DigiTech GNX4

Editing is easy. Easy enough to get a decent sound. Manual is very good. Firmware 1

Cleary outdated at this point in time. Even using the supermodel packs it falls short. When your ear is conditioned from months and months of using tube amps(hughes and kettner Switchblade and Peavey 5150) it becomes VERY clear how mediocre this unit sounds.When I heard it again I was shocked by how bad it sounded, NO warmth. In no way close in sound quality even with a tube power amp or through a PA. Reminds me of the old Scholz rockman. Even the effects which i used to think sounded good just don't cut it anymore. I gave it to my son for him to practice with. I still use the tuner and mp3 functons and maybe the recorder function from time to time. AS a guitar tone generator I am done with it. Clean or dirty it just sounds fake and thin anymore.

It is slowly breaking down after five years of use

Not bad

When it first came out it was great but now it sounds like a cheap toy. I am done with it. Tube amps rule anyway you look at it.

The GNX4 does a LOT of things: amp/cab modeling, effects chain, recorder, mixer, PC interface. That being said it requires a lot more work to master than a stomp box. Once set up properly it makes playing a real joy. But you do have to work at it.

As delivered from Digitech the GNX4 is an OK effects box. Spend a few bucks on the MFX SuperModels for this thing and you may quit lugging around that expensive hand wired boutique tube amp. The SuperModels make this box. Without them it is little different than the Boss or Line6 models and maybe not as good sounding as the Vox. With them this is one of the neatest guitar tricks I have ever owned.

It doesn't LOOK as well built as some others but it has lasted with no troubles.

Only real beef is no support for Mac OS past 10.4 . Bummer.

Use this with a LP, a Strat, a SG and a Gretsch Anniversary playing pop/rock/blues/country. If your tastes range far and wide and you'd like to play Atkins one minute and Hetfield the next than this is a great toy. No, it is not perfect but it's a lot more practical than trying to gather up four Marshalls, three Fenders, a Fuchs, two Voxs, a Gibson, a Bad Cat, a Soldano and 45 pedals. The money saved on cables alone pays for the GNX4.

In my opinion, it is possible and to some extent relatively easy to get good sound of this unit or arguably any of the current modelers. Rule number one is that you need to understand this will not sound its best when running into the front end (guitar input) of any guitar amplifier. You have two viable choices: a full range system, like an active PA speaker, studio monitors, keyboard amp or into a power amp and guitar speakers (effects return of a guitar amp will work, even better if its a tube powered guitar amp). Editing patches is relatively easy using the unit itself but extremely intuitive when using the inlcuded X-Edit computer software. You must keep in mind that the factory presets almost all need some tweaking before they sound decent; usually adding a little low end and/or sometimes high end and presence. The manual is easy to follow. I have the most current firmware, which I believe is 1.2.

Building off of the section above, in my opnion you need to know at least a little about how the different components of a guitar rig contribute to tone. Once you have that down its a lot easier to figure out how to make this (or any) current modeler sound not only good, but very good or excellent. It also helps to know what amp models are even applicable to your needs (you're probably not going to cover Metallica with a Tweed model and you won't likely cover Zepplin with a Rectifier model). I currently use this with strat type and a V-type guitars. I run three P-90s in the strat type and two humbuckers in the V. I run the GNX4 output into the effects return of a Peavey Classic 30 head and into a 2x12 cabinet. This gives my only the power section of the head (none of the volume or tone controls on the amp work; everything is controlled from the GNX4). I have also run this into studio monitors, live PA speakers and a keyboard amp, and while these full range methods are technically proper for hearing everything the modeler is generating, running it through the power section of a tube amp and then into guitar speakers in my opnion gives you the best of both worlds. Not only do you get a number of very credible sounding amplifier models and effects, but the tube power and speaker path seem to strip off the "digitalness" of these modelers and adds warmth and dimension. I am honestly astounded at how good this unit sounds through this rig. My only gripe is with the harsh sounding Blue Marvel speakers in my cab, which I will be replacing with a Hellatone 30 and 60 this week.

While I usually gravitate toward the higher gain, hot rodded marshall type sounds, even a rectifier once in a while (I cut my teeth on 80s metal), I find myself very inspired by the more vintage tones, and the unique ability to warp two amps together to create an all new original tone is not a gimick; it takes some time and patience, but the result is truly unique tone - potentially the signature tone you've been looking for.

The effects are plentiful and sounds very, very good (the choruses and delays particulary stand out). I haven't run into an effect that I didn't find usable in some context. My guitars are hard tails, so I actually have a Van Halen-like patch using the Whammy effect, and it is an unbelievably effective alternative to a locking tremolo system for dive-bomb effects. On the weaker side would be the intelligent pitch shifter, which is effective and is fine within the context of a band, but on its own is lacking somewhat in sonic quality.

I truly like a lot of the amp models including but not limited to crunch, high gain, british stack as well as some of the more vintage tweed, twin and vox models. I tend only to use a few of the cabinet models and found that using the cabinet tuning can sometimes make a huge difference in the usability of an amp model. There are several overdrive/stomp boxes that sound very good in front of the amp models as well as a very tweakable compressor and effective noide suppressor, should you need one. The wahs are very good too.

Between the amp models, effects, cabinet types (and cabinet tuning) there's just too much to discuss about this unit in the context of this review. The point is that this is truly a powerful tool box that given a little time and patience and run through the proper rig can sound incredibly good.

Digitech stuff is very dependable; right up there with Roland/Boss in my opnion. My only word of caution is that digital devices don't do well when there are power issues, particularly when there is very low voltage. Keep this in mind and consider power conditioning if you suspect such issues. That is not to say I have anything bad to say about the reliability of this unit. It is very solidly built, but I am never comfortable gigging without a backup regardless of what kind of equipment it is. All this being said I would be more likley to gig with this unit without a backup than some other inferior eqipment/brands.

Never had to deal with DigiTech directly. Good web presence, which to date has served my support needs.

Yeah - I've played a lot of gear over a lot of years yadda, yadda, yadda, but I'm only semi-pro. I have a day job, cannot afford or justify the investment in ultra high-end boutique equipment (otherwise I'd have a Two-Rock rig...). What I do need is a system that is reliable, reasonably priced and most importantly capable of producing a fair number of high quality, diverse tones for use in whatever cover band I might be involved with at the time. I have owned recent competitive offerings from Roland/Boss and Line6. Quite frankly, I feel I can get any of these to sound good, but all things considered I thought the GNX4 was the best deal. I actually owned an older GNX (3, I think), then the others can came back to a GNX (this newer GNX4). It's priced right, built like a tank, sounds great and has the added benefit of multi-track recording, which I didn't talk about in this review, but am looking forward to using in the near future. I think the reason I came back to the GNX4 is that DigiTech seems to have built a product that is (as a modeler alone) less gimicky or over the top as some of the others. It is pretty straight forward yet has everything you need to dial in some great tones and then just concentrate on making music!

The point is that you should not count this unit out even if the recording features don't appeal to you or because one of the competitors might have the latest greatest this or that with more bells and whistles. It is a very high-end modeler that doesn't have quite as many amps models, cabinet types or some other features that the others might offer (sophisticated multi-track recording aside, of course), but I believe this unit has a higher percentage of high quality, usable models. It doesn't only do vintage and it doesn't only do the high-gain stuff, it really does an excellent job of giving you very usable tones across the spectrum of extremes. What a lot of people seem to miss is the magic that a well dialed-in modeler can make when run through a tube power amp and high quality guitar speaker cabinet. I can't believe how little is written about this aspect of modelers, but to those of us who have figured it out, there is a whole new world of affordable, great tone out there!

Is easy, you need to read and read the manual, but is easy
The edition of patches require time but is Ok.

Excelent, but whith a special condition:you need to Buy the CD patches of MFX supermodels, really is a redimension of the gnx4,..Believe me, the original presets are very "crispy", whith the MFX supermodels insight the toy is tranformed to a versatile super weapon

OK!

OK!

I am a rocker! I play anything sound Rock! 25 years playing guitar.
If I lost or stolen my Gnx4 I will cry day after day but go to buy another. If do not exist in the market at the moment tears of blood mourn bitterly until eternity and I will die by anemia, dehydration and sadness

Believe me, is a good toy with the MFX supermodels. Buy it! I use a lot of pedals include The POD xt and now after patches my GNX4 is other thing totally new. The Gnx4 is now my delicious and musical harlot, she only need a soft and humid hole

Mine is 3 mos old. The sound of the GNX4 is great. Preset editing is done with the control hw or you can use the pc based editor. I liek using the pc Xedit program. Easy to assign parameters and get a visual read of what is happening. The manual is detailed enough to get by but could perhaps go deeper with examples. Much more can be learned at their guitarworkstation site Craig Anderton tutorials. My Firmware is 1.3

First attempt at getting sound through my monitors had a odd fuzz. Once I read the speaker compensation setting it was 100 times better. No noise, and the gate is actually pretty good. There are couple gate types and once I explored those it got even better. Default was kind of high in most patches.

It's effects are very good. Mine is used with a QSC power amp and a pair of Peavey BW cabs stereo. Other sound rig is through Mackie monitors on my daw. Most times, I jam with the Mackies at home.

Kudos to reviews here. I tested the mfxsupermodels for the gnx4 hard rock disc and my eyes and ears opened up as the reviewers said here. That's the smaller expansion disc I ordered. I was impressed with how many sounds were on it. Excellent tones, amps and cabintes. A big thumbs up here!

Sounds from on board recorder are cd quality. I can transfer songs to it's compact flash card for backing tracks. I use it for song fillers too. The gnx4 also has MP3 playback and drum machine with varied kits. I like how I can connect the ouputs to different sources of amps. Really cool!

In the 3 months, I've gigged 8 times with this at church, and twice at nightclubs. I think it's built tough to take most of what I can leash on it.

No repairs. I sent email to them and Digitech responded in about 10 hours. Detailed what I needed and solved my pc issue with Vista.

I tend to play modern or progressive styles. On or about 15 years. I wasn't big on modelers until recently. What they have done with these is great. Comparing to a Line 6 I started with gnx4 is full of win for my use. The extended features are what I liked best.

This is an update to my previous review. I recently received the mfx supermodels (www.mfxsupermodels.com) Ultimate pack. Wow! The models and presets make everything I had already programmed in, that I thought sounded good, sound like crap...lol. The amp models have so much depth that it's amazing. I'm still not sure how they do it, but I've been blown away by the models. The JCM800 models are incredible. I've owned a couple in the past, and to be honest, I can't really tell a difference. The artist presets are dead on. Don't bother with going to the different forums and downloading anything. Just buy the supermodels pack and you'll never look back.

How easy is it to get a good sound out of it? easy! You need to spend some time with the editor and then it makes more sense. Start with models only. Add effects and see what gives. Manual is good and Digitech has a site GuitarWorkstation.com that has tutorials by Craig Anderton.
Firmware is 1.3. No upgrades, none needed. Works perfectly.

Can you get the sound of your favorite artists? Who are they? Yes no problem. Go to some sites and look at the gear used and settings. You can get close., Guitar World hosts some presets for the GNX4. Guitars? I use a Epi LP. MIA Strat and a T-5. Amps? I have a Marshall rack power amp and 2 vertical mesa 212's. Effects are stunning! Chorus is clear and reverb is polished.

It's heavy. Made of steel construction with cast pedal. Durable enough and I've gigged over 60 x with it so far in'07. Never failed :)

Great site support. MFX supermoel site host has demo links for about anything related to the GNX4. I learned a great deal there.

GNX4 has a lot of options. There are accessories to add. GNXFC for optional footswitch use, supermodels if you want them ( I did), and a compact flsh card. Found today for about $25 for 2GB. I use my GNX4 for almost anything. I get an idea and it's easy to just hit the recorder. No big setting up required. GNX4 has Pro track software, but I use the latest Sonar 7. GNX4 drivers supported no problem. REAMPING is my favorite feature. You can reamp to the flash or the pc USB connection and software. Easy to change a preset sound or model in your mix instead of recording many tracks and experimenting. Reamp tool is king !! On the floorboard I make instant changes in Stomp Box mode. Boosting my preset for a lead or tapping the delay tempo is easy too. Does it help you make music, or does it get in the way? It sure helps in every way. I have POD XT Live and the GNX4 is just a better more universal toolbox.

Let me first say that I purchased the 4 because the Jam Man was only $200.00 less and there were cool features including the recorder. Boss's loop station was at the same price and I was unaware of the Boomarang. We originally walked out of the GC with a GNX3 when my wife noted that the limitation on the card did not allow very much looping.We paid the difference for the 4. This was a good decision. I have owned my 4 approximately 2 years and am just writting a review. This is because until I decided that I was going to use more than the Jam Man section the effects sounded noisy and abrasive and most of all highly processed. The presets are relatively easy to edit however not without reading the manual. As already mentioned by many others there are resources on the web and Craig Andertons web tutorial is excellent. The manual. Here is the rub. The manual is excellent if you want to use that 4 to its fullest capabilities, however has some glaring omissions. To get to the USER presets one must first modify and store something. There is not one mention of how to enter the user presets by some simple procedure. I don't use many of the amp modeling effects and it would have been nice to see a switch (eg: Boss ME-30) to turn off amp modeling short of dumping them. The foot switches are a pain and when you must hit two switches simultaneously you better be a good shot or all kinds of unwanted sounds come up. A stage musician would find this rather disquiting. Finally, it will not go through my Road King's effects loop, believe me I have tried everything. I will try a 20/40 dB inline pad. The bypass sucks if it is used as an input device. Hitting the two switches is bad enough but you must match the output pot to compensate for the loss of gain from the presets. It is noisy when bypassed. My firmware is version 1.3. I would like to see an effects/amp listing for each preset. This would make the unit a lot easier to pre visualize what combinations make up a preset.

The EJ preset with modeling played through a Strat is nice while the rest are over the top. Some of the special features like 5ths and Mo slide age great, after I get rid of the amp modeling or turn it down.
All of the effects are really good they must be used in the proper proportion to achieve a clean sound.I set up trembo to use as just a tremolo and its min effect is still too much, yet the control over speed is nice. The expression pedal is a great feature and makes all the effects much more effective. Although I have found that I get a digital ring to some of the effects. I thought ok turn down the trebble and I was wrong turn down the bass some of these offects overload. The reduced Bass (-8 to -12) works in most cased. Close proximity to FM signals from a wireless interferes with some effects. For the most part the unit is versitile for all its effects and when properly applied are very nice. The studio reverb is a great place to go when wou need that thick clear reverb. I believe that my ME-30 still sounds beter in the effects department

I have had it for two years no trouble.

The website speaks for itself. and it is obvious that with the addition of Craig Andertons tutorials these people are serious.

I play a wide variety of music and jam in a trio the unit is a good match for the looper' however for blues and other forms of music the Boogie is more than enough. I have been playing for 45 years. I have most of the representative guitar and amp genre's.If it were lost as I have said saterically in the past I would go to rehab for people that loose large objects. If it were stolen I would replace it with a boomerang. I love the versatility and infinite level of effects mixes.I hate that it does not have a "true" bypass and that the preamp is still on without the effects which makes it dificult to play as an inline device. If I could put this through my effects loop it would be of greater value. On the other hand if you hook it to a valve junior with the cabinet it can be used in the amp modeling mode with great effect, assuming you reduce the offending overloading effects. The looper is very versitle and that's why I bought it, and that is why it will get high marks. As an effects processor, my ME-30 sounds distinctly better and far less noisy. I also wish that the looper could bypass the effects/amp modeling section. My wish list is 1. a simple control to loose the modeling 2. a simple control to enter the USER presets. 3. A true bypass 4. a built in attenuation pad for use with an effects loop 5. better assignment of foot switches like choosing an effect from each bank and being able to switch to them. The bounceback is cute but in reality not very effective. It does get in the way if I am going from an effects ladden song to prehaps straignt blues but I am working on a solution which would perhaps use a switchbox. As an overall product see my rating. As an effects processor I would give it a 5 or a 6. If you have any suggestions to make this work in a loop please let me know it would be greatly appreciated. Ya I did shut off the speaker compensation.

I'm not associated in any way with Digitech or the sales of any music products. I'm a working stiff just like you so here's my 2 cents worth. Seems to me some people are idiots as the GNX4 isn't that difficult to use right out of the box. I'm only a hobbyist and I managed to use this beast right away and love it. Hint, you might want to adjust the volume knobs on the back of the unit and at least read the GNX4 setup instructions, duh! Plug it in and turn the selection knob to a preset and away you go, it's that easy. Use the custom pedal section to make your own custom pedal combinations. I was easily able to make unique custom pedal configurations I'd never heard before and save them as a preset. Take the time to connect this puppy to your PC, install the included software, and it's easy to customize even the presets that are pre-installed. Save your presets to your PC then to CDROM for a backup of your work. People, this thing has tons of features and it will take time to learn it all or you can use it out of the box. If you have quality guitars, the processing power of the GNX4 will not let you or your sound down. Let me assure you that you will not be disappointed with the quality of the sound this effects monster can make for you. I'm very happy I bought this beast and would replace it again if it grew legs.

Unlike the cheap digital modeling amps out there that claim to simulate every other amp on the market, I think this puppy does a really great job of modeling many amps. When I select the Fender Hot Rod Deville (HRD) preset and play it through my Marshall Valvestate, the GNX4 actually makes my Marshall sound like a HRD. How do I know? I own both amps, that's how! I also purchased the MFX Supermodels (Google it and check out the sound samples on the web site) but there are over 1250 presets people created, saved, and uploaded on the Digitech web site. Many presets there have sound bites as well so you can hear them before downloading them. I downloaded all of them! There are presets for SRV, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Santana, EVH, Sabbath, Metallica, Beatles, Beach Boys, Neil Diamond, Jazz, Rock, Blues, Heavy Metal, Punk, Techno, tube amps, reverbs, rotos, miked amps, Plexi's, Fender Twins, Bassman's, Verbs, Rotors, Vox's, Marshall's, Dumble's, Drop D tuning, and whatever else you might want. There are tons of presets listed by song title if you want emulate a particular song too. I created several of my own presets in no time and they are totally unique. As for learning how to use this beast, instead of listening to illiterate wannabees badmouthing a great product, do a Google search and watch tutorial videos on it on the Internet. The tutorials even have links to more presets, additional drum patterns, and much more. I don't play gigs so I have no idea how well the GNX4 works on stage but in my house you can dial the volume down on your screaming loud Fender Hot Rod Deville and get fantastic distortion without waking the baby in the next room. The price might be a little high but consider this, I bought 2 Fultone effects pedals, 2 Digitech, and 3 Boss pedals before buying my GNX4. I still love my effects pedals but haven't bought another one since buying this tone monster.

I've owned mine for over a couple years without any issues and it's still going strong. I also use surge suppressors with all my equipment to protect my investments. The case is metal and the pedals are plastic. I use my hands to operate it. I suppose if you jump on the plastic pedals you could break them. If you treat your equipment with the same respect you give your $1000.00 guitar, you shouldn't have a problem. I'm not playing gigs but the times I did use my feet it felt solid enough. I'm happy I purchased the GNX4 and would replace it in a NY minute.

I never had a problem with my unit but I did write an email to Digitech asking some unrelated questions once and received a response the same day. I never needed them for any of the Digitech products I've purchased.

While you can play this beast right out of the box, there are tons of settings for you to play with and learn. This thing has endless possibilities. Before I purchased the GNX4 I thought about saving some loot on the GNX3000. The GNX4 has much more processing power and is a much stronger unit than the other models. That's why this one is the flagship model. Definitely get ths one for the processing power and the rest will work itself out if you actually use the noodle God gave you and read a little bit of information about the unit's capabilities. If you can't read then play with the knobs and find the video tutorials on the Internet.

I'm not associated in any way with Digitech or the sales of any music products. I'm a working stiff just like you so here's my 2 cents worth. Seems to me some people are idiots as the GNX4 isn't that difficult to use right out of the box. I'm only a hobbyist and I managed to use this beast right away and love it. Hint, you might want to adjust the volume knobs on the back of the unit and at least read the GNX4 setup instructions, duh! Plug it in and turn the selection knob to a preset and away you go, it's that easy. Use the custom pedal section to make your own custom pedal combinations. I was easily able to make unique custom pedal configurations I'd never heard before and save them as a preset. Take the time to connect this puppy to your PC, install the included software, and it's easy to customize even the presets that are pre-installed. Save your presets to your PC then to CDROM for a backup of your work. People, this thing has tons of features and it will take time to learn it all or you can use it out of the box. If you have quality guitars, the processing power of the GNX4 will not let you or your sound down. Let me assure you that you will not be disappointed with the quality of the sound this effects monster can make for you. I'm very happy I bought this beast and would replace it again if it grew legs.

Unlike the cheap digital modeling amps out there that claim to simulate every other amp on the market, I think this puppy does a really great job of modeling many amps. When I select the Fender Hot Rod Deville (HRD) preset and play it through my Marshall Valvestate, the GNX4 actually makes my Marshall sound like a HRD. How do I know? I own both amps, that's how! I also purchased the MFX Supermodels (Google it and check out the sound samples on the web site) but there are over 1250 presets people created, saved, and uploaded on the Digitech web site. Many presets there have sound bites as well so you can hear them before downloading them. I downloaded all of them! There are presets for SRV, Joe Satriani, Eric Johnson, Santana, EVH, Sabbath, Metallica, Beatles, Beach Boys, Neil Diamond, Jazz, Rock, Blues, Heavy Metal, Punk, Techno, tube amps, reverbs, rotos, miked amps, Plexi's, Fender Twins, Bassman's, Verbs, Rotors, Vox's, Marshall's, Dumble's, Drop D tuning, and whatever else you might want. There are tons of presets listed by song title if you want emulate a particular song too. I created several of my own presets in no time and they are totally unique. As for learning how to use this beast, instead of listening to illiterate wannabees badmouthing a great product, do a Google search and watch tutorial videos on it on the Internet. The tutorials even have links to more presets, additional drum patterns, and much more. I don't play gigs so I have no idea how well the GNX4 works on stage but in my house you can dial the volume down on your screaming loud Fender Hot Rod Deville and get fantastic distortion without waking the baby in the next room. The price might be a little high but consider this, I bought 2 Fultone effects pedals, 2 Digitech, and 3 Boss pedals before buying my GNX4. I still love my effects pedals but haven't bought another one since buying this tone monster.

I've owned mine for over a couple years without any issues and it's still going strong. I also use surge suppressors with all my equipment to protect my investments. The case is metal and the pedals are plastic. I use my hands to operate it. I suppose if you jump on the plastic pedals you could break them. If you treat your equipment with the same respect you give your $1000.00 guitar, you shouldn't have a problem. I'm not playing gigs but the times I did use my feet it felt solid enough. I'm happy I purchased the GNX4 and would replace it in a NY minute.

I never had a problem with my unit but I did write an email to Digitech asking some unrelated questions once and received a response the same day. I never needed them for any of the Digitech products I've purchased.

While you can play this beast right out of the box, there are tons of settings for you to play with and learn. This thing has endless possibilities. Before I purchased the GNX4 I thought about saving some loot on the GNX3000. The GNX4 has much more processing power and is a much stronger unit than the other models. That's why this one is the flagship model. Definitely get ths one for the processing power and the rest will work itself out if you actually use the noodle God gave you and read a little bit of information about the unit's capabilities. If you can't read then play with the knobs and find the video tutorials on the Internet.