/4" (Return)
• Output: 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4", 1 x 1/4" (Headphones), 4 x 1/4" (Send)
• Digital Inputs: 1 x S/PDIF, 1 x RJ45 Variax in
• Digital Outputs: 1 x S/PDIF, 1 x XLR (AES/EBU)
• MIDI: In, Out/Thru
• Extra Features: Dual DSP HX modeling engine, LCD scribble strips, Touch-Sensitive Footswitches, 60-sec Looper, Compatibility with Variax and Line 6 Amps
• USB: Editing, 8in/8out USB Audio Interface
• Dimensions: 3.58" x 22.05" x 11.85"
• Weight: 14.6 lbs.

Demo