I've seen a Digitech GNX4 in a local pawnshop for $150. Seemingly good condition. Worth it or just getting too outdated? Better options for not too much more? Or worth just getting the wallet out to newer tech?

Although I am not a expert here it sounds like the asking price is pretty big considering the unit is about 10 years old and might have gotten some beatings and sauces thrown at it and there are similar units at a sameish price range available. Best to move on or tell them to lower the price significantly. Just my thoughts nothing scientifically proven stuff.

Do you need all the extra features of the Digitech (drum machine, built-in recorder, mic preamp, USB computer interface) or are you after a guitar amp|cab modeller?  If the latter, then something like the Vox Tonelab might be a better bet (more modern, has valves, far more compact).

Thanks for you thoughts gents - perhaps some further research to do.
 
I don't need it @ston :) ... but a definite appeal was the drum machine and layerable looping capability. I have preamp/interface solutions already. I saw it as a bit of a way to lay something down prior / enroute to the DAW and independently/live (home studio - not stage).
 
Historic reviews appear overwhelmingly positive.
 
But I was more hoping (not expecting) for a response that hasn't come .... e.g, 'jump on it now!', 'really capable device for that price' ... so pretty much reconsidering , esp considering the potential 'beatings and sauces' :).
 

The GNX4 was released around the same time as the GNX3000, and after comparing the two for a while, I got the GNX3000. This link has a good breakdown of the features of each, and I think the focus of the GNX4 was more from a DAW perspective, where the GNX300 was more "effects controller." I have not actually used the GNX3000 for DAW work or re-amping, but simply to jack it into a clean amp when the mood strikes. For that purpose it has gotten its money's worth and then some. I did not realize until I found that link that the amp modeling is 3:1 different between the two models though, and I cannot speak to the GNX4 at all, but personally would go with the GNX3000 again (for my use). For live work, many lauded the GNX4 due to its internal looping feature (and many considered the GNX3000 a bad alternative for this); so much depends on your intended usage.
 
The pawn shop part makes me very leery, as you would definitely want to give that a workout before you bought it. I am not sure if they would allow such, but I would definitely want to test not only the amp out, but headphone out with my own guitar (if they have amps there) before I would even consider a purchase. Physically things may look okay, but when electronics are concerned the proof is in the pudding.

Interesting specs @Mettelus.
 
I was keen on the looping (I know new one's didn't come with the CF card (required for recording). I do have a couple from an old HP iPaq PDA - remember those things :) - got it shortly after my Minidisk Player/Recorder :).) Phantom Power, for a Condenser Mic makes the GNX4 a bit of an all-in-one (minus amp, guitar, guitarist).
 
Yeah - I hear ya re pawnshops. Touch wood but the couple of purchases (FXmixer, amp) I have made from pawn have proven successful. They have guitars and amps and allow testing (they supposedly test themselves) ... and I bet they'd even let me take my own guitar (whilst thinking 'what a weirdo') :). Actually I think this pawnshop sees themselves as a bit of a music shop - the sales head of that area used to work in a music store and after stints in Metal outfits currently plays with a modern folk gathering :)

I've still got my .NET Minidisc Walkman, patiently biding its time until the technology becomes popular again...
 
I just had to go check out digitech's website to see what they're up to these days:
 
http://digitech.com/en-US/products/trio
 
Now that seems pretty cool as an instant-jam tool.  Fortunately for my wallet it doesn't appear to be available yet :-)
 
 

FWIW after having owned a Digitech RP1000 for quite a while, I picked up a BOSS GT-001 (desktop version of the GT-100).
 
IMO the effects and amp/cab models sound far superior in the BOSS units than the Digitechs.
 
Yes, I know this is all very subjective ... just saying it might be worthwhile to do some comparisons.
 
 

Sorry I don't have anything to really add, but this thread just reminded me that I have an old Digitech RP-1 sitting around somewhere in storage and wondered if I could use it's midi to control/trigger soft synths on my DAW....

This guy thinks you're onto a winner @Mesh. Surely any MIDI signal (thru a MIDI Interface as it has no USB) should be controllable thru ACT huh? Not something I've spent any time on. Have fun.
 
Well - thanks everybody ... but I got GAS anyway and bought it ;). $150 AUD = ~ $120 USD. 3 month warranty if faulty, They'll buy it back at 50%, within 7 days, if I decide it simply isn't suitable - well, I guess they are in business :P
 
Working thus far - just gotta learn how to use it properly. For that - in Anderton I trust. Stumbled across a comprehensive tutorial series by none other than the aforementioned. Thanks Craig.