Review: Ibanez UE300 Multi-Effects Unit

This is the Ibanez UE300, a multi-effects unit. Produced in the 1980s, this is one of Ibanez' first effects units combining more than one pedal into a single, self-powered unit. The pedals are essentially a TS9 Tube Screamer*, a CS9 Stereo Chorus, and a CP9 Compressor/Limiter.

Since the Tube Screamer itself is undoubtedly the most famous, most popular, and arguably most useful pedal in the world, this unit deserves special consideration simply because this notable effect appears in its circuit. From a player's perspective, this is an opportunity to own a vintage Tube Screamer at a fraction of the cost of buying a standalone one. As a collector, this pedal seems like a solid investment for the very same reason; as older TS808s and TS9s increase in price (they already fetch upwards of $800 and $500, respectively), the UE300s will certainly rise in price as well. Since the CP9 and CS9 are nearer to the bottom of the range of values in 9-series pedals, their inclusion in this unit is unlikely to have as significant an effect on the value of the UE300.

What makes the UE300 unique from a modern perspective is the fact that it is made up of fully analog circuitry. Most of us associate muli-effects units with digital modeling, and a wide range of inferior-sounding effects, most of which sound terrible, and process the original signal into oblivion. The UE300, however, is like having the original analog pedals (the total cost of which is well beyond the average price for a UE300), plus the convenience of a single, self-contained and self-powered unit. Moreover, the sound of these pedals in incomparable to anything else; each of these pedals on their own is considered among the best at what they do. Another great feature of the UE300 is the Bypass switch, which allows you to leave the pedals on, but bypass the effect circuit altogether. On a conventional pedal board, this would require another pedal, and a great deal of extra wiring.

There are, however, disadvantages to this fantastic unit. For instance, if you happen to like one, but not the others, you are stuck with a very large and inconvenient unit, and this is probably a deal-breaker in all cases except the Tube Screamer (an original CS9 or CP9 on its own rarely exceeds $100). Another drawback is noise; the UE300 generates some signal noise on its own – more, in fact, than if you were to connect the three individual pedals together on a conventional pedal board. The irony of this is that the one distinct advantages of a combination effect ought to be the lack of need for connecting cables and individual power supplies. On one hand, the UE300 is convenient because it has its own power supply, and requires only two cords to attach to an amp; on the other, it limits the range of selectable effects, and produces undesirable noise.

*There are some reviews, including one by Guitar World Magazine, that indicate that the circuit in the Tube Screamer section of this unit is actually closer to a TS808 than a TS9. The one I have contains the same 4-digit serial # Japan Radio Corp. JRC4558D op-amp found in many TS808s, but this chip can also be found in early versions of the TS9. In any case, there are so many factors affecting the sound of a Tube Screamer that this alone is not enough evidence to conclude which pedal this one most resembles. I would argue that this is in fact a unique Tube Screamer, since it is only found in these multi-effects units, and should be considered independently of the others. Regardless, it is easier to acquire a UE300 than an original TS808 or an original TS9, especially one with the “holy grail” JRC4558D chip inside.

The Verdict: If you can find one of these in good condition for a reasonable price, buy it! It will prove to be a good investment, and (if you haven't already) you will get to experience the joy of playing with a real vintage Tube Screamer. You will also become the envy of your gearhead friends.

Price Range:

$200-350

Highs:

-Has an original Tube Screamer!

-Great, warm sound

-Analog circuitry

-Bypass pedal

Lows:

-Limited effects

-Size

-Somewhat noisy

-Requires a grounded A/C outlet

Rating: 6/10

Comparison: Vintage vs. Reissue CS9 Stereo Chorus

The original Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus was first made in the 1980s as part of the Ibanez 9 series of pedals, which included the SM9 Super Metal, and the famous TS9 Tube Screamer. (For a review of the original CS9, Click Here)

I spent a great deal of time comparing these pedals, on their own and in conjunction with other pedals. Here is what I noticed:

-The original pedal has a much warmer sound and a purer reproduction of the original signal blended in with the chorus effect.

-With the original, it is possible to dial down the chorus depth to an almost unnoticeable level; with the reissue, you can always tell when the pedal is on.

-The reissue has a noisier switch; it might be the difference in output impedance, but the sound of the reissue pedal coming on is definitely more noticeable

 -The output impedance, residual noise level, delay time, and speed frequency are all slightly different on the reissue pedal. Also, many of the components are not manufactured in the same facilities as the originals, and many consider these parts to be inferior to the equivalent Japanese-made parts of the 1980s.
 
Brass Tacks:
-Price: Both pedals can be had for under $100, though the original ones are generally a little bit less expensive than the reissues (if you don't care about condition).

-While neither of these pedals are collector's items, the original pedal seems to be the better investment, since it sounds better and has better components.

Review: Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus

This is the Ibanez CS9 Stereo Chorus. For the price, it is probably the best bang for your buck out there. Don't get me wrong, there are better sounding choruses out there, but all things considered, this one takes the cake.

I have had two of these, and one of the subsequent "power series" CSL Stereo Chorus pedals, and they all sounded great, but this one is my favourite. It was made in 1981, but as far as I can tell, there's not too much difference between any of the ones from the original 9 series.

WARNING: The contemporary reissue of this pedal is NOT THE SAME!!!
                *Click Here for a comparison of these two pedals*

Recently, I started using a vintage Boss CE-2 pedal for chorus, but eventually switched back to the CS9. The Boss pedal sounded great with a clean sound, but not so great when distortion or overdrive was added to the signal. I tried adding gain before and after the pedal, but the only way I could get it to sound good loud was to turn the amp up. The CS9, on the other hand, sounds great clean and with distortion.

Highs:
-Solid construction
-Warm analog sound
-Stereo outputs

Lows:
-A little noisy
-Limited controls

Possible Modifications:
-True bypass wouldn't be a bad mod, although if you have a few 9-series pedals in your path, the buffers tend to work well together.

Rating: 7/10