If anyone has a chance to grab one of these, do it. Why? I'm glad you asked. Watch out, there's long post comin (ha ha)
First, it's a solid effects device. You can rearrange the order of the effects in every patch, it's easy to toggle them on/off with buttons on the faceplate, and there is a handy 'Channel Level' setting accessible from the faceplate as well for quick volume adjustments. (don't you hate it when one patch is just a bit too quiet compared to the others?)
Second, it's a preamp. No, it doesn't have toobs, and yes, the MP-1 or MP-2 sound a hell of a lot better on distortion, but if you have this in your rack, you have a backup in case your distortion machine craps out during a gig. It's not the greatest distortion or overdrive you ever heard, but it could get you through a gig.
Now, here's the part I didn't know about....I can use the MP-2's Quad switch (with the MXC controller) to control individual effects in the device!!! Wha? So, here's how I have my Quad switch to operate:
1 = Delay toggle
2 = Pitch toggle (chorus/flange/harmonizer, etc)
3 = Solo Boost (by toggling a preamp model)
4 = Wild Card (for custom effects for particular songs)
I know that there are other devices (including toob preamps) out there that will support this functionality, but I just discovered this, so I'm excited
Basically, if your midi effects device accepts midi control signals (and most do), you can assign the Quad switch buttons to a parameter based upon the midi program numbers inherent to the Quad switch.
From the manual, here are the default program numbers:
Switch One / Button One = 64
Switch One / Button Two = 65
Switch One / Button Three = 66
Switch One / Button Four = 67
Switch Two / Button One = 68 ....and so on
I can also use the expression pedal to control parameters, but I haven't gone that far yet. I'm sticking my MP-1 Classic + the GX-700 into a 2u rack for a grab-n-go rig that plugs directly into the PA.