DigiTech BNX3

Once you get used to it, it's as eay as any other processor. It is bvery intuative and has a cool operating system that a 6th grader could get after some instruction.

Most of the amp models are killer. Best sound with no noise or hiss. This is the best modeling they have ever done. Digitech has outdone themselves with this product.

Hasn't Broken yet!
Would take it to a gig w/o a back up.

They have the best phone techs at the 800 number, and killerproduct people to help out in my area (So Cal).

Best thing they make for all styles of music.
I have been playing 17 years and this put my PODS, and other modeler units to rest. Sounds as great through my amp as in my studio.
Wouldn't change a thing.

The BNX3, the bass equal to the GNX3 is just as easy to use, and packs so much a punch, you'll feel like you're playing through monster stacks in no time flat! The matrix style of interface is very easy to work with, and follows much of how the BP8 navigation worked. Editing patches is simple, the manual covers everything you need to know, and for once, I'm glad to see DigiTech make a piece of gear that has real practical value for bassists!

I'm using Yamaha 5-string active basses for my gigging, and most of my recording, but I'll switch to a passive bass (custom made) for some recording work. I run through the effects return of a SWR Workingman's 4004 head, with the 4x10" and 1x15" cabs. EQing this bad boy is real easy, and between the notch filter, amp/speaker simulators and EQ's for each preset, a very minimal amount of effort will make the BNX3 sound great in any environment. The distortions are actually very distinct and sound good on even 5 string basses, the chorus is awesome, the delays are good (I would have preferred more settings to choose from, but hey, there's only so much room in the box!) No problems dialing in settings to get the bass sounds from Primus, Metallica, Creed, Pink Floyd, or probably any other band (those are the ones I like to model the most.)

The new DigiTech floor processors are tanks, steel construction with heavy-duty plastic foot switches. I do, and would gig without a backup. I'd worry about my amp frying before this thing failing me.

Never needed them, but their web site has a lot of good information (though the interface is a bit odd for some screen resolutions.) From friends I've had that have needed their support, everyone's been happy with their experiences.

I play a diverse mass of music, from Christian worship music to classic rock to heavy metal to punk, whatever the band feels in the mood to do. I've been playing bass for over 8 years, and EVERYTHING prior to the BNX3 has failed to do what the BNX3 does EASILY!

Let me quickly summarize my experiences:
- Direct to amp: No effects, no fun, pure sound.
- Bass Pod PRO: Lots of effects, found a save-preset problem with the interface where the channel volume is saved per amp model instead of per preset, no good for my use.
- Zoom & Korg: 'nuff said, not worth the money spent
- BOSS GT-6B: I had popping noises when I put too loud of a signal through the processor, as long as I had amp/cab simulation on. Seemed wrong to have to dumb down the processor to make it work, so I returned it.
- DigiTech BP8: Same popping sounds, but only with active basses, I used this for several years with minimal complains.
- DigiTech BP200: A nice step up from the BP8, the interface was much worse, though, and the sounds just didn't impress me enough to justify it.
- DigiTech GNX3: Threw away my stomp boxes, dual 31-band rack EQ and ran guitar -> GNX3 -> Effects return of SWR 4004 and WOW!!

I should note that I am VERY picky about the sounds I produce, and if it's hissy or popping, I consider it crap and won't use it. I paid good money for my gear, ruining its sound with bad processors is stupid. Don't do it. Get the BNX3 and save yourself a TON of worries.

It would have been nice to have a XLR out as well as 1/4" for mixers, but I have a nice DI box for that anyway...

I did not forget to mention its recording features are slick and very practical, but this is after all an effects processor. Use it for that first, and when you get it set up, then use the recorder.

NOTE: The factory presets for the expression pedal were off when I first took it out of the box -- the pedal physically rests toe-down at about 95% of 100% volume boost, so recalibrate the pedal and set the V-switch to somewhere between 55-60 and you should be set. I knocked off a point for that MINOR inconvenience. (I never give 10's anyway, if everything was perfect, it would lack feeling, expression or potential!)

Go DigiTech!