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They say “the more the merrier,” and for guitarist, that can be said to be true when it comes to having more modulation options to play with at the tips of your feet. So let’s add some depth, movement, and dimension to your sound with the best multi-modulation pedals on the market right now.
Strymon Mobius the top choice if you’re looking for a flexible digital multi-modulation pedal with exceptional sound, albeit not cheap. Wampler Terraform is also great for being highly tweakable. TC Electronic Dreamscape is a great budget option, and specifically tailored for progressive metal.
If the above options are not right for you, never worry, there are a few other product down below that you can take a look at, and you’ll be sure to find the right one for you.
Top 7 Best Multi-Modulation Pedals
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Strymon Mobius Multidimensional Modulation Pedal
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Wampler Terraform Modulation Multi Effect Pedal
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TC Electronic Dreamscape
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Boss MD-200 Modulation Pedal
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Universal Audio UAFX Astra
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Electro-Harmonix Mod 11
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Eventide ModFactor Modulation Effects Pedal
Best Multi-Modulation Pedals Reviews
Strymon Mobius Multidimensional Modulation Pedal
Pros
- 12 types of modulation
- Powerful DSP processor
- 2 assignable knobs
Cons
- Not particularly budget-friendly
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Strymon Mobius is a multi-modulation pedal that comes from one of the best-regarded manufacturers in the world. It offers you 12 types of different modulation effects that are easily tweakable and a signature SHARC DSP processor makes sure that you have an exceptionally consistent premium sound no matter how you use it.
Best features and specs
In case you’re not particularly fond of endlessly tweaking things, you have the ability to store up to 200 presets of your own making and recall them instantly at any time. Strymon Mobius also offers you 2 freely assignable knobs in case you would want to add an extra bit of flexibility to your playing.
User impressions
Users are quite impressed with Strymon Mobius as it has the best chorus, phaser, and flanger that sound very clean. This pedal is versatile, it easily improves your tone and gives you an almost infinite amount of truly authentic effects. Users add that this pedal is very user-friendly, you are given full control of parameters, and controls are very intuitive for tweaking.
What we think
Strymon Mobius isn’t the cheapest pedal, to say the least, but the price makes sense as soon as you actually try it out. The build quality is more than robust and the sound is simply exceptional.
Bottomline
Strymon Mobius is a great choice for someone who is looking for a digital multi-modulation pedal with great flexibility and exceptional sound. If the budget isn’t a concern for you, you should definitely check this one out.
Wampler Terraform Modulation Multi Effect Pedal
Pros
- 11 modulation effects
- 8 custom presets
Cons
- The markings on the pedal are hard to read
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Wampler Terraform is a digital multi modulation pedal that offers you 11 different types of modulation with full MIDI support and tap tempo switch. Each and every parameter could be controlled by a standard expression pedal.
Best features and specs
On top of all benefits that this pedal gives you, it also offers the ability to reroute your connection on the go. You can easily and very effortlessly put this pedal either in front of the amp or in the effects loop without the need of repatching your pedalboard.
User impressions
Users agree that Wampler Terraform is versatile, saves you a lot of space on the pedalboard as it’s packed with 11 mods. Also, this pedal has excellent sound quality and overall is a great pedal that has a perfect size and is well-built. Users add that this pedal has a very thoroughly written manual that gives examples of 3 different cool settings for each of the 11 mods, and it’s easy to find desirable tones.
What we think
We found the design of the Wampler Terraform to be a bit flashy, but it’s okay because it sounds a bit flashy too. It’s a very expressive pedal with a very strong aesthetic presence.
Bottomline
Wampler Terraform is a great choice for someone who is looking for a very powerful and highly tweakable digital multi modulation pedal with very noticeable looks. If you’re looking to add a bit of flamboyance to your stage presence and sound in general, this one is definitely for you.
TC Electronic Dreamscape
Pros
- Compact form factor
- 6 signature tones
- Tone print technology
Cons
- Not really a multi-modulation pedal in a broad sense of the word
See price @ Sweetwater
TC Electronic Dreamscape is a signature modulation pedal of legendary John Petrucci of Dream Theatre. John recreated 6 of his most iconic modulation sounds and since the pedal uses tone print technology, at any point you like, you can add more. Moreover, there’s a switch that controls the timbre of the sound, giving you a choice between a darker or brighter tone.
Best features and specs
What’s truly fascinating about TC Electronic Dreamscape is how tiny it’s compared to the pedals of the same caliber. And considering that John Petrucci, amongst other things, has a reputation for choosing the most exquisite gear, this one truly deserves a go.
User impressions
Users say that TC Electronic Dreamscape was designed with an idea to make use of modulation in your favor. Also, this pedal has great tones and sounds with both clean and high gain signals and overall provides natural analog sound. Users suggest finding some time to play with settings to find some inspiration and have a lot of fun.
What we think
TC Electronic Dreamscape isn’t a truly multi-modulation pedal in the sense that most of the time, the sounds it produces feel rather limited. That being said, if you’re playing progressive and heavy styles of music exclusively, it would be hard to find for you a better modulation pedal than this one.
Bottomline
TC Electronic Dreamscape is a great choice for someone who is looking for a very compact and durable modulation pedal specifically tailored for progressive metal.
Boss MD-200 Modulation Pedal
Pros
- 12 modulation mods
- 4 memory slots
- Panel Lock function
Cons
- Requires reading the manual
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Boss MD-200 is a bit stripped down version of the MD-500 pedal that offers you 12 different modulation mods, 4 memory slots to save and record your presets, and high-quality 32-bit digital conversion to make sure that sound quality always stays pristine.
Best features and specs
By far, the best feature that this pedal has to offer is a Panel Lock function that allows you to lock controls in place to prevent accidental changes.
User impressions
Users like Boss MD-200 for having high-class sound, being versatile, therefore, opening an entirely new world of sonic features to apply. Also, some users are pleased by the convenience of scrolling through effects that are saved in memory during a live set and thus making any live gig an effortless and satisfying experience.
What we think
To fully understand the mighty capabilities of Boss MD-200, you’re going to have to read the manual thoroughly. But it’s totally worth it since having classic Boss effects is never a wrong choice.
Bottomline
Boss MD-200 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a highly versatile and durable multi modulation pedal from a very respected manufacturer. It offers you a ton of functionality and classic sound.
Universal Audio UAFX Astra
Pros
- 3 classic modulation effects
- UAFX control app
Cons
- None that we know of
See price @ Sweetwater
Universal Audio UAFX Astra offers you 3 very thorough and meticulous emulations of a very famous Japanese chorus, a tube tremolo that could be found in vintage American amps, and a bucket-brigade rackmount flanger.
Best features and specs
Although the controls might seem a bit limited, a dedicated UAFX mobile app lets you tweak settings more thoroughly and even load even more effects.
User impressions
Users agree that Universal Audio UAFX Astra is versatile, has great build quality, and has the lushest effects. Users praise five different algorithms that produce almost an endless amount of different mind-blowing sounds, all done by tweaking 6 knobs.
What we think
There’s a very fine line between vintage and nostalgic. And UAD always dominated the nostalgic side of this line. And Universal Audio UAFX Astra only confirms it.
Bottomline
Universal Audio UAFX Astra is a great choice for someone who is looking for a premium multi modulation pedal that sounds and feels very nostalgic. At this price range, 3 including effects might feel a bit underwhelming, but note that with this one, you’re buying not quantity but quality.
Electro-Harmonix Mod 11
Pros
- 11 modulation effects
- Very compact form factor
Cons
- Doesn’t recall the settings for each mode
See price @ Sweetwater
Electro-Harmonix Mod 11 is an extremely compact multi modulation pedal that offers you 11 different effects and very easy and intuitive controls to tweak the sounds to your liking. You also have the ability to connect an external footswitch and a buffered bypass to ensure that the strength of your signal remains the same when the pedal is disengaged.
Best features and specs
Electro-Harmonix Mod 11 is a very minimalistic but yet very powerful pedal that offers you the greatest hits of the modulation effects, including classic 60’s UNI chorus, True Zero Flanger, and harmonizer.
User impressions
Users are quite impressed with Electro-Harmonix Mod 11 as it’s a versatile, super cool pedal with distinct sound quality and great-sounding effects. Users say that this pedal is easy-to-use, easy to dial in and modes are super easy to navigate with a single push of the Mode button. Though some users note that each mode has its own range on the Depth knob, so when switching between effects, it won’t always sound right.
What we think
Musicians usually either enjoy EHX pedals unconditionally or hate them passionately. That is because it has a very distinctive and recognizable timbre to it that isn’t to everyone’s liking. In any case, Electro-Harmonix Mod 11 wouldn’t leave you indifferent to it.
Bottomline
Electro-Harmonix Mod 11 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a very compact and powerful multi modulation effect pedal with a classic sound, very simple and intuitive controls for a very reasonable price.
Eventide ModFactor Modulation Effects Pedal
Pros
- 10 separate modulation effects
- Studio quality Eventide sound
Cons
- Not particularly budget-friendly
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Eventide ModFactor is a top-shelf digital multi modulation pedal that offers you premium Eventide sound and a collection of the 10 best modulation effects found throughout the history of this legendary manufacturer. It also offers you a MIDI clock sync and both guitar and line-level inputs.
Best features and specs
Although the interface of this pedal is pretty cluttered with controls, it’s extremely easy to use. And if you don’t like to tweak things constantly, each setting can be easily stored and recalled at any time.
User impressions
Users like Eventide ModFactor for its design, build quality, incredible sound, and controls’ layout. This pedal is versatile, therefore, gives you a variety of different functions depending on the effect that you’ve selected.
Some users say that it may take you some time to fully comprehend the abilities of this pedal, but with reading the manual and possibly watching a few tutorials on Youtube, you’re good to go.
What we think
If you enjoy car analogies as we do, imagine that Eventide ModFactor is a Ferrari in the world of modulation pedals. Unfortunately enough, it also kind of costs like one.
Bottomline
Eventide ModFactor is a great choice for someone who is looking for an ultimate multi modulation pedal suitable for any occasion at any time. If the price discourages you, this pedal is a perfect reason to reconsider your budget.
Multi-Modulation Pedals Buying Guide
Online shopping could provide a challenge, so we’ve decided to give you a few key points that you might find helpful before making such investment.
What are multi-modulation pedals?
Modulation pedal alters the strength of the signal over time by mixing incoming sound with a carrier wave. A multi-modulation device is a single electronic modulation effects pedal that contains many different modulation effects such as chorus, flanger, phaser, tremolo, etc.
Why would you need multi-modulation pedals?
Whether to use modulation or not is a matter of personal preference and a rather stylistic choice. But if modulation is something that you use extensively, having a multi-modulation pedal is just a matter of practicality. Why cramp up precious space on your pedalboard with 5 or 6 different pedals if you could use just one that offers you the same functionality?
Important features
In order to choose your multi modulation pedal more efficiently, you may consider looking into whether the number of on-board effects is sufficient, or would it be practical to use in your particular situation, and if it sound to your liking.
On-board effects
Modern technology doesn’t require us to compromise quantity for quality. But it’s important for you to figure out how many effects you would actually need. You have a choice between having a few iconic modulation effects to spice up your sound slightly or an almost infinite number of very intricate sounds to the point where a modulation pedal could be used as an instrument of its own.
Ease of use
If you spend most of your time in the studio, it would literally cost you nothing to dedicate half of an hour or even more to tweak the sound of the pedal exactly to your liking. But when it comes to live gigging, time is always of the essence, so the ability to dial in the perfect sound on the go would be crucial. And, of course, the ability to save your own custom presets would make the transition between studio and live gigs to be extremely smooth.
Sound
Nowadays, it’s almost impossible to find a pedal that sounds blatantly bad, even very budget-friendly options have a pretty decent sound. But, unfortunately, it doesn’t make it any easier to choose a perfect pedal since you still have to make sure that how it sounds corresponds to your aesthetic preferences and just is generally enjoyable for you personally.
How to choose the right one for you?
In order to choose the best multi modulation pedals, it’s crucial to truly understand your own purposes and intentions. It wouldn’t make much sense, for example, to buy a very large and heavy pedal if you’re a traveling musician. Or on the contrary, there wouldn’t be many benefits in purchasing a very compact modulation pedal if you’re working in your recording studio exclusively. A pedal with very limited controls wouldn’t bring you much joy if you always preferred to tweak things with precision. On the other hand, a pedal with extended and precise controls might confuse you if you prefer to achieve results as quickly as possible.
