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Re: 1/2 Rack proccesor | VF-1
Hello -
I've loved these boxes since they were first released. I'm running
two pre-loop and two post-loop in my current setup. I can't imagine
my setup without them.
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Here's my take on the Boss VF-1
Standard Delays: Crisp and super clean. The roll-off feature really
lends a cool analog feel to the repeats.
RE-201 Sim: One of the best tape delay sims out there. Lots of
control of the parameters. Lot of fun when tied to an expression pedal.
Multi-Taps: 20 taps altogether! Capable of some insane reverse fx
when carefully programmed.
Reverbs: On the stale side for me. Even at 100% wet the verbs still
sound bland. It takes two VF-1 units running in series to get the
ultra-wet wash of verb I'm looking for. I usually add some slight
overdrive or eq to dirty these patches up. If you're strictly into
standard Room and Hall sounds you'll be satisfied.
Amp Sims: Vox, Fender, Marshall, and Soldano models sound thick and
heavy when set at moderate gain tones. I hate the HIGH, MEDIUM and
LOW Gain presets. Once you tack on some EQ, these amp sims are great.
I'm not a big high-gain fan so I rarely touch the Peavey and Boogie
sims.
StompBox sims: The OD-1 and Fuzz models are better than their
stompbox counterparts. The DF-2 SuperFeedbacker and VB-2 Vibrato
modes are worth the price alone. The Synth modes are fun but a little
hard for me to find a solid use for.
Compressor: Noisy. I never use it unless I actually want something
hissy.
Rotary: One of the best mid-priced rotary sims out there. Super
flexible...
Pitchshifting: Awful. Shrill and artificial to my ears. Can be
convincing at super low mix levels.
EQ: Precise and easy to work with. I use it on nearly every patch to
warm things up.
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Overall the VF-1 is an incredible box. It does impart a slight
digital sheen to your sound which I'm constantly battling with EQ or
mild amounts of overdrive. The layout and programming is really
intuitive. Re-arranging the order of certain effects yields some cool
and unexpected sounds and textures. Midi implementation is limited to
four CCs but is well done. I rarely use the VF-1s by themselves and I
always end up adding other rack devices to supplement the poor
reverbs and pitch-shifting.
Adam