Re: [Harp-L] FX processor: Foot or Hand operated

[Mike Fugazzi <mikefugazzi@xxxxxxxxx>]

I had a Line 6 M9, then went to the M13, then the POD HD500, and now back 
to the M13.  This is based off my current gigging circumstances...for the 
blues rock band I was in until 2010, the M9 was more than enough.  Then, I 
had a cover rock band in the vein of Blues Traveler, so the M13 got a ton 
of use.  When I went to a solo act out of necessity, I thought the amp 
modeling of the HD500 would be beneficial and let me set up a system for 
both full band and solo work (totally separate "rigs" for harp, bass, and 
beatbox)...well I've learned that a M13 into a Tech 21 Sans amp is THE rig 
for me.  I need easy to tweak on the fly effects - and a lot of them!  I 
also need easy access and not having to flip through menus (HD500 and RP's 
make you do this).

I like a floor unit as it is less of an eyesore, laid out more like a real 
pedal board, and easier to switch (both due to the switch type and noise 
from clicking them not being picked up by a vocal mic).

The L6 M9 and M13 give you dedicaded knobs for each parameter - no menus to 
flip though!  They are LED lit by effect type and very flexible.  I also 
have a RP255 with Richard Hunter's patches.  Regarding effects, the bass 
octave is WAY better on the RP255 as are the reverbs.  I like the L6 delays 
better if only for the variations.  The mods are a wash, IMO, and the 
filters on the M series are pretty worthless to me other than the Trons and 
Growler, which are fantastic (the RP's don't have a Growler, and the 
autowah/tron is at least as good).  I actually prefer the M Series rotary.

Here is my rig minus the Tech 21 Sans Amp Para Driver DI which is the 
coolest piece of gear I have ever owned with the Bass Driver DI and 
Character Blonde from Tech 21 tied for 2nd.  The Para and Bass Drivers 
should be a staple pedal for harp players direct to PA or to an amp!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bv4nKoqI3o

This one is with the HD500, which I used pretty much totally clean, but had 
a PIA trying to tweak effects for the room.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MJdVTas2wE  

With the HD500, it became hard to use effects to setup loops when bouncing 
between patches.  With the M13, it is very easy!

I use a separate bass octave pedal for humming bass lines because I have it 
on hand, like the timbre, and it frees up a spot on the M13.  I keep 
telling myself to post more clips, but then I get lazy and actually play 
instead of record, lol.

Mike







On Sunday, June 24, 2012 9:00:26 PM UTC-5, Robert Hale wrote:
>
> The reason I chose the Korg Pandora PX4D is that I can park the little 
> thing beside me on a solid music stand, and TAP the tempo of the echo in 
> the next tune.  Many FX are foot operated and many don't have TAP TEMPO at 
> your feet. It's also back-lighted when needed. A student just bought one 
> from Ebay for $50. Sweeet. Soon, he be honkin'. 
>
> SO 
>
> When shopping a processor for harp, decide HOW you want to manage it: Hand 
> or Foot. I consider tap tempo ESSENTIAL,  not optional. In the studio 
> EVERY 
> record considers the echo to be a calculated multiple-interval of the 
> primary groove. Tap tempo reinforces the rhythm, random echos clutter it. 
>
> Another reason for it being up on the stand and NOT on the floor, is to 
> eliminate the risk of another player stepping on it. 
>
> Robert Hale 
>
> See you at SPAH2012 
>
> Spiral Advocate 
>
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>
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>
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>
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>