MFX design rant - why can't manufacturers get the basics right for gigging?

Voxman

Yup. I think Vox should have had a global wah facility. The newer TLEX haa two pedal sections to give greater flexibility with wah in both - but sadly it's designed as a bedroom toy not a gigging tool.

Nomad

Never been in into MFX boards, so I'm wondering - is there a 'formula' for such a system that would suit most gigging guitarists, or do the requirements tend to diverge such that the market for a given type of system might be too small to be worth pursuing? (Or result in systems that are substantially more expensive than the typical MFX unit.)

monquixote

I think people have different requirements, but I think it usually boils down to:

Patch Switching and Manual Switching both easy to use with your feet and easy to switch between both modes

A nice clear indicator of which patch you are on

A non shit tuner

The ability to quickly tweak parameters live if things aren't working or need tuning

Seamless glitch free operation when changing patches and parameters

A good MIDI implementation

Switchable loops and control outs for integrating with amps and other devices.

Simultaneous speaker emulated and non emulated outs. 

I should think something with all that would meet most peoples requirements. 

The GT-100 does most of it with the exception of the glitchy delays (and you have to accept it's the size of a house.)