Best multi-effects pedals for acoustic guitar: stress-free strumming
Introduction
An acoustic guitar player usually uses less gear for shows than electric guitar players. You can throw in two or three effect pedals, a tuner, a looper, and a DI box. Some use acoustic amps for monitoring. It still adds up and takes time to set up.
Lately, there has been an increased popularity in effects pedals made for the acoustic guitar, but for this article, we will focus on multi effects made specially for the acoustic guitar. They are devices with multiple acoustic guitar effects in one unit. They make gigging for acoustic guitarists easier with their all-in-one design. Most of them will also have a DI box, tuner, and other extra cool features like a looper.
An acoustic guitarist shouldn’t rely only on the effects the sound manager gives the guitar through the PA and monitors. The acoustic guitarist should also have the freedom of adding and changing effects while playing different styles of songs. By using a multi effects for acoustic guitar, you are using a compact device that will simplify your rig and reduce setup time.
When you hear the word multi effects pedal, most guitarists first think of a multi effects pedal for electric guitar. This has to do with the fact that electric guitars can “take” a lot of different effects. The acoustic guitar, on the other hand, needs effects, but not more than a few. Think of an acoustic guitar with a distortion pedal. Not a good idea, except if you want to play Nirvana’s version of David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold the World”.
Let’s take a look at what acoustic guitar multi-effects are, their benefits, and the best models.
- Introduction
- Are effects pedals for acoustic guitar different than those for electric?
- Why use a multi effects pedal for acoustic guitar?
- How to choose the right multi effects pedal for acoustic guitar?
- Best multi effects pedals foracoustic guitar
- TC HeliconPlay Acoustic
- Boss AD-10
- Zoom A1
- Fishman ToneDEQ
- Tech21 Acoustic Fly Rig
- Line6 HX Stomp
- Final thoughts
Are effects pedals for acoustic guitar different than those for electric?
Most of them are, but not all. Acoustic guitars produce a natural tone without the help of any effects or amps. Effects for acoustic guitars are meant to make the acoustic guitar sound as natural as possible, unlike electric guitars.
For that, we need very detailed EQ-ing features (helps with feedback also), preamps, and compression. These “effects” ( they are not effects, but rather sound processing tools) work with different frequencies and parameters than the ones for electric guitar.
Modulation effects such as reverb, delay, and chorus make the sound of an acoustic guitar richer. They are more similar to the ones for electric guitar than the EQ, preamp, and compressors. A delay pedal can be used for all types of guitars, only the parameters are used differently.
Why use a multi effects pedal for acoustic guitar?
Space saving
With a compact multi-effects pedal, there is no need to use multiple pedals, which take up more space.
Budget friendly
One unit usually will cost you less than buying separate pedals. Additionally, multiple pedals need more cables and power supply cables.
Easier to use
Having all the effects in one unit makes it easier to adjust all your parameters. Some multi-effect pedals for acoustic guitar have a screen so you can see the order of effects in the chain and what is being customized in an easy-to-understand way.
Versatility
The way you control effects from one device is versatile compared to classic individual pedals. Multiple footswitches, presets, and other functions make playing the acoustic guitar much easier. Effects are not the only thing you get with most multi-effects. A preamp, impulse response loader, looper, and tuner are common additions.
Consistent sound
Playing in various venues with new sound technicians can be stressful. Instead of completely depending on them, you can have your preferred sound night after night.
How to choose the right multi effects pedal for acoustic guitar?
This can be confusing for beginners because of the various features that an acoustic guitar multi effects pedal can have. Ask yourself which features you need before deciding which acoustic multi effects pedal to buy.
Preamp
Almost all effects pedals for acoustic guitar have a preamp inside. Some have that preamp as their main feature.
Effects
Since we are focusing on effects, let’s first have a look at the essential effects for the acoustic guitar.
Reverb: This is the main effect for acoustic guitar. It adds space and makes the guitar sound more natural to listeners closer and further from the stage.
Delay: It is used to add more than just space. Delay gives you a richer-sounding acoustic guitar, especially when playing solos and fingerpicking.
Chorus: It is the icing on the cake for the acoustic guitar’s sound. Think of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here”.
There are more effects that can be used for the acoustic guitar, but these are the most commonly used.
Vocal effects
Acoustic guitar players who also sing will benefit from a single unit that can handle both guitar and vocals. Several effects pedals for acoustic guitar are designed exactly for this.
Looper
Having a looper for your acoustic gigs can make your performance more exciting than without. Keep in mind that most loopers have one channel. If you want to have the freedom of layering more complex loops or want to use the looper for your voice as well, you will need a two or more channel looper feature.
DI Box
Most acoustic guitar pedals will have a DI out, which is convenient for sending the best possible signal to the mixer.
Performance type
You won’t need the same features for playing in your room or for professional gigs. Busking has its own specific needs, like battery operation and portability.
Budget
Your budget doesn’t have to affect the quality of the equipment you buy. Consider buying an effects pedal for acoustic guitar with fewer features if on a lower budget, rather than a cheaper one with everything included. Later on, you can upgrade your rig.
This is where modularity helps us. If you want to try out playing with a looper pedal, you can first just add one to your rig. Then, if you’re happy with it, you can get a device that has it and sell your old gear.
Best multi effects pedals for
acoustic guitar
Best All-in-one Multi Effects Pedal for
Acoustic Guitar and Vocals
TC Helicon Voicelive Extreme 3
The TC Helicon Voicelive Extreme 3 is made for professional singing acoustic guitarists who want an all-in-one device. All of its features are pro-grade. It can do it all:
- FX for guitar and vocals: 11 independent effect blocks, vocal harmonies
- Preamp/DI
- 3-phrase looper
- Backing tracks
- MIDI in and out
- Audio recording
- Each part of a song can be customized in advance for a total of 100 songs. No tapdancing.
- Can be used with an electric guitar: Amp modelling
There are two downsides. The first is the learning curve. Most musicians say they need a few weeks to understand how to set up everything. The second is the price, which is subjective: You get what you pay for.
Best Budget Multi Effects Pedal for
Acoustic Guitar and Vocals
TC Helicon
Play Acoustic
TC Helicon is known for its passion for making vocals sound their best. The Play Acoustic proves that you can have all the main functions a singing acoustic guitar player can need in one small device.
It includes: FX for acoustic guitar and vocals, harmonies, and a simple looper. The effects for guitar and vocals have factory presets for out-of-the-box playing and can be customized.
Some users find features such as the vocal effects and vocal effects to be not pro-grade. But for this price, you cannot find a similar device with such quality and features.
Dual channel acoustic preamp/DI box with FX
Boss AD-10
Boss is known for its electric guitar effects pedal for ages. This pedal is their take on the effects-in-a-box for acoustic guitar players. Two channels with independent EQ for connecting two instruments or one with a piezo and a mic might just be the main reason to buy this product for some.
Also, you get a great preamp and the main effects you need for an acoustic performance: compressor, chorus or delay, and reverb. It features Boss’s “Acoustic resonance”, which gives natural resonance to piezo-equipped acoustic instruments.
The Boss AD-10 also has a boost, tuner, and a simple looper, giving you all the main features an acoustic guitar player can need. Buskers will love this pedal for the battery-operated feature.
All in all, a well-built Boss all-in-one unit for acoustic players that is ready to use out of the box. Although the screen has a limited 2-digit display, adjusting parameters is relatively easy.
Budget-priced compact acoustic multi effects pedal
with drum machine
Zoom A1
Zoom has a reputation for making innovative guitar gear at reasonable prices. Sometimes it’s hard to believe what their devices can do for the buck you invest.
The Zoom A1 Four is one of them. It is an affordable multi effects pedal for acoustic guitar that can do more than you would expect. It has a simple looper AND a drum machine. Acoustic modelling is provided for various acoustic instruments: saxophone, trumpet, violin, harmonica, and acoustic bass.
Included is an MAA-1 adaptor for connecting mics that capture your acoustic instrument’s sound. Its plastic housing isn’t road-worthy, but it can be used for simple gigs. For practice, the Zoom A1 four is the perfect all-in-one pedal for acoustic guitar players.
Fishman Preamp/DI quality with essential effects
Fishman ToneDEQ
Fishman is a well-known brand when it comes to acoustic guitar preamps, DI boxes, pickups, and amps. Even though this multi effects pedal has been released back in 2014, it is still appreciated for its simple design and pro features.
The best way to describe the unit is: an acoustic preamp and DI with multi effects. The board is analog as it gets, with essential parameters and on/off switches. Those who expect a tuner/mute feature will be disappointed. Other cons could be that you can engage reverb or delay, but not both at the same time.
The housing is made of strong plastic, but it looks very nice on the floor. The inputs and outputs are located on the sides, where you can find a recessed trim input and boost level button, which help prevent accidental changes. There are two outputs available, one DI for FOH and one labeled “amp output” for personal monitoring.
This is a very good multi-effects unit for acoustic guitar players who want a pro-grade preamp and adjustments made easily during performances.
Mid-priced multi effects pedal with the slimmest design
Tech21 Acoustic Fly Rig
Tech 21 is famous for its “amp in a box” Sansamp pedals. Instead of focusing on one or several amp sims, this slim pedal is focused on giving your acoustic guitar essential effects with an all-analog preamp for warm and transparent tone.
“Despite its name, the Acoustic Fly Rig is also excellent for electric guitar and bass, when you want clean tones for jazz, country, and blues.” (Tech21)
Besides the usual preamp with parametric EQ, you get a boost, compressor, tap tempo delay, and independent reverb. The Tech21 Acoustic Fly Rig easily fits in any gig bag due to its slim design.
Oh, and did I mention it has an input, output, and an XLR DI output for fast connection to the soundboard.
Best multi effects for acoustic and electric guitar
Line6 HX Stomp
When HX Stomp came out in 2018, Line6 had no idea how many acoustic players would be using it for their wooden boxes. It’s not designed to be a multi effects pedal for acoustic guitar, but with all it has underneath the hood, it’s no surprise.
Very natural and warm preamp models combined with great compression and EQ-ing are what make the HX Stomp a perfect jack-of-all-trades for guitar players.
With eight effects blocks to work with, including IRs (impulse response) it is very easy to dial in a realistic natural acoustic guitar sound. In fact, I use it for all my electric and acoustic gigs, which is a perfect solution for players who play electric and acoustic guitars, and want a compact one-for-everything multi effects pedal.
Final thoughts
A good multi effects pedal can reduce your gear and give you more options from a smaller space than with the use of separate pedals. Fewer pedals, fewer cables, less power needed. Whether you play the acoustic guitar as a solo performer, band member, or at home, adding a multi effects pedal to your rig will make your playing much easier and let you focus on your playing better than ever before.
