One of my favorite rig builds to date! This small rig packs a huge punch, and I believe the future for many guitarists for easy to travel, compact rigs, that don't sacrifice on TONE! Thanks for watching and be sure to subscribe, like, and comment! Subscribe here: ruclips.net/user/vertexeffectsinc
Can you clarify how the MS-3 is powered please? According to the specs it requires AC but the CS7 only has DC outlets? I can't see the wall wart so have you changed anything?
Ordered an MS3. Now have to figure out what drives make the cut. In your opinion, should I put any extra drives or boosts before or after the MS3? Things like subtle drives like the original Blues Breaker or something like The Dude
@@JDAfricaid put boosts and light ods before the ms3- for example, a reverb probably wouldnt sound as good as with a timmy set to medium low gain after it. Those pedals often strongly color the sound so keep that in mind. Just try everything.
Thank you so much for showcasing the MS-3 here, Mason! My head has been spinning lately weighing pros and cons of different MIDI switchers, multi-effects units, etc. trying to minimize tap-dancing as the singer and sole guitarist in my band. The MS-3 seems like exactly what I've been looking for!
@matthewkuttruff3045 Hello- did you end up doing the switcher; it’s 2 yrs since your comment. I led congregational singing with my church band first with Moen GEC-9, then Boss ES-5. It was a lifesaver - one switch for multi-pedal changes from chorus to bridge, intro, verse, outro, etcetro… :-p. I would love to hear what you got to work for you.
Owning an MS3 was the single best and easiest thing for me for the same reason, I only use a couple other effects a few times, and my drives are the hardest to get right digitally. Having presets with different drives and effects that I'm familiar with is just amazing.
My board is based off an MS-3 too. I have it set up for stereo. It switches channels on 2 amps and controls the Specular Tempus via midi with a tap tempo too. Highly recommended. The MS-3 isn't without its quirks but it definitely it a big step forward.
It’s a really good way to go, and there’s lots of alternatives if you don’t want to use the boss. There’s also the line 6, and the TC like Tronic units as well
I have been using the MS-3 for about 7 months. It allowed me to get rid of half of the pedals I had and I was able to scale down my board. The built-in effects are great (especially the modulation, in my opinion)! Even the drives and distortions are really good! Only tone freaks would be able to tell it’s digital! I love that it allows you to build a board like the one in this video. I really want to get mine set up professionally...
Yess, I grabbed BOSS MS-3 a month ago too. Best controller to add FX section and switch the amp same time. I just added Wah and booster to get my favorite sound any place I used to play at.
Mr Rig Dr., I have not been watching your channel too long but it’s amazing! From observing, I can see that your countenance and vibe is so chill.. it actually helps me learn the way you go about your videos.
I remember watching this video AGES ago and thought it would be nice to have a SMALL board that can do a wide variety of styles. I watched again and again until i had the confidence to build it. I just wanna say thanks for inspiring me to try and build a board myself, since i have always used a POD HD500X for all my tones. I would love to send you some pics of what i did, maybe you could give me some ideas on what i could have done better. Thanks again and keep up the good work
The MS3 is the best gear I ever bought in terms of money vs functionality. Superb built quality, nice size and sounds good. Even the overdrives are totally usable. If he A/B the TS pedal with the MS3 emulation he will be surprised.
Renato Chagas Fuza I would agree with that! It’s well worth the price of admission in the options that it gives at the size that it is, is a major plus!
Thanks very much Mason! This was one of the videos that inspired the planning for my new smaller pedalboard. The MS-3 will be mounted on the Temple Audio Design Solo 18 GM and I'll have an EV-30 is just like here. Only the Truetone CS6 will be mounted underneath ...then some three analog pedals in the loop and ini the end a JamMan Express looper. Getting all the stuff soon..
My current pedal board is also based around the Boss MS-3. I’m using two of the loops for three drive pedals (Friedman BE, Keeley Super Phat Mod and Keeley Bender Fuzz) and the third loop passes through my amp’s effects loop which I can activate at will or in any of the presets. Super versatile and I use the Boss FS6 for two more switching options and my Dunlop expression pedal mostly for volume control but I also use it for way from the MS-3. Extremely easy to use as well. Thanks for always keeping it fresh and showing all different kinds of builds. Cheers and rock on!
Aloha, from Hawai’i! I have been following your videos for the past couple of months and I’m blown away! Thank you for sharing your wisdom dude! Your knowledge and resources have really been helping me out 😃🤙🏻
Love the MS3. For a while I have thought of (I am rigless at the moment, had to sell it all for money reasons piece by piece) having my new rig to be just a Morley volume/wah 2 in one mini, the MS3, a wampler dual fusion and a Friedman BE OD, all powered by a strymon ojai. It all fits in a pedaltrain metro 20, I already did the excercise at my local pedal shop that sells all the top level effects (Guitar Gear in Mexico city if you are ever around, also in Monterrey and Guadalajara). Give me a clean amp and I have all the sounds I need. Of course you get a controller and that is nice, but I was mostly impressed by a few things. Compressor, gave a fair fight against the Carl Martin I used to own. Phaser, equally as good as the EVH phase 90 I had, and chorus, way better than any other chorus I have heard, comparable to boss's own waza craft CE2 and that is saying something. Those are the most critical analog effects that are hard to recreate digitally with the right feel. This unit nails all of them. This isn't the GT engine, or the COSM engine they were using in the past, this is a new monster on par with the Fractal Helix and Kemper products in terms of effects. Plus, you can sacrifice one of the loops to use for the amp's fx loop. So on loop 1 I would put the dual fusion and just change between drives or stack them manually, it's still going to be within reach. Loop 2, the Friedman BE for all the high gain stuff, Loop 3, my alp's Fx loop to split some fx in front, some after. And it also has the control out jacks for say changing your amp's channels or built in reverb. So no need for the RJM mini amp gizmo I used to have for that job using MIDI from my past controller (one control OC10), it's now there. Put a small patch bay to route everything conveniently on the side and it's done. Definitely I'm more and more convinced on the MS3. It really is beyond what you can expect from what you think you know about multi fx pedals. And this is from a guy that spent lots of money on single pedals trying to get THE tone when now it's all here on this unit out fo the box. And delays and reverbs, I come from an Eventide timefactor and strymon blue sky. I won't be missing them either with the ones built into this unit.
Been using a MS-3 for about 6 months now. I use it to midi control a few Strymon pedals as well as my drives in the loops. It really helped cut down the tap dancing. This makes me wanna try it with just the MS-3 and drives like you did for some gigs. Thanks!
Phillip Lindholm I don’t use the delay and reverb on the ms-3 at this point. I have a Timeline and Big sky. I run those after the ms-3 and use midi to control so the spillover comes from the Strymons. I do use some of the mod effects like tremolo and chorus on the ms-3 though
@@zacharynorman397 - thanks man, I'll have to check that out. I thought the slicer and other mod patches were great, delay/reverb good enough, but overall a fair amount of good options in a small space (as is the concept of the video).
Mason I’ll show you my PCB/6X if you show me yours! I’m in mental flux over this topic each day. But…I’m doing it, however as usual you’ve raised issues that make me realize that laying down a board that’s so tight that I can’t change things up with audition loops, even pedal swap out is not my goal but this build is close. For my own it would likely to be a bIt more spacious, wiring less tightly tied down (but still neat and tidy). It’s going to use quite a few analog MIDI controlled multi effects pedals which will serve as the “base” from which to springboard. Specialty pedals in loops, MIDI controlled pedals “after” the PBC/6X (A concept you brought to my attention…so logical Dr. , so logical!) I’m now in the process of sitting down, not with soldering iron, or even tape for sizing, but pen and paper to simply jot down thoughts. Best to you MSquared! Thanks as usual.
Been using an MS-3 for several years now and just love the flexibility. I use 4-cable method with a Boogie V:35. MS-3 controls a Voodoo Labs channel switcher via midi. Boost and distortion in the loops (as sugg'd in video) hitting the front of the amp, and the time-based effects in the MS-3 through the amp's effects loop. Still, thinking about replacing with an ES-8. But for a small board and cover-band duties this unit can't be beat.
I've had my MS-3 longer than any other multi FX unit I've ever owned. And I'm 62 and been playing since I was 14. And STILL haven't out grown it and figuring out new tricks to do with it
I used to have like two chains and 10 pedals on my board, but it had a bad touch sensitivity, maybe because the capacitive effect or the multiple chained pedals. Then, I reduced my pedalboard to simple Mxr Dyna Comp, Mxr Micro Amp, Fulltone FullDrive 2 Mosfet and a Empress Echosystem. I use also a two amp rig, with a Xotic EP Booster at the end of the chain for a Fender Custom Deluxe Reverb '68, the another amp is a Vox AC15C1. Both amps play well along together, and with an isolated power, the touch sensitive during the playing is really good.
*Look s across the room at his Steel String* It never sounded a thing like any of the demos I've heard, in a number of different rigs. I can't get enough top end out of it, but it sounds so beautiful and glassy whenever I hear it in a demo.
@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks for getting back to me, I appreciate it. I've ran it at only 9 volts (an embarrassing schoolboy error it would seem), into a Deluxe Reverb (Blackface) and a Mesa Mark 25. I'm using the 4x4 PedalPower Supply,. I haven't anything labelled 18V available with this Powersupply, would a 12V input with 400MA available work?
I love Mogami cables. I believe that the Mogami 2524 is almost identical to a Custom Audio Electronics cables, such as a capacitance. I also like using the 2534 for guitar.
awesome little rig =) the MS-3 even has decent drive/boost sections to be honest, i originally got it thinking i'd use various analog drives in the loops, ended up just keeping one overdrive pedal before the MS-3 and using some of the boosts/overdrive in the MS-3 for a bit more drive, adding a separate reverb and delay at the end instead, given the size of the unit and low power requirements (280ma) it's one of my favourite pedals of the last few years, a solid multifx/modular bypass looper/controller/midi
yeah there's further tweaks to make them sound better but ends up taking an extra FX1 slot (add EQ to further shape the tone) i had best luck with the mid boost/clean boost/warm & natural OD, some of the others are fine, but still not quite what your favourite drive pedal can do, which is what the loops are for =) and even there the buffer in the loops doesn't always play nicely with drive pedals and especially certain fuzzes, but again still the beauty of the MS-3 being so modular, you can customise to taste
tmitz73 At the very least I hope it inspires you to take it on yourself, my goal here is to equip you with the same knowledge that I have so that you can put these ideas in to practice
Thanks Mason, absolutely, and much appreciated. One of these days I'll send you a pic of my "completed" board!!! Have a great rest of the weekend!!! @@VertexEffectsInc
That’s a nice board! I considered the ms3 a while ago to shrink my board. Mine is pretty big but when you break it down Ive not got much more than this but with a Flashback x4 and mobius It really does add up.
The BOSS MS3 is a great solution to build a small pedalboard with good quality tones, the modulations are incredible and is possible to use other three pedals in the loops with switch control.
Here in Brazil few people noticed the utility that MS3 provides, almost a rack in my feets. I use it a lot in gigs, rehersals and record sessions without change the any connections in my board. If it comes with modeling amps and IRs cabinets would be perfect! Tks for your atention Rig Doctor, regards from Brazil.
Boss MS-5 would be a GAME Changer. Or even an MS-3 with a dedicated amp fx loop. I dislike the fact that I have to sacrifice a loop of the only 3 available if I want to do 4-cable method
For boards of the future, I would guess new individual pedals should have a wireless midi controller for complete setting adjustment. Kind of like my tc nova drive that has presets via hardwire midi. Complete parameter control is the key.
I've been eye-balling the MS-3 for a few weeks now. My main concern has been that while it might be good at switching, the sound of the effects may not be as great. But it seems like it's actually really good. I really only need a good delay with tap tempo and a good reverb. Everything beyond that would be bonus. I already have a separate analog delay as well as a separate stereo chorus and of course separate overdrives and a compressor. The main reason for the onboard delay and reverb for the MS-3 is because I need something with tap tempo and the loop switching would be very useful to me.
I have owned my ms3 for about 2 years. I'm a full time professional guitarist, and that thing has paid my bills with ease. In addition to everything talked about on this video, you can expand it even more by adding midi pedals. The tones on it are amazing, and the programming capability is deep. I highly recommend this piece of gear.
@@slmcmorris7902 Hi Sean, thank you so much for the feedback. I ended up ordering an ES-5 last week. Just as preference. I decided to give up the onboard effects for things like pedal re-ordering. The MS-3 I think is newer than the ES-5, but I do expect the ES-5 to be great too.
@@PinchTune The ms3 reorders also, just not the additional pedals. I will probably move up to a ES-5 and use the ms3 for small gigs once gigs are a thing again.
I love the MS-3 but bank switching can lead to issues on dark and/or crowded stages. Thanks to the magic of RUclips I’ve configured it to bank via an external FS-7 connected to CTRL In 3/4. Just a suggestion
Gorgeous Pedalboard. The Perfect Size. Mason your Videos are Priceless. How is the Throw on that Boss Expression Pedal? ( smooth throw? any dead spots? ) Need one for my DD-500.
Hi Mason, tnx for this video. I bought the same switcher and exp pedal. I noticed you are using both Exp 1&2 , I'd like to know what they are controlling respectively. Tnx in advance.
You’re great and i respect your methods and admire your discipline! Awesome build! Thank you for sharing! One question i have is about the cables, why did you favor the 2524 pre-made cables instead of making custom as you do the patch cables? Is it still a better choice? Great solution in a small format! Thank you!
2524 Instrument cables or patch cables? I made all the patch cables here from 2319. I'll often buy pre-made 2524 Instrument cables from Rainwater Sound in Atlanta, GA because my price for the raw materials of Neutrik ends and 2524 is more than what it costs for an assembled cable - and they do great job on assembly.
Recently got a line 6 hx to be my Swiss Army knife for modulation/verb/delay but I’ve also used it as a standalone unit with an analog drive up front and it’s pretty killer. Haven’t tried the boss unit but looks great as well
I like the Helix too! One advantage as is see it about the Boss is that you can integrate the analog pedals in the loops and rearrange the order internally within the Boss and mix and match order is the pedals and multi effects interchangeably.
Vertex Effects I was thinking that too, the HX effects does have a loop but the boss seems really intelligently designed for this purpose, might need to build another board! Ha, good stuff as always
There are versions of the helix to go out for external devices to be incorporated but I think the maximum number of pedals are two. I also applaud Boss for the use of programming and also see if it would be to be able to edit in their software programs.
What about a case for the pedalboard- it's cool that you're making custom sized boards- but kind of useless without a gig bag or flight case that fits it...
Great board build! For small rigs like this the ms3 shines in its deep CC control - I’ve found some tricks to run even more fx in the same patch (so don’t have to change patch=delay/reverb cut offs) using one button as a swap for FX1/FX2/MOD1/MOD2 effects type if you have a FS7 switch you can have 8 fx options on 1-2-3-4 where you previously had 4. I have a DEEP DIVE video series for the BOSS MS-3 including getting extra FX within one patch, and striving for strymon (big verb patch). Here is playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLcpqei2Jc9BHSgTZ8tzmAvmahCGGaigC1&si=fxo6su9cJs-Yn6M1
This is a great video. It is the future to mix a multi effect pedal with other single effcet pedals. Would you be able to make more videos like this explaining how it can be done and best ways to do it?
Wow, Love the efficiency of this board. I built a similar setup based around the MS-3 but with a couple of Source Audio mod pedals. I have been very pleased with the versatility and sound of it. Much appreciated! Mason, really appreciate your passion, commitment to great products/services and desire to teach others! One quick question: what is used on the guitar sound during the play off of this video? Love the depth of Reverb as well as the tone. Very Eric Johnson like…🎸
I have a Boss ME-25 multi FX unit that’s probably 10 years old or so, and it has the COSM modeling processor in it, and I’ve got several boss compact pedals (ds1, SD1, bd2 etc) and I’ve a/b’d it versus the real thing, and it’s almost identical save for some level/tone control differences. It must have some type of chip that is able to recreate their own circuits.
@@VertexEffectsInc heck yeah man, the more I get into gear and pedals the more I love Boss stuff, I’m thinking about getting the MS-3 loop switcher next. Great video !
Great video!! My only question is regarding the guitar interface you built. Is that only so you can expand to stereo in the future, or what exactly is the main point of having that extra piece of hardware? Only asking because I own an MS3, an OD, delay and 1 other and really trying to incorporate these others with the MS3. Also own a Bigshot ABY to run 2 amps, but its already too many cables etc..Curious on the functionality of the interface.
Did he end up without a dual buffer on the board in lew of the dirt pedal or is the Katana buffered? I am curious his reason for dropping the Dual Buffer.
Great vid, Mason! Thanx. It looks tempting to pick up a MS-3 to reduce the pedalboar. One important question: do my favorite analog overdrives and distortion become digitized when passing thorugh the MS-3? The sound seems a little "plasticized".
I almost always have my clean boost (either Katana or EP Booster) turned on first on my chain, so I’d almost hate to waste a loop on it... does the MS-3 take a boosted signal in its input okay?
Awesome board and concept. I have a couple of questions though.. I run octavio and Hoof fuzz in front of my wah then Tuner onto drives and so forth. I run three drives (pinnacle Deluxe v.2 or purple plexi, AMP11 or Steel String , Tchula). The BOSS unit could replace my chorus/pitch shift pedals, delay with tap tempo(flashback or Echoplex delay), reverb and maybe my repeater (Tremlo). I run a rotovibe at the end. Also thinking of adding ernie ball volume pedal at the board chain end then on to my amp. My questions are how would you signal chain this without an FX loop and using FX loop.
There are diagrams on the Boss website they show four cable method versus in line pedals. Bottom line with FCM is that you loose a loop. You can set the Boss expression to do volume and express the Uni Vibe speed so it might do away with some more or what you have planned.
@@VertexEffectsInc - Awesome...Man... thank you so much for answering back to me. You are like the coolest dude, I swear. Thanks for an awesome channel and, more importantly, an awesome rocking company with top notch amazing gear, craftmanship, and friendly customer service. Thanks again, you're one cool cat. 👏👍✌🏻🤙🤘🙏
Just came across the channel, totally digging it! Any recommendations on a pedalboard amp? Quilter, Powerstage, ISP? Looking at possibly setting up a rig capable of doing High on Fire and Mastodon tones with just a board and a cab. Thanks! Great channel!
One of my favorite rig builds to date! This small rig packs a huge punch, and I believe the future for many guitarists for easy to travel, compact rigs, that don't sacrifice on TONE! Thanks for watching and be sure to subscribe, like, and comment! Subscribe here: ruclips.net/user/vertexeffectsinc
Can you clarify how the MS-3 is powered please? According to the specs it requires AC but the CS7 only has DC outlets? I can't see the wall wart so have you changed anything?
@@BrizzleRocker 9vdc 500 mA output on the cs7
Terry Miller correct
Those Boss effects may not be my ABSOLUTE favourites in every case but this is a very very pragmatic solution for a live board.
Grant Ferstat agreed!
Ordered an MS3. Now have to figure out what drives make the cut. In your opinion, should I put any extra drives or boosts before or after the MS3? Things like subtle drives like the original Blues Breaker or something like The Dude
@@JDAfricaid put boosts and light ods before the ms3- for example, a reverb probably wouldnt sound as good as with a timmy set to medium low gain after it. Those pedals often strongly color the sound so keep that in mind. Just try everything.
Thank you so much for showcasing the MS-3 here, Mason! My head has been spinning lately weighing pros and cons of different MIDI switchers, multi-effects units, etc. trying to minimize tap-dancing as the singer and sole guitarist in my band. The MS-3 seems like exactly what I've been looking for!
It’s definitely a cool option!
@matthewkuttruff3045
Hello- did you end up doing the switcher; it’s 2 yrs since your comment. I led congregational singing with my church band first with Moen GEC-9, then Boss ES-5. It was a lifesaver - one switch for multi-pedal changes from chorus to bridge, intro, verse, outro, etcetro… :-p. I would love to hear what you got to work for you.
this is my favorite type of content for your show... guests, gear, and tones with pro-level problem solving! NICE
Thanks so much Tony!
Owning an MS3 was the single best and easiest thing for me for the same reason, I only use a couple other effects a few times, and my drives are the hardest to get right digitally. Having presets with different drives and effects that I'm familiar with is just amazing.
Agreed!
that's literally the perfect set up. I would just change the analog effects to my choosing but other than that I'm floored
That’s the beauty of it! Throw in the pedals for your style and you’re off and running immediately!
My board is based off an MS-3 too. I have it set up for stereo. It switches channels on 2 amps and controls the Specular Tempus via midi with a tap tempo too. Highly recommended. The MS-3 isn't without its quirks but it definitely it a big step forward.
It’s a really good way to go, and there’s lots of alternatives if you don’t want to use the boss. There’s also the line 6, and the TC like Tronic units as well
I have been using the MS-3 for about 7 months. It allowed me to get rid of half of the pedals I had and I was able to scale down my board. The built-in effects are great (especially the modulation, in my opinion)! Even the drives and distortions are really good! Only tone freaks would be able to tell it’s digital!
I love that it allows you to build a board like the one in this video. I really want to get mine set up professionally...
Hope this video helps you get your rig dialed!
Great-sounding build. I like the "best of both worlds" approach.
Us too! It was a great rig!
Yess, I grabbed BOSS MS-3 a month ago too. Best controller to add FX section and switch the amp same time. I just added Wah and booster to get my favorite sound any place I used to play at.
I love mine. I'm kind of retired, but it's still one of my all time favorites.
Thank you Mason. I appreciate all you are doing. You are a wealth of information.
Thanks so much for the continued support Braxal!
Mr Rig Dr., I have not been watching your channel too long but it’s amazing! From observing, I can see that your countenance and vibe is so chill.. it actually helps me learn the way you go about your videos.
I love how concise your builds are. Nice work!
Thanks for the kind words! Be sure to subscribe for more content like this!
I remember watching this video AGES ago and thought it would be nice to have a SMALL board that can do a wide variety of styles. I watched again and again until i had the confidence to build it. I just wanna say thanks for inspiring me to try and build a board myself, since i have always used a POD HD500X for all my tones. I would love to send you some pics of what i did, maybe you could give me some ideas on what i could have done better. Thanks again and keep up the good work
Omg!! Thank you so much! This is the exact intent for doing these videos! So glad it helped!
The Boss MS-3 really is a gamechanger! I wish they would also make a rack version with a "midi in" as well.
Could be cool!
The MS3 is the best gear I ever bought in terms of money vs functionality. Superb built quality, nice size and sounds good. Even the overdrives are totally usable. If he A/B the TS pedal with the MS3 emulation he will be surprised.
Renato Chagas Fuza I would agree with that! It’s well worth the price of admission in the options that it gives at the size that it is, is a major plus!
Thanks very much Mason! This was one of the videos that inspired the planning for my new smaller pedalboard. The MS-3 will be mounted on the Temple Audio Design Solo 18 GM and I'll have an EV-30 is just like here. Only the Truetone CS6 will be mounted underneath ...then some three analog pedals in the loop and ini the end a JamMan Express looper. Getting all the stuff soon..
I’m so glad it helped!
Cool video dude!! I used to think all digital pedals were unreliable but can see the best of both worlds here working perfectly.
My current pedal board is also based around the Boss MS-3. I’m using two of the loops for three drive pedals (Friedman BE, Keeley Super Phat Mod and Keeley Bender Fuzz) and the third loop passes through my amp’s effects loop which I can activate at will or in any of the presets. Super versatile and I use the Boss FS6 for two more switching options and my Dunlop expression pedal mostly for volume control but I also use it for way from the MS-3. Extremely easy to use as well.
Thanks for always keeping it fresh and showing all different kinds of builds. Cheers and rock on!
Antony Chliaropoulos thanks for watching! Hope we earned your subscription!
Yes. I am a subscriber! Can’t wait for the next vid. Cheers from Montreal, Canada!
Antony Chliaropoulos amazing! Thank you sir!
New and improved modern Rig Doctor. Keep em coming
Glad you’re digging the content!
Aloha, from Hawai’i!
I have been following your videos for the past couple of months and I’m blown away! Thank you for sharing your wisdom dude! Your knowledge and resources have really been helping me out 😃🤙🏻
My pleasure! Thanks for watching and please be sure to subscribe!
Dude .. insanely
Awesome... thx for your time ...that helps me tremendously...peace
Turnitup444 I’m so glad! Be sure to subscribe and stay tuned for more content like this!
Got my Ms3 since 2017.. it change my (gigin') life haha.. with an Expression pedal you can do ANY gig you need .
yes indeed!
Amazing video! Helped me a lot!! MS3 really looks like a game changer for saving space and not spend a lot of money!
Glad you dig it!
The CE-2W emulation in the MS-3 is so good that I could not tell the difference and just ended up selling it the Ce-2w
Inspiring stuff Mason, seriously well made vids! Keep it up
Julien CARNEVALE Glad you like it! Be sure to subscribe for more like this
Wow I would like to say this is a perfect pedalboard on its own right....loved it 👍
Thanks for watching! I hope we’ve earned your subscription
Love the MS3. For a while I have thought of (I am rigless at the moment, had to sell it all for money reasons piece by piece) having my new rig to be just a Morley volume/wah 2 in one mini, the MS3, a wampler dual fusion and a Friedman BE OD, all powered by a strymon ojai. It all fits in a pedaltrain metro 20, I already did the excercise at my local pedal shop that sells all the top level effects (Guitar Gear in Mexico city if you are ever around, also in Monterrey and Guadalajara). Give me a clean amp and I have all the sounds I need.
Of course you get a controller and that is nice, but I was mostly impressed by a few things. Compressor, gave a fair fight against the Carl Martin I used to own. Phaser, equally as good as the EVH phase 90 I had, and chorus, way better than any other chorus I have heard, comparable to boss's own waza craft CE2 and that is saying something. Those are the most critical analog effects that are hard to recreate digitally with the right feel. This unit nails all of them. This isn't the GT engine, or the COSM engine they were using in the past, this is a new monster on par with the Fractal Helix and Kemper products in terms of effects.
Plus, you can sacrifice one of the loops to use for the amp's fx loop. So on loop 1 I would put the dual fusion and just change between drives or stack them manually, it's still going to be within reach. Loop 2, the Friedman BE for all the high gain stuff, Loop 3, my alp's Fx loop to split some fx in front, some after.
And it also has the control out jacks for say changing your amp's channels or built in reverb. So no need for the RJM mini amp gizmo I used to have for that job using MIDI from my past controller (one control OC10), it's now there.
Put a small patch bay to route everything conveniently on the side and it's done.
Definitely I'm more and more convinced on the MS3. It really is beyond what you can expect from what you think you know about multi fx pedals. And this is from a guy that spent lots of money on single pedals trying to get THE tone when now it's all here on this unit out fo the box.
And delays and reverbs, I come from an Eventide timefactor and strymon blue sky. I won't be missing them either with the ones built into this unit.
🔥 🔥 🔥
That guy's playing is on par with any famous blues guy I have ever heard.
He’s great
Been using a MS-3 for about 6 months now. I use it to midi control a few Strymon pedals as well as my drives in the loops. It really helped cut down the tap dancing. This makes me wanna try it with just the MS-3 and drives like you did for some gigs. Thanks!
Do you have any issues with no tails on the MS3? I sold mine after I realized there was no spillover between patches.
Phillip Lindholm I don’t use the delay and reverb on the ms-3 at this point. I have a Timeline and Big sky. I run those after the ms-3 and use midi to control so the spillover comes from the Strymons. I do use some of the mod effects like tremolo and chorus on the ms-3 though
@@pclindholm I had that issue initially too, but I did find a resolution for it. Hard to explain here, but check The Gear Page website.
@@zacharynorman397 - thanks man, I'll have to check that out. I thought the slicer and other mod patches were great, delay/reverb good enough, but overall a fair amount of good options in a small space (as is the concept of the video).
@@guitarnoodles7576 _ that makes sense - do you like an MS3 as a midi controller/switcher?
Mason I’ll show you my PCB/6X if you show me yours! I’m in mental flux over this topic each day. But…I’m doing it, however as usual you’ve raised issues that make me realize that laying down a board that’s so tight that I can’t change things up with audition loops, even pedal swap out is not my goal but this build is close. For my own it would likely to be a bIt more spacious, wiring less tightly tied down (but still neat and tidy). It’s going to use quite a few analog MIDI controlled multi effects pedals which will serve as the “base” from which to springboard. Specialty pedals in loops, MIDI controlled pedals “after” the PBC/6X (A concept you brought to my attention…so logical Dr. , so logical!) I’m now in the process of sitting down, not with soldering iron, or even tape for sizing, but pen and paper to simply jot down thoughts. Best to you MSquared! Thanks as usual.
Thanks for watching!
Been using an MS-3 for several years now and just love the flexibility. I use 4-cable method with a Boogie V:35. MS-3 controls a Voodoo Labs channel switcher via midi. Boost and distortion in the loops (as sugg'd in video) hitting the front of the amp, and the time-based effects in the MS-3 through the amp's effects loop. Still, thinking about replacing with an ES-8. But for a small board and cover-band duties this unit can't be beat.
It's a good device no doubt!
Oh, fuck yes, that Huff track in the background! 😍 Awesome video, as always!
Stefan Kihlgren thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe for more like this!
I've had my MS-3 longer than any other multi FX unit I've ever owned. And I'm 62 and been playing since I was 14. And STILL haven't out grown it and figuring out new tricks to do with it
I used to have like two chains and 10 pedals on my board, but it had a bad touch sensitivity, maybe because the capacitive effect or the multiple chained pedals.
Then, I reduced my pedalboard to simple Mxr Dyna Comp, Mxr Micro Amp, Fulltone FullDrive 2 Mosfet and a Empress Echosystem. I use also a two amp rig, with a Xotic EP Booster at the end of the chain for a Fender Custom Deluxe Reverb '68, the another amp is a Vox AC15C1. Both amps play well along together, and with an isolated power, the touch sensitive during the playing is really good.
*Look s across the room at his Steel String* It never sounded a thing like any of the demos I've heard, in a number of different rigs. I can't get enough top end out of it, but it sounds so beautiful and glassy whenever I hear it in a demo.
Bleek Noir What’s the amp you are using it with? Are you using it at 9 V or 18 V?
@@VertexEffectsInc Thanks for getting back to me, I appreciate it. I've ran it at only 9 volts (an embarrassing schoolboy error it would seem), into a Deluxe Reverb (Blackface) and a Mesa Mark 25. I'm using the 4x4 PedalPower Supply,. I haven't anything labelled 18V available with this Powersupply, would a 12V input with 400MA available work?
@@VertexEffectsInc Thank you very much!
Bleek Noir my pleasure!
I hear Eric Johnson at the last part...nice!
wendell magtalas old Star Licks!
Awesome , THE NEXT LEVEL GENTLE-BOARD .
RUN ATN Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe to stay tune for more good stuff!
I love Mogami cables.
I believe that the Mogami 2524 is almost identical to a Custom Audio Electronics cables, such as a capacitance.
I also like using the 2534 for guitar.
Pretty sure 2524 is what uncle Bob uses on instrument cables, pretty sure it's 2319 on the patch cables.
Love the science of this channel
Coach cleats hahahah
awesome little rig =) the MS-3 even has decent drive/boost sections to be honest, i originally got it thinking i'd use various analog drives in the loops, ended up just keeping one overdrive pedal before the MS-3 and using some of the boosts/overdrive in the MS-3 for a bit more drive, adding a separate reverb and delay at the end instead, given the size of the unit and low power requirements (280ma) it's one of my favourite pedals of the last few years, a solid multifx/modular bypass looper/controller/midi
Paul B I had more trouble with the drive tones than I expected, but loved the delay, modulation, and reverbs! Still a great unit all in all!
yeah there's further tweaks to make them sound better but ends up taking an extra FX1 slot (add EQ to further shape the tone)
i had best luck with the mid boost/clean boost/warm & natural OD, some of the others are fine, but still not quite what your favourite drive pedal can do, which is what the loops are for =) and even there the buffer in the loops doesn't always play nicely with drive pedals and especially certain fuzzes, but again still the beauty of the MS-3 being so modular, you can customise to taste
If this is the rig of the future how can it exist now and if it exists now it will exist in the future.
My mind is blown...
LightWing Studios as the norm - not exception
The MS-3 will be the basis for my new Bass Board.
Sweet!!!!
Great Build Mason!!! I'd love to build a board with you sometime!!! Collecting pedals, practicing, and saving my money!!! Keep on rocking Bruddah!!
tmitz73 At the very least I hope it inspires you to take it on yourself, my goal here is to equip you with the same knowledge that I have so that you can put these ideas in to practice
Thanks Mason, absolutely, and much appreciated. One of these days I'll send you a pic of my "completed" board!!! Have a great rest of the weekend!!! @@VertexEffectsInc
tmitz73 thanks! Same to you!
Incredible job you did here!
Thanks for watching and be sure to subscribe!
That’s a nice board! I considered the ms3 a while ago to shrink my board. Mine is pretty big but when you break it down Ive not got much more than this but with a Flashback x4 and mobius It really does add up.
It’ll cut down if you’ll let it. Not much it won’t do, just put in your quality drive and distortion pedals and you’re ready to go!
The BOSS MS3 is a great solution to build a small pedalboard with good quality tones, the modulations are incredible and is possible to use other three pedals in the loops with switch control.
Agreed on all fronts!
Here in Brazil few people noticed the utility that MS3 provides, almost a rack in my feets. I use it a lot in gigs, rehersals and record sessions without change the any connections in my board. If it comes with modeling amps and IRs cabinets would be perfect! Tks for your atention Rig Doctor, regards from Brazil.
Tiger my pleasure!
This is awesome! I love a small neat board, I was looking for a strymon flint, but might go for something like this to get the job done.
It’s a great option if you want the best or both worlds!
Love the Boss MS-3. I hope Boss updates with a newer more powerful version. MS-5? With the addition of "midi in" so it can be used in a rack as well
You cant run midi pedals with the es5 ?
Boss MS-5 would be a GAME Changer. Or even an MS-3 with a dedicated amp fx loop. I dislike the fact that I have to sacrifice a loop of the only 3 available if I want to do 4-cable method
Another amazing Rig dude!!
Thanks for watching! Please be sure to subscribe!
Came here to see pedals , left a fan of jules leyhe.... I don’t need a slide to sound like derek trucks?? Woooooowwweee😍
Joshua Thomas yea, he’s amazing!
For boards of the future, I would guess new individual pedals should have a wireless midi controller for complete setting adjustment. Kind of like my tc nova drive that has presets via hardwire midi. Complete parameter control is the key.
I've been eye-balling the MS-3 for a few weeks now. My main concern has been that while it might be good at switching, the sound of the effects may not be as great. But it seems like it's actually really good. I really only need a good delay with tap tempo and a good reverb. Everything beyond that would be bonus. I already have a separate analog delay as well as a separate stereo chorus and of course separate overdrives and a compressor. The main reason for the onboard delay and reverb for the MS-3 is because I need something with tap tempo and the loop switching would be very useful to me.
I have owned my ms3 for about 2 years. I'm a full time professional guitarist, and that thing has paid my bills with ease. In addition to everything talked about on this video, you can expand it even more by adding midi pedals. The tones on it are amazing, and the programming capability is deep. I highly recommend this piece of gear.
@@slmcmorris7902 Hi Sean, thank you so much for the feedback. I ended up ordering an ES-5 last week. Just as preference. I decided to give up the onboard effects for things like pedal re-ordering. The MS-3 I think is newer than the ES-5, but I do expect the ES-5 to be great too.
@@PinchTune The ms3 reorders also, just not the additional pedals. I will probably move up to a ES-5 and use the ms3 for small gigs once gigs are a thing again.
@@slmcmorris7902 Ah nice, I didn't know that. I hear the effects on it are actually really good too.
I love the MS-3 but bank switching can lead to issues on dark and/or crowded stages. Thanks to the magic of RUclips I’ve configured it to bank via an external FS-7 connected to CTRL In 3/4. Just a suggestion
Mark Egan switching presets or pages!?
. Anything that required depressing two switches at once, I found my big hoof could accidentally click both and send me on a wrong path
Mark Egan gotcha a can’t you program it so you have a single up/down ?
This feels like Pimp My Ride for pedalboards.
Now we just need to figure out how to get Xibit involved
@@VertexEffectsInc That would definitely be the best thing ever! lol
@@VertexEffectsInc Imagine how hype he would make these videos. "We gonna pimp ya pedalboard son!"
Zachary Norman it could work
Gorgeous Pedalboard. The Perfect Size. Mason your Videos are Priceless. How is the Throw on that Boss Expression Pedal? ( smooth throw? any dead spots? ) Need one for my DD-500.
You can customize it to fast, long, and a few other variations which is super cool!
I love these videos. Thank you for the content.
Thanks for watching!
Great video. Honestly don't know why I watched it though.... My entire set up is Les Paul -> overdrive -> Marshall.
Alan hahah! Hanna’s did watching nonetheless
Awesome video! Need to check out the ms-3
It's great, for the money and size, it's worth the price of admission!
Wouldve likes to see one of those small expression pedals used, to make room for another pedal
fawbak. Cool thanks for the feedback
Hi Mason, tnx for this video. I bought the same switcher and exp pedal. I noticed you are using both Exp 1&2 , I'd like to know what they are controlling respectively. Tnx in advance.
There is a dual expression pedal on the board.
I've got an SKB PS-8 pedalboard and it works fine for me but the pedals seem too heavy for the lightweight plastic.
Tom Tobin, we recommend Get Off My Case custom pedalboards!
This dude is way better than that John Mayer copy cat kid you roll with
chris kozub which cat 🐈?
Dare I say...art. Great job!
Hindsight, but I would have placed the tuner on the bottom and the Katana up top so I could access that side knob better.
It was all considered - this worked best for Zach’s workflow.
@@VertexEffectsInc what ever works best for him I suppose
Robert Nolan ultimately we’re beholden to the customer
You’re great and i respect your methods and admire your discipline! Awesome build! Thank you for sharing! One question i have is about the cables, why did you favor the 2524 pre-made cables instead of making custom as you do the patch cables? Is it still a better choice?
Great solution in a small format!
Thank you!
2524 Instrument cables or patch cables? I made all the patch cables here from 2319. I'll often buy pre-made 2524 Instrument cables from Rainwater Sound in Atlanta, GA because my price for the raw materials of Neutrik ends and 2524 is more than what it costs for an assembled cable - and they do great job on assembly.
Recently got a line 6 hx to be my Swiss Army knife for modulation/verb/delay but I’ve also used it as a standalone unit with an analog drive up front and it’s pretty killer. Haven’t tried the boss unit but looks great as well
I like the Helix too! One advantage as is see it about the Boss is that you can integrate the analog pedals in the loops and rearrange the order internally within the Boss and mix and match order is the pedals and multi effects interchangeably.
Vertex Effects I was thinking that too, the HX effects does have a loop but the boss seems really intelligently designed for this purpose, might need to build another board! Ha, good stuff as always
There are versions of the helix to go out for external devices to be incorporated but I think the maximum number of pedals are two. I also applaud Boss for the use of programming and also see if it would be to be able to edit in their software programs.
Sick small rig!
Heck yea!
That MS3 is such a great piece of pedal. I works great as a stand alone unit but when you use other pedals in the loops it kick ass!
Agreed!!!
If you watch this video with your eyes closed it sounds like Jonah Hill is narrating it😂
Dan Affortunato hahahHa
He is! Haha
Why you would have a Boss Tuner and a Boss Reverb on a board with the MS-3 is beyond a mystery.
You’re talking about on the original Pedalboard?
Looks perfect 🎸
Phil Guitar thanks for watching !
What about a case for the pedalboard- it's cool that you're making custom sized boards- but kind of useless without a gig bag or flight case that fits it...
I purchased a Pelican Case for this board.
yjmsrv What Zach said above!
Super nice rig!
Michael Ferreira Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe for more great content in the future!
Like always bro!! 💪🏽🔥
Thanks for watching!!!
“Dozens of pedals...” hold my beer 🍺
Great board build! For small rigs like this the ms3 shines in its deep CC control - I’ve found some tricks to run even more fx in the same patch (so don’t have to change patch=delay/reverb cut offs) using one button as a swap for FX1/FX2/MOD1/MOD2 effects type if you have a FS7 switch you can have 8 fx options on 1-2-3-4 where you previously had 4. I have a DEEP DIVE video series for the BOSS MS-3 including getting extra FX within one patch, and striving for strymon (big verb patch). Here is playlist: ruclips.net/p/PLcpqei2Jc9BHSgTZ8tzmAvmahCGGaigC1&si=fxo6su9cJs-Yn6M1
This is a great video. It is the future to mix a multi effect pedal with other single effcet pedals. Would you be able to make more videos like this explaining how it can be done and best ways to do it?
We are here, what now? Can you be specific on what you’re looking for that’s not here already?
Just so tips on how to integrate them and actually make and amp simulator sounds decent...
would a gator G-TOUR PEDAL BOARD SERIES
Small Pedal Board fit this build with a pedal raiser?
Hybrid setup. Getting the best of both worlds. I have a somewhat similar setup (analog & digital)
Well done!
Thanks 🙏
Nice playing!
Jules and Zach are great!
Cool and awesome stuff ❤
Wow, Love the efficiency of this board. I built a similar setup based around the MS-3 but with a couple of Source Audio mod pedals.
I have been very pleased with the versatility and sound of it. Much appreciated!
Mason, really appreciate your passion, commitment to great products/services and desire to teach others!
One quick question: what is used on the guitar sound during the play off of this video?
Love the depth of Reverb as well as the tone.
Very Eric Johnson like…🎸
Great video. I’m wondering if you would ever do a video on how to setup the midi between boss ms3 and an H9 to program presets?
Good suggestion
I second this suggestion!
Grate vid dude. love it
I have a Boss ME-25 multi FX unit that’s probably 10 years old or so, and it has the COSM modeling processor in it, and I’ve got several boss compact pedals (ds1, SD1, bd2 etc) and I’ve a/b’d it versus the real thing, and it’s almost identical save for some level/tone control differences. It must have some type of chip that is able to recreate their own circuits.
Those are cool...I know a lot of folks dig the earlier Boss processors.
@@VertexEffectsInc heck yeah man, the more I get into gear and pedals the more I love Boss stuff, I’m thinking about getting the MS-3 loop switcher next. Great video !
Great job rig doctor
Great video!! My only question is regarding the guitar interface you built. Is that only so you can expand to stereo in the future, or what exactly is the main point of having that extra piece of hardware? Only asking because I own an MS3, an OD, delay and 1 other and really trying to incorporate these others with the MS3. Also own a Bigshot ABY to run 2 amps, but its already too many cables etc..Curious on the functionality of the interface.
Did he end up without a dual buffer on the board in lew of the dirt pedal or is the Katana buffered? I am curious his reason for dropping the Dual Buffer.
The Katana is always on and he preferred the sound. Sizing was also a concern.
Great vid, Mason! Thanx. It looks tempting to pick up a MS-3 to reduce the pedalboar. One important question: do my favorite analog overdrives and distortion become digitized when passing thorugh the MS-3? The sound seems a little "plasticized".
Not any more than any ADA conversion
great video!!! i really want to try the ms3
jorge samudio thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe for more like this in the future!
I almost always have my clean boost (either Katana or EP Booster) turned on first on my chain, so I’d almost hate to waste a loop on it... does the MS-3 take a boosted signal in its input okay?
Seems to. I don't recall any funny business.
Dude, you inspired me!
So glad! Keep up the good work and be sure to subscribe!
Awesome board and concept. I have a couple of questions though..
I run octavio and Hoof fuzz in front of my wah then Tuner onto drives and so forth. I run three drives (pinnacle Deluxe v.2 or purple plexi, AMP11 or Steel String , Tchula).
The BOSS unit could replace my chorus/pitch shift pedals, delay with tap tempo(flashback or Echoplex delay), reverb and maybe my repeater (Tremlo). I run a rotovibe at the end. Also thinking of adding ernie ball volume pedal at the board chain end then on to my amp.
My questions are how would you signal chain this without an FX loop and using FX loop.
There are diagrams on the Boss website they show four cable method versus in line pedals. Bottom line with FCM is that you loose a loop. You can set the Boss expression to do volume and express the Uni Vibe speed so it might do away with some more or what you have planned.
@@VertexEffectsInc - Awesome...Man... thank you so much for answering back to me. You are like the coolest dude, I swear. Thanks for an awesome channel and, more importantly, an awesome rocking company with top notch amazing gear, craftmanship, and friendly customer service.
Thanks again, you're one cool cat.
👏👍✌🏻🤙🤘🙏
Power Courage and Wisdom My pleasure! Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe!
Digital rig is the future💪🏽
Daniel Polanco I think they’ll always be a mix of analog in there
I think you could do a video just showing the interface build in detail.
Working on one now, hope to have it out this month!
Is there a way I can send you a pic of my pedals and you can suggest? Plus, I need a nice hard pedal board case. Thanks!
Johnny, post a link here. I really like the Pelican Air cases!
Just came across the channel, totally digging it! Any recommendations on a pedalboard amp? Quilter, Powerstage, ISP? Looking at possibly setting up a rig capable of doing High on Fire and Mastodon tones with just a board and a cab. Thanks! Great channel!
Mark Alonzo I like the Quilter Interblock for that!
I love my MS3, did something similar myself, although not quite as elegant, it gets the job done. Pedaltrain doesn't allow for much in that regard
Well done, if it sounds good it is good!
@@VertexEffectsInc I continue to watch and learn. old dog, new tricks here. joining today to get some interaction
@@curtischurch1905 amazing! Thanks for the support!