Donner Arena 2000 Guitar Multi-Effects Pedal with 278 Effects, 100 IRs, Looper, Drum Machine, Amp Modeling, XLR and MIDI Support

I was looking for a multi-effects pedal when I came across this one. I have a lot of Donner products and have been quite pleased with their products. This pedal really outdoes some of the others available. The screen is easy to read, and after taking time to learn how to control things, it is quite intuitive. The sounds are really good as well. I do wish they made a list available of all the built-in effects. This pedal is almost perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly unit.Compared to some of the other pedals I researched, there were some really good advantages to this one:* The display makes it easy to see all of the settings.* Clicking on the selected button enters stomp mode where you can turn on/off two effects. Those effects are listed on the display so you know what you are controlling.* The expression pedal can switch between two actions (switch off for volume, switch on for wah, vibrato, or whatever effect you have assigned - you can set both on and off effects).* Balanced XRL and unbalanced TRS outputs.* Separate volume controls for XRL, TRS, and headphones!* Hold the active button down to switch to the tuner, which is very easy to read.* Settings to adjust the input levels.* Cab modes can be enabled/disabled per output option.* Easy to change the chain order.* Five dials to adjust effect controls.* Mobile and desktop apps to control the device (mobile apps via Bluetooth as well!)!* Ability to add 50 IRs.The only quirk I had to get used to was the touch buttons. The screen isn't a touchscreen, but the mod category buttons are. You have to be aware of where they are when using the dials. If you finger rubs the screen, you can end up either changing to a different effect, or turning one on/off. The input port is closer to the right side of the unit, which is definitely not like most pedals, but not really an issue.The only thing I wish they did was make a bass model, or had an option for bass effects via firmware. I keep looking for a similar bass version, and there are very few in this budget category. The controls are so easy to use for guitar. I have a separate pedal for bass effects - it's just not as intuitive as the Arena 2000. If they ever came out with a bass model, I'll be adding that as well!

I've been using guitar processors for decades, lately I've been using tge hx stuff from line 6. This thing is certainly not a helix, but it's sound quality is certainly close if you take the time to dial it in and the control features are nearly on par with the pod go.Likes:1.) Bluetooth connectivity for control via phone/tablet.2.) Amp and Cab sounds are amazing when dialed in properly.3.) Comes with a dotted eigth delay with tap tempo! (handy for the worship guitarist)4.) Very compact size (half the size of the pod go)Dislikes:1.) Volume pedal does not have a toe switch to turn on wah (the press of a second button is required, or you just program seperate patches for wah)2.) Buttons and knobs are a bit sensitive (using the phone/tablet bluetooth feature remedies this)3.) Not really a dislike as it makes the unit feel more true to the feel of an analog setup: patches need to be dialed for different guitars ie: single coils vs humbuckers. This thing is very dynamic in the tone department!Tips for those looking to use this thing:1.) In the cab block roll the hipass and lowpass to 60hz and 12500hz. This will eliminate the "angry bee" artifacts in the high end and any muddiness in the low end.2.) Utilize the eq block, 10 band eq is great for sculpting tone!3.) When it comes to drive and this universally true, especially with digital modelers, less is more!4.) Start by shaping your core tone before adding a ton of effects and copy and paste that tone across several patches when you get it dialed in.5.) Play around with mic type and placement in the cab block as it makes a HUGE difference in tone.6.) The pure boost effect in the either of the fx blocks are great for evening out volume levels of patches when placed directly after the cab block. (Assuming the cab block is after all gainstages.Conclusion: for the $$ this thing is an absolute steal! It just takes a little time dialing it in, but the tones are in there. I would feel confident gigging with this unit, but then again I tend to take care of my gear. I was leary at first given donners name being associated with cheap gear that leaves alot to be desired sonically, but this unit has single handedly changed my mind completely. Don't be afraid to get this unit, it is great.