Simplicity meets versatility – exploring Harley Benton’s DNAfx multi-effects
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A multi-effects unit, as the name suggests, offers more than one guitar effects in a single device. But what makes a good multi-effects pedal? There are many out there, ranging from simple mono devices with fixed signal paths to ultra-complex powerhouses. But most guitarists agree, what suits their needs best is a balance between simplicity and versatility – enter, then, Harley Benton’s DNAfx family of multi-effects units.
The DNAfx series spans six units – there’s the original DNAfx GiT, which laid the groundwork for the series. This was followed by the DNAfx GiT Pro, which added a number of extra features such as extra footswitches and a stereo effects loop. And, most recently, the range has seen the addition of the DNAfx GiT Advanced and the DNAfx GiT Core, introducing a new sleek black colourway, and more flexible connectivity. There’s also the DNAfx GiT Mobile II and the DNAfx Bass Mobile – two compact units that condense the DNAfx’s powerful amp and effects models into supremely portable headphone amplifiers.
Unified by sound
Image: Harley Benton
For any fully-fledged multi-effects unit, the amplifier models are the stars of the show – and the DNAfx range is no exception. The full-sized units offer 55 amp models, all driven by non-linear modelling technology. One of the most desirable characteristics of a good tube amplifier is its responsiveness, with the amp actively reacting to the dynamics of your playing. The non-linear amp modelling tech in the DNAfx units recreates this quite effectively – meaning both an authentic feel, and an authentic sound.
Amp models are all well and good, but they obviously need to be run into some virtual cabinets. The full-sized DNAfx units offer 26 high-quality IRs off the bat, but that’s just the start – they also support loading your own, allowing for an incredible level of customisation. A lot of guitarists swear by their own IRs – and understandably so, as a great impulse response can really elevate a direct guitar tone.
And, of course, there are the effects – the flagship DNAfx units offer a library of 151 in total, of which you can use a whopping nine at any one time! Plus, the library covers everything you could need, from overdrives, fuzzes and distortions to delays, reverbs and modulation effects.
Similarly, the amps are equally wide-ranging – there are models based on clean high-headroom classics, but also plenty that are primed for high-gain destruction. Being able to combine a total of nine varied effects with such a range of amplifier models obviously opens up a lot of tonal possibilities.
With all of these sounds available, it’s time to head out into some real-world situations and see how the different DNAfx units can bring their own strengths to the table.
Performing live
What you need for a live performance can vary – and depending on your setup, a different member of the DNAfx family may suit your needs. The good news is that all of the pedals have high-quality, bright LED screens that make it easy to see what is going on, whether you need to keep track of the preset or effect you’ve selected, or make some on-the-fly adjustments on a dark stage. And if you’ve already established some way of going direct, or are integrating the pedals into a more traditional amp rig, all of the units in the range will allow you to explore the awesome sounds on offer in a live setting.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one performance package, the DNAfx Advanced and Pro models are perhaps the most suited. Because if you’re performing live at a venue, you’ll need a way to give the front-of-house engineer your direct signal. You might be able to get away with using ¼” instrument cables – but these aren’t ideal, as they’ll most likely need to be converted to a balanced XLR signal, especially if there’s a long cable run to the mixing desk through a stage box.
Luckily, the DNAfx Advanced and Pro models both offer stereo balanced XLR outputs, meaning you can simply hand the engineer a set of easy-to-work-with XLRs and be done with it. And if you want to use your own monitoring setup with something like a FRFR cabinet, the units still offer stereo ¼” outputs – allowing you to connect as you normally would.
Recording at home
Image: Harley Benton
When it comes to making your own guitar recordings, the DNAfx series can really help you level up your game – and if you’re looking for a very affordable entry point into the world of home-recording, then the newer DNAfx GiT Core is a great place to start. Despite only being £75, it can still function as its own audio interface for recording straight into your DAW of choice – all while giving you access to that huge library of amps and effects. So no matter what kind of sound you’re after, there’s a simple way to achieve it.
The Core model also sheds some of the more performance-focused features, like those XLR outputs and the integrated expression pedal – things you won’t really need if you just want to record at home. If you do want to add some of that functionality back in, or just happen to already have a preferred expression pedal, there’s a jack to add an external one for hands-free control over your sounds.
On the go
But sometimes, you’re not in front of a laptop – or on a stage! The DNAfx GiT Mobile II can still give you access to 14 amp models and 14 effects. It’s just the right size to be thrown in a gigbag pocket, so you’re never without some great guitar tones. And unlike headphone amps of old, it comes with a rechargeable battery – no more worrying about stocking up on AAs! Plus, if you’re playing out and about and want to do a quick bit of recording – even if it is to just capture a riff you’ve come up with – the DNAfx GiT Mobile II supports USB-C on-the-go recording, so you can easily pop an idea into your smartphone.
And it’s not just guitar players that get all the fun – bassists can now also get out and about with the bespoke bass-focused amp models found in the DNAfx Bass Mobile. Alongside seven effects, these seven amp models range from ultra-clean for jazzy fingerpicking to punchy and gritty for down-tuned riffing.
A balanced approach
While the world of multi-effects and modellers encompasses a lot of different kinds of gear, there’s something to be said for the DNAfx range’s balance between simplicity and versatility. Because the flagship pedals make it easy to access more amps and effects than you could ever need in a sturdy gig-ready package. And all of the units make it easy to record whatever great sounds you dial in, without the need for a separate audio interface, and in some cases, straight into a smartphone. So whatever you want to throw at a DNAfx unit, it won’t be a problem – they’re just as happy plugged into a pair of headphones as they are at the front-of-house desk at a professional venue.
Find out more about the DNAfx family at Harley Benton.
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Source: www.guitar-bass.net
