Re: Vortex vs. MPX-100

[David Myers <dmgraph@pulsewidth.com>]

>Thanks to everybody who responded to this post so far.  Dave, could you
>elaborate on the looping properties of the MPX-100?  I'm assuming that 
>it's
>an "infinite hold" delay line (with tap-tempo) rather than a sample-type
>looper.

I was distinctly unimpressed by the long delay on the MPX-100.  The 5-sec
patch has no feedback at all, and to try long-delay type looping I had to
feed the unit back into itself via a mixer, a poor solution.  Someone
correct me if I'm mistaken; I didn't own it for long.  Real nice piece for
the price, though--maybe even an essential for the small studio.  IMO, you
gotta have Lex reverb.

I was searching for a good "front end" solution--as input to loops--and,
having had a Boss ME-8 which I liked but wanted a tabletop or rack piece
rather than break my back with a floor unit, was considering a used GX-700.
Still haven't dug into it yet, but the Boss VF-1 is a great overall
effector while being very nice for all-in-one guitar effecting as well.
I'm not big on stuff like "cabinet simulation", and the preamp stages kick
up too much noise for me, but comments from "real" guitar players I've seen
have been very positive.  Now, a VF-1 at $360 or used Vortex plus MPX-100
for maybe $400?  Different beasts, but the latter is sweet.  Really, I
think all three would be spectacular.  Then you gotta loop, though....

Things are pretty good.  You could get all three items mentioned plus a
Headrush and DL4--and throw in a couple of Zoom 2100's and Mackie 1202--for
less than the price of a PCM80!  Of course you could get a used car for
that too, but I'm happy walking....

David Myers