Has a few limitations, for the money though, this thing delivers!

So I've only had the unit for about a week, and I've just now started to figure out how to use this thing properly. Off the bat, some negatives:

• Instructions for unit leave a lot to be desired... (Like, A LOT) Valeton is a Chinese company, and the box came with a QR code to scan to download the user manual... That said, the link on the QR code was like... Not valid lol (not looking great Valeton) The official website had a PDF for the unit, but again... Chinese company and the localization/translation just got me a bit more confused. It took me going to multiple YouTube videos to figure out how to navigate an use the unit along with some trial and error.

• Updating the firmware/software was tedious and abstract. Again I had to run to YouTube to figure out how to do this properly, but even then the instructions weren't helping (Chinese translation strikes again). Took me about an hour but I finally figured it out.

• Latency. I don't notice latency when playing the unit all that much, but you DEFINATELY notice it when you are doing more intensive DSP things like Pitch Detune, it "Can" do it, but it would be difficult to use in a live scenario. Just switch guitars I suppose lol.

All that said, I do REALLY like the unit. Especially with the firmware/software update where you can now use NAM (Neural Amp Modeler) files. The UI isn't too difficult to figure out and once you figure out how to use it, you can have a lot of fun. The desktop app helps a ton at first, but making changes on the fly isn't that hard either thankfully. Here is what I REALLY liked:

• NAM/IR loading. Like I said before, the latest firmware update allows you to download .nam files of amp profiles and it REALLY makes a difference when using a .nam file over he stock models this unit has. Also the ability to load your own IR's helps dramatically. A good IR and good .nam capture's made the patches I've made and use sound AMAZING! Seriously this is almost worth it for the price of admission. - BIG LIMITATION is that you can only load five .nam files on this thing period. You can load a lot more IR's but it is kind of a bummer that you are limited to how many .nam files you can upload. However It is one of the few devices currently on the market that allows you to do that.

• Workflow. The workflow is actually super intuitive, I was able to navigate what I needed and wanted fairly quickly. Assigning buttons/switches make logical sense, the graphical representation and quick navigation buttons are really great.

• Amp modeling. It's not bad honestly, hell some of the amp models are actually kinda great especially when you pair the amp models with a good IR and ignore the stock cabinets, you can get some legit great sounds.

• Good Effects. Not amazing, not great, but good and more than good enough to use in a live scenario. Delays and reverbs leave a little to be desired to me but overall very usable. A few of the overdrive models on there were also really spot on which surprised me.

• Form Factor. It's great, it's small enough to throw in a back pack but big enough to work through most live scenarios, plus this thing is made from hard aluminum and it feels solid under your feet. Also the back row of switches being taller than the front row is kinda genius.

• Physical In's/Out's. It has all the essentials, XLR outs, Effects Loop, Midi In/Out, USB out and Headphone out. Has all the pro level in's/out's that you would expect form much more expensive units. The Routing options for your effects chain are super rudimentary, if you are coming from the Helix, Quad Cortex or Fractal world this will be a bit frustrating. No parallel routing of effects is kind of a bummer but not a deal breaker.

Overall, for the price this thing I feel is hard to beat. It has some real world limitations and the instructions to get up and running can be annoying, but those things are pretty small in grand scheme of things. Thanks to the easy user interface, good effects, pro in/out options and ability to load .NAM files/IR's as well as the price... And can we talk about the Price here a minute? This to me is a great entry point for modelers, for about the price of a Nintendo Switch you get a pro piece of kit that will do exactly what you need it to for real world use. Does it have the fancy routing options of a Helix/Quad Cortex, ability to capture amps/pedals or enough DSP to choke a large duck? No... But again, for $300 bucks there isn't much more you can ask for. Highly recommend for anyone wanting to dip their toe in the modeler scene.

UPDATE: So I brought this to band rehearsal and it delivered. Was able to get through multiple set lists, switch from clean, to crunch to lead and manipulate the effects no problem! And it sounded amazing! (.nam files with a little EQ and a good IR go A LONG way). The volume pedal worked great too, was able to do swells with ease. There is a bit of latency when switching patches unfortunately, its noticeable but very manageable, no one noticed but me. Also there is no spill over with effects flipping from patch to patch, hoping those things can be addressed in a firmware update. Other than that, this thing REALLY overdelivered to goods. Changing to 5 stars, even though it's more like 4.5, it's ALMOST perfect and with a few updates I think this thing could contend for best budget modeler out there.

ANOTHER UPDATE: Did a recent firmware update that specifically tackles Latency, added a few effects too. The latency with switching channels/presets is MUCH better than it was previously. There is still some Latency with the Pitch Detune but it has gotten better. Not really usable for my applications but the option is there. The Routing Options are still a bit limiting, realized this thing is closer to a POD GO than it is a Quad Cortex or Helix, and if you keep that in mind, this thing can do a lot.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

My Personal favourite multi effects processor

Considering the price point, the durability, features and ease of use are out of this world. I've used this thing to record an entire albums worth of instrumnetal songs. Seriously recommend.