Switch indiviual effects on and off. Connection is a high quality computer style lead rather than a small midi lead. Two expression pedals can be connected as the controller doesn't include them. Then went to Roland VS1680 effects. AS a perfectionist I need not go further.
Amps are too much trouble for live - mixing, feedback, noise, changing sounds.
I now only use virtual amps and speaker simulators and this is the model for that. Store your entire gig list onto one bank and flick through each song in turn from the pedal board. These are the effect units. You can run them all at once. Within each unit there are many variations, e.g. 10 band graphic EQ, amp EQ, Parametric EQ, Chorus, Phaser, Flanger, Tap delay, stereo delay.