I am new to amplifier modelers and expression pedals so it taken me some time to get up to speed on this work station. I am sure that if I were younger and more tech savey (age 55) I would be more in tune with the logic of the device. It comes with an instruction book the size of a small yellow pages. Therefore, if you are a lo tech guy it might be worth just buying a couple of pedals and nailing them to a board. Otherwise prepare to do a lot of studying to get the most out of this very flexible work station.

I really wanted to like this piece of gear and there's a lot here to like. It's an effects processor and recording interface with its own built-in drum machine. Lots of presets and plenty of room for your own custom presets, plus online downloads, great software, and it's built like a tank. So, what's the problem? It doesn't sound as good as I'd hoped it would. The modeling is so-so and if I didn't also have a Line6 PODxt Live I'd probably have been okay with the sound, but as far as how it sounds the POD kicks its butt, in my opinion. Still, it's not horrible, and it comes with all kinds of goodies, which is why I give it 4 stars. For the money, it's hard to beat and you may prefer its sound over the POD so it's definitely worth checking out.

This is one freaking incredible box!

It is basically an amp modeler, effects processor, expression pedal, guitar tuner, drum machine, recording interface, and line level mixer all wrapped up in one sweet package for less than $400.

Let's face it. In today's digital music world, you need the best bang for your buck in terms of hardware to create YOUR tone and then get it from your guitar to your headphones/amp/speakers AND your PC where you can store it, edit it, and mix it.

I bought this unit because it's the most comprehensive device that I've seen. Saved me a small fortune too by NOT having to buy different boxes to accomplish the tasks that almost everyone needs done.

Here's what you get:
1) An interface box supporting mono Guitar In, mono Mic In (including phantom pwr + level), stereo Line In, MIDI In, MIDI Out/Thru, 1/4" stereo or mono Out w/level, XLR stereo or mono Out w/level, headphone Out w/level, USB Out (4 channels), and USB In (2 channels).

These capabilities allow the box to function as a sub-mixer in addition to signal processing.

2) Amp and Cab modeler. There are over 33 guitar, 10 bass, 2 acoustic guitar, and 25 speaker cab models to choose from. Third party amp/cab and patch libraries can be downloaded to the box as well giving you almost unlimited flexibility.

3) Effects processor. PUP simulator, Wah, Compressor, Whammy/Intelligent Pitch shift, Detune, Talk box, Stomp box, Flanger, Phaser, Chorus, Modulation, Delay, Reverb, Noise gate and much more. All effects have control "knobs" to adjust each effects settings like a traditional stomp box would have.

4) Guitar Tuner with footswich selection of "silent" tuning.

5) Built in Drum Machine with tons of patterns including tempo adjustments.


To be continued........

Picking up where I left off....

5) All of the Amp/Cab and Effects settings are stored in Patches. There are two banks of 65 factory presets (5 patches per bank). An additional 35 User presets (5 patches per bank) are included to store YOUR custom patches. Each patch includes Amp/Cab Channel 1, Channel 2, and (if you desire) a "Warp" (blend) of Chnl 1/2 along with all your effects settings and expression pedal settings. Footswitches control bank, patch, amp chnl, delay, chorus/modulation, tap/tempo, drum machine and recorder selection.

And, if that's not enough, you can use Digitech's X-Edit librarian software to store an infinite number of patches on your PC and then download them as needed to the GNX-3000. This is a cover band's dream come true!

X-Edit also lets you program just about everything on the box using your PC in real time. So, you don't have to spend time tweaking dials on the box itself (although the knob Matrix is right there above the footswitches).

6) Recording Interface. This is really sweet! Digitech ships the box with Pro Tracks recording software and the USB drivers needed to hook up your PC to the GNX via a USB 2.0 cable. There are four USB channels of Output to the PC (Stereo Wet and Stereo Dry signals being recorded). There are two USB Channels of Input from the PC back to the GNX (Stereo - for playback of what you have recorded). The USB settings are configurable too.

I bought the "Hands Free" footswitch and plugged it into the GNX. This allows you to control the entire recording process and keep the normal patch control footswitches free while you are playing and changing settings on the fly.


This box has an unbelievable amount of power in it!

In my studio, I have my guitar, bass, keyboards, MIDI controller, and microphone plugged into the GNX. I use the 1/4" outputs to a real amp for stage use. The XLR outputs go to the mixing board. And the PC is linked via USB.

What more could your ask for at a price of $400!

I bought the Digitech GNX4 in 2006. This is an amazing unit. The presets that come with it are ok but the power of this box is displayed in it's ability to clone virtually any guitar amplifier there is. I have my sound dialed in as a Marshall TSL-100 stack and the sound is nothing short of astounding. You can plug the GNX4 into your PC or MAC and record directly. The sound is recorded exactly as you hear it. It has other features too like looping and a drum machine. It can store and play your MP3s so you can practice or perform along with them. My only gripe is that the wah pedal does not travel up and down easily. It's probably just a simple mechanical adjustment though. It also has the capability to clone bass guitar amps as well. All in all, it's the best sound device I have owned to date.

The GNX4 combines dozens of effects with an eight-track digital recorder, USB and MIDI interfaces, drum machine, and some pretty trick computer software (Pro Tracks Plus from Cakewalk). No other MFX box compares to the overall functionality and connectivity of the GNX4. With some tweaking and correct connections (to amps and so forth), the GNX4 sounds great. A few owners complain about its live sound quality--chances are, they just have not explored the various setup options (Speaker Compensation, EQ, and so forth). Amp Modeling I own the GNX4, GNX3000, POD XTL, Vox Tonelab, VAMP-Pro, etc. Compared to these amp modelers, the GNX4 amp modeling is middle of the road. However, the caveat: A third-party sells literally 1000's of amps, speakers, artist patches for the GNX4 that are absolutely outstanding. Best $115 I've spent. I find it tedious to setup the GNX4 amps. Luckily, Guitar One provides GNX4 settings in each issue. I use these as starting points, especially EQ- wise. I prefer the much simpler approach of the VAMP or VOX Tonelab where you turn a dial to select amps with separate controls for EQ. The GNX4 approach of multiple use buttons is fine if you're sitting at home and have some free time, but is a drag when you want to quickly select an amp and cabinet. Effects Compared other MFX boxes, the GNX4 effects are the best, period. The Boss unit is close. The variety and quality of GNX4 effects is outstanding: delays, reverbs, stomp boxes, pitch shifting, talk box, etc. Looper The looper kicks is incredible--why spend $$$$ for one, it's in the box. 8 Track Recorder Great for recording ideas, loops, backing tracks. Connectivity No other MFX box includes the connectivty options of the GNX4 (usb, midi, xlr, 1/4", etc) Summary If you want the most complete MFX box, this is it. But purchase the MFX Supermodels for kick butt amps & patches. My indepth review: http://www.thewoodshop.20m.com/digitech_gnx4.htm