Best Multi-effects Pedals for Electric Guitar

Today’s best multi-effects pedals for electric guitar offer diverse, high-powered effects suites covering cab and amp simulation, pitch shifting, traditional effects, and more. A great multi-effects pedal can supplement or replace entire amp and pedal rigs. And it’s no wonder that more guitarists than ever before are turning pedals like these to reap the benefits of customization, convenience, and category-wide improvements to DSP processing that boost overall fidelity and performance.

Choosing the best multi-effects pedal sometimes feels daunting — it’s a lot of ground to cover. But we’ve selected some trusted standout favorites of our customers and staff. These serious, all-in-one, workhorse multi-effects pedals grace professional stages, from arenas to houses of worship, and perform well in any environment, including recording.

Join Sweetwater for a look at the best multi-effects pedals for electric guitar with picks that narrow the field and get you closer to a new pedal day purchase!

Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!

Neural DSP Quad Cortex Quad-Core Digital Effects Modeler/Profiling FloorboardBOSS ME-90 Guitar Multi-effects PedalLine 6 Helix Guitar Multi-effects Floor ProcessorEventide H90 Harmonizer Multi-effects PedalLine 6 HX Stomp Guitar Multi-effects Floor ProcessorZoom G1X FOUR Multi-effects Processor with Expression PedalHeadrush Prime Guitar Multi-effects / Amp Modeler / Vocal Processor Unit

Neural DSP Quad Cortex Quad-Core Digital Effects Modeler/Profiling Floorboard

A silver bullet for every scenario

The Neural DSP Quad Cortex Quad-Core digital effects modeler/profiling floorboard is widely regarded as one of the finest floorboard units ever made. This powerhouse wraps more than 1,000 amps, effects, and impulse responses into a thick aluminum chassis with next-level routing options for any amp, stage, or studio setup. Commit to the Quad Cortex, and you’ll likely find it’s the only stompbox you need. With a large 7-inch touchscreen, customization of your drives, delays, reverbs, amps, and modulation is fast and intuitive. Profiler and modeling tools can store, digitize, and reproduce the sound of your favorite amps AND pedals (or even combine amp/pedal pairings into a single profile). Quad Cortex’s customizable workflow offers a Stomp Mode for triggering effects the traditional way, one at a time, or via Scene Mode, which actives multiple selections simultaneously for convenient, professional switching that eliminates frenzied footwork and lets you focus on performance. It’s all achieved with game-changing SHARC DSP for a responsive, high-fidelity experience with an organic feel.

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BOSS ME-90 Guitar Multi-effects Pedal

Relevant tools, tactile control

The BOSS ME-90 guitar multi-effects pedal makes building dozens of custom rigs a piece of cake. When we say “custom,” we’re talking about the whole enchilada, packed with effects and amps borrowed from BOSS’s flagship GT-1000 guitar multi-effects pedal. A dedicated preamp section, extensive EQ, patch memory banks, plus a suite of dirt, modulation, and utility effects leave nothing to chance. With the ability to run on just four AA batteries, the ME-90 lets you ditch power bricks and save on space when luggage gets tight, making it a flexible, trustworthy traveling companion. Guitarists who love the tactile feel of knobs are sure to appreciate this unit’s extensive surface controls, which empower immediate adjustment opportunities for each section without menu navigation. The ME-90 also connects to BOSS Tone Studio software for Mac, Windows, or smart devices (mobile device connections require the additional purchase of a BOSS BT-Dual adapter).

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Line 6 Helix Guitar Multi-effects Floor Processor

Tone built like a tank

Line 6 spearheaded the original modeling revolution and is doing it again now with the Line 6 Helix guitar multi-effects floor processor. The Helix gives staples of the multi-effects realm a next-gen overhaul with a stunning customizable interface, a rugged but classy chassis machined from aluminum, and staggering rear-panel connectivity (four effects loops, two stereo output options, three expression/CV pedal support, support for two additional expression pedals and CV control, and more). Moreover, recent firmware updates dedicate an exclusive engine to IR-based speaker/cab control with adjustable mic positioning, near-universal third-party IR support, and more. Flagship DSP HX modeling technology supports top-notch fidelity across more than 300 amp, cab, mic, and effects models with dual processing power that guarantees performance. Results are a treat to explore with staggering levels of detail — from the ripple, bias, and sag of vintage tube amps to the potent compression and punch of contemporary favorites.  

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Eventide H90 Harmonizer Multi-effects Pedal

Perfectly balanced power and portability

Some players see this pedal’s name and think they’ve found one pricey pitch-shifting device. Fortunately, that’s not the case. The Eventide H90 Harmonizer multi-effects pedal blends the rackmount Eventide H9000R multi-channel effects platform‘s world-renowned ARM-based architecture with the stage-friendly feel and the effects library of an Eventide H9 Max multi-effects pedal. With the H90, players can take impeccable all-purpose effects anywhere. The H90 can be your fast, low-effort sound solution or a deep customization and editing platform. Effects encompass meticulous re-creations of historic Eventide rackmount effects — think studio-grade phasers, flangers, and reverbs — along with an expanded version of the Eventide H9 Max library that now includes screaming overdrives, massive modulated spatial effects, and a 4-head tape delay, along with tremolos, drives, and all the rest. It’s a stunning, stage-minded addition to the Eventide lineup that travels light but packs heavyweight potential worth paying attention to.

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Line 6 HX Stomp Guitar Multi-effects Floor Processor

Stomp gets sophisticated!

We love that the Line 6 HX Stomp guitar multi-effects floor processor comes in a pristine Cosmic Gray finish — exclusive to Sweetwater! Looks aside, the HX Stomp’s expansive tone library dishes out more than 300 amp, cab, and effects models plucked from Line 6 reserves. Whether you reach for fire-breathing amps or sparkling cleans, built-in balanced TRS outputs and 24-bit/192kHz converters help reduce intrusive noise, leaving tone free from inconvenient hum and buzz. Speaking of cables, the HX Stomp boasts massive I/O capability for such a little pedal. It readily supports the 4-cable method right out of the box, while two onboard effects loops and connectivity support for up to two expression pedals yield anchor-like flexibility for use with all your favorite gear. It can be your desert-island stompbox, paired with analog amps and pedals, or it can even be used like a USB audio interface, complete with re-amping tools for world-class recording.

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Zoom G1X FOUR Multi-effects Processor with Expression Pedal

Packed with punchy perks for practice

Players curious about multi-effects units but not ready for a big investment can test the waters and enhance practice with a Zoom G1X FOUR multi-effects processor with expression pedal. The G1X is compact and affordable but hardly limited. Its 13 onboard effects span amplifier/cab models, reverb, delay, chorus, phaser, ring modulation, flanger, and more. It lets users combine up to five effects simultaneously, with total control over the order of the signal chain. The ability to store up to 50 preset patches ensures that yesterday’s mind-blowing tone never fades into a distant memory. A built-in looper and tuner and more than 60 high-quality drum patterns make the G1X a great practice enhancer that puts meat on the bones of solo sessions. Moreover, the built-in expression pedal offers volume, wah, delay, and pitch-shifting footpedal control, making the G1X an excellent opportunity for beginners to explore rocker footpedal effects at a low cost. It’s everything you need to peruse vast sonic terrain without requiring a payday loan.

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Headrush Prime Guitar Multi-effects / Amp Modeler / Vocal Processor Unit

Is that a Ferrari?

If the stylish chassis of the Headrush Prime Guitar multi-effects / amp modeler / vocal processor unit makes you think of carbon fiber supercars, then you’re not alone. This supercharged multi-effects unit has user-focused features and a responsive feel that pumps up playing AND vocals with high-octane fuel. A large, sleek, 7-inch touchscreen makes perusing options (effects, IRs, amp sims, Antares Auto-Tune for vocals, and more) as easy as scrolling through your smartphone — but more fun. Extensive I/O for guitar and vocals lets you process and send signals directly to a PA system, interface, or recording console, or you can send processed signals to your favorite traditional amp if needed. With incredible software power, 12 customizable footswitches, and a built-in expression pedal, the Headrush Prime delivers top-notch tone with a user-friendly feel that empowers playing at every turn.

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Shop Multi-effects Pedals with Sweetwater

These crème de la crème do-it-all machines pack high-end credibility, making them a perfect fit for seasoned or intermediate players seeking infinite functionality and range or even beginners looking to dive into effects with a simple, single purchase. Sweetwater.com has a multi-effects pedal for everyone, with nearly 100 different options as of the writing of this article. Reach out to one of our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700, and let them set you up with gear that’s right for you!
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