Re: RE-Subject: [Harp-L] Digitech Vx400 users aboard?

[Ludo Beckers <ludobeckers@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thanks Randy, I knew I had seen a review somewhere before. 

<< 4 or 5 distortion settings that my Vx 400 unit has are sufficient for me, especially with my Turner/Sure mike (designed by dennis-mr microphone) << 

I haven't found any yet, but then again, my bullet mike isn't equipped with XLR.
I find it a pity there's no jack input for a mike. 
So far I've only tried it with an SM57.

<< up to 7 effects at once <<

You wrote that about the 300 model - very unfortunate (and strange for an upgraded model?) that there's only one effect at a time with the vx400.

<<The only drawbacks that I can find is that the bypass switch is placed too close to the expression pedal...be careful not to hit it accidently. <<

Exactly what happened to me too, and my feet really ain't too big :-)

<< I found excellent results just turning up the input knob and overdriving the preamp of the unit. So, when you play soft, the sound is clear. When you blow it harder, it distorts accordingly and naturally. <<

I'll try that, thanks.

<< new model out called the VX400. <<, mike modeling (even a green bullet setting),<<

Which, so far at least, I don't find convincing at all.

<< and a rhythm machine,<<

Which is downright awfull, don't you think?

<< This is the unit I use now. It is much better and has some handy output controls on the front panel that the 300 lacks. <<

Out of the box there's one patch I really like, which is with the doubler on.
I experimented at home to make new patches taking this one as a starting point and got some ok-sounds. 
When I got to the rehearsal room though, they all had different volumes, from screaming to whisper.
I'm not really electronically talented and will need a lot of time to work this out.
Luckily I have the machine in loan from a shop owner who's in a band I play with.

In fact, what I was really looking for originally is a machine with intelligent polyphony settings.
Digitech had one that's now out of production.
One other brand (forgot the name) was way over my budget. 

I'm still in dubio whether to simply go for a 2nd hand POD or stick with this vx400.
With the first it's easy to get a Chicago sound, with the second, as you say, the clean sound can be really great.
I'll keep experimenting.

Ludo