Updated: March 2024
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You’re looking to upgrade your pedal rig with a new multi-effects unit.
Being able to experiment with different guitar pedals is a love of guitarists. Buying separate pieces of equipment for every FX gets expensive. Lugging pedals from gig to gig is tiresome.
Best multi effect pedals
- MOOER GE200 – Best choice FX pedal for budget
- LINE 6 HELIX FLOOR – Best choice FX pedal all-rounder
- EVENTIDE H90 HARMONIZER – Best choice FX pedal creativity
- KEMPER PROFILER STAGE – Best choice FX pedal profiler
- HEADRUSH MX5 – Best choice FX pedal for features
What is a multi effect guitar pedal?
Multi-effects guitar pedals put all your preferred effects in one convenient, streamlined unit. This makes both set-up and active use much easier.
But not all multi-effect guitar pedals are made equal. Doing your research on the best guitar effects pedals is crucial. Knowing what’s on offer will ensure you find the pedal that suits your unique needs as a musician. In this guide, we’ll look at five of what we think are the best guitar pedals with multi-effect features on the market.
A great guitar effect pedal can revolutionize your experience when performing live. Whether that’s alone in your bedroom or up on stage, there’s no disputing the range of creative and practical freedom that the right gear provides.
Below are five of the best multi effects guitar pedals in the business. Each one is chosen for its unique properties. Budget-friendliness, creativity, profiling, quality features, and all-around satisfaction.
Each of our recommended multi effects guitar pedals offers something different. You’ll find everything from convenient all-rounders to budget-friendly beasts. As well as the most premium-level pedals on the market. We’ll also highlight some important factors to consider.
Why you need a guitar multi effects pedal
- Streamline your rig – Multi effects pedals only require one plug point. This makes them simpler to set up than five or six individual pieces of equipment. The single plug point can make your rigging process much faster and less stressful. No matter if you have a cheap electric guitar or the best electric guitar out there.
- Save money – Although multi effects guitar pedals can be an expensive purchase, they’re a good long-term investment. They prevent you from needing to splurge on an endless supply of different pedals. Most of which cost a pretty penny. If you buy a good guitar multi effects pedal that suits your playing style, you won’t need to buy more in the future.
1. Best choice for budget: MOOER GE200
Price when reviewed:
From $299
We like:
Store & recall 200 user presets
Same tech as their micro preamps
Extensive EQing possibilities
Impulse response loading!
We do not like:
UI feels slightly outdated
Useful features are hidden
If you’re looking for affordability, the Mooer GE200 is a great place to start your multi effects guitar pedal journey. Mooer has a reputation for surprisingly high performance, despite its low cost. This makes it a good middle-ground purchase between quality and affordability.
Famous MOOER users:
Marty Friedman, Devin Townsend, Jorge, Burbano
Features:
- 55 high quality amplifier models
- 26 built-in speaker cab models
- 70 effects
- 52 second looper
- Store and recall 200 user presets
- Adjustable signal chain for your effects
Specs:
- USB connection
- Aux input 1/8” stereo audio jack
- Headphone output & input – 1/4” mono audio jack
- Headphone output – 1/8” stereo audio jack
- EXP2: 1/4” stereo jack cable
- Dimensions: 297mm X 145.5 mm X 45.5 mm
- Weight: 1.4Kg
- AC adapter 9V DC
Where to buy?
Check price on Amazon
2. Best choice all rounder: LINE 6 HELIX
Price when reviewed:
From $1200
We like:
Pleasant UI
Simple to find new effects fast!
Easy to connect to DAWs
Built to be durable
We do not like:
Could be too large for some users
Takes time to learn all the features
The Line 6 Helix Floor is a crowd pleaser. This multi effects pedal has 41 modeled amps and a whopping 1,024 preset locations. It’s the kind of pedal that embodies versatility like a dream.
One of the Helix’s best features is its unique touch-sensitive foot switches. It’s also got comprehensive signal routing capabilities. This makes it ideal for anyone who is mixing tracks, as it ensures you have the best quality audio to work with.
Famous Line 6 users:
Deftones, Mastodon, Smashing Pumpkins
Hardware:
- Audio Processing:
- Dual-DSP-powered HX modeling engine.
- Inputs and Outputs:
- 1/4″ Guitar Input.
- XLR Mic Input.
- 1/4″ and XLR Outputs.
- FX Loop (mono/stereo).
- MIDI In/Out/Thru.
- USB for audio recording and editing.
- Footswitches:
- 12 touch-sensitive footswitches with customizable scribble strips.
- Expression Pedals:
- Built-in expression pedal and additional external expression pedal input.
- Display:
- 6.2-inch color display with 800×480 pixel resolution.
Amp and Effect Modeling:
- Amp Models:
- Over 60 amp models.
- Effect Models:
- Over 100 effects, including distortions, delays, reverbs, modulation, and more.
- Impulse Responses (IR):
- Supports up to 128 user or third-party IRs.
Connectivity:
- USB Audio Interface:
- Functions as an 8-in/8-out USB audio interface for recording and re-amping.
- MIDI:
- Full MIDI support for integration with external MIDI controllers and devices.
- Variax Integration:
- Integrates with Line 6 Variax guitars for seamless tone changes.
User Interface:
- User Presets:
- Supports up to 1,024 user presets for storing and recalling custom setups.
- Editing Software:
- Helix Edit software for deep editing and preset management via computer.
- Snapshots:
- Supports up to 64 Snapshots per preset for storing and recalling multiple settings.
Construction:
- Chassis:
- Tour-grade, rugged metal construction for durability.
- Expression Pedals:
- Dual expression pedal design.
Dimensions and Weight:
- Dimensions:
- 22.05″ (W) x 11.85″ (D) x 3.58″ (H).
- Weight:
- Approximately 14.6 lbs.
Where to buy?
Check price here
3. Best choice creativity: EVENTIDE H90 HARMONIZER
Price when reviewed:
From $899
We like:
High versatility of compounding effects
Exceptional sound clarity
Interface is easy to navigate
Compact and pedal-board friendly
We do not like:
Needs additional units to perform some functions
Bluetooth connection not stable 100% of the time
If you’re a “zanier, the better” musician when it comes to guitar effects, the Eventide H90 Harmonizer could be the answer to your musical prayers. The H90 is a descendant of the cult-favorite Eventide H90. It’s a mixed-bag pedal. It boasts a variety of unusual delays and interesting types of reverbs that the other options on this list don’t feature. This makes the Harmonizer a trailblazer of unique and interesting sounds.
This multi effects pedal’s best features are its range of weird and wonderful effects and flexible signal routing. The only con is that it can be a little complicated to navigate digitally embodies versatility like a dream.
Famous Eventide users:
Glenn Rosenstein, Alessandro Cortini, Josh Homme
Hardware:
- DSP Processing:
- Powerful DSP engine for high-quality audio processing.
- Footswitches:
- One large, easy-to-use footswitch with multiple functions.
- Connectivity:
- Input: 1/4″ mono audio jack.
- Output: 1/4″ stereo audio jack.
- Expression Pedal:
- Supports an external expression pedal for real-time control.
- Bluetooth:
- Built-in Bluetooth for wireless control via the H9 Control app.
Effects:
- Algorithm Collection:
- Comes pre-loaded with over 50 Eventide algorithms.
- Expandability:
- Additional algorithms can be purchased and added to the H9; it can hold up to 99 algorithms.
- Effect Types:
- Includes various effects such as reverbs, delays, pitch shifting, modulation, and more.
User Interface:
- Interface:
- Simplified one-knob user interface for easy tweaking and preset selection.
- Display:
- OLED display for visual feedback.
- Presets:
- Supports the creation and storage of up to 99 presets.
- MIDI Integration:
- Full MIDI support for integration with MIDI controllers and systems.
Control:
- H9 Control App:
- H9 Control app for in-depth editing and preset management via iOS, Android, or computer.
- HotKnob Controls:
- HotKnob control allows mapping parameters to the hardware knob in real-time.
Dimensions and Power:
- Dimensions:
- Approximately 5.25″ (W) x 4.65″ (D) x 1.96″ (H).
- Weight:
- Approximately 1.53 lbs.
- Power Supply:
- 9V DC, 500mA (power supply included).
Where to buy?
Check price on Amazon
4. Best choice profiler: KEMPER PROFILER STAGE
Price when reviewed:
From $1599
We like:
Authentic and accurate amp profiling
Versatile connections & integrations
Easy to comprehensively edit your sound
We do not like:
Could be too advanced for beginners
Premium cost
Seemed to need more pedal controls than provided
This is the kind of multi effects guitar pedal that can completely replace your rig. The Kemper Profiler Stage pedal has a seemingly endless library of effects (both classic and creative). Plus, it boasts world-class amp models and a built-in looper. This pedal is suitable for professional musicians who need reliable, cutting-edge equipment.
Cons of this impressive pedal include the steep learning curve required to use it. The screen is also on the smaller side, making it slightly difficult to read in dim lighting. This pedal is for gigging professionals who can pair it with a good electric guitar amp.
Famous Kemper users:
Paul Gilbert, Tomo Milicevic, Max Bernstein
Hardware:
- Footswitches:
- 5 assignable footswitches for preset changes and control.
- Expression Pedals:
- Two integrated expression pedals for real-time parameter control.
- Connectivity:
- 1/4″ Input and Output.
- Stereo Send and Return for external effects.
- Headphone Output.
- MIDI In/Out/Thru.
- USB for data exchange and firmware updates.
Profiling and Amp Modeling:
- Amp Profiles:
- Can store and recall up to 1,000 amp profiles.
- Effect Modules:
- Supports up to 8 effect modules simultaneously.
User Interface:
- Display:
- Large, high-resolution display for easy navigation and editing.
- Editing Software:
- Rig Manager software for in-depth editing and organization.
- Presets:
- Up to 1,000 user presets for storing and recalling custom setups.
- Performance Mode:
- Performance mode for seamless switching between different rigs.
Effects:
- Built-in Effects:
- Wide range of built-in effects including reverbs, delays, modulation, and more.
- Effect Types:
- Supports various effect types with multiple parameters for customization.
Construction:
- Chassis:
- Sturdy and durable metal construction suitable for stage use.
Dimensions and Weight:
- Dimensions:
- Approximately 17.5″ (W) x 6.81″ (D) x 3.15″ (H).
- Weight:
- Approximately 6.17 lbs.
Additional Features:
- Profiler Remote Compatibility:
- Compatible with the Kemper Profiler Remote foot controller.
- Power Amp Modeling:
- Integrated power amp modeling for a comprehensive amp simulation experience.
Where to buy?
Check price here
5. Best choice for features: HEADRUSH MX5
Price when reviewed:
From $390
We like:
Incredibly simple to navigate
Sounds just as good as the larger HR model
Expression pedal can control multiple things
We do not like:
Other pedals we reviewed had more accurate cabs
Needs an eye on firmware to mitigate latency
The Headrush MX5 offers state-of-the-art features. These include touchscreen navigation and high-quality recording abilities. Additionally, it has absolutely beautiful detailing that makes it as joyous to use as it is to look at. It also offers a vast supply of effects and compact sizing.
This MX5 unit may be on the small side. But that just makes it even more portable and convenient to use. Running multiple chains at once on this unit is easy. It is surprisingly usable despite its broad capabilities. However, it’s an expensive model, so you expect a premium sound, which it does deliver.
Famous Headrush users:
Robert Gueringer, Charlie Benante
Features:
- 4-inch touchscreen
- Zero-latency touchscreen
- Ultra-bright HD display
- 46 amps, 15 cabinets, 10 mic emulations, 300 impulse responses, and 63 effects
- Load your own third-party IRs over USB
- 3 footswitches toggle models
- Scenes mode
- Gapless preset switching
- Built-in looper layers up to 20 minutes of loops
- Can load in MP3 and WAV files for backtracks
- Doubles as a 24-bit/96kHz audio interface
- Reamp mode colors audio files with MX5’s amps and effects
- Assignable expression pedal
- Global EQ
Specifications
| Analog/Digital | Digital |
|---|---|
| Number of Effects | 63 |
| Effects Types | Distortion, Dynamics, Modulation, Reverb, Delay, FX Loop, Expression |
| Amp Modeling | 46 x Amp Models, 15 x Cabinets, 10 x Microphone Emulations |
| Impulse Response | 300 x IRs, 3rd Party Support |
| Looper | 20 minutes total, Up to 5 minutes per loop |
| Inputs | 1 x 1/4″ (instrument), 1 x 1/4″ (FX return), 1 x 1/8″ (aux) |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4″ TRS (L/mono, R), 1 x 1/4″ (FX send) |
| MIDI I/O | 2 x 1/8″ (In, Out/Thru) |
| USB | 1 x Type B |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/8″ |
| Expression Control | Built-in Pedal, 1 x 1/4″ TRS |
| Features | 4-inch Touch Display |
| Compatibility | Mac, Windows |
| Power Source | 12V DC 3A power supply (included) |
| Height | 2.75″ |
| Width | 11.6″ |
| Depth | 6″ |
| Weight | 7.14 lbs. |
Where to buy?
Check price on Amazon
Our choices of the best multi-effect guitar pedals solve these problems. These pedals have changed the game for guitarists around the world. They provide the freedom to explore multiple effects. All without having to swap out pedals for every performance.
This concludes our list of choices for the best guitar multi effects pedals on the market.
Each pedal allows amateur and professional guitarists from across the world to hone their musical skills. Your choice of pedal should ideally give you the opportunity to create with innovation and freedom!
Written by Sammy
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