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I've been stuck with my Zoom G3 for years and it sounds a bit lifeless and dull even compared to the newer Zoom stuff. But the smaller models lack USB power and importantly audio over USB. I'm looking to use it on both guitar and synths.

I like the Zoom G1x Four for it's form factor and having the G3n effects in a USB powered form, however it does lack USB Audio.

I was considering a combination of G1x Four and the Nux Mighty plug maybe? The Nux has IRs and a Shimmer effect.

What's your definition of cheap? You can find a used Line 6 M9 for $200ish, which isn't far off from the combo of the two units you mentioned, but I'd take it any day of the week over those in terms of quality.

As mbene said above, depends on what "cheap" is to you.

If you don't need hardware and are mostly using it with a computer, then hands down just get Helix Native -- it's $400, which is pricey for a plugin, but it's literally just a Helix that runs on your PC.

If you need hardware, sub-$300, the Line 6 M-series stuff is great for just about anything but drives and dynamics, and depending on how many blocks you need they can be pretty cheap -- no amp sims though. Sub $500, the Pod Go sounds killer but is a bit limited in terms of functionality, and there's the old Boss GT100 which can be pretty finicky but does generally sound pretty good if you dial it in sensibly.

You could also go old-school with one of the old ADA MP-1 preamps or some of the Rocktron stuff. They've been climbing in price, and you gotta wait for a really great deal, but they're pretty solid.

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Wampler "$100 Helix?" review of Behringer V-Amp
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfU2Kmgvlfs

Andertons review including an old POD ... key statements are 18mins to 26mins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsocXab3fKI

It also depends on what you want to do with multi-effects ... Joyo American Sound pedal has quite a range of simulating amps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Uo6gmOIduM

Affordaboard solution to getting a multi-effects system on the cheap. A string of mini $20 pedals to get the tones you want.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqQOdXRHxuk

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https://www.thomann.de/gb/valeton_multi ... itars.html

Valeton effects are a good alternative if you only need to cover basic effects needs.

Zooms are good. People prefer the MS series and i was surprised by the drive and cab sims id thought id hate.

For the G1xon ive hear it might be possible to update the firmware to include whichever MS Fx you like, or if you dont want extra fx just get an MS.

Dont know much about the Nux, but the brand has a good rep for their space echo thing. Its a customisable impulse loader?

I think quite a few cheap usb options. I know my bass player mentioned he used some interface into his phone but cant remember.

For cheap I'm looking at 200 and under

I've been pretty happy with the G1 Four, I have the one with the expression pedal. It's not perfect but it's good. I mainly use it as my headphone practice solution, or my battery powered looper when I'm jamming outside on the porch, or as a a bunch of utility front of chain effects (tuner, compressor, EQ, volume, wah) with a mini pedalboard, or with one of the Zoom multistomp pedals, because there are some effects in the older series that are better. Sometimes I plug my pedalboard into a Joyo American sound then run it into a cab sim on the Zoom with the "air" reverb for headphones. Sounds okay, better IRs would maybe help but that's a rabbit hole I don't want to go down.

I'm interested in trying out one of the cheaper new multieffects from Valeton, or Harley Benton, or Nux, but I think eventually Zoom will put their new G6 into a smaller format so I may hold out for that.

Another vote for the Zoom Multi-Stomps. The interface is weird, they look cheap, but the sound definitely punches above their price range.

This is actually an easy one for me: Digitech RP360. Lexicon reverbs alone make it worth it and then it has a decent selection of other stuff. I pretty much ignore the amp/cab aspect since I'm well set up in that area, but I use it mostly to try stuff out on particular sections. Like could this take a reverb or a vibe or phaser whatever. Without having to buy every individual unit or break out a bunch of stuff I've got that isn't currently on my board. It's not the best at any particular thing but it's OK across the board and really good for this type of experimentation. The earlier digitech multis I think are made mostly of plastic and aren't very durable. The 360 is built a lot more solid which is really nice. It's too bad Digitech is out of the pedal industry now because they were making some really good gear there for a while.