Guitarists haven't been the biggest beneficiaries of technological progress, at least until recently. The evolution of MIDI/sampling systems, as well as recording resources to help with composing and home studio work, has mainly favored keyboard players and those comfortable with computers. We all remember the imbalance between the advances in keyboards, MIDI, sampling and workstations compared with the guitar as the master “electronic” instrument: latency, tuning problems, etc... For some time now, the development of “chips” finally works in our favor. First, thanks to the good quality of digital amp and cabinet simulations, which make studio sessions at moderate volumes easier, along with a journey through a good range of legendary sounds. Then, thanks to workflow systems designed especially for the guitarist's hands, expanding the possibilities for recording, editing, etc...

Many of us musicians whose main instrument has always been the guitar have been forced to get familiar with computers, even keyboards, to help with our home studio recordings. On top of that, we needed to have our live setup: a suitable amplifier and effects.

Digitech offers an alternative with this GNX4 unit. A compact format that incorporates practically everything you may need live and in songwriting or recording sessions.

What Can We Do with the GNX 4?
Before assessing the results obtained in testing, we will describe the unit. That way we also get familiar with it before moving on to the test results and the MP3 demos.

With this workstation we can carry out the following operations:

1. Eight-track recording.
2. Tuning.
3. Use of a full
multi-effects unit.
4. Amp and cabinet simulation.
5. Equalization.
6. Use of an expression pedal (included).
7. Preset creation.
8. Use of a drum machine (built in).
9. MP3 player.
10. Connection to a PC or Mac via USB ports (recording and editing).

Front Panel
As part of the description of the unit, we detail its controls, which are laid out as follows:
1. Five multifunction control pedals.
2. Recording control panel (rec, play keys, etc...).
3. Information control via USB ports and signal path panel.
4. Signal meters in play and record modes.
5. Effects control and amp control buttons.
6. Multifunction knobs with variable assignment.
7. Information display.
8. Preset buttons, data wheel, LEDs and workstation control panel buttons.

Rear Panel
From here, we can check the connectivity and the options for connecting to other machines. The unit can be connected to our computer, guitar amps, mixing consoles, PA systems, keyboards, modules, guitars, basses, mics, monitors, headphones, optional foot controllers, etc., thanks to its wide selection of connectors:

- ¼" jack inputs.
- Balanced XLR inputs.
- Balanced and unbalanced ¼" outputs.
- Balanced XLR outputs.
- MIDI IN.
- MIDI OUT.
- USB connection.
- Memory card slot for storage.

Let's Try It Out
After trying the unit, I wondered how to present its results and possibilities as clearly as possible. Honestly, I had initially planned to divide the content of this test into blocks and describe its “weapons” one by one. Given the huge number of options, variations and parameters, I think it will be better to give you a summary that offers a detailed picture of everything you can do with the GNX4 and opens the way for you to explore it in more depth if it tempts you.

The Effects Unit Connected to a Guitar Amp
I ran the tests by connecting the unit in several ways. First, we run an output jack to a guitar amp and plug a Stratocaster into the input. I wanted to fiddle with the little knobs to discover the results in the multi-effects blocks. As always, Digitech does not disappoint in performance. A wide variety of options with good results: reverb, delays, compression, noise gate, chorus/modulation, wah and... well, practically everything that exists in effects. All of them editable and storable to suit our tastes. In this regard the product is very complete.

Amp and Cabinet Simulation Tested Through a Line Connection
I find this section especially interesting. Amp simulation seems harder to pull off convincingly than conventional effects. You must all already know the advantages (and drawbacks) of simulation. In any case, setting aside the passion for real amplification, it is an interesting option for getting various legendary sounds, as well as saving weight, making transport easier and being able to play direct at any volume without losing quality.

The amp simulation capabilities of this unit are extensive. We have guitar amp simulations ranging from the Fender '65 Twin Reverb, Mesa Dual Rectifier and Mesa Boogie Mark II C to the Vox AC30, '78 Marshall, Marshall JCM 900, etc. In bass amplification you will find simulations of the Ashdown ABM-C410H, Trace Elliot, Ampeg, Fender, Mesa Boogie, etc. It also includes an option for acoustic guitar called Acoustic.

As for cabinets, we also cover guitar and bass. To cite a few references: Vintage 30 4x12, Blonde 2x12, British 4x12, American 1x12 and a very long etc. (for bass as well).

These features often (as in this case) stop being a toy and become a tool that offers abundant resources, since we get access to a wide variety of “hot” sounds with rich saturation that in many cases can save us on a demanding recording.

Drum Machine
After trying the rhythm unit, we conclude that it is a rehearsal tool with the typical sounds of a basic drum machine. It is not unwelcome as an extra, and it will be useful for those who are starting out in songwriting or who want to begin adding rhythms without complications, with varied but limited sounds. We see it making sense as support when using the multitrack.

Multitrack
Having eight tracks is a real luxury for guitarists who until now have gotten by with just their guitar when it comes to recording ideas. Back in the day, for those starting out, having even a “cheap” analog four-track was already a delight. Being able to express your ideas in a fuller way and get them onto a medium others can hear. Generally, those of us who compose hear it in our heads, and the difficulty lies in capturing it so that what others finally hear is as close as possible to what we conceived mentally.

I confess that, with work and care, you can get a lot out of this feature, and it is surprising that it is included at this price. Being able to store sessions on a memory card means you can neatly archive your demos.

Multitrack and Connectivity
To the above we must add the manufacturer's concern for good connectivity (as you saw in the rear panel description). The fact that we have right/left channel inputs in ¼" jack format, balanced XLR inputs, a guitar input, input and output level knobs, MIDI in and out, +48V phantom power, etc., greatly eases the connection of practically any instrument, keyboard, mic (dynamic and condenser), module, mixer, computer, etc.

In short, this means that depending on how you connect the GNX4 (and to which devices), you can expand your possibilities enormously.

Conclusions
I very likely left things out, such as its pedal operation, expression pedal, signal routing options, USB connection alternatives, editing software and plug-ins via computer, etc. I confess it is a small, manageable unit but packed with options. Considering that we received its manual in English, and the limited space we have in these pages, I was driven toward brevity. I hope the condensed text leaves the door open for you to investigate it, because the product has a lot to offer, and if you check it out in even more depth you'll discover the huge number of “tricks” it can do.

My final conclusions come down to one idea: it is an interesting effects unit that adds the latest in digital simulation technology. Now it adds a whole technological development in the service of multitrack recording. For musicians already familiar with semi-professional recording it may fall short, be too condensed and not be ideal, but for those eager to get into demo recording, guitarists unfamiliar with gear other than the guitar itself, and considering that for the price of a pedalboard unit you get it all together, it looks like an interesting buy. In case it isn't clear, I state that its eight-track capabilities, together with the connectivity provided for hardware and peripheral expansion, make the GNX4 a very condensed but serious recording tool with room to expand.