| Considering a GP8 sells for about $899 compared with the ME-5
at $699, the savings is only about $200. The GP8 has midi. I
am assuming the ME-5 doesn't. This may be a big issue to someone
assembling a midi-controlled system.
As far as what else is out there, for units with distortion, compression,
Delay, Reverb, Flange, Chorus, there is the GP8, the Yamaha REX50,
Rockmodules, and a few other units available. If you can do without
the distortion and compression, you could buy a Digitech DSP128
which has Digital Delay, Reverb, Chorus, Flange, and EQ, and allows
any 3 effects to be used at the same time. Art also has some layering
effects processors in the same price range as the DSP128 which lists
for $399 and can be purchased for even less.
Considering that you are playing through a Mesa Boogie, I would
think the Mesa provides enough distortion/overdrive and that you
wouldn't need an effects processor with distortion. As far as
compression, you could get a stomp box or 19" rackmount compressor
for about $100 if you really want one. For about $350, you could
buy a DSP128, and a good compressor, and save the rest of your
money for something else. $699 still seems like a high price for an
effects processor. Of course it's only my opinion !!!!
Mark Jacques
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Mark,
The ME-5 has midi capabilities. Your price of $899 for the GP-8
does not include the $200+ foot pedal option which is necessary
for live.
The Boogie's distortion is good for some things but can't be
adjusted (programmed) without going to the amp. Plus, the older
ones CLICK when switching from clean to dirty.
The tabletop Yamaha REX50 was blasted here awhile back (I wrote
the base note).
Maybe that DSP128 and some sort of distortion/overdrive too?
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Re. .2 I remember the note on the REX50. No one blasted the units'
performance or sound. Us rack-mount freaks complained that is wasn't
rack mountable. We all conceded that if the unit sounded good, and
rack mount wasn't a requirement, then go for it. Rack mount gear
is not for everyone. Some people prefer stomp boxes, or even table-
top gear.
Lately, I have seen a lot of these self-contained personal
recording setups in Guitar Player, Musician, etc. They are
generally set up on an Ultamate Support stand, with monitor
speakers mounted on the top corners. These are great for midi-studio's.
The REX50 would fit in perfectly with drum machines, sequencers,
keyboards, multitrackers, etc in this type of setup.
To each, his own !!!
Sometimes it seems from reading magazines that there is an infinate
sea of equipment choices out there to fit every musicians requirements.
Then I go looking to buy something, and I usually find it tough to
find exactly the right piece of gear. What seems like the greatest
thing since sliced bread in the magazines, usually ends up having
some major shortcoming in real life.
Mark Jacques
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| Tom,
I noticed you had a new effects processor with you on Saturday
and was wondering if it was the ME50. Then I went into Union Music
on Monday and checked one out. How do you like it ? It looks great,
but a little expensive. Union is selling them for ~$575, ouch !!!
I'd be interested to hear your review of the unit since you have
had one for a while.
Mark
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