Let's talk about multi-effect pedals! What's the best multi-effect pedal out there? Which one should you buy? Which one is best for guitar, synth, bass...?

I remember a time when "multi-effect" was a bad word: for a lot of folks, it implied that a device wasn't focused enough, or was trying to cram too much into one box. In some cases, that can be true...but today, that stereotype is, more often than not, dead wrong. Advances in music technology and years of experience have changed things. Now, some of the best pedals you can buy altogether are multi-effect pedals...and in this article, we're paying tribute to many of our favorites.

Multi-effects give you the ability to deeply explore many types of effect processing using a single device with a single user interface. They can help you to build sets where you shift between multiple presets, creating an ever-changing cascade of sound. For people just getting into the world of hardware effect processing, they also present excellent value: they're an awesome way of dipping your toes into hardware effects, learning what you like/what you need while making music along the way. And given how dang good many of them are...you simply won't outgrow them.

All that said, let's take a look at some of our favorite multi-effect pedals.

Empress ZOIA: Multi-Effect, or Secret Modular Synthesizer?

Empress has been churning out quality effects pedals for years, but when it came time to make a multi-effects pedal they opted for an atypical approach. Instead of the typical pedalboard-like structure that a lot of multi-effects take, ZOIA employs a grid-based patching interface that has more in common with modular synthesizers than effects pedals. Simply drop a module onto any free square(s), hold down an input or output, and tap a compatible destination—ZOIA allows you to easily build highly customized effects chains that are otherwise rarely found outside of modular synthesizers or software.

ZOIA is a great choice for anyone that's looking for a different take on the multi-effects pedal package. Alternatively, if you're a synthesist looking for even more modular inside your modular, the ZOIA Euroburo is a Eurorack-version of the same platform with additional control voltage I/O for further integration into your system.

Poly Effects Beebo: Touch Screen Multi-Effects Wonderland

Poly's Beebo has been around for a while, remaining a powerhouse of pointer-finger patching thanks to regular, robust firmware updates. By using a wonderful, large touch screen along with a pair of knobs and trio of footswitches, creating your own custom effect or signal chain is fairly easy. The main way to interact with this pedal is through that gorgeous touch screen. Each patch is set up to look and feel like a modular synth or Max patch, with virtual connector cables that let you route audio and modulation wherever you want.

If you don't need CV/MIDI capabilities or the full-blown synthesis functionality, Beebo is still an all-in-one powerhouse that could replace a pedalboard—or at least a pretty big chunk of it. With basic but beautiful effects like compressor, chorus, phaser, delay, and outrageously good convolution reverb, you've got the essentials covered. Even if you already have a robust pedalboard, the options for routing with the I/O open up a world of creative possibilities.

And of course, if you want to go even deeper, Poly's Hector packs all of Beebo's features into a Eurorack module, rife with CV I/O connectivity.

Eventide H90: Cutting-Edge Dual Effect Powerhouse

No guide on multi-effects would be complete without mentioning Eventide, who are longstanding veterans of effects processing technologies within the music industry. Though they made a name for themselves in the realm of studio gear and launched a line of pedals in 2007, Eventide put out their first true multi-effects pedal in 2013: the H9 Harmonizer. While it can only run one algorithm at a time, H9 is a multi-effects pedal in the sense that it offers an assortment of new effects as well as updated legacy sounds from Eventide's other pedals and rack units. But in the final months of 2022, Eventide raised the bar with H90, their latest, super-charged multi-effects pedal.

If top-tier effects are a must for you, H90 provides unmatched Eventide quality both on stage and in the studio.

Meris LVX: an Unsuspecting Kaleidoscopic Multi-Effect

The Meris LVX pedal is touted as a Modular Delay System, but to simply view it as a delay pedal doesn't do the justice to the power that is packed within. Indeed, the delay algorithms are incredibly sophisticated, and the robust settings allow for some unconventional sounds that blur the lines between effects. Outside of the delay, it includes several other effects that can function in tandem with or independently of the delay algorithm.

For more experimental and woozy settings, the Modulate section has wonderful flangers, a chorus, cassette emulation, and even a granular setting. To tame any aggression or heighten the drama, several types of filters are available in the Filter section. The creme de la creme of the LVX is the robust Modifiers section, which gives you freely assignable LFOs, an envelope follower, S&H, plus a 12 step sequencer. Oh, and on top of everything we mentioned is an independent Looper, which runs separately from all of the presets, making it easy to switch between some grit, a flange, and your delay—or have a preset where the Looper runs into the effects or is placed in the Feedback path.

The Meris LVX is a great multi-effects pedal that is centered around a robust delay. However, each algorithm can stand on its own without the need to have the delay turned on. This is recommended for those who want effect chains where having a delay option is handy, as well as for those who are comfortable with setting up their own presets. LVX is incredibly deep and can help to create truly unique sounds.

Line 6 HX Series: Multiple Models, All Incredible

Out of all the pedal manufacturers listed in this article, Line 6 may have single-handedly played the biggest role in shaping the current landscape of guitar-centric multi-effects processors. The release of their red, bean-shaped POD back in 1998 put them on the map, and their continually refined approach to amp modeling furthers the goal of Line 6, and the many other companies that followed in their footsteps, to close the gap between the sound and feel of digital amp models compared to their real-world counterparts. Today, Line 6's flagship line of Helix multi-effects processors offers their most powerful modeling technology to date, and also includes premium effects such as delay, pitch-shifters, reverb, and more.

The Line 6 HX family of products is a spin-off of the Helix line, incorporating the same amp and effects modeling technology in a more compact package. Of these, the HX Stomp and HX Stomp XL offer the most complete assortment of models, containing all of the same amps, speaker cabinets, and effects from the Helix. Both units allow you to configure up to eight different blocks in series or parallel signal paths, as well as incorporate other pedals via the external effects loops. On top of that, both HX Stomps feature highly configurable footswitches for enabling various effect blocks, using preset snapshots, or even controlling external devices via MIDI. Both units can also serve as flexible USB audio interfaces for directly tracking and reamping with your favorite DAW.

For a more straightforward multi-effects approach, Line 6 refreshed their POD line with POD Go, which also incorporates many Helix-grade effects and models. But the Line 6 effect models aren't just tailored for guitarists—they'll sound great with any instrument! With this in mind, Line 6 offers the HX Effects, an effects-only option with the amps removed but retains all the I/O and connectivity you'd need to include it in a guitar or synth-based rig.

Whether you're a multi-instrumentalist that needs versatile effects processing or a guitarist who wants some proven modeling technology to power your rig, Line 6 offers a wealth of different multi-effect options for a variety of musical applications.

Boss ME-80 + GT-1000: an Old Standby + New Territory

Boss has been making pedals for ages and it's only fitting that they were some of the first to create multi-effects pedals. One of their most popular and affordable is the ME-80, which boasts eight different effect types, eight footswitches, and a built-in expression pedal; the ME-80 can replace a pedalboard on stage or studio.

In each preset you have small nodes of "Stompboxes" which you can run in series or parallel. This is where you can assign your distortion, delay, modulation effects, EQ, or whatever you want from their library of effects. You can even add Mastering FX to the chain, to deliver record ready results instantly—your solo ambient guitar album can be recorded and released immediately.

GT-1000, no doubt Boss's flagship, is the culmination of decades of research from one of the companies whose name is synonymous with effects pedals. While a colorful collection of new and vintage Boss pedals is aesthetically pleasing, if you're willing to forgo the prismatic ray for a more austere exterior, you can get an entire collection of Boss-quality effects right at you finger (and toe) tips.

Infinite Possibilities

As we said before, the world of multi-effects is vast...and as such, there are many we didn't discuss today. Zoom, for instance, makes a huge line of multi-effect processors in various formats; Kemper packs amp modeling and effect processing into their renowned Profiler series; and much, much, more. But we hope that this guide has offered you insight into everything a multi-effect pedal can be. It can be a straightforward replacement for a pedalboard. It can be a pocket-sized modular synthesizer. It can be a way of crafting ever-changing soundscapes, structuring live sets, and much, much more.

Still looking for the best multi-effects pedal for you and your music? Check out our full selection of multi-effect pedals, or reach out to talk. We'd be happy to help you take the next step in your effect processing journey!