Analog multi-effects

otto · Post by **otto** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 4:32 am

I just scored an Ibanez UE-405 on ebay and I was wondering what, if any, other analog multi-effect exist??? I see the benefits of pedals but get sick of the mess and got excited about the Ibanez UE gear being basically multiple analog pedals in a rack (EQ, Chorus, Compression, Delay). They are also a great deal considering what the individual stomp-boxes go for.

Post by **Stab Frenzy** » Thu May 01, 2008 6:08 am

There was that coloursound one that came out ages ago, but it was really freakin expensive and was kind of like four(?) pedals just stuck in a rack.

I'll see if I can find a link to it...

Post by **Stab Frenzy** » Thu May 01, 2008 6:15 am

Ah, it was actually by Mutronics.

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/Jul02/a ... rsound.asp

Appears to have disappeared from the face of the planet...

yatsuzaki · Post by **yatsuzaki** » Fri May 02, 2008 5:29 am

The Craig Anderton book Electronic Projects for Musicians suggests building the effects into a modular 19inch "Vero" rack format (he even has groupings of effects for specific tasks like drum machines, synths or guitars) however PAiA who stock kits for some of the projects suggest you build them into a FracRak. So its like a modular multi effects unit.
They are pretty cool like envelope following phase shifters and multimode filters, also there is a ring mod, a compressor, ect. However there is no delay/chorus type project

. Its pretty cool if you are into the DIY thing, and you can do it for less than 300$$. I have not built any of these projects however I do plan on building a rack of this stuff to go with my drum machines.

otto · Post by **otto** » Mon May 05, 2008 4:13 am

I just ran the unit through the paces today. I don't want to let the cat out of the bag per se but don't pass these up if you get the opportunity. I think these are way overlooked. They feature the same electronics as many Maxon/Ibanez pedals made at the same time (early 80's) that are now going for as much and more as these multi-fx which basically contain 3-4 pedals in 1 unit. You do the math. Sounds lush and creamy and surprisingly isn't very noisy.

otto · Post by **otto** » Sun May 18, 2008 1:55 am

In replying to this thread I might be talking to myself but whatever, I love these things! I liked the UE-405 so much that a UE-400 is in on its way.

These were made in the early 80's roughly '80-'85. They are all analog and sound great. Each has 4 effects (UE-400: Comp, Phaser, Overdrive, Chorus/flange) (UE-405: Comp, Chorus, Delay, EQ) One very cool feature about these is the instapatch design. Each effect has a pot/switch so you can put the effects in any order you want. In addition, both units feature an external effect input which can also be set anywhere in the chain, giving you tons of flexibility - like pedals.

Each effect sounds great and is very usable with synths or guitars. I like the delay so much I got rid of my deluxe memeory man. It is rumored that the overdrive on some units is the same as the original tube-screamer but that it isn't on others (apparently there were 3 variations of each design, most notable in the two different foot-pedal types).

These can generally be found in the $200-$250 range... The UE-400's tend to go for more. There are also all-in-one footpedal designs that contain 3 effects each. These are the UE-300, 305 and a bass variation. They also produced an upscale version, the UE-700, which is difficult to find and still pricey if you. At any rate 4 vintage analog effects in box, built like a tank for the pirce you would pay for 1 boutique stompbox from analogue-haven. These are a bargain worth looking into if you get the opportunity...

Different footswitch version (this appears to be the more common variety from what I've seen on ebay):

all-in-one footpedals:

otto · Post by **otto** » Sun May 18, 2008 2:06 am

Some more self-indulgence-dancing-with-myself. In my search for analog rack effects and multi-effects in particular I came accross some other noteworthy toys:

MXR-Omni (similar to the Ibanez UE series w/comp, distorion, EQ, delay, flanger/chorus and ext loop):

ADA TFX4:

I'm sure there are more items of interest out there... Of course there are a lot of analog delay units like the Yamaha E-1010 but I'm sure most people are aware of those.

Post by **space6oy** » Sun May 18, 2008 2:26 am

do you know anything about that ADA? what's the "doubler?"

otto · Post by **otto** » Sun May 18, 2008 2:29 am

space6oy wrote:do you know anything about that ADA? what's the "doubler?"

I don't. They are all time-based effects so I imagine it is something related to an delay or chorus type effect.

Post by **space6oy** » Sun May 18, 2008 2:34 am

check it out, they even have the manual up!

"produces a single short repeat of a note or chord for added thickness."