Rocktron Multivalve

Since "ease of use" is the first category, my comment about that applies to just about every aspect of the Multivalve - it depends on what you're trying to accomplish. If you want plug-and-play simplicity for basic functions and are happy with the presets, there's not much to it. For some of the more complex features, there is a bit of a learning curve, but that's to be expected. There are newer alternatives that are certainly easier to use, but there are certain features that make learning the finer points of the Multivalve's operation well worth the time and effort.

The controls have been covered in other reviews, so I'll cut right to the chase. Editing patches is harder than tweaking a stompbox, due mainly to the sheer number of parameters that can be adjusted on each effect. There are many presets that focus on a single effect, and others that handle multiple effects or functions. For example, dialing in a delay preset encompasses more than just the typical regen and duration. Do you want the delay to be cut off the moment you switch patches, or bleed through into the next effect? Do you want the delayed signal to be louder on one side than the other? On top of that, you can adjust the HUSH and EQ settings on every patch (plus many other so-called global parameters), and there are level controls both in the effect settings and also master input and output level controls on the front panel. There is even an amp channel-switching function, although it won't work on every amp under the sun. The Multivalve really requires a MIDI controller to take advantage of its features in a live setting, but I haven't done much more than cycle through patches that way. Fortunately, the manual is more helpful than most.

There are many opportunities for frustration, especially when trying to create your own patches. Getting consistent levels is tricky at first, because what may seem to be a simple preset volume setting might actually be the compressor or EQ. There are stereo effects that can be adjusted specifically for the left or right output, but there is only a single input, so it's not as flexible as it could be. The tube parameters are relatively straightforward, but changing guitars/pickups or preamps will probably mean changing the tube mode. Oh well, it's like I said: it depends on what you're trying to accomplish.

My Multivalve is still at the original v1.00 firmware, and will probably stay that way. I'm not sure if there are any significant changes or improvements in newer revisions, but I'm not terribly concerned.

I have experimented with the Multivalve in a few different setups. My live rig involves a pedalboard running into a Peavey VTM-60 tube head, which unfortunately has no sort of footswitch capability and a rather weak effects loop. I ran the Multivalve directly into the amp's input, which was fine, but not necessary since I already have most of the essential functions available on my pedalboard. My studio rack rig consists of an ART DST-4 preamp/processor, ART Tube Channel parametric EQ, Rocktron Guitar Silencer, and either Peavey Classic 60 or Carvin T100 tube power amp. The other rack units can do most of what I need, but the Multivalve has so many options (the ART preamp is pretty limited in terms of effects) that I hoped to use it as a studio-grade effects processor.

Noisy? Not really, especially with the HUSH engaged...which is highly configurable and effective. Weak effects? Not at all - you can get any sound you want out of this thing. My impressions of the various effects are as follows:

Delay/Chorus/Reverb - Everything from subtle to over-the-top. Great sound quality, but prepare to do some major tweaking for anything beyond the presets.

Flanger/Phaser/Tremolo - I know I won't use most of these effects, but there are presets for just about everything you can imagine. Some of the combination presets are complete insane, which I mean in a good way.

Pitch Shifter - For octave and harmony effects, I was pleased to find that the tracking is excellent, at least compared to the various effects units I've worked with previously. The sound is reasonably convincing in that your guitar will still sound like a guitar rather than an Atari 2600.

EQ/Compressor/Mixer - If you are willing to sit down and really dig into the various parameters, the sky is the limit. I realize that most of these functions are handled via software plug-ins or dedicated units in a studio setting, but you can do a lot of it right within the Multivalve if you want.

Speaker Simulation - This was a selling point for me, as you can choose both speaker size (8, 10, 12 and 15 inch) and mic placement. Direct to a mixing board or PC, the sound is good, but not great. It will take a fair amount of tweaking to get a "live" sound.

HUSH - Rocktron wisely placed the noise gate before the time-based effects, so your delays and reverbs don't get hacked up. As with everything else in the unit, the HUSH section can be configured to no end.

Overall, the sound quality is very good. However, there just has to be a fatal flaw with something scoring so well, and that is during the time when there is NO sound - the brief gap in switching patches. Oh, how I wanted the Multivalve to be a single-rackspace replacement for the noise gate, EQ and delay taking up so much room in my live rig! Alas, there is no ignoring that split second delay between patches, and when trying to kick in a volume/EQ/delay patch for a guitar solo, that drop-out is just not acceptable. Now, that may not be a show stopper for most people, but both my amp head and rack preamp have non-switchable effects loops, so I am relying on a MIDI controller to switch from "wet" to "dry" patches. That being the case, the Multivalve goes into my recording rig and gets turned on for specific tracks.

This unit was purchased used and is many years old. The patch-select dial is prone to either refusing to switch patches or jumping back and forth at the lightest touch. Not the sort of thing that inspires much confidence, but that's what a MIDI pedal is for. I probably won't gig with it anyway, and if I did, I could get through a show without it if forced.

Rocktron is good about responding to emails, although I haven't found them to be incredibly helpful. That's a tricky thing to rate when dealing in used equipment, so I'll leave this ranking blank.

I play metal...black, death, thrash, melodic, and so on. My effects needs are not especially varied, but it was really the convenience of combining a parametric EQ, speaker sim and HUSH into a single rack space that appealed to me. My experience with rack gear is a bit limited due to the good results I've achieved with pedals, but the Multivalve seems to do what I expect of it and more. The delays sound great, which I will definitely use.

If not for the delay in changing patches, the Multivalve would be perfect for me. In time, I'll find a way to better incorporate it into my rig, but until then, it will get only limited use. I was disappointed by that single shortcoming in an otherwise stellar piece of gear.

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This is an amendment to my original review 2 reviews below. In that review I complained about the reverb and delay. Well, I have to correct myself now after spending some good intentional tweaking time with this unit. After demoing a bunch of other units including TC Electronic, Line 6, and Lexicon I have found that this unit is everything I would want for a live guitar rig. First the reverb is great in the sense that it is very controllable, easy to get just the right amount. Other units seem to add too much effect but with this unit I can get just what I need. The High Freq. dampening allows you to dial in different reverb sounds from warm to more springy. I have also realized that the stereo delay can emulate any type of delay. For a tape echo or analog type delay add a lot of HF dampening. For a more true digital delay use less. For a ping pong delay set your delay voices a beat apart with the shorter beat being a little less in volume. What really impresses me about this unit is how transparent and flexible it is. The mixer section is really good and it is easy to program as well. This unit is a keeper!!!

Great unit for guitar, transparent. My only gripe at this time is that the tap tempo isn't global.

Pretty straight forward and good manual.

The quality was excellent but I was disappointed in the presets and even after configuring presets I didn?t seem to have much use for the extra features it offered. Tube overdrive wasn?t to hot but perhaps it was my setup (Marshall JMP-1, Marshall 50 watt tube power amp & 4X12 cab Celestion vintage 30 & 75 watt Celestion), too much tube? beats me, perhaps my expectations were too high after owning the Replifex and I expected it to be superior to the Replifex which in my opinion was not. I sent it back the next day - the quality was still very good, just not impressed with unit overall.

Built well. Solid.

Excellent!

I expected something a little more seeing that this was a Rocktron product and with the Intellifex and the Replifex already out on the market, I'm still not too sure why they ever put this unit out, not that its bad , just couldn?t get anything significant out of it that the Intellifex or Replifex already had to offer in my opinion.

Basically a three knob set-up. 1st knob scrolls thru different effect, 2nd scrolls thru editing options of an effect, & 3rd changes the parameters. Fairly easy to use once you get use to the system. Front panel effect buttons would be a bit more conveinent though. The manual is easy detailed and easy to understand. Has every standard effect plus compression & 4 band EQ, speaker sim. and amp switching capability.

I run this from a Pod Pro effects loop in stereo (I dont use any of the Pods effects). Overall the unit is great and very transparent. Most of the effects are very rich and detailed...reverb, 2 voice chorus & flanger, 2 voice delay, phaser, rotary speaker, tremelo...etc. The introduction of the tube gives a mellow overdrive and warmth to clean sounds and an extra boost to distortion. There is only one type of reverb which is a drawback, also the delay only goes up to 1 second and I get a slight whoomping noise with the repeats. Overall this is a great unit for guitar player...all the common effects in one box. The speaker simulation is quite good for those into direct recording. And for those of you with noisy amps it does have Rocktrons Hush NR.

So far so good...I've owned it for 3 years. The construction is solid and the knobs are durable.

Good...I got an email back from Rocktron within 24 hrs on a question I had.

This unit is a good match for any guitar player or musician needing an effects processor. I realize that the rackmounted effects units can be a turn-off to some but once you get used to how the thing works it is quite easy to navigate and get the effect you need. It is a medium priced unit and some of the effects are not Lexicon quality but for the price it is definitely a "pro" piece of equipment. Lots of effect and easy to use. im not sure if Rocktron is still making this unit though. Musicians Friend sells it but is not on Rocktron's website any longer.

Easy to use for a multi effects device, but not Tube Screamer easy. It`s digital, so if your into point to point construction with nothing inbetween, hit your back button. If your thinking of having your Marshall modified, read the rest of this post since this unit through your effects loop could save you the hassle.

I used this in a wet/dry Bogner Ecstacy rig and it was just ok. I downsized to a Marshall combo, put this through the effects loop, and realized it`s full potential. The fully programmable 4 band EQ feature allows you to remove those annoying buzzy and harsh frequencys that most Marshall owners complain about. It also can be set up differently on each patch giving you everything from scooped metal to fat Leslie West type tones. Excellent for cover bands. The compression gives you that power amp type squash (as much or as little as you need) since it is between the pre and power amp stages. Nice singing feedback can be had at reasonable volumes, and the noise gate does a nice job without chopping off quiet parts. I recommend running this in a series effects loop to take full advantage of these features. Reverb is decent for what I use it for (ambience effect), chorus and flange are good, and the delay has a high rolloff adjustment that will get you close to a tape echo sound. I don`t use the pitch shifter, so no comment there. I use a Les Paul and a Strat and this unit takes care of the weaknesses of each.

I`ve never had a problem with this in the 6 months I`ve used it, almost every weekend gigging, and don`t foresee any problems. Seems really well built.

Never dealt with them, so no opinion.

I play everything from Heart to Ozzy and dabble in some Robin Ford type blues. Through a wet/dry rig this thing is just ok since you can`t use the EQ or compression. Through the series effects loop of a Marshall tube amp this thing is incredible. You can throw away all your stompboxes (except for your overdrive/distortion & wah), EQ out all the crap, and make your rig sing and go into some controlable feedback for short money. Turns any Marshall into a variable tone monster. If you don`t like the word digital, stay away, otherwise grab a note and go for a ride.

A high end fully programmable digital multi-effects unit is inherently complex. That's what you pay for. Having said that, the MultiValve is one of the easier units of its type to set up and use, and its (almost) comprehensive programmability makes it versatile, and it is not difficult to achieve good results.

Editing patches can be time consuming because there are so many parameters. However the procedure is not difficult to follow, and the Rocktron three-knob schema of Function Select, Parameter select and Parameter Adjust (each on a separate control wheel) is a more elegant (and user friendly) arrangement than the single jog wheel often offered on this type of unit.

The manual is quite usable and well set out. It's also available online (as a .pdf file) which is a bonus. Have a look if you're interested (ie before you buy - I did). One important feature of the MultiValve is not documented in the manual - it is possible to configure a MIDI controller assignment for the tap delay setting, but you have to find this out for yourself (tucked away at the very end of the Controler Assignment menu, after the last menu option covered in the manual). The manual implies that this option is only available via a mechanical switch or via Rocktron's own "All Access" remote MIDI foot controller. Not so; I can confirm that it works with a Roland FC200 - and should work with any other standard MIDI remote device.

For reference, the ROM version number on the Unit I am referring to is Version 1.20.

I am using the MultiValve in a rack setup in the effects loop of a Marshall JMP-1 (along with a Roland SDE-330 Dimensional Space Delay). The rack is amplified by a Crown DC75-A driving a pair of JBL MR922 speaker boxes. The principle here is that the power amp and speakers are ultra clean, so that they faithfully deliver the tube sound and quad box simulations provided by the JMP and MultiValve. If you run these units into a conventional guitar amp/speaker setup you get a double dose of speaker vibe and amp colouration and the two compete, which is bad news.

The sound out of the MultiValve is clean and quiet, but it can be set up to kick and drive with added 'balls' and presence. The valve sound gives characteristic 12AX7 creaminess, with an edge of 'bite' when on the high setting. If youi don't set up the input line levels correctly, the valve circuit will peak out and clip, which probably accounts for the "the-thing-sounds-broken-on-high" gripes from a couple of the other reviewers here. I have had no difficulty setting the levels for both tube options to get highly usable sounds.

The speaker Simulation options are also very usable, and compare reasonably to any of several isolation cabinets I have used at different times (but without any noise leakage and with the advantage of portability!!). I find that using different blend of the speaker-sim options from both the MultiValve and the JMP (I combine them in a line mixer which sits between the JMP and the power amp) on a patch by patch basis give a hugh range of miked cab sounds.

As with all high end effects units, there are a lot of parameters and not all combinations produce usable or desirable sounds. No doubt this depends a lot on taste and on what guitar, preamnp, amp setup etc you are using. However running the MultiValve into a clean amplifier (as opposed to a conventional guitar amp/speaker combination) I find it isn't difficult to get highly usable sounds. These include a host of standard effects as well as the wierd and wayward.

The rotary speaker effects are surprisingly convincing, and other effects provide solid and versatile algorithms with plenty of set-up range. The biggest limitation, perhaps, is that the delays only go up to one second (not a problem if you're using a dedicated delay unit as I am, but otherwise this could be a negative...).

This unit has the potential to double as a special effects box for general studio use, as well as as a guitar processor.

No problems with the design from the point of view of ruggedness or durability. I haven't actually dropped the thing, so I can't tell you if it's really as rugged as it looks. However I use it without a backup.

I haven't had cause to deal with the manufacturer direct, so I can't comment. The support offered by the distributor in Australia was fine, as far as I've had call to use it.

This unit is highly suitable for both studio and stage work, and would offer something for most types of music.

The MultiValve is suited to experienced players who have a good understanding of the principles behind various effects and their parameters, as well as understanding level set-up techniques and MIDI and patch set up.

If there are things to criticise about the MultiValve, they are relatively minor issues. Two which I would cite are:
- there is no option to recall the last patch used, at switch-on
(only to store the preferred start-up patch). This is standard
on most other high end Digital effects units
- The front panel artwork is crappy and cheap looking (though
the unit itself is not...).

Aside from these minor irritations, I am very pleased with the
MultiValve, and it does the job it was designed to do very effectively. I would buy another one of these if it were lost or stolen.

i will have to agree with the guy before. switching between things insn't sp hard, it just that there are so many options. i guess this isn't a bad thing but dosn't contribute to "ease of use". if i had the choice between the way it is and something easeir but less configurable, there would be no contest to what i would pick...MULTIVALVE ALL THE WAY!!!!! if your not into digital/midi gear stear clear, but if you want an array of good sounding effects with limitless posibilites as far as control and expressions, look no further.

very clean, mixing is especiall good for adding just a little effect. the high gain tube is rather usless though. i've found i can get some really messed up stuff with the pitchshift up real high(set to fast too to give it that bad quality/computer sound) and the high gain setting. this is not however a natural sound, just for fun. the chorus is lush and full and can be made more so with a little more reverb. the delay sounds great for being digital, not really harsh at all unless you are a moron and make it that way. the flange and phasher don't have as much "over the wall" swoosh as a few beat do hell pedals i have but it dosn't have the noise and sound colorations that the pedals have either. all in all i am very pleased with the sounds i am getting out of this thing. also offeres an anolog signal path(only the affected signal is run through the a/d converter) which keeps your tone intact unlike cheap diditech crap.

no doubt in my mind i could gig without backup. havn't done it yet but if it is anything like any of the other rocktron gear i got(hush super c, hush pedal, midimate, intellifex, gainiac(sold cause it sounds like crap but still built like a tank)) than you got no worries. only thing i can think of that might be a problem is that it has a tube in it. looks to be rather well protectected but still, when you add a "out-of-date" sometimes "unrealiable" technology you can run into problems. i supose if anything ever went wrong with it you could just bypass it and all would be fine till you replaced it. don't know and to tell you the truth it dosn't really worry me that much. i got plenty of other stuff that i am much more worried about failure than this thing.

always been helpful, and eager to make sure i'm happy. only once did i every end up talking to a stiff. i have called and emailed these guys allot because i got some other stuff of thiers so taken that into consideration they have about a %95 in the field of perfect service.

if your not into digital/midi gear stear clear, but if you want an array of good sounding effects with limitless posibilites as far as control and expression, look no further. only other challanger is t.c. or eventide which cost about 2-3 times as much. check one out and if ya dig it, snag it! if not go invest in a better guitar, a decent preamp/poweramp, hearing aid, and a life ya bum! ;-)

Hard to use. There are so many options, it is hard to figure out how you want to set up your patches. Each effect is pretty easy to figure out, but the mixing and manipulating effect orders are challenging to master. This thing is like chess. Easy to learn, centuries to master. The manual explains things very well. I reference it all the time.

Where this unit is hard to master, the sounds it makes are fanastic, except for 1 which I'll get to. Like all Rocktron stuff, the modulation effects, reverbs, and delays leave your guitar tone intact, and simply mix the effect signal with you tone. Very cool. What is cool is you can mix in way to much effect for , special effects. I like mixing in a ton of phaser or flange for creating interesting sonic landscapes and earcatching breaks in the songs. The para EQ is great for lead boost or general sound shaping. Very effective ( i hate that word Versaltile). Delay and reverb can be just barely audible, or completely washed out. Flange, chorus, phase, tremolo, pan, and pitch shift all sound convincing and definatley NOT CHEESY. However, you can make any of the effects SOUND CHESSY by manipulating the tube gain structure. In low gain, you get some compression and some clipping. THis is as cheesy as I want. Chorus takes on a vintage feel, flange grinds, delays mush together, tremolo chugs, etc.... I found 2 uses for high gain tube mode- clean guitar with modulation sound very smooth, warm, and you can get some good grinding. WIth a heavy distortion, high gain tube and a tone of uppermidrange boost from the EQ, i can nail a fuzz pedal effect. Thats it. SOunds excellent. I give it a 9 because high gain tube is not very usefull, IMHO.

Rocktron makes good stuff. I gig with a rocktron chameleon for a backup. Neither has given me a prob. I give them an 8 because I dont gig more than once or twice a month so I cant speak for road dogs.

Awesome. As good or better than Boogie. every email answered with a couple hours. Phone support was awesome. I give em a 9 because they need an 800 number.

This thing is cool. Its only fault is there are so many options. I control it with an ART x-15 and have a patch set up like virtual stomp boxes. The effects and options available outnumber the midi controller numbers (10 things you can control via midi per patch). The hard part is fully mastering the effect mixing capabilities of this unit. you can dial just a little effect for some movement in the tone, or completely dominate the sound with effect, to everywhere in between. I am very satisfied with with this unit. I am sure I have yet to uncover all the sonic possibilities of this piece. Currently, i run an ADA MP-1 directly into the unit. The multivalve can handle live level, so this works very well. the multivalve then runs into a BBE 462 is stereo, which then hits a marshall 50/50 stereo power amp into a stereo 2x12 cab. With the BBE on, the sounds are very modern, big, wide, clear. With the BBE off, the sounds take on an older style, think 70's and 80's effects. Overall, this is a good unit; just a little overwhelming. Including ease of use, I give it a 6 . For sound and options, I give it a 7 (the TC 2290 and Eventides of the world would be 10). This unit sounds great, has many options, and I am satisfied with yet another Rocktron purchase.

DSP Effects Processor with 12ax7 Tube for "Warmth"
This is similar to a Chameleon, without the preamp, and with the ability to control your amp via the footswitch jack.
Editting is similar to the chameleon or the intellifex. Turn one dial to find the Module you are wanting to edit (i.e. flanger, reverb , delay, HUSH, etc...) then turn another knob to find the parameter you want to vary (i.e. delay time, HUSH threshold, Left Out Volume), then finally turn a third knob to adjust the actual value. This is not as hard as it sounds, but the number of paramters can make adjustment time consuming.
The manual is similar to all of Rocktron manuals, and available on-line at their web-site. Check it out there. Sample settings would have been nice.
The presets are, well, presets. Very little that can be used without adjustment. It's not hard to dial-up your sound.
The Tube is either bypassed, in low-gain, or high-gain. Even when adjusting the EQ of my preamp to be flat, I could not get a satisfactory sound when the tube started to clip. It just sounded like a piece of broken equipment. I was hoping the tube would give me a little more gain for me preamp, but I can't use it for this. Running a clean preamp sound into the unit, the low-tube gain can really make a positive impact. The sound is a little richer, with just a hint, a tiny hint, of overdrive. High-gain sounds like something is broken.

The sound quality is similar to other rocktron units. With the tube stage OFF, it is very clean. No noise to speak of. With the tube in high-gain mode, the unit is useless to me. Lowgain worked well for clean settings. Tube Bypass sounded pristine, just like my Intellifex.
I'm using a Rocktron Piranha as my preamp, going direct to PA, or feeding my Velocity 250 Poweramp and Ampeg 412 cabinet.
The phasing and flanging are really nice on this guy. The presets accentuate phasing, flanging and the rotary speaker simulation. I don't really use the leslie soundm so I have no opinion of it.

My other rocktron gear has been very reliable

Rocktron support has been very good for questions. I emailed a question and got a prompt answer.

If I didn't already have an IntelliFex, I would really find this useful. The effects are really good, but the MIDI-controllable chameleon-like EQ and speaker simulator add immense flexibility. The MIDI controllable channel-switching jacks would let you change channels on non-midi devices with footswitch jacks. Real Cool. This just solves problems.
I wish the tube could help provide a little overdrive. It's more of a crackling character to me, no matter how I set up my preamp EQ. Rocktron never claimed it would do this. It's supposed to provide "warmth", whatever that means. :)