Zoom MS-60B+ Bass Effects Pedal Review 2024 Amp Models and Multi-Effect Chaining

Description

Compact Design and Build Quality

Testing the Zoom MS-60B+ MultiStomp Bass Effects Pedal, I immediately noticed how lightweight and portable it is. At just 15.7 ounces, this pedal feels sturdy despite its plastic body. The compact design (measuring 5.8 x 3.4 x 2.75 inches) makes it a dream to fit into a crowded pedalboard, especially if you’re someone like me who has pedals scattered like confetti. The metal interface gives it a polished look, which complements its durable feel. While the exterior material is plastic, it doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap, and it stands up well to regular foot stomping during testing.

User Interface and Navigation

The user interface was a pleasant surprise. I’ve encountered some bass effects pedals that feel like solving a riddle just to tweak settings, but the improved UI on this model simplifies everything. The screen is bright, offering clear visuals even under dim stage lighting. Adjusting the settings became second nature after just a few uses. With multiple categories of effects like Filters, Drives, Synths, Delays, and Reverbs, you’d think it might get overwhelming, but the navigation is so well-designed that I rarely found myself lost. Customizing effects like chaining together six at once felt intuitive rather than daunting.

Features and Sound Quality

The 95+ effects are where this pedal truly shines. I tested the 11 amp models, and I have to say, the Multi-Layer IR Technology used here produces a depth and realism that I didn’t expect from such a small device. The 11 preamps also deserve a shout-out; their tonal variety is expansive, ranging from warm tube-like sounds to sharp, punchy tones. The stereo effects were another standout, especially for ambient or experimental bass lines.

What truly impressed me was how analog the signal sounded, even with heavy processing. I ran it through a few different amps, and the sound remained crisp and natural. The ability to use up to six effects at once gave me room to experiment, layering a chorus with a delay and a synth for some truly unique tones.

Key Benefits

• Lightweight and compact design, perfect for crowded pedalboards.
• 95+ effects and amp models, offering extensive tonal variety.
• Multi-Layer IR Technology, delivering realistic amp simulations.
• Improved navigation makes it user-friendly for beginners and pros alike.

Battery and Power Options

One standout feature is its dual power source capability. Being able to run it on batteries or a power supply adds versatility, especially for gigs where outlets are inaccessible. However, I noticed that battery life isn’t exactly stellar if you’re running multiple effects simultaneously. This isn’t a dealbreaker for me since I usually rely on a power supply, but it’s worth noting for anyone planning to go fully cordless.

Areas for Improvement

Despite its many strengths, there are a few shortcomings to consider:

• Plastic body, though sturdy, might not inspire confidence for heavy-duty touring musicians.
• Battery life could be better when running multiple effects.
• While the analog signal is impressive, the USB interface feels underutilized, as it’s mainly for firmware updates with no advanced editing capabilities.

Market Rivals

When comparing this to other bass effects pedals, some interesting points emerge. Against competitors like the Boss GT-1B, the compact design of the MS-60B+ makes it far more portable, but the Boss offers a more robust build for rigorous touring. Meanwhile, the Line 6 HX Stomp provides more features but at a significantly higher price point. The Zoom pedal’s simplicity and affordability make it a great choice for anyone who doesn’t want to dive into overly complex menus.

Money’s Worth

Thinking about the value for money, I’d say this pedal punches well above its weight. The sound quality, versatility, and ease of use make it an excellent budget-friendly option. While some higher-end pedals might offer even more effects or connectivity options, the Zoom MS-60B+ strikes a balance between affordability and capability that’s hard to beat.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for bass effects that won’t break the bank, it’s hard to argue against this multi-effects pedal.

Additional information