Zoom MS-50G Multistomp : (Part 1) General overview as direct device

Official site: www.zoom.co.jp/products/ms-50g
Australian Dealers : www.dynamicmusic.com.au/Dealer...
There's a lot to love about the MS-50G. You could start with the vast selection of great effects on offer - about 55 of them; then there's the size, tweakability, it's stereo... The list goes on. Not least is the fact that the MS-50G can be used as 1. A regular stompbox; 2. an amp substitute (direct to board application) complete with effects and noise gates; 3. a general multieffect.
Zoom have been in the business a LONG time. Long enough to perfect their sounds, approach, software and hardware departments. This longevity and commitment to perfection has recently manifested itself in products like the MS-50G, A3 Acoustic DI and G5 Multieffect. So if you're not fussed about pricey 'boutique' gear but you do want a complete and very well made all-round solution that offers much more value for money, I recommend you investigate.
This demo deals primarily with the MS-50G used as a direct device. For the purposes of an unadulterated clean sound I've run the MS-50G directly to Pro Tools via an Mbox 3 Pro. No plugins were added in Pro Tools except a Limiter (Waves L3-16) at the Output, just to keep levels in check.
Further videos will explore the MS-50G's prowess as an amp modeler ( • Zoom MS-50G Multistomp... ) and as a regular effects stompbox.
Many thanks to Bruce and Greg at Dynamic Music, Australia, for their assistance and correspondence help on behalf of Zoom, Japan.
Recording gear:
Guitar : Ernie Ball Music Man 2009 Axis (stock)
Amp: Zoom MS-50G (direct to Mbox 3 Pro)
Cables : Providence
Mic : Samson Airline77 (my voiceover headset)
Camera : Canon 60D (me) and Sony HDR CX150 (MS-50G)
Soundcard : AVID Mbox Pro 3
Computer : Apple iMac 27" i7 3.4 GHz 16 GB RAM
Software : Pro Tools 10 LE, Waves L3-16 Limiter (to keep levels in check at output), Apple Final Cut Pro X (video editing and KZbin compression).

[@fuzzfizz]

Because of your review, I bought the 50g, and later the 100bt when it came out, and managed to convince 3 friends to buy the 50g, and 3 more bought the 70cdr, and all of em are performing level musicians....

[@onzkicg]

fuzzfizz How was it? Your friends didn’t blame you in anyway? lol 😂 Always all reviews of this little thing sounds good.. I’m thinking getting one especially now cheaper used.

[@khay2210]

onzkicg it’s already like cheaper than any normal amp you can get and the best part is all the crazy possibilities you get when you update it’s firmware you should definitely get one, now if I didn’t have one yet I wouldn’t want you to have one because when people start buying it might just go out of stock.

[@erictoniaschwab1009]

The Zoom MS50 is my main delay/reverb effect. With the 3.0 update, it gives some fantastic ambient sounds with shimmer reverb. I use 3 presets; one for just standard rock delay/reverb, a setting with shimmer for ambient sounds and a setting specifically for swells. I’m not a big audiophile so I don’t see the need to get 1000 dollars worth of Strymon Big Sky and Timeline.

[@beatnicksodyssey]

I know this is older, but this video helped me a lot. I have one of these coming because I want something small for bedroom playing and recording. I didn't understand what line select did when I read the manual and your little caption told me what it did and that sounds very useful. Also you mentioned how it can be set to cycle between 2 or 3 patches with the footswitch, something I was hoping I could do, but wasn't sure. Thanks a lot, big help and I can't wait to get this pedal.

[@GlennMichaelThompson]

Very good demo of the direct sounds. One feature I really like is that you can put the effects in any order. So many multi-effect units have one order for the effects chain without being able to change it. Changing the order is one way of finding some very different tones... for example it sounds different to distort a chorus than it does to chorus a distortion. Seems like a very versatile little unit!

[@maryannmay7105]

Hi Brett thank you for your reply. Great videos by the way,keep up the good work.

[@BrettKingman]

That's a good question, the answer to which I will have demonstrate at length at at a later date. Briefly, though; yes, the amp models do react well to playing dynamics. There is a very short example of this in my Part 2 MS-50G, towards the end when I'm demoing the Diezel amp model; I wind the guitar's volume down and you can clearly hear it clean up quite well, surprising for 1. such a high gain amp, and 2. for a relatively inexpensive modeller. Good stuff. :)

[@jayegeler5073]

I've been using my MS50g for quite a while. I do a lot of giging where I need to get in and out quickly. My current rig is my ZT Lunchbox, Parker Deluxe and the MS50g. No more draggin around tons of gear. I can get in and out in one trip and kill, no matter the size of the gig. My other stuff sits around.

[@PoulChuck]

that's great help Brett, much appreciated!

[@BrettKingman]

The effects are great in mono. I'll upload a video of the MS-50G, mono, into a clean amp shortly. It's a handy little device.

[@paulclacher2316]

Awesome Brett. I bought the Zoom MS100BT model of this one. It kicks arse. It has two inputs (Stereo). One I can use for Harp and the other for guitar. And these little monsters can also run on battery. Hope the Picks are going well. That's a great video.

[@anthonybymallia7067]

when u r plugged only to the amp and u switch on the zoom it makes a huge difference i never play without this little box

[@JudgeFredd]

Nice video ad playing -thank you !

[@BrettKingman]

Yes. Just place the LinSel in the first effect position and use the footswitch to turn it on and off. Everything after the LinSel will be bypassed when it's off. It's basically a router that doubles as a bypass module.

[@MarcBenham]

Hi Brett i can't believe the tone of a Marshall plexi you can get from this box ! Even better than the one on the line 6 pod HD to my hears and much cheaper after listening to this demo i have to get one lol must be the best stomp box on the planet!;-) for recording thanks and take care man !

[@byronh77]

Thanks for the response brett!

[@BrettKingman]

No probs. I hope you enjoy it should you decide to get one. My best to all in your beautiful country. :)

[@BRANDON7357]

I like this pedal a lot. It doesn't sound really awesome with my Fender Squire Strat HSS Affinity series, but it does a great job at trying to fix my playing! :)

[@anthonybymallia7067]

the incredible thing that this little box has so many things u can do i and the sound that comes out from it is more than enough amazing the zoom is expanding and they r doing an awesome fuckin job and good prizes and another thing they r made in metal

[@BrettKingman]

Mercifully, there is a ZNR (noise reduction) module that you can switch on/off - you'll need it for the high gain stuff but I didn't use it here because I tried to show of the MS-50G's true colours. Yes, the Zoom stuff does sound good. Stand by for Part 3 where I show its merits as a regular stomp box. Cheers, B.

[@pcheeseman1957]

Sounds great.

[@BrettKingman]

I hear you. You've got to admit that these are a lot of fun, though... Chip technology gives you the whole cheese platter on shiny, metal saucer. You can even change the composition of the saucer... !

[@anthonybymallia7067]

im n love with this pedal i have the g5 too the difference is that the g5 has more stomp boxes and the z pedal and in one tone u can add 9 pedal effects but the sound that comes out from the multistomp is the same

[@liordinoneto]

Hi Brett. Thanks for the great review, made me decide to buy the MS-50G over the MS-100BT (I think that the first one fullfill my needs) but I still have one question: is it possible to connect a headphone direct to one of the MS-50G output? Thanks again!

[@backstreetkid3854]

Well now, I've just acquired one of these, and I also play an Musicman Sterling Sub, so let the fun begin. Great review sir 🎸👍🤘🎸

[@jeffarab4947]

Wow nice set of amp models and sounds does this have a headphone input u can jam

[@hieronymus932]

Awesome Demo, this box is like the Line 6 M5 with less models but with amp simulators, this could be the ultimate practice tool for a lot of people. Does it have a headset out?

[@jazzylei143]

Cool video. Sounds like a kemper

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Looking at getting this as an affordable grab and go combo FX pedal.

[@RPSJR100]

I luv the AX40 im looking for 1 in purple it seems like it works good w that pedal did u say u were using that pedal w software and what do u think about the G5 or should i just stick w a boss board even though they r so expensive Thanx Richard from Pittsburgh

[@PoulChuck]

Hi Brett, I just got one after seeing your videos. I got it for my pedalboard as multieffects unit for tremolo, phaser and other similar effects that I don't need all of the time. Is it possible to assign the footswitch as a total bypass so that I can use it in my actual pedal chain?

[@gamhazell]

You Aussies are some great guitarists I admit.

[@Expedient_Mensch]

Maaaaate . We are just great at everything! ;-)

[@aricmanthey2]

You mentioned in the video that this unit can be used live as a direct to pa type application. Do you think two of these pedals (one as a back up) could be used as a consistent live rig?

[@SeanEricSpearman]

I PLAY PEDAL STEEL GUITAR AND WOULD LOVE TO PURCHASE IT NEXT YEAR....CURRENTLY USING KORG PANDORA PX4 (BLUE)....LOVING THE DIFFERENT AMPS TOO.....~rev.sean

[@BrettKingman]

Sure thing. I'll consult with their Australian distributor (who are great to deal with) and see how we go. Cheers, B.

[@joetowers4804]

Nice review and playing. I wish it had an aux in and headphone out. I would get it in a heartbeat.

[@Subilon]

José Luis de la Torre Nemenz the gixon does and is quite cheap

[@joetowers4804]

Thanks buddy! In the end I went with something else. I do appreciate your comment though.

[@Expedient_Mensch]

Great review mate. Would be better if the mike was turned up a bit or the amp turned down so that the volume levels where a bit closer too each other, could hardly hear you talk or get deafened by the guitar......

[@hamslam2003]

Are the effects on the ms-70cdr the same or more improved? The 50g is cheaper so Im wondering if the quality is as good.

[@byronh77]

Is the pedal noisy? I can hear a noticeable hiss when you switched to the distortion.settings. But overall the sound quality of the pedal surprised me. Would never think about buying a zoom pedal. Since they kind of look like toys lol. But it sounds good

[@BrettKingman]

The Music Man is a great guitar but when it came to me brand new, sealed, in the box, it required 1. a neck adjustment, 2. a new volume pot, 3. loosening of the input jack and 4. a fret level. The slightest weather change throws the neck out, still. The PRS, on the other hand, was and is perfect (again, out of the box) and its build level is WAY above the standard exhibited by Music Man. I love them both, though. One is just much higher maintenance, that's all. :)

[@DToneQuest]

You mentioned "jack of all trades", I want to put a catch all pedal on the board that will handle such things as tremelo, pitch shifting etc that I don't have a dedicated pedal for. I was wondering if you can do a flutter effect with the pitch shifter such as in the black keys song "lonely boy". Is it possible? Thanks

[@xheiize]

You can put in 6 simultaneous effects at once and in any order right? So can you do, let's say for example 3 modulations, 2 delays and a reverb at once? Just wondering...and waiting...:-)

[@crunchchannel9391]

So the "tube" setting in each amp model is the tube compresion? or the tube saturation it doesnt sound like compression to me

[@ahmetkymc5523]

hello zoom ms50g video call of the guitar used in the brand and how many numbers do you want to let me know?

[@jbp3517]

A workaround would be: Once you saved your patches, in memory page (where all patches are shown) select the patch you want to memorize then press the knob assigned to A/B and the patch will be assigned to an Alphabet Character. If it is the first time you assign a patch it will be assigned the letter' A'. next assignment will be B and so on. You can then use the foot switch to cycle through these patches(only those assigned) instead of turning the center knob every time you change patches. I own both ths MS50g and MS70CDR. The reasons: 1. MS70CDR has more modulation effects 2. It avoids "memory full" issues since i have two chips. MS50g for Amp Sims, Distortions/Overdrives, Compressor, Wah. MS70CDR for chorus, reverb, delay. each of them has ZNR to keep the patches quiet. i use the ms50gs NR only. So far i am very happy with the combination both direct to audio interface and in front of my amp. For Live situations? It's the same. Just make sure you place them properly assigned in ascending order. sometimes you need to duplicate a patch to be able to assign it in a different letter to fit your live sets. The manual is too tiny to be readable but the learning curve is very basic. I love the Tube Screamer Emulation boosting the Alien Amp Sim. A few things i dislike but overall.. Zoom MS series: "Bang for the Buck"

[@jonatanguitar]

+John Brent You mention "memory full" issues. How common is this? I would guess the MS70 is better at avoiding it than the MS50 but I haven't tried either so can't say.

[@jbp3517]

+Jonatan OTW it is more of a "limitation" rather than an issue. with either ms50g or ms70cdr, you are allowed to use fx or amp sims etc to a certain extent only due to DSP. having two boards, you have more capacity to enable them simultaneously by distributing your chain to these two pedals. say NR and amp sims in ms50g and all other effects in ms70cdr. you minimize the load on each board.

[@jonatanguitar]

+John Brent Thanks for fast response. Ok, so if I understand correctly it's not likely that you set up a chain, play for 10 minutes, and then suddenly the pedal turns off saying "error" or something. It's more likely that if you try to set up a chain with many advanced effects the unit might not let me do that from start, due to the risk of heavy load. Something like that?

[@jbp3517]

+Jonatan OTW you're right. you will know you reach the limit when you edit patches. not a crashing bug of some sort. ;) you're welcome. enjoy!

[@jonatanguitar]

+John Brent Haha sounds reasonable :) Thanks again!

[@marcmarti5273]

man, with "the 101 hack" this is the best compact pedal I had ever!!

[@kevmet84]

With a built in headphone amp amp/out this would've been one nice gadget to have, but as is I can't see wanting to gig with it. Guess gigging is where their G series comes in.

[@AlfarAwayMusic]

Why there is no Effect Manager Tool in Windows 7 anymore?

[@TheNonieTV]

Is there any possibilities to turn on and off the selected preset?

[@malcolmbliss777]

I have this pedal. I LOVE this pedal. But its almost impossible to get this thing to work like they claim at Zoom. It is... difficult - to say the least. hoping these videos help. Watching now....

[@riciy]

they are fun and I spent a lot of time playing around, but in the end you kinda "stuck" with one or two sounds you dig an go with it..

[@JoshuaFraserK]

One thing I don't understand is why Zoom included the ambient noise of each effect and amp in the models. One of the best parts of digital effects is that they are clean. At least offer an option in settings to get rid of the noise. I know there's a suppressor, but when each effect adds it's own signature hiss or buzz, it's kind of silly.

[@CarlitoM77]

I agree bro. I just bought this yesterday and although I see the possibilities, there's noise on almost every patch!

[@nym053]

Because some people actually like that noise. They should've added a switch to turn it on or off though

[@TeenageLibid0]

You should give the bt and cdr a go, they are essentially the same they just have a far more impressive model list

[@tonys4108]

How do I set the overall output level of the pedal so there isn't massive differences between presets.thanks

[@hawg427]

How would or could you compare the quality of your Music Man to your PRS? I have a MM JP-6 and have a hard time with the price difference between the Two. LOL

[@paulprice6330]

So what's the best effect chain? eg. Rvb, delay, overdrive, amp, znr?

[@maryannmay7105]

Hi Brett great review,thank you. I have just bought the 100ms bt,Can you get dotted eighth notes with it and if so Could you please tell me how.

[@BrettKingman]

+maryanne “maryannmay” may Thank you. I couldn't tell you how to use the 100 because I've never tried one, I'm sorry. This one left me some time ago as well. Best you consult the manual. Cheers.

[@riciy]

Just bought a fender mustang which is a great modeller, but I'm quite overwhelmed with all the settings you can tinker with..sometimes you just get lazy getting the desired tones, because it would imply pressing several buttons, saving, etc...I think I'll get just a normal tubeamp next, with my stompis in front..just my two cents

[@riciy]

I don't say they are bad and not worth the money..great value indeed ;) I'm sure many love them..just not floating my boat

[@jasonmxx]

can you use 2 effects on this pedal at the same time? for example, delay and chorus? or metal and chorus, something like that?

[@erictoniaschwab1009]

sonjey123 you can use up to 6 effects at once.

[@ziggy8757]

which is better, digitech rp360 or zoom ms 50g? in terms of better sound etc

[@ahmedalnajjarofficial]

cool, at 4:00 what the song or music is called ?

[@slashrocks4704]

hey uhmmmm... i just have a question. How can I update the firmware of this gadget? please tell me how

[@MrNihilist74]

Anyone know if you can use a distortion or wah pedal in front of this and make it sound good? I have the G1onX and it sounds terrible if you put a pedal in front of it.

[@shckltnebay]

ms100bt sound different?

[@SHTMusik]

Can I use patches from the MS 50 G compatible with the CDR model and viceversa? I am thinking it might be worth a couple bucks more to have stereo ins and outs. I know there are hacks for these devices. Anybody have any experience they could share?

[@mag8mag8]

...but, is it true bypass? ;)

[@uhgvitybvouv]

Does anyone know if it's possible to make an effect only affect the wet signal of another effect? (for example, to make put a tremolo only on the wet out of a delay, so that the clean signal remains without tremolo) Thanks!

[@uhgvitybvouv]

***** yeah, I think you're right. Too bad, it'd be awesome and an easy mod for the programmers

[@nickojohnodtujan2795]

how do you turn this thing off?

[@user-sp7gs9zb2j]

thank

[@Linux4UnMe]

How practical is it on stage?

[@jay2xtremefy]

Linux4UnMe im also curious about it.

[@Richard_Neubauten]

no footswitches. korg ax series instead, a used ax3000g cca 60-100 usd

[@shatteredsquare]

Best thing about this 100 dollar pedal is you can run 6 of the SAME EFFECT into each other. You can stack 6 choruses in this thing with different mix and rate settings. And the octave down effects track so dang well, it's really good quality programming and AD/DA conversion

[@TeenageLibid0]

You should give the ms-100bt or the ms-70cdr, the

[@AidenBradley95]

This is what the I-Stomp should have been.

[@DatThanh225]

how do you connect zoom MS-50G direct to the soundcard? sr i'm just a noob here

[@pstrokeslibsarctic]

Dat Thanh 3/4 aux in to soundcard and soundcard usb linked to PC

[@paulcampbell37]

@@pstrokeslibsarctic hey I'm considering this can you state again; I see it has mono left and right so you'd just connect that to a dual female 1/4 trs to single male 1/4 trs then into whatever interface right? like lets say I'd be running this into a DI box

[@BrettKingman]

That may be true, but at the very least that's usually one more sound than the 'boutique' pedal you paid twice as much for... ?

[@DJ_ACIDPUPPY]

Sick lickin'

[@claytonmoss1]

your not bad either mate

[@aricmanthey2]

Description, I mean

[@lucianmunteanu1092]

am această pedală dar nu stiu nici acum după 6 ani să o folosesc

[@RAMONESSSS]

You cant go wrong for u$99

[@sattercaster1]

Agreed, and the worst part about the istomp, is if you dont have an ipod,ipad, or iphone, its a paperweight. What a stupid idea. Talk about cutting yourself out of a large part of the market......a friend of mine has 2 of them.

[@Sadness57]

Now that’s how u review a pedal

[@larryteeters]

We're is the old fashion music?

[@Elglarad]

I also think this pedal has great sounds and versatility; but it suffers from an inability to easily manipulate second and third harmonic levels. Even more daunting is the almost impossible way it has been designed; the usual way of selecting an effect or sound or chain and then editing is non existent; one needs a masters degree in zoom management to edit and move things around; and it desperately needs a way to set up different multistomp combinations. Try and use a wide range of effects on it for different songs / works involving constant changes, and you'll see what I mean. It could be almost everything a guitarist needs for onstage versatile sound in a wonderful pocket package, but I doubt that it will be for me because it is simply too hard to edit.

[@thomasraven]

Wow. The amount of noise in the overdriven amp sounds you demo is horrible.

[@BrettKingman]

Hell no.

[@fuzzfizz]

Because of your review, I bought the 50g, and later the 100bt when it came out, and managed to convince 3 friends to buy the 50g, and 3 more bought the 70cdr, and all of em are performing level musicians....