£99 Guitar Multi-fx - It Can't Be This Good Can It? - Zoom MS50G

[@joshuapadla]

Mad respect for reviewing working class gear for working class folks like us! Thank you sir! :)

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

He is playing a four grand guitar through that - no wonder it sounds okay.

[@LA.Guitar]

@@Unfunny_Username_389my £169 Jet sounds ace thru it too. Lee

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

@@LA.Guitar I actually believe you. Having said that, if you are gonna review/test budget gear, use budget gear. Don't use a £5k distortion pedal on a £100 amp. Etc. Etc.

[@LA.Guitar]

@@Unfunny_Username_389 I use budget gear everyday and every gig, 3 times a week

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

@@LA.Guitar I've been playing guitar since 1985. I've toured Europe and the States several times. I've recorded and released between 8 LPs, numerous singles and a couple of EPs with two bands (plus countless self-recorded piles of crap as a solo tool). And the guitar I've always used is a Marlin State of the Arts series thing that I paid £45 for from Johnny Roadhouse. My amp was a bit better, mind you - a Marshall JMP 50w 2x12 combo (which I still own). But yeah - my rig is basically absolute shit. Yet I still got a cool dirty tone which recorded and gigged well. Punk AF, basically. But wait - are we arguing that the guy should NOT have used his expensive guitar as well as a budget guitar for more useful comparative purposes in this video? I'm not sure what your actual point is.

[@timoconnell]

The secret weapon of a shoegazer…buy two Zoom Multi-Stomp (MS-70CDR) pedals and place one before and after dirt. Endless possibilities. These are amazing pedals.

[@CentaurusRelax314]

Careful, friendo, That’s illegal in six US states.

[@tipples]

@@CentaurusRelax314 lol

[@ezer0923]

They respond to midi as well

[@cosmiciron]

I have this pedal at the end of the chain for those less frequently used effects. It also can serve as a respectable amp modeler with cab sim and output line-level signals should the need arise. I also updated the unit with hundreds of additional effects and amp models, many of which are nothing short of amazing! I also should mention that it serves as my tuner and saves even more space on the board. Absolutely incredible product!

[@Phoboss32]

From where did you get the additional stuff?

[@leesiboy3039]

7:48 You have to delete an effect in order to free up some space, not just "turn it off". 😎😎

[@peterwestcott749]

I have two of these, an ms-60B, and an ms-70cdr. The technology may be older, but that doesn't mean that these pedals don't have a place in every guitar, bass, mandolin or keyboard tool bag. Becomes super versatile with an m-vave Chocolate USB midi controller. Also inexpensive. Then there's running an ms-60g through the ms-70cdr with midi. That gives you 12 slots to drop effects into. It makes for a modular system that for little $ at a given time gives a really giggable rig that is very usable and actually competes favorably with newer products. Oh and there is an update to the hardware as well, which has just been released providing even more control and easier accessibility to features. If you even just use it for a single effect and the tuner, it's paid for itself, and it gives a backup for any effect, or utility except looper or expression pedals. 10/10 to Zoom for this product hitting the perfect compromise pedal

[@TheOligoclonalBand]

I like Lees playing! His approach to get the most out of even cheap gear is great. Sometimes we judge gear too soon. The use I get out of a simple EQ pedal is amazing. Please more of this.

[@TheStudioRats]

yeah Lee's got nice tone in his fingers.

[@Adventuresingearland]

Great to hear Lee playing - more please!

[@juankrodriguez1506]

What I like the most of this little guy is that you can turn the cab sim off. I use it with a 2notes cab m, and the sound improves drastically. Small board with the zoom taking the place of comp, amp head, od/dist pedals, then cab m providing ir, plus delay and reverb pedals. Makes for a great hybrid board. 🙂

[@JoeFic9997]

This is a brilliant tip ! Thank you!

[@juankrodriguez1506]

@@JoeFic9997 Yeah, it's pretty awesome every time I play with new ppl, they see I'm connected directly to a PA, and ask "how are you getting your tone?" And I go.. This cheap, little multi fxs. 😂 Been using this set for a while and it truly does sound great, plus foh engineers love the consistency.

[@DebowyMocny]

Enjoyed this working class (which I put myself into) gear reviews. This looks a little retro to me but it sounds great. We live in an amazing era of modelling equipment. I still massively under-utilise my Katana but it’s great to see how much value you can nowadays get and I just hope this will encourage more people to take up the instrument, since the barrier to entry for amazing and varied tones is very low these days. Thanks for the video and I’m excited to see what Lee brings with him next time.

[@giancarlopaolini7529]

That's the reason why I always kept with me this kind of pedal and Zoom was indeed a truly pioneer in the old days.

[@VictorEMusique]

you make everything sound good!

[@brrblack497]

The one pedal that never leaves my board, the Swiss-army-knife of pedals.

[@japhetmock]

Always a pleasure seeing the channels I follow and admire start using some of my favorite gear. No offense guys, but you both have a bit to learn about this pedal before you're going to get just how cool it really is. Please - keep going with it, you won't be sorry. When used with the M-Vave Chocolate wireless midi controller, it becomes the ultimate portable multi effects rig. Get two - one for the front and one for the loop!

[@crsantin]

I have one. The effects are mostly great. The pedal is a bit of a pain in the case to use but the effects are quality. I have one in my loop for delay and reverb mostly and it worth it just for that.

[@firemanmick]

You can't just turn off an effect to drop the DSP usage, you have to remove it completely. I've had 5 slots used with noise gate, chorus, amp sim, delay and reverb without hitting the DSP limit. The MS-50 is incredibly powerful for it's size and is great as a multi effect unit or as a virtual library of single/multiple effects to add to an existing pedalboard. The effects are not in the same league as the Fractal or Helix but then, it's a fraction of the price.

[@squeezenor]

The blue one (cdr70?) that only does effects is amazing. Everything you could need, want, be curious about or want to experiment with in one pedal that runs off aa batteries. Killer on acoustic; the parametric and graphic EQ, maybe a little compression and a nice reverb... It's a life saver for small pedal boards.

[@cyanidejunkie]

On a budget… get two. One for amps into the second for effects. Tap dancing might be an issue but…. Jamming at home, you’re golden for $200. Great post, fellas. Thank you.

[@TheStudioRats]

thats not a bad idea

[@kimmolingonheimo]

even tho you 2 play humbuck neck pup, the Fender Combo sounds abs fab pearfec!

[@enyaratna]

This is the best video about Zoom MS50G out there.

[@rossknowles5608]

bought one a few years back and apart from some initial problems with noise when misusing the amp sims somewhat.. it's been in use ever since. i think of it as a swiss-army pedal. you want such-and-such... pedal... got lots, you want to do some DI recording... done, you want to muck about with weird fx chains... no problem. i wouldnt say i was expecting much from it except a nice range of alternative effects... but ive dialled in all kinds of very usable tones, used it as a pre-amp, used it among other pedals, straight into an amp, all kinds of uses and it can really cover a lot of ground. should have known that Zoom would have actually made it decent and flexible. sure, its no kind of boutique thing at all (it does a damn fine job of sounding like some)... but seeing as you can use it for anything from a single effect (supported by eq tone shaping, reverbs, filters, compressors, gain pedals, noise reduction... etc etc etc)....or a handy portable rig...its highly recommended. think i paid £80 at the time and it's one of the most useful pedals i own. The only thing i'd wish for is a stereo input, and a foot switch or two more for ease of use.

[@scoobystap3159]

I absolutely love mine. Yeah, some of the effects are not great and I would never use them, but I have put together some great sounding patches on this thing. The Matchless 30 and Two Rock are great as are some delays and reverbs. For the price how could anyone complain really.

[@JoeFic9997]

I’ve got two of these and they’re brilliant for traveling and practice plus experimenting too!

[@jwright8838]

The MS-70 is a little more expensive, but I believe it has more DSP power. I think you can update its firmware to run amp models like the MS-50. Or, just spend the extra and run a MS-50 into a MS-70 for all the delays and reverbs you want. Its not a Tonex and GT1000 core (or HX Effects), but it would get you through a gig nicely.

[@firemanmick]

No amps (or firmware update to add them) on the MS-70CDR. It is strictly effects only and those don't include any overdrive, fuzz or distortion models. The effects it does have are much more varied than the MS-50.

[@VitinhooWBatera]

@@firemanmick I’m afraid you’re wrong. I tried that this year. There’s a third party software around and it’s been a while since it was released. Works like a charm. I put only the 3 amps I would use,and a bunch of stuff.

[@LeStraTele]

I have been using a Zoom G3 for several years now. I don't have a reason to replace it. I try newer stuff and always go back to the Zoom.

[@davedobson9801]

I've used one of these for years. The Overdrive is supposed to be like an original Boss OD-1, and it's really great. Decent built in tuner. I think the only negative is that it's a bit noisy.

[@-Pol-]

I pair my MS-50g with an old pignose for a tidy little portable setup with loads of mojo. It really brings the classic little lofi amp up to date.

[@jerryleokirkman9460]

I own 2 of these and prefer them over my expensive multi effects pedal

[@ditchgator1]

Haven't tried anything ZOOM since they 1st debuted 😆 Amazing what they've accomplished...😎👍 😎👍❤🖖

[@BuddieOLLi]

I ve the GCE-3 Desktop FX / Interface for

[@esposoman]

I bought the bass version back in 2014 and I still use it. I use it as a tuner/mute pedal , compressor, flanger , preamp and dirt pedal...not bad for the 90 bucks I paid for it brand new.

[@Nightwinflyer]

This is a great unit. So is the MS-70CDR. You guys had too many high dsp fx loaded. You have to delete them, not just turn them off. I saw maybe 6 fx in that chain...a couple of reverbs? It will run a noise gate, amp, delay and reverb all day long if you just use one of each.

[@CentaurusRelax314]

I had been kinda curious about these for a while. This reminded me to take another look. Ordered one last night. Should be a bit of fun into a Deluxe Reverb.

[@baradalamasa]

I will try to copy your settings. I have the unit ever since but never really dial a quite organic sound. Thank you

[@TheStudioRats]

Enjoy!

[@gae7081]

excellent pedal but above all excellent guitarist! when someone plays so well he makes everything sound great!

[@TheStudioRats]

cheers!

[@jermainelong1843]

I have a lot of time for Zoom products. They cover some angles that other companies have missed / deserted and for very good prices.

[@thierrygoli4271]

Brilliant playing and excellent demo. Sold! Thank you.

[@KozmykJ]

Having had the stereo effects version, the Zoom MS-70CDR, for years; I’ve had the niggling G.A.S. for the MS-50G to go with it. Yeah, I could have mucked around with the firmware of the 70 to make it into a 50 but Naah ! So this New Year I got me one. I have not been disappointed. The sound I really wanted from it was that ‘phasey’ sounding Envelope Filter. The sound that the strap mounted 9002 FX had. And it’s in there in MS-50G … RESULT !!

[@StratsRUs]

I loved it when you said .." Let's get a Marshall tone !! ". It just made me happy. The pedal reminded me of the Zoom G3 days.

[@recmydream]

Thanx guys!

[@landon.cunningham]

I enjoyed this segment - and I enjoyed Lee's playing! I'd like to see more of both.

[@Nightwinflyer]

@08:40 this tone is as good as any of the other multi fx units out there. In a blind test you wouldn't know which is this or a GX-100 or POD G0 etc... John Nathan Cordy gives this pedal a great review if you are looking for other tones. @ Studio Rats...I wish you would give the manual a peek and then do a honest full review like you do the GX-100!

[@daveabrams4604]

Love it when Lee stops by!

[@icarusi]

You can chain 6 'Tubescreamers' in an MS-50G. 3 is plenty, more just gets a thinner sound. The fx for all the MS models can be d/ld but not all will fit a single MX box at once. IIRC the Bluetooth MS would only work with Mac sw, and didn't have the mini USB input. You can chain multiple graphic FX in between other FX to add extra boost and tone shaping. Runs off 9v power, 2 AA, or USB power.

[@ToneDeth.]

You need to delete the effect from the chain to free up dsp. Not just turn the effect on or off. The unit can certainly run an amp and cab and the best reverb and delay units on there without dsp issues

[@TheElrondo]

Totally underrated pedals are those Multistomps. The emulation of the '65 Fender Reverb Tank is better than most of my reverb pedals and i own 20+ reverbs. I have three multistomps and i'm going to purchase the new 50+ also.

[@michelvondenhoff9673]

Not just this pedal but in general with sims try get a nice sound out of it, regardless if it sounds like Fender,Marshall, Vox... One good sound and a tuner is worth the money. Zoom came a long way (505, 1204) and their current gear (pedals, mixers) are pretty good, not just for the money kinda good.

[@riffmondo9733]

Love these budget gear reviews. I have some pricer stuff but love the latest (an classic) budget multi effects.

[@TheStudioRats]

Glad you like them

[@thiscorrosion900]

This is a fun unit. I think I'm sticking though with my Zoom G1X4, because, I tend to just use it on my desktop, near my amps, (various) and I love being able to set up "pedal chains" visually, see them in one screen, and turn them on or off, edit them, etc. on the fly. It's a little more difficult to see all that on this pedal. But for the money it seems well worth it for something even more portable. A busker could easily use this and just chuck it in their backpack.

[@LaurenceRutherford]

Great stuff guys.... goes to show any modeller from the POD 2.0 onwards can sounds decent if tweaked properly. You guys should do a review of the Yamaha MagicStomp.... apart from the delays the amp models are quite decent as well...cheers

[@kh485]

I still have mine!😂

[@nym053]

And it's definetly great for experimental stuff as well 😄

[@cosmiciron]

I actually have never run out of DSP power with this unit. I did notice Lee has set up a rather long chain of effects and I suspect that’s the source of the problem. Turning off units won’t actually free up resources. You have to delete them from the chain. Another thing I’d like to point out is the usability of this unit. While many complain its primitive display, people often fail to recognize the brilliance of the UI design. Instead of forcing you to create patches and wading through tons of menus and options, this unit acts very much like a virtual pedal board. You add pedals to the board and tweak them on the fly, and the settings simply retain their values automatically. One issue I always have with modern modelers is that their interaction designs are obviously done by computer engineers who love gimmicks. The Zoom on the other hand is simple, intuitive and elegant - traits that are not always appreciated by software engineers, the majority of whom find enjoyment in making simple matters complicated and have little sense for style.

[@aristocaster]

Zoom was the first company that offered multiple pots for different parameters on multi effects instead of one data rotary or buttons and pages like all the other companies in late 80's

[@thomasross785]

I have had the Multistomp MS-100BT since it came out. Lots of free effects and amps. Change amps and effects from my phone via Bluetooth.

[@damianval4626]

Zoom are the forgotten pioneers of the FX game 👍🏼 The 9030 was huge in the 90s...good enough for Steve Vai

[@BuddieOLLi]

....buyed the first 9002 (analog with dsp fx). It was a good invention, super Sound. But Bad capacitors. It was very expensive in the 90s - but there was no need for a real Amp since this days.

[@timjones8754]

Basically the same engine as the G3 and original G5. If you switch off the cab and use a cheap IR loader its actually very good

[@benligil]

I have bluetooth version MS100-BT and I played gigs with that one it rocks.

[@makingmusiconline2309]

I use an HX Stomp but carry this in my case so I have a backup just in case (pun intended) and since it can run off batteries, one of these and a Blackstar Fly 3 give you a great portable practice rig.

[@lehmusic2675]

I love this pedal and the Line 6 M5

[@Phoboss32]

You should definitely check out the still affordable big brother of this: The Zoom G3X. It has three footswitches wit three lcd screens. It’s kind of a Mini Helix and can be even powered by batteries!

[@BuddieOLLi]

....and for Desktop Recording: i own a GCE-3 which could load all the G3 / G5n / B1.... Software without the knobs - this will use by screen (guitar lab) input. For home use the perfekt record tool for less than 90€ with no latency issues

[@williammolina9792]

How many effect, modulación can you use at the same time. ???

[@leonardovillena_]

As much as the internal memory can

[@writewheel]

Mine gets paired with an EHX mini headphone amp for a lightweight and fun to play travel rig.

[@pedrolicks8316]

for long years i think zoom product never dissapointed, the company got their own segment market multi effects

[@MrPeter924]

Great video great audio playing guitar 🎸. 👍

[@terrybillington2482]

Good one . Mr studio rat. My mate has the headrush expensive effects. And 2 expensive prs .s. I have expensive guitars. But love the under dog guitars and effects. Love my gold top ephiphone mixed with boss katana . Foot switch. And boss e q pedal. .

[@DanielleEmberley]

Just purchased one myself. I purchased it for it's compact size. If there is an alternative multi EFX pedal in that size, I have not found it.

[@thierrygoli4271]

You should not turn off the noise Gate but remove it from the chain to save dsp memory.

[@boodeeish]

always sticked on my board 😊

[@faben70]

You had other effects in the chain, and even if they are bypassed they use up DSP resources.

[@FlamesAt1000ft]

Yeah! I’ve got the Zoom MS-50G & 60B (for Bass!) ..and use then both professionally as much so that Musicians come up to the stage to ask; “what are you using?..a Strymon? EHX? ..on your pedalboard?? Ha Ha! Hee Hee! 🤣 Zoom baby! 👍🏾🤘🏾😁

[@TheStudioRats]

Thanks for sharing

[@netzer442]

Good stuff guys!

[@rodgoodbrand5359]

Did they say what they were listening to it with? I assume studio monitors.

[@maxcavalera2006]

The Hx stomp killer

[@sabtekmusic8967]

Great little pedal. Very nice review too! It's amazing how much great budget gear is available today! By the way Paul and Lee have you tried the Neural Amp Modeler? Software I know but it's free and amazing ! 😉

[@johngudgeon7454]

the Zoom MS100BT may have the juice to run your stereo delay. Same format but fully stereo i/o with bluetooth connectivity for the upgrades. I did have the larger floor unit (G5) with the 3D expression pedal a decade ago...silly me killed it during firmware upgrade. That thing was way ahead of its time and stupid cheap for its capability/sound. I don't think the 3D pedal has ever had any competition.

[@ramspencer5492]

What about just a good, inexpensive, high quality, multi-effects pedal... That's not trying to do the amp thing... That you can use with something that does amps great like, a tonex pedal? Any recommendations for that?

[@squirelova1815]

Never underestimate the superb Japanese company of ZOOM just because they offer something affordably and that too obviously should be said for the great BOSS company.

[@lindamcguigan5989]

This great content won't break the bank gear

[@jamiemowatt9543]

What are we hearing though? Are you running this direct into your interface? Monitoring through studio monitors? Plugged into the front of an amp? Without any of this info, how can people know what to expect this to sound like in their own situation?

[@jazzylei143]

How is the sound compared to hotone ampero mini?

[@MotoRiff77]

I miss my Zoom G3 it was really good

[@EasyHeat]

Would it possibly fair better with an adjustable input impedance?

[@TheStudioRats]

yeah sure, im not sure it has one tho.

[@joebowbeer]

Review the MS-50G+ ? It is new and cheap.

[@NikolaGenov-j8h]

Time to test MS-80 IR+ probably :)

[@robertmazurowski5974]

What do you think is inside boss katana or marshall code? Line 6 spider?

[@cleftturnip7774]

Zoom stuff has always been pretty good

[@souralba2727]

I have the old G3 that is a great pedal.

[@MasterKydis]

What guitar is that? Signal chain?

[@j.p.7708]

ZOOM have created a pedal beyond the need of the average listener.👌🏻

[@mdrumt]

It's also a tuner!

[@kuradko]

So....what was that chord? :)

[@Funkybassuk]

I typed in Lee’s Lovely Luscious Ladies and ended up here 😂👍🏽

[@diystompbox]

Try this one: Zoom G1X FOUR Guitar Multi-Effects Processor with Expression Pedal

[@BuddieOLLi]

...or the GCE-3 for Desktop use. It can emulate the g3 g5 B1... pedals for recording. Works great with no latency and "ready to go" Sound..

[@paulbrown7775]

Which to get: this or the Zoom G1 FOUR?

[@TheStudioRats]

I’ve never tried the G1 I’m afraid.

[@ronsiegel1084]

Is that a Pete Thorn Suhr?

[@TheStudioRats]

it is

[@Dwoed]

This or the line6 M5

[@diystompbox]

The MS50G is actually very decent on acoustic guitar.

[@paulw6126]

Wow I reckon you guys just pushed up the price to £100!

[@nemonucliosis]

Things never sounds like it does on youtube

[@stelligan]

I'm thinking TW Rock patch probably = TrainWreck?

[@darwinsaye]

It’s modelled on one of the original Two Rock amps, the Emerald 50. People who demo these never seem to realize you can turn down the gain from what it’s set on the preset.

[@TheActressAndBishop]

If only it had MIDI!

[@japhetmock]

M-VAVE Chocolate wireless midi pedal turns this into the ultimate portable rig!

[@TheActressAndBishop]

@@japhetmock That *is* very neat .. but not quite what I'm after .. I already have a MIDI controller and stuff .. but without a MIDI->USB converter I can't add this pedal to it ..

[@japhetmock]

@@TheActressAndBishop kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaKzqnquq7aBosk this takes care of that!

[@ramonstein5183]

Is it connected to an amp or to an interface?

[@TheStudioRats]

An interface