Best guitar multi-effects: Complete tone production factories

In their infancy, multi-effects were shunned in the guitar world. They usually came in cheap plastic enclosures and the sounds, though there were a lot of options, usually weren’t great.

But the technology has come a long way since then. With companies like Fractal Audio and Kemper consistently pushing the boundaries of what multi-effects processors can do, other manufacturers have stepped up their game.

Guitar multi-effects are a great way to add a host of new sounds to your setup, or to test drive effects before investing in dedicated pedals. Some of the options here include amp and cabinet modeling, but they all provide a wealth of effects options.

Best guitar multi-effects pedal overall: Fractal Axe-FX III

It’s well-built, sounds amazing, and is not cheap but the Axe FX has created an entirely new industry standard for what a guitar multi-effect processor can do.

It has world-class processing and the best digital sounds you’ll find. The learning curve is steep, but there is no conceivable limit to what it can do. Just make sure to keep the firmware updated.

Best compact guitar multi-effects pedal: Tech21 Fly Rig 5 V2

Tech21’s Fly Rig series was concepted to be able to provide all of the essentials guitar players need while providing professional sounds in a portable, all-in-one enclosure.

The 5 includes the circuit from the company’s Plexi and Blonde amp simulation pedals as well as boost, delay, and reverb.

There are tap tempo and tuner options and it sounds just as great going straight to the house sound system as well as in front of an amp.

Best professional guitar multi-effects pedal: Headrush Pedalboard

The next generation of multi-effects is here. If you’re looking for a full-featured, professional floor unit the Headrush is one of the very best.

It features quad-core DSP processing for supremely realistic sounds that model amplifiers, cabinets, microphones, and effects. It has a wealth of presets and versatile I/O for integrating into your rig.

There is limited MIDI integration, and a pretty steep learning curve at first. But this is one of the most sophisticated floor multi-effects.

Best floor guitar multi-effects pedal: BOSS GT-100

The GT-100 uses COSM technology to drive its amp simulations and effects models. There’s a robust control set that can be dialed in with dual LCD displays.

It can even be plugged into a computer for more extensive sound creation or recording. But by far the most innovative feature are the dual signal chains. These let you create complex sounds other units can’t.

Best analog guitar multi-effects pedal: Electro-Harmonix Epitome

In a digital world, this is an analog multi-effect. It combines three of Electro-Harmonix‘ popular pedals – the Holy Grail reverb, Electric Mistress flanger, and the Micro POG.

The unique shimmer button adds an analog delay to the POG for some hauntingly ethereal sounds. It has stereo I/O and comes in a reasonable size for your pedalboard.

Best acoustic guitar multi-effects pedal: Fishman ToneDEQ

Multi-effects designed specifically for acoustics are less common, but this model from

includes a high-quality preamp and two effects channels that complement the acoustic guitar.

Effects include reverb, delays, chorus, flanger, and tremolo. There is also an on-board compressor, DI output means you can go straight into the board or interface as well as into an amplifier.

Best bass guitar multi-effects pedal: Keeley Dark Side

Bass players don’t have nearly as many options as guitarists when it comes to multi-effects. Digital workstations sound just that, and analog multi-effects can be limiting. So why not try a hybrid?

Keeley’s Dark Side features four effects – fuzz, tape delay, rotary/flanger, and univibe/phaser. The hybrid circuit board is hand built and includes a high quality 24-bit DSP engine.

A TRS input lets you insert additional effects between the fuzz and delay effects, so your signal chain options are almost endless.

Thanks to the DSP each effect has different ways to set up the effects. An expression pedal input lets you control the effects in real time. It’s not specifically for bass, but considering the lineup of effects it’s one of the best analog options for the instrument.

Best budget guitar multi-effects pedal: Line 6 POD Express

Line 6 has been releasing new models in their POD line since the first version released, and the POD Express might be the best yet. It comes loaded with seven amp and cabinet models and 17 effects with a sound engine based on the HX series.

It’s easy to dial in sounds with the five control knobs on the face, and it also includes a tuner and noise gate. The Alt button enables the secondary controls for the amp models that controls gain, output volume, looper, and 3-band EQ.

But the coolest feature is the onboard USB-C interface that can be used for laying down tracks or reamping. It offers stereo output, but it would be nice to have the option of stereo signal chain routing on the input. You can also use the USB-C port to access the POD Express app to have more control over sound parameters.

You can even connect an expression pedal or use external footswitches if you want to keep it some distance from your feet. Designed for portability, it’s easy to just throw in your case or gig bag and hit the road.

A lot of players didn’t like the original PODs, but thanks to the HX sound engine the Express has the appeal to stand side-to-side with any floor multi-effect.

FAQ

What does a multi-effects pedal do?

It’s an effects pedal (usually digital) that allows players to access a variety of effects in one unit. Compared to having a large pedalboard setup it’s more organized and usually offers a number of banks for saving effects settings and routing.

Do I need an amp with a multi-effect pedal?

If it has amp and cab modeling you can output direct to a mixer or audio interface. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to send the output signal to some sort of amplifier.

Where do you put the multi-effects pedal in the chain?

It depends on what kind of input it takes. Some need to be first in line after the guitar, some can be arranged anywhere in the pedal chain. Do your research and read the documentation so you know the optimal place for it in your setup.

Can I use a multi-effect pedal with other guitar pedals?

Yes, as long as the I/O jacks support unbalanced signals – which is most of them. Some even let you toggle between unbalanced and balanced, the latter which lets you use it with other instruments like vocals and digital pianos.