The Digitech GNX 3, by: DJ Knowone

First in a series, DJ Knowone from Canada takes a look at the GNX 3 pedal and its uses in the studio and on the road. Look out for more articles like these looking at the uses and applications of different technology to the work of producers and turntablists in and out of the studio. If you would like to submit a review or a product for review please contact me and we can arrange it easily.

The Good

You can record up to 8 layers, and mute each layer individually. Not only is the GNX 3 a looper, it’s an 8-track recorder. The 8-track system works in conjunction with the looping system. For example, you want to loop a ten second sample of drums, and you want to layer a bass line over that? The first drum layer will be set to track 1; the bass line overdub can be set on a separate track (2). With the push of a button it is easy to mute a couple of bars off your drums, chop up a melody, or re-record a phrase.

You can record in Stereo

After you delete the demo bank, this unit has about two minutes of CD quality stereo recording. That's about 2 full “sketches” of looped recording. However, there is a smart media card upgrade. The standard 128-megabyte card, gives you 24 minutes of CD quality. There is also a Smart Media to USB port that will allow you to upload your track to your computer.

It has 99 song banks

A song bank stores pre-recorded tracks and samples. This is can be of great help in organizing your projects or bringing samples to the stage.

A Multi-effects unit

The cool thing about this unit is that it allows you to easily blend effects to create your own effects. There is plethora of delays, chorus, pitch shifters, de-tuners, overdrives, and noise gates. Also included is the ability to create and save 65 of your own “hyper models”. A hyper model is a combination of effects, amp & cabinet models.

Expression Pedal

The expression pedal allows you to assign different parameters and manipulate and control them on the fly.

Learn-a-Lick

Ever wanted to learn a particular scratch or transpose music into scratching? This allows you to import sounds from your Walkman, then slow them down to half their original speed with no change it pitch.

Support

There are video tutorials on how to use the GNX3 here. A full list of spec’s is also available here. There is a message board on the GNX site that will quickly, and without any mockery, assist you with your pedal.

Price

It's 599 CDN

The Bad

Don’t digital effects suck?

The effects on this unit sound clear and are pleasant. I think they sound great, but I’m curious to what a real “vintage British overdrive ” sounds like in comparison. I suggest as with all equipment, that you rent it first before you buy it. If you’re planning on buying a multi effects unit, I would suggest renting the Boss Me 50B or GR-20.

Won’t the plastic pedals break under the weight of my timberlands?

Perhaps, but I didn’t have any problems. I’m sure if you don’t stomp on your equipment it will be okay.

How’s the drum machine?

It’s not like having Tower of Power’s Peter Garibaldi at your feet. A machine can hardly replace a drummer, but it does take some of the bore out of a metronome. The tempo and style can be selected, but the drum samples sound thin.

The Ugly

Do I have to buy extra stuff?

Other than the proper cabling from your mixer, you do not need to buy extra stuff (and yes the power adapter and manual are included). However, the smart media card + USB adapter would be a good investment. There is also an optional foot controller (Fs300) to allow you to use the recorder with out having to jump through the effect menus.

The GNX 4 is out--- is the GNX 3 dated?

Well, it’s the deluxe version of the GNX 3. The XL if you will. Some cool features, the drum machine has been refitted to sound better and I think you can add your own .mid files. Looks like the USB unit is built in, there are few more amp models, plus a few more goodies. All great features, but they are not necessities.

So rent one out, see if you like it. If you have any questions about any pedals, please contact me at djknowone@djknowone.com or at the lab, 604-872-0269.

Republished with permission. Many thanks to Knowone for the review!