Robben Ford Discussion

[enrico]

can anyone reccomend an affordable sound processor (half preferably!) unit, with usual programmable effects(delay, chorus, reverb...) and MIDI control for programme changes. I'm after a unit where you can assign a number from the MIDI control board that recalls a specific programme in the unit. TC Electronic seems a bit pricy. I like Alesis but the basic model (Microverb 4) is not doing what I want in terms of MIDI function.

Thanks

[Bluelobster]

Alesis quadraverb.
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[Aeolian]

Quadraverb here too. But my Fuchs has a parallel loop and I only use if for delay. If you're going to do chorus, you have to run it in serial and the quality of everything is limited by the quality of the effect. At least the Alesis has an analog side chain. Beware that a lot of low cost effects will run everything into digital, mix in the effects, and then reconvert to analog. It really adulterates the signal unless really high quality design and parts are used. Even then I feel it compromises things.

Someone once told me a quick way to check this. If the store has a Mesa like a Tremoverb or one of the other ones with a variable series/parallel knob on the back, plug in the effect with the loop on parallel. Then start turning the knob. The boxes that digitize everything introduce a small delay that when you are mixing both parallel and series together on the amps loop control, will create a sort of phase shifted sound. If sounds clear on either extreme, but that middle will give the box away.
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[chalky]

I have an old Quadraverb (pre Quadraverb GT so no compression-type effects). I run it in the loop of my Fender Hot Rod deluxe. This is a series loop and I am sure that the tone of the amp is somewhat affected by the signal path. However, the change is only slight to my ears. Certainly not as significant as true-bypass v.s non true-bypass stomp boxes. I only use the Quadraverb for delay/reverb. I can't say how much you would lose with a (much) better amp like Aolian's and his point is very well made, but I would certainly vote for a Quadraverb if your funds are limited. A lot of the other units were great at over-the-top effects, but not great signal path. Quadraverb started out as a studio tool. Not sure what the lower cost T.C electronic units are like, but T.C have a good reputation.

[Bluelobster]

Aeolian said it all. & Chalky too.
But Midi wise this unit (not hafl) will give U what you asked for.I used it with a Rocktron PROGAP and an ADA midi foot controller.. .

At one point i thought The Progap was destroying the sound it tried to emulate but i realized that was the quadra when not used just as a verb...anyway midi wise ???????????
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[enrico]

Many thanks for your reccomendations guys.

Unfortunately I don't think Alesis do the Quadraverb model anymore.

Is the Midiverb 4 model a valid substitute?

[enrico]

... also the Midiverb has A/D D/A converters working at 18 bits, would that be enough to guarantee minimum amp tone loss, or would be better to buy unit with 24 bit converters ?