Confessions of a GNX4 Owner...
Okay, I need to write to this forum because I own a GNX4 for a several months. Here's what I'm thinking. -Oh, before I get started, my setup is simple: G&L ASAT Classic, GNX4, 60w Roland Cube amp. I'm gigging 2-3 times a week and I also teach guitar. Anyway, here are my feelings since buying a GNX4.
I'm very frustrated. -Actually I'm sorta beyond frustrated to the point where I'm not getting anything out of my practices. I end up spending most of my time figuring out why the guitar sound is so damp and I hear a loud buzz when I take my fingers off the strings. -Yeah, I know it's something to do with grounding but I don't even want to deal with it. What will it be next?
As far as my band goes, I setup a kickass preset for doing \"Rocky Mountain Way.\" -But that's it. I'm scared to use it throughout our sets because I don't know how to set all the preset levels correctly. I mean, it seems there are a million ways to do this and then I read the sticky article here. That seems like too much of a hassle. I thought the design of this workstation was to make our lives easier? And how exactly does Volume Pedal Update work? Isn't that supposed to help with the leveling? Instead, I have to sit down like a tech (who knows what they're doing) and figure this stuff out. The funny thing is: I read the manuals, I've been familiar with Digitech pedals for years, but I have the slightest clue.
HA! Since I bought my GNX4, it has made me sweat more than a cracklin' PA system and an unpredictable drummer combined.
Anyway, I don't feel like I screwed the pooch on this one.-Yet. For some reason, I have faith in Digitech and I'm sure it won't be the last piece of expensive guitar equipment I'll ever buy. For the last 3 1/2 months, I have been slowly introducing the GNX4 into my setup and the dang thing in shaking my confidence.
Nate
I'm very frustrated. -Actually I'm sorta beyond frustrated to the point where I'm not getting anything out of my practices. I end up spending most of my time figuring out why the guitar sound is so damp and I hear a loud buzz when I take my fingers off the strings. -Yeah, I know it's something to do with grounding but I don't even want to deal with it. What will it be next?
As far as my band goes, I setup a kickass preset for doing \"Rocky Mountain Way.\" -But that's it. I'm scared to use it throughout our sets because I don't know how to set all the preset levels correctly. I mean, it seems there are a million ways to do this and then I read the sticky article here. That seems like too much of a hassle. I thought the design of this workstation was to make our lives easier? And how exactly does Volume Pedal Update work? Isn't that supposed to help with the leveling? Instead, I have to sit down like a tech (who knows what they're doing) and figure this stuff out. The funny thing is: I read the manuals, I've been familiar with Digitech pedals for years, but I have the slightest clue.
HA! Since I bought my GNX4, it has made me sweat more than a cracklin' PA system and an unpredictable drummer combined.
Anyway, I don't feel like I screwed the pooch on this one.-Yet. For some reason, I have faith in Digitech and I'm sure it won't be the last piece of expensive guitar equipment I'll ever buy. For the last 3 1/2 months, I have been slowly introducing the GNX4 into my setup and the dang thing in shaking my confidence.
Nate
Comments
http://www.mfxsupermodels.com/
I s'pose it's not for everyone - players who don't like to tweek. Players wo don't like to read instructions or learn how-to's. BUT...once you learn your way around this thing, it will never stop amazing you how capable and flexible it is. Personally, I haven't even picked up the manual in six months; and I only refer to it to figure out how to do something I haven't figured out on my own yet.
If I may: the FIRST thing you have to read the manual cover to cover, or better yet, while you sit with git'r in hand and try the things you read. It's easier to become familiar with the unit than it appears.
Next, you have to sorta open your mind as to what a floor/multi-effects unit does. The GNX is amazingly flexible, once you've wrapped your mind around what it can do. Don't be afraid to experiment and use your imagination.
Also, the SuperModels and Anderton's book and tuturials aren't bad aids either. I consider them both excellent starting points. And Anderton has tutorials online, which are pretty helpful.
It takes awhile to set it up but once you do this thing truly gets reasonably great tones for any amp you emulate.... just keep messin with it....It's an invaluable tool
Scott
Live, there is no better way than using the GNX4's output functions. The XLR's compensated to the PA. Now, send a 1/4\" line to the amp and mic the amp to the PA. Blend the mix at the PA FOH.
Here you get a mono ch for the traditional sound and a nice blend with added stereo efx for the house mix from the XLR's. Set the mixer channels as needed for what YOU think works better.. more of XLR, less of the mic'd amp, or however you prefer.
I have been doing this for all mutieffect users in bands when I run sound. From GNX4's to GT-8 PRO's The mix is one the most intelligible methods thus far. Remember the GNX4 outputs are independent (levels XLR and 1/4\") and each are compensation selectable.
It does take 3 ch's of the board, but you can always use a small submixer and send that to a console only requiring 2chs. The blend is what is important. With the XLR channel mix lower than the amplifier mic'd channel
the delivery is very wide and the mic'd center panned channel still dominates the mix.
It's like this:
Set your patch to work with the amp. that being gains modified etc. Now use that mic'd amp sound center panned.
use the XLR's compensated to the board panned in opposition. one on L and one on R. The XLR blend will want to dominate the mix so trim it and keep the faders set so the mix is just above subtle. Slightly below the amp sound. This gives the efx stereo dimension and provides the raw sound from the amp to provide the traditional sound from a speaker cab.
This works well and is completely controllable for any sound guy. They can also send you a monitor mix of all 3 so you hear the mono blend.
Now my sound is great and people always comment on how cool my sound is.
I even used an electronic drum amp with great success.
It is true as well that it takes time to learn the GNX4.
I decided to start simple with just a few good sounds..mostly tweaking the amp types or factory presets. I got a good Fender Twin and Marshall stack and slowly went from their.
I also learned the onboard recorder before hooking up to the PC.
It seems overwhelming at first and I still am learning what this thing can do.
I am excited by the complexity and versitility of the GNX4.
In my opinion regular guitar amps do not give a good sound with the GNX4. When I realized this my sound became excellent and I was sold on the GNX4.
It is also the best songwriting tool ever. If I have an idea I just step on a pedal and it is recorded.
The GNX4 is the best investment I've made in my music for many years. Lost a fine music collection to divorce, so I'm starting over. Now ready for a lifetime axe. No regrets and nothing but good to say about the 4's capabilities. Buying this unit restored my passion and it's worth every dime. Looking forward to at least a decade with the GNX4, might even hit the used market for a couple more for the kids in the future. A+ for GNX4, Digitech, and this forum. Read 'n tweak, bros.
I tend to go through a lot of changes over the years with my rig and/or setup, and hate to admit that I have ended up purchasing this bad boy 3 times now.
I ended up selling it off twice for other setups (ie: Line6 Live, Boss Gt-6, etc) and I always seem to end back up with the GNX4.
And as of right now, it couldn't be more perfect for me. I have been using it in more of a band setting for years, but am now planning on using it to do a number of one man band and \"coffee house\" gigs.
And as mentioned before, it works great as a good general song writting tool as well.
The GNX4 is pretty hard to beat.