Eventide H9

I paid more that 2x that for my H3000 back in the day. More like 2x the H9 Max IIRC. Enjoyed the unit until the smoke escaped from it late last year. I like Eventide stuff.

At the top of my list too. I love the Bluetooth aspect.

Thanks for that info, Drew. I like the pay-as-you-go model. I don't have much use for over-the-top reverbs because I'd be using it solely for live performance. Delays and choruses are mostly what I need.
 
Another thing I like is it appears to be small enough to sit atop my Kronos. I'd prefer not to set it on the floor (too many things down there already). How's the resistance on the footswitch? Could you activate it easily with a finger?

I use several H9s and really like them a lot for what you can get out of these boxes. I use them on bass, synths, drums as well ...
 
Some things to be aware of ...
... it's only one effect at a time
... meaning you want to use 2 of those effects, you need 2 H9s ...
... they only connect via analog connections i.e. using several will be AD/FX/DA => AD/FX/DA adding up latency ...
... latency depends on the algorithm you select (in the range of 1 - 2 ms) ...
... total latency not noticable when playing 2 H9s plus another box for amp sims in sequence like I do in my live rigs
 
When buying one H9max up to 4 later H9core (much cheaper) "max out" by themselves i.e. you get all algorithms on all (up to 5 H9s) ...

Here's my 4.75 cents...  
 
I use the same system for my live and studio performance needs.  Two amps.  I front end both with a few compressors, a few dirt pedals..  I play country so its usually clean.  They are controlled by a GCX unit - and a GCP.   That said - I use an H9 following the compressors and dirts to front end both amps.  I usually use pitch, chorus effects up front - sometimes slap back echo. Then we have a separate H9 in the effects loop of both amps. They take on the time based effects like echo n verb.  I did two separate effect in the loops to eliminate the chance of buzz you get going from stage to stage.  I haven't had a ground buzz since. The GCP controls all three plus the other stomp boxes. 
 
My racks take a beating - but those H9's have NEVER complained AND I have never had to reload them from backups because of a loss. I DO reload them for show verses studio work - and that has made a TON of difference for me. 
 
The effects are stellar - however, every so often, I dial up or create an effect that has artifacts in it.  Sometimes they are annoying, sometimes they support the art. Last night I was working on a part where the artifact sounded exactly like a cricket - and it fit perfectly, at a tail-out section.  You can dial out the problem in a heartbeat if you want though  - and that's the reason I appreciate these little hoober doobers. 
 
At sound check, or in the studio - you are an iPAD (or whatever flavor handheld unit you have) away from tweaking set list or individual presets for a show OR inventing the correct pallet of sound on the fly in a studio - and doing it without bending over, with one hand,  and in record time.  If your tracking in a pay environment, this becomes golden in my book.  The presets are a bit wet for my liking, but PERFECT as a starting point.  
 
I may have glossed over that tweaking set list part..  You can arrange and store your presets so that they are in order of your set lists.  The GCP does that for me now, but in the beginning, the show order was always set up on the H..
 
I bought the bargain basement one first.  Then 'bought up' to the MAX.  Once you have MAX on one unit, you get to MAX out (I believe up to 5) any new H9 you add to the arsenal.  PLUS you get new algorithms for as long as they make them.  I've had them for at least 3 years, and knock wood - they are still developing effects.
 
SO - START with the bottom unit - that 499 is well spent and it will serve you well. I firmly believe, it will fit its way into your structure quickly.  Maybe even cause you to save a few lunches a month to buy an effect. Your a solid musician - I bet you'll get more out of the one, than most get out of a gaggle of them. 
 
Take care and play on...
 
LL