Hey Tony Cheers from Toronto... Here we are again I'm a little late to the party but just picked up one of these dirt cheap and ^ years later the ting is still relevant as is Your Expertise and video. Thank You and Merry Christmas
:) Hey thanks for the very kind words... and you know what, the best way to buy is often used... and a bit less current, but that pedal will be as good as the day they released it. I just bought two guitar synths to review (working on it now) and great savings too. Have a great Christmas and great new year too... hope its not too cold there... it is here :)
Thanks Steffen its good to know... I don't think anyone else does this stuff and I for one always like to know exactly what I'm buying... quality matters especially at some of these prices. Regards Steffen and thanks for watching.
I have my eyes on one of these for my modest board. They look super sweet and I'm excited to buy one soon. Thanks for the review, always a huge pleasure to watch these especially on great I am super interested!
The effects are pretty good, although I did not buy it for it's effects. I did manage to have a few setup for momentary and Secondary switching. This is the most handy device next to my Digitech Drop pedal. I love this device, it removed 4 pedals and I could eliminate my compressor as well. I love the stereo output, that can feed my other stereo pedals. My tone was cleaned up as well. The noise gate is handy to have different setting for what ever pedals you have in the loops.
Thanks for your thoughts on the MS-3 as owners can give insights that others don't have from experience with the unit. Thanks for watching and for that all important comment telling others your thoughts.
Not a multi-fx guy. Have a few boutique pedals. Was skeptical but the internal tones and extensive functions with external pedals are great. Definitely using a surge suppressor with this one 🙃
Yes using surge suppressor is important - and not a point I raised at the review time (well mentioned!). It's not a bad unit for the money and that's also important, but can be used to built a dream setup for sure. Thanks for watching.
:) Classic comments :) The 'Bud' is a prop put there just to remind guys NOT to put the beers on the amp while playing ;-) California Ted... a wonderful place to be for most people I've been a number of times. Thanks for the kind words Ted and thank you for watching.
I watched one of the first tutorials on this and it looked great UNTIL I found out any external pedals I put in the loops could not have their order changed (signal chain placement) and that just deflated any thoughts of buying this. I still have some pedals I will always love and want to use, but I want control over pedal order for sure. If I was misinformed then please let me know!
Tue MS3 cuts off Delay and Reverb trails when you change presets. There is the curnum function that allows to have only two snapshots/scenes within one preset without cutting trails. But when you change the preset then trails are cut off again. Is there a way to create more than two snapshots (for ex example in manual mode)? Or is manual mode not able to simultaneously turn on and off multiple FX by the mere push of ONE button?
Hi, and thanks for this input. Unfortunately I sold this after the review (not for me really) and I can't really tell you now. Published about 14 months ago. :( Sorry.... but thanks for watching.
Hi! Thanks for the great explanation.. I just have a doubt related with the stereo output of the MS-3 into a kemper profiling amp: If you want a complete Stereo signal, how did you connect it from the MS-3 into the Kemper, since the kemper just has one mono input? Is it possible or am I possibly missing something?
Great question.... ANY amplifier that has only a mono input will connect to the LEFT output of the MS-3 which is supposed to be 'summed' so that you don't lose any of the signal that might be thrown to the right channel and Kemper is no exception I don't think. It's a good point and it sort of 'negates' a little the idea that Kemper is a stereo setup in the same way that say a GCX system is. If someone is really were insistent on true stereo then they would likely need two Kemper amps.. I don't remember saying that I used a Kemper in 'stereo' but it might have slipped in somewhere maybe unintentionally. Of course if you have a true stereo rig then you could use the MS-3 in that setup. When I used to run the Triaxis and the 2:90 stereo power amp that was a similar thing... (but not really) except that because I used the ground control and GCX switcher (which was a stereo switcher if you wanted it to be and can have up to 32 loops) I had the Triaxis MONO out in to the GCX, all the other stereo rack effects within the stereo loops of the GCX and a stereo feed back out to the Triaxis then to the stereo 2:90 amp... simples. But of course with a unit like the Boss MS-3 that is rather a different situation... and the Kemper's no Triaxis rig either. For the Triaxis and a decent switching setup check here: forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=65649 but my guess is that if you are a MS-3 user then the professional GCX solution is really aimed at a generally different type of user. My original setup from way back for the Triaxis was shown here: tonymckenzie.com/Site/images/pimages/rack_original_wiring_flat.pdf but the Kemper does not have the same thing going on. This is a good question about stereo rigs etc. and one that while the MS-3 (among other gear) purports to be stereo (I guess it is) it does highlight all the rigmarole you might have to go to get a completely stereo rig from any amp setup. I don't think you were missing anything. I guess that someone somewhere will have an answer but it's not me :) Thanks for watching.
I have never used a Kemper product. I only run MS-3 in stereo for a certain rig. I switch out some cables, depending on the rig in use. When I am running my tube amps: Mesa Boogie Nomad 100 (master) and MusicMan HD150 as slave. I use the MS-3 in mono. The input comes from my wah and Digitech Drop first. The output of the MS-3 goes to the input of my master amp (Mesa). I have a noise gate, Empress Para EQ, and mini volume connected to the Mesa's fx send:>Noise gate>EQ>mini volume(attenuates main volume)> TC Electronic Nova Modulator>Eventide Pitch Factor>TC Electronics Nova Delay>BiYang Stereo Reverb>(left side out goes to Mesa Nomad 100's fx return. The right side Stereo Reverb> Musicman HD150 input. No fx loop. I set controls flat as possible. The other rig is run in serial setup. The MS-3 ( has all the overdrive tones). The stereo fx are passed thru the stereo outputs of the MS-3 into my first stereo fx than drives a tube preamp in stereo that drives a stereo ADA Microcab II and MosValve power amp. That rig, I can play loud or quiet. You could use the Kemper like a preamp. Then use another stereo power amp run wet, dry, wet or just find a 2nd amp that gets really clean and use that for stereo. I have my MS-3 setup in different banks for different rig setups. l like the simplicity of the MS-3
Yes I get you on that... my Kemper was originally only a pre-amp anyway. I updated it with 3rd party power later, but to be honest I don't use it that much. Interesting how you have your setup though - and certainly useful for viewers that come here.
I originally got the setup, to mimic a multi-channel amp. Then I got the Mesa Nomad 100. I can use the overdrives with the Mesa. But, don't really need to. It is merely kind of an alternative if something goes wrong.
Hey Tony, how do you program in double tap features, What I mean is say you are in preset 1 with a clean tone reverb etc, then you tap the preset 1 button again and add in Fx2 or Fx2 and Mod1, or a combination of either I guess. I some how did this but have forgotten how to do this. Could you help? Your demo's are extremely helpful when looking at buying new gear!!
Sorry Marcel :( I sold it. Remember if I won't really use the gear myself then sometimes I will later sell it so I can get some money back to buy other gear - as in this instance. I see so much gear that I really can't remember exact steps without still having the gear in question. Trust you understand and I would have gladly 'fired it up' to help. But thanks for watching.
Thanks for another great review Tony , I already bought the MS -3 !! Not out the box yet lol . I liked the idea of the channel switching from the unit ! Have a Marshall silver jubilee , also I'd like to see a tutorial on the 4 cable connection !! Do you do that ? Thanks again I was impressed with most of the tones out of the box .
Good to know you have one! I have a Marshall 2555X head so I could do that, but never really bothered with the 2555X as I like it as it is :) I do think this unit will work great for some guys and less so for others... its all down to what's on your pedal board and whether you like the internal tones that are produced inside the MS-3. I thought the sounds were quite good and that option of switching in and out any of three loops from one press of a button to include your fave pedals is a neat trick. It's sort of like the switchers I have used for some years... GCX and Patch mate 8 both have 8 loops but of course no internal tones, so the MS-3 is a sort of half way house and probably suited to many of todays players that have their sound from other pedals too. Call me old fashioned :) When you have played with it for a while do come back here and comment on what you liked or disliked about the MS-3 as it helps many other guys especially because you own one! Thanks for watching Victor.
Hi Tony just a heads up on the Boss MS-3 been having a mess around with it ! I'm quite impressed with the presets good useable sounds ! I've been connecting using the 4 Cable method ! and I found it's best to connect using L1 instead of L3 as recommended by Boss , as everything after L1 is in the fx loop to the amp whereas if you connect to L3 1and 2 are in front , so in Run my Electron drive from my guitar to guitar in ,, then everything after L1 is in the amp fx loop to connect chorus and delay pedals or whatever.
That's great to hear. I am thinking about using the Elektron Analog Drive too in it, and MIDI control it with the MS-3. And a Strymon delay in the other loop, but I still wonder if the MS-3 can do overspill on one of its loops. Like if I turn a loop with delay pedal, off, will the delays trail, or be cut off abruptly?
Thanks once more for an elaborate review. A bit long winded, but so be it. I am trying in vain to search through their manual or seeing other demos on YT that are of any length to come to grips of if it's possible to program or choose the external loops to display OVERSPILL or TRAILS. Say, if I put my favorite delay pedal in loop one, and I press it ON with one of the switches, and play with it with long delays, will the delays of that pedal still trail off when disengaging the loop (without accepting new input) or will it get cut off abruptly? Well, that accounts too for the units own delays in a way, but I don't think it would do this, since it is a preset with many fx laid on top, so the DSP will not be able to cope. But this is the point with switchers, that you could use external delays JUST for this purpose and not take up the internal effects for that. Same goes for reverbs, or any other signal that "lingers" or "dwells". Now, is this possible, and has anyone tried it? Will the on/off of each loop cut it out immediately or can you program it to do overspill/trails? If it doesn't I find little or no use of this unit at all. Better off with the GT-100 in that case.
I bought one of these on a whim, but I still seem to prefer individual pedals over it. I can't seem to bring myself to sell it yet though. I think it has potential. I just need to spend more time with it. Great review by the way. Hello from North Carolina!
Like much stuff these days it always seems like 'just a few more hours' will do it... and trust me I have absolutely been there :) Somehow those extra hours don't always solve things though. North Carolina is pretty cool... welcome to the rain in England :) it just started after weeks of sun! Thanks for watching too...
I ignored these units for years. I've had a Boss GT100 for years, then a GT1000 I've yet to bond with, a Zoom G6, and G11 (that I sent back). My MS3 I normally use with a Fender PRRI with a Gibson LP Custom or Fender Tele Custom. I can turn the reverb/tremolo on and off with the MS3, can easily run stereo with my vintage Fender PR (although usually don't at home), and have a portable gigging solution that works well. I have the effects I need built in, phaser, compressor, treble booster, overdrive, octave, the stuff I use for playing classic country and/or jazz. I don't care about the high gain stuff, don't need it. Along with the tuner this is a great meat and potateos unit that's about as compact as most fly rigs and far more useful. I don't believe Boss/Roland marketed these things correctly. The only thing they really missed was having a XLR out to run directly to the board which would have been great.
The 100 I knew well too :) and the GT-1000 I later sold... I think that's improved a bit now. I went down a different route (well sort of) I had GCX and ground control gear that switched everything back then. You might be right about the marketing too... Honestly I don't know anyone here with the MS-3 and that's a pity. Very well made. Thanks for the rundown of what you do with this unit and that's all great to hear - I know others will gain from your post... and thanks for watching too.
Hi! I´ve finally bought it, but I can´t adjust the whammy efect. What do I have to do? What´s the sequence? I also would like to use the expression pedal as a volume booster. How can I do it too? Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!
You could do that with Midi... I did not do it myself at the time I have to say, but also likely an external control pedal will work. Hope it helps but I don't have this unit to check now... Thanks for watching.
I did not look that close to be honest... but I'm not convinced that it can be controlled in that way - I did not see a reference to it at the time. Great question... Thanks for watching.
I got mine when it first came out, I first used it to switch hi end overdrives in loops to drive a stereo rig. It really made my rig better to use. Instant switching of the 3 overdrives. My only complaint is that is tricky to balance patch volumes. I had to make separate banks for the type of rig I am using. I even use a few of fx with it. Very powerful tool.
Because I have other gear that I use that basically does what this does I did not keep this one. But that's no reflection on the unit... and thanks for your info and findings about how the unit worked for you - nothing better than USER input for sure... and thank you for watching.
I might well agree. No these things (like the GT-100 etc.) don't seem to have the JRC sort of stuff in them. This will suit some guys for sure, but I tend to use the GCX and rack controller because I don't need all the pedals etc.
Testing the device without plugging in some drive pedals is not what 99% of all users are aiming for to my believe. Anyway, thanks for your reviews which are also 99% very well done.
I did put the odd pedal in there... but everyone has their own thing on that - so I thought that the on-board sounds might prove more useful because they are in the device. The three loops are useful as is the MIDI for sure. There are loads of reviews on this unit but no one really showed the internal included sounds which I thought was a bit of short change on reviews. But I understand the point you raised. Thanks very much for the input as it all helps and of curse thanks for watching.
To be honest it was just like a Boss unit... GT-100 or GT-1. I think they are pretty much similar no matter what the maker says... even slow gear on there!
I was interested in the delay and modulation, I’m looking for a small multi pedal to use in the effects loop of my amp. Have you tried using it like that ?
No I have to say I did not... just a general sort of review really. I could have gone through lots of wiring combinations (4 wire etc.) but on the Roland Boss stuff I tend to just use it as you might the first time you get one. I'll bear in mind your comment for future stuff and sorry I can't say it's good or bad when in the amp loop. Thanks for watching.
He bought the G System for $999- that’s what they were retail when they had just come out. That was years ago, like YEARS ago, I’m surprised he was still using it a year ago. Good system, but so much more pedal tech stuff has come out since the G System was released. Made by tc electronic I believe.
@@EJguitar1 Actually I bought a G-System and used it even before Vai quickly bought then stopped using one. The trouble was persistent noise, no user manual that could show anything other than a complete rewrite by a guy on the forum (he did a wonderful job) that you had to ask him for a copy as it was not posted. Overall I was not too happy with the G-System and I sold it later. I was used to GCX and ground control gear for controlling TC G-Major and TC G-Force which between all of that it was much better but a little difficult to program. Thanks EJ....
No, too much time needed to sort everything out. I am happy with an ES-8 and 3 MIDI units off the loops. I can do so much with that, and I don't have to spend time huddled over a tiny MS3 with my crap eyesight and I don't use a profiler, I don't use much mods, all my delays are either old school or a Nemesis, and I don't use any fancy reverbs like shimmer etc. I just don't care for the tones, but this is taste, not objective fact. Thanks for your review sir. No MIDI in???? Did I miss something?
ES-8 is cool anyway :) Indeed I still use a GCX rack unit with 8 x loops and midi and it all works well. I thought this unit was not bad for the money really, but to be honest while it does suit many guys it's not for me and I sold it later. MIDI output for working with MIDI-enabled effects... Thanks for watching.
The fact is, that in recent times many of the ways you set this stuff up is 'similar' and may be dependent on a computer program to 'make things easier'. But this unit does have its uses for sure. While it's not really for me (I use switching units in a rack) I could see guys with pedal boards finding it useful especially for the money. What I find is that for most loop included units or 'switchers' that you have to spend time setting things up and some guys don't mind that while others do. For me, no real issues, but of course some guys could have difficulty. Fortunately with the MS-3 I guess that there will be loads of users so help will generally be at hand. I did not think that the MS-3 was particularly difficult though. But good point and thanks for watching.
Hey Tony Cheers from Toronto... Here we are again I'm a little late to the party but just picked up one of these dirt cheap and ^ years later the ting is still relevant as is Your Expertise and video. Thank You and Merry Christmas
:) Hey thanks for the very kind words... and you know what, the best way to buy is often used... and a bit less current, but that pedal will be as good as the day they released it. I just bought two guitar synths to review (working on it now) and great savings too. Have a great Christmas and great new year too... hope its not too cold there... it is here :)
Great reviews! Love the inside and outside views!
Keep up the great work.
Regards from Germany
Thanks Steffen its good to know... I don't think anyone else does this stuff and I for one always like to know exactly what I'm buying... quality matters especially at some of these prices. Regards Steffen and thanks for watching.
“I like paper manuals rather than some disc you have to go start printing” LOL!!
Me too... Stay safe.
@@tonymckenzieofficial whoosh
I have my eyes on one of these for my modest board. They look super sweet and I'm excited to buy one soon. Thanks for the review, always a huge pleasure to watch these especially on great I am super interested!
Not a bad unit actually and great build... sound OK too! Thanks for watching.
The effects are pretty good, although I did not buy it for it's effects. I did manage to have a few setup for momentary and Secondary switching. This is the most handy device next to my Digitech Drop pedal. I love this device, it removed 4 pedals and I could eliminate my compressor as well. I love the stereo output, that can feed my other stereo pedals. My tone was cleaned up as well. The noise gate is handy to have different setting for what ever pedals you have in the loops.
Thanks for your thoughts on the MS-3 as owners can give insights that others don't have from experience with the unit. Thanks for watching and for that all important comment telling others your thoughts.
Not a multi-fx guy. Have a few boutique pedals. Was skeptical but the internal tones and extensive functions with external pedals are great. Definitely using a surge suppressor with this one 🙃
Yes using surge suppressor is important - and not a point I raised at the review time (well mentioned!). It's not a bad unit for the money and that's also important, but can be used to built a dream setup for sure. Thanks for watching.
Dig your clubhouse, toy collection, the Budweiser and most importantly, your reviews.
Thanks from California
:) Classic comments :) The 'Bud' is a prop put there just to remind guys NOT to put the beers on the amp while playing ;-) California Ted... a wonderful place to be for most people I've been a number of times. Thanks for the kind words Ted and thank you for watching.
I haven't been able to find the editing software.
That's on bosstonecentral.com/ ?? Saves eons of time. Or indeed here: www.boss.info/global/support/by_product/ms-3/updates_drivers/
Good video! This helped me a lot! Thank you.
Glad it was useful and thanks for watching.
I watched one of the first tutorials on this and it looked great UNTIL I found out any external pedals I put in the loops could not have their order changed (signal chain placement) and that just deflated any thoughts of buying this. I still have some pedals I will always love and want to use, but I want control over pedal order for sure. If I was misinformed then please let me know!
I sold this, but if I remember correctly that is correct. I think I said that somewhere in the video. Thanks for watching and for the info.
Thanks for the reply buddy! ;-)
Thanks for stand alone effects!
No one seemed to run through the tones... so I thought I should example them. Thanks for watching Keith.
Tue MS3 cuts off Delay and Reverb trails when you change presets. There is the curnum function that allows to have only two snapshots/scenes within one preset without cutting trails. But when you change the preset then trails are cut off again. Is there a way to create more than two snapshots (for ex example in manual mode)? Or is manual mode not able to simultaneously turn on and off multiple FX by the mere push of ONE button?
Hi, and thanks for this input. Unfortunately I sold this after the review (not for me really) and I can't really tell you now. Published about 14 months ago. :( Sorry.... but thanks for watching.
Hi! Thanks for the great explanation..
I just have a doubt related with the stereo output of the MS-3 into a kemper profiling amp:
If you want a complete Stereo signal, how did you connect it from the MS-3 into the Kemper, since the kemper just has one mono input?
Is it possible or am I possibly missing something?
Great question.... ANY amplifier that has only a mono input will connect to the LEFT output of the MS-3 which is supposed to be 'summed' so that you don't lose any of the signal that might be thrown to the right channel and Kemper is no exception I don't think. It's a good point and it sort of 'negates' a little the idea that Kemper is a stereo setup in the same way that say a GCX system is. If someone is really were insistent on true stereo then they would likely need two Kemper amps.. I don't remember saying that I used a Kemper in 'stereo' but it might have slipped in somewhere maybe unintentionally. Of course if you have a true stereo rig then you could use the MS-3 in that setup.
When I used to run the Triaxis and the 2:90 stereo power amp that was a similar thing... (but not really) except that because I used the ground control and GCX switcher (which was a stereo switcher if you wanted it to be and can have up to 32 loops) I had the Triaxis MONO out in to the GCX, all the other stereo rack effects within the stereo loops of the GCX and a stereo feed back out to the Triaxis then to the stereo 2:90 amp... simples. But of course with a unit like the Boss MS-3 that is rather a different situation... and the Kemper's no Triaxis rig either. For the Triaxis and a decent switching setup check here: forum.grailtone.com/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=65649 but my guess is that if you are a MS-3 user then the professional GCX solution is really aimed at a generally different type of user.
My original setup from way back for the Triaxis was shown here: tonymckenzie.com/Site/images/pimages/rack_original_wiring_flat.pdf but the Kemper does not have the same thing going on.
This is a good question about stereo rigs etc. and one that while the MS-3 (among other gear) purports to be stereo (I guess it is) it does highlight all the rigmarole you might have to go to get a completely stereo rig from any amp setup. I don't think you were missing anything. I guess that someone somewhere will have an answer but it's not me :) Thanks for watching.
I have never used a Kemper product. I only run MS-3 in stereo for a certain rig. I switch out some cables, depending on the rig in use. When I am running my tube amps: Mesa Boogie Nomad 100 (master) and MusicMan HD150 as slave. I use the MS-3 in mono. The input comes from my wah and Digitech Drop first. The output of the MS-3 goes to the input of my master amp (Mesa). I have a noise gate, Empress Para EQ, and mini volume connected to the Mesa's fx send:>Noise gate>EQ>mini volume(attenuates main volume)> TC Electronic Nova Modulator>Eventide Pitch Factor>TC Electronics Nova Delay>BiYang Stereo Reverb>(left side out goes to Mesa Nomad 100's fx return. The right side Stereo Reverb> Musicman HD150 input. No fx loop. I set controls flat as possible. The other rig is run in serial setup. The MS-3 ( has all the overdrive tones). The stereo fx are passed thru the stereo outputs of the MS-3 into my first stereo fx than drives a tube preamp in stereo that drives a stereo ADA Microcab II and MosValve power amp. That rig, I can play loud or quiet. You could use the Kemper like a preamp. Then use another stereo power amp run wet, dry, wet or just find a 2nd amp that gets really clean and use that for stereo. I have my MS-3 setup in different banks for different rig setups. l like the simplicity of the MS-3
Yes I get you on that... my Kemper was originally only a pre-amp anyway. I updated it with 3rd party power later, but to be honest I don't use it that much. Interesting how you have your setup though - and certainly useful for viewers that come here.
I originally got the setup, to mimic a multi-channel amp. Then I got the Mesa Nomad 100. I can use the overdrives with the Mesa. But, don't really need to. It is merely kind of an alternative if something goes wrong.
Hey Tony, how do you program in double tap features, What I mean is say you are in preset 1 with a clean tone reverb etc, then you tap the preset 1 button again and add in Fx2 or Fx2 and Mod1, or a combination of either I guess. I some how did this but have forgotten how to do this. Could you help? Your demo's are extremely helpful when looking at buying new gear!!
Sorry Marcel :( I sold it. Remember if I won't really use the gear myself then sometimes I will later sell it so I can get some money back to buy other gear - as in this instance. I see so much gear that I really can't remember exact steps without still having the gear in question. Trust you understand and I would have gladly 'fired it up' to help. But thanks for watching.
hey tony. can it also switch midi kinda amps like hughes and ketner or engl??. save presets and such to channel switch the amp through midi.
I did not actually try it... but I see no reason why not. Thanks
YES.. I use it to switch my 3 channels on my evh 5150
Thanks for another great review Tony , I already bought the MS -3 !! Not out the box yet lol . I liked the idea of the channel switching from the unit ! Have a Marshall silver jubilee , also I'd like to see a tutorial on the 4 cable connection !! Do you do that ? Thanks again I was impressed with most of the tones out of the box .
Good to know you have one! I have a Marshall 2555X head so I could do that, but never really bothered with the 2555X as I like it as it is :) I do think this unit will work great for some guys and less so for others... its all down to what's on your pedal board and whether you like the internal tones that are produced inside the MS-3. I thought the sounds were quite good and that option of switching in and out any of three loops from one press of a button to include your fave pedals is a neat trick. It's sort of like the switchers I have used for some years... GCX and Patch mate 8 both have 8 loops but of course no internal tones, so the MS-3 is a sort of half way house and probably suited to many of todays players that have their sound from other pedals too. Call me old fashioned :) When you have played with it for a while do come back here and comment on what you liked or disliked about the MS-3 as it helps many other guys especially because you own one! Thanks for watching Victor.
M
Hi Tony just a heads up on the Boss MS-3 been having a mess around with it ! I'm quite impressed with the presets good useable sounds ! I've been connecting using the 4 Cable method ! and I found it's best to connect using L1 instead of L3 as recommended by Boss , as everything after L1 is in the fx loop to the amp whereas if you connect to L3 1and 2 are in front , so in Run my Electron drive from my guitar to guitar in ,, then everything after L1 is in the amp fx loop to connect chorus and delay pedals or whatever.
Thanks Victor for this info and I'm sure it helps many that come here.
That's great to hear. I am thinking about using the Elektron Analog Drive too in it, and MIDI control it with the MS-3. And a Strymon delay in the other loop, but I still wonder if the MS-3 can do overspill on one of its loops. Like if I turn a loop with delay pedal, off, will the delays trail, or be cut off abruptly?
Thanks once more for an elaborate review. A bit long winded, but so be it. I am trying in vain to search through their manual or seeing other demos on YT that are of any length to come to grips of if it's possible to program or choose the external loops to display OVERSPILL or TRAILS. Say, if I put my favorite delay pedal in loop one, and I press it ON with one of the switches, and play with it with long delays, will the delays of that pedal still trail off when disengaging the loop (without accepting new input) or will it get cut off abruptly?
Well, that accounts too for the units own delays in a way, but I don't think it would do this, since it is a preset with many fx laid on top, so the DSP will not be able to cope. But this is the point with switchers, that you could use external delays JUST for this purpose and not take up the internal effects for that. Same goes for reverbs, or any other signal that "lingers" or "dwells".
Now, is this possible, and has anyone tried it? Will the on/off of each loop cut it out immediately or can you program it to do overspill/trails?
If it doesn't I find little or no use of this unit at all. Better off with the GT-100 in that case.
I did not check that myself... but Victor did and he is likely to reply to the question. My guess is that it will cut off too. Thanks for watching.
I bought one of these on a whim, but I still seem to prefer individual pedals over it. I can't seem to bring myself to sell it yet though. I think it has potential. I just need to spend more time with it. Great review by the way. Hello from North Carolina!
Like much stuff these days it always seems like 'just a few more hours' will do it... and trust me I have absolutely been there :) Somehow those extra hours don't always solve things though. North Carolina is pretty cool... welcome to the rain in England :) it just started after weeks of sun! Thanks for watching too...
I ignored these units for years. I've had a Boss GT100 for years, then a GT1000 I've yet to bond with, a Zoom G6, and G11 (that I sent back). My MS3 I normally use with a Fender PRRI with a Gibson LP Custom or Fender Tele Custom. I can turn the reverb/tremolo on and off with the MS3, can easily run stereo with my vintage Fender PR (although usually don't at home), and have a portable gigging solution that works well. I have the effects I need built in, phaser, compressor, treble booster, overdrive, octave, the stuff I use for playing classic country and/or jazz. I don't care about the high gain stuff, don't need it. Along with the tuner this is a great meat and potateos unit that's about as compact as most fly rigs and far more useful. I don't believe Boss/Roland marketed these things correctly. The only thing they really missed was having a XLR out to run directly to the board which would have been great.
The 100 I knew well too :) and the GT-1000 I later sold... I think that's improved a bit now. I went down a different route (well sort of) I had GCX and ground control gear that switched everything back then. You might be right about the marketing too... Honestly I don't know anyone here with the MS-3 and that's a pity. Very well made. Thanks for the rundown of what you do with this unit and that's all great to hear - I know others will gain from your post... and thanks for watching too.
Hi! I´ve finally bought it, but I can´t adjust the whammy efect. What do I have to do? What´s the sequence? I also would like to use the expression pedal as a volume booster. How can I do it too? Thanks a lot!!!!!!!!!
You could do that with Midi... I did not do it myself at the time I have to say, but also likely an external control pedal will work. Hope it helps but I don't have this unit to check now... Thanks for watching.
Thanks!
Budweiser on the Bugera?
Its there for a reason. When someone asks I tell them NOT to do that or maybe get killed. The tin is empty ;-) Thanks for watching.
Wow 1 hour long review! Thanks for your sharing. I wonder can it be a MIDI control pedal for other device like...Kemper?
Yes it can... actually it can control most if not all midi devices... thanks for watching.
does it receive program changes via USB?
I did not look that close to be honest... but I'm not convinced that it can be controlled in that way - I did not see a reference to it at the time. Great question... Thanks for watching.
I got mine when it first came out, I first used it to switch hi end overdrives in loops to drive a stereo rig. It really made my rig better to use. Instant switching of the 3 overdrives. My only complaint is that is tricky to balance patch volumes. I had to make separate banks for the type of rig I am using. I even use a few of fx with it. Very powerful tool.
Because I have other gear that I use that basically does what this does I did not keep this one. But that's no reflection on the unit... and thanks for your info and findings about how the unit worked for you - nothing better than USER input for sure... and thank you for watching.
I had thoughts of this, then said NOPE. It's like you said another GT series with a few loops. Tony, no JRC chip in the OD?
I might well agree. No these things (like the GT-100 etc.) don't seem to have the JRC sort of stuff in them. This will suit some guys for sure, but I tend to use the GCX and rack controller because I don't need all the pedals etc.
Yes that is a perfect way of putting it. Another GT series with a few loops. I'd rather get a NUX Cerberus for 250 bucks!
Isn’t that why you have three loops for you to plug your favourite analog drive pedals in ?
I picked one up for $250.00. Couldn’t say no. I love it. I just use the FX and the ODs. 10/10.
Those plastic washers are for ground isolation. Forget to put them back and you will get all sorts of annoying hum loops
OK I understand, but was surprised that they were on just the single I/O connector. Good point and thanks for watching.
Testing the device without plugging in some drive pedals is not what 99% of all users are aiming for to my believe. Anyway, thanks for your reviews which are also 99% very well done.
I did put the odd pedal in there... but everyone has their own thing on that - so I thought that the on-board sounds might prove more useful because they are in the device. The three loops are useful as is the MIDI for sure. There are loads of reviews on this unit but no one really showed the internal included sounds which I thought was a bit of short change on reviews. But I understand the point you raised. Thanks very much for the input as it all helps and of curse thanks for watching.
Alright, reply appreciated: Did you observe or better hear some sound quality reduction due to the double AD/DA conversion?
To be honest it was just like a Boss unit... GT-100 or GT-1. I think they are pretty much similar no matter what the maker says... even slow gear on there!
I was interested in the delay and modulation, I’m looking for a small multi pedal to use in the effects loop of my amp. Have you tried using it like that ?
No I have to say I did not... just a general sort of review really. I could have gone through lots of wiring combinations (4 wire etc.) but on the Roland Boss stuff I tend to just use it as you might the first time you get one. I'll bear in mind your comment for future stuff and sorry I can't say it's good or bad when in the amp loop. Thanks for watching.
As far as the price goes, I bought one to replace my G System and I paid $999.99 for it. So the $399 price point is a fair price.
What did you buy for $999? surely not one of these? Thanks for watching.
He bought the G System for $999- that’s what they were retail when they had just come out. That was years ago, like YEARS ago, I’m surprised he was still using it a year ago. Good system, but so much more pedal tech stuff has come out since the G System was released. Made by tc electronic I believe.
@@EJguitar1 Actually I bought a G-System and used it even before Vai quickly bought then stopped using one. The trouble was persistent noise, no user manual that could show anything other than a complete rewrite by a guy on the forum (he did a wonderful job) that you had to ask him for a copy as it was not posted. Overall I was not too happy with the G-System and I sold it later. I was used to GCX and ground control gear for controlling TC G-Major and TC G-Force which between all of that it was much better but a little difficult to program. Thanks EJ....
tonymckenziecom I never liked the G System either 🙂
thank you
Well thank you for watching! always appreciated.
No, too much time needed to sort everything out. I am happy with an ES-8 and 3 MIDI units off the loops. I can do so much with that, and I don't have to spend time huddled over a tiny MS3 with my crap eyesight and I don't use a profiler, I don't use much mods, all my delays are either old school or a Nemesis, and I don't use any fancy reverbs like shimmer etc. I just don't care for the tones, but this is taste, not objective fact. Thanks for your review sir.
No MIDI in???? Did I miss something?
ES-8 is cool anyway :) Indeed I still use a GCX rack unit with 8 x loops and midi and it all works well. I thought this unit was not bad for the money really, but to be honest while it does suit many guys it's not for me and I sold it later. MIDI output for working with MIDI-enabled effects... Thanks for watching.
The demo at the end convinced me not to buy one of those.
Well the tones are subjective for sure. Thanks for watching...
this is just like the gt 10 its not worth having you got to build your own patches its not nothn but one big headake
The fact is, that in recent times many of the ways you set this stuff up is 'similar' and may be dependent on a computer program to 'make things easier'. But this unit does have its uses for sure. While it's not really for me (I use switching units in a rack) I could see guys with pedal boards finding it useful especially for the money. What I find is that for most loop included units or 'switchers' that you have to spend time setting things up and some guys don't mind that while others do. For me, no real issues, but of course some guys could have difficulty. Fortunately with the MS-3 I guess that there will be loads of users so help will generally be at hand. I did not think that the MS-3 was particularly difficult though. But good point and thanks for watching.
399. us
A bit cheaper there than here then... thanks for posting that... and of course for watching.
the sound of the guitar demo is horrible !!!what a shame!!
Subjective.