09/05/2024
ZOOM MS-50G MultiStomp
**P5,000**
The MS-50G is the first of its kind, packing a multi-effects pedal and amp modeller into a single-sized stompbox.
What you get is a pedal packed with 55 different sounds (47 effects and eight amp models), six of which can be used simultaneously in any order. Add a chromatic tuner into the equation, and you're looking at a pedal for all seasons.
The sounds in the MS-50G are stored in a total of 50 patch memories. The first 30 come with sounds pre-programmed at the factory, but all can be overwritten. Pressing the central control k**b calls up the patch list, and you can turn the control to scroll through and select patches.
Each patch can be constructed from a chain of six effects blocks, each with a modelled amp or effect, DSP permitting - some effects are hungrier for DSP than others, so not all combinations are possible.
Editing your sounds is pretty straightforward once you've got used to the k**bs and cursors: the horizontal cursors scroll left and right through the blocks in the chain, while the vertical cursors can scroll through all of the amps and effects to select one for the block.
In practice, if you want, say, an auto-wah for one song and a phaser for the next, you will have them saved as patches (possibly consecutively numbered ones for ease), meaning you can simply bend down and press the centre k**b, scroll to the desired patch and press the k**b again.
Rounding off the feature list, holding the footswitch down calls up an automatic chromatic tuner that can be switched to recognise several altered tunings. Alternatively, you can set the footswitch up for tap tempo. There's also a USB connection for firmware updates, which should ensure that the MS-50G stays current.