Two of my favorites (even though well exceed the $300 limit), are the POD HD 500 (499 new), and the digitech iPB-10 ($499 and requires an iPad to initialize the pedal, and to make any further tweaks after that).
BUT! When it comes to actual sound quality, (i.e. TONE),both of these units are road and studio worthy.
The POD HD500 has many Pro users (youtube videos Lincoln Brewster etc.)
Very tweakable (for weeks or even months) but the onboard screen is small and hard to work with,unless hooked to a laptop or PC which is more common during studio or home use. Some advantages over other gear is the ability to run dual signal chains (dual Triple Rectifiers,or a Marshall and a Fender Twin) at the same time or switchable, with tons of effects and processing available if desired.
The Digitech iPB-10 on the otherhand, wont run dual signal chains or effects choices, but has an approx 10 inch viewing area (w/ipad installed) and is layed out like a virtual pedal board,easy to see, drag and drop editing, of amp choices,cabinet choices,and effects choices, all with the touch and swipe of a finger,even on-the-fly (if needed).
Even though these pedals exceed the $300 limit, I gotta tell you, Man they are worth it. even with the additional cost of an ipad, the ipb-10 is less than most decent tube heads. and thats not including the speakers. I suspect you already have an amp and speakers, my point is that with 54 virtual amp head choices,87 effects, and 26 speaker cabs, (all legendary), the tone i get in the studio and thru any of my amps i own set to a clean channel, is truly amazing. ive been (tweaking) for nearly 8 months now and can see the possibilities are endless. AND HOW MANY OF US could afford to own even half the gear these two particular pedals offer ?
BUT! When it comes to actual sound quality, (i.e. TONE),both of these units are road and studio worthy.
The POD HD500 has many Pro users (youtube videos Lincoln Brewster etc.)
Very tweakable (for weeks or even months) but the onboard screen is small and hard to work with,unless hooked to a laptop or PC which is more common during studio or home use. Some advantages over other gear is the ability to run dual signal chains (dual Triple Rectifiers,or a Marshall and a Fender Twin) at the same time or switchable, with tons of effects and processing available if desired.
The Digitech iPB-10 on the otherhand, wont run dual signal chains or effects choices, but has an approx 10 inch viewing area (w/ipad installed) and is layed out like a virtual pedal board,easy to see, drag and drop editing, of amp choices,cabinet choices,and effects choices, all with the touch and swipe of a finger,even on-the-fly (if needed).
Even though these pedals exceed the $300 limit, I gotta tell you, Man they are worth it. even with the additional cost of an ipad, the ipb-10 is less than most decent tube heads. and thats not including the speakers. I suspect you already have an amp and speakers, my point is that with 54 virtual amp head choices,87 effects, and 26 speaker cabs, (all legendary), the tone i get in the studio and thru any of my amps i own set to a clean channel, is truly amazing. ive been (tweaking) for nearly 8 months now and can see the possibilities are endless. AND HOW MANY OF US could afford to own even half the gear these two particular pedals offer ?