• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

NPD: Zoom MS-60B (a Review)

Any other thoughts on real-world use of this pedal?

I used a B3n last week and it worked out well (needed sub-octave effect). I have a MS-60B v2 coming this week, just curious what everyone thinks. For the money, I think it gets a passing grade. If the crowd doesn't know the difference at a live gig, seems like a great way to cover a variety of needs from song-to-song EQ to all the effects.

DSP technology has come a long way!

I bought one when it first came out and have used it on 99% of my 200+ gigs since (majority being weddings and private parties). I ended up getting two, one for each pedalboard, and I've done multiple gigs with *just* the MS-60b, as well.

My primary 60b effects for live use are envelope filters, chorus, dirt, and tuner. I've tried multiple envelope pedals but always prefer the 60b because I can stack with other effects to make it just right (like a mid-bump EQ before and some modulation after). Same with the others, really. On my larger board I have it in the loop of a true bypass looper, which lets me stomp effects on and off, find a patch without sound coming through, etc. Though this does increase live usability at some gigs, for bars and more rockin sets I actually find scrolling a limited number of patches on the fly with just the 60b on my small board easier.

As for overall sound relative to other options, I still like dedicated pedals for some things, like octavers and compressors. But those are certainly passable on this unit; the thing I've always noticed about the 60b is that what sounds kind of meh at home works just right in a live mix.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Winton and RyanOh
Long time user of the B3 here. It drove many boo-teak pedals and sow pedestrian pedals out of the house. It finally met it’s match (for me anyway) in Source Audio separates. The SA stuff is a large step up but about 7x the cost of a used B3... and you still have to buy a tuner...
I just got my first SA pedal the Aftershock and it is the bomb, I will be purging some fuzz pedals very soon.
 
Hey guys, any chance the ms60b will get an update with the darkglass effects? I'm really hoping they do.
I doubt seriously Zoom will do another update, frankly I was surprised they did the first one and for free. At this point guitar and bass effects is not a big player for them as they are getting a lot of attention and sales in the audio and video amateur and pro markets and rightly so because their products are stellar and are filling a much needed market.

With such an awesome effects renaissance that we have going on how could Zoom keep up, so many geniuses creating undreamed of effects it is exciting. Save up your pennies and collect, play and create!!!!
 
I hope in the next update, if there is one, that they fix the sleep function. The pedal automatically goes to sleep after 10 hours, but there is no way to turn it back on (that I know of) unless you unplug it and plug it back in.
 
Sorry for reviving old thread. But I'm looking to rebuild my pedalboard. I'm going to sell some and considering this for some effects that I'll use only on some songs. So, my question is, how's the octaver, envelope filters, reverb/delay, compressor, and mild OD here? If it's give at least decent sound, I'll pull the trigger.
 
Sorry for reviving old thread. But I'm looking to rebuild my pedalboard. I'm going to sell some and considering this for some effects that I'll use only on some songs. So, my question is, how's the octaver, envelope filters, reverb/delay, compressor, and mild OD here? If it's give at least decent sound, I'll pull the trigger.
Decent, yes, usable, yes, but then we all have different standards, needs and expectations. Disclaimer I am a huge Zoom fan and have a great appreciation for what they do and put them to great use, I also spend time to tweak them hard but also use other pedals. IMHO for live they are hard to beat for size, price, sound and bang for the buck.
>octaver- not as phat as OC2 but fair, partner with a BA pitch shifter octave down and it is the bomb.
>pitch shifter tracks well enough can be tuned sounds decent.
>envelope filters - a good selection takes a bit of tweaking but sound great IMHO -
>synth - be sure to check out the synth sounds some fun stuff there, too often overlooked
> reverb & delay - Oh heck yes, Zoom done good here! from simple to cra-cra
>compressor - decent selection and functional if a bit on the noisy side, of course pedals are better
>mild OD - lots of interesting choices be sure to check out the preamps and amp models many of them do sound better IMHO.

NB. Only sell effects you plan to never use again, can easily replace, or absolutely must sell for $$ ~ otherwise shelve them for later. Trust me, you will thank me.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BrentSimons
octaver- not as phat as OC2 but fair, partner with a BA pitch shifter octave down and it is the bomb.
I already have have 2 octaver and no luck from that. My sub n up and tender octaver can't get what I want, so they'll be gone. Actually I'm going to bought OC3 before considering MS60B. Is it can satisfy me?

envelope filters - a good selection takes a bit of tweaking but sound great IMHO
I don't have a great expectations for this, as I only need this for one song so I think it's a waste money and space to buy anything else. At least, as it as good as at least DOD 440?

reverb & delay - Oh heck yes, Zoom done good here! from simple to cra-cra
yess, this is what I'm really looking for cause I really need a good reverb here, at least one par with Boss.

NB. Only sell effects you plan to never use again, can easily replace, or absolutely must sell for $$ ~ otherwise shelve them for later. Trust me, you will thank me.
yep, that's what I'm planning. And after looking for a while, it's only MXR Bass Chorus Deluxe and JHS Muffuletta that'll stay. That's why I'm considering to buy MS60B. If I pull the trigger, how to route them?
 
@tyohars At least, as it as good as at least DOD 440? Oh yes many choices better.

be sure to down load the Tonelib Zoom software for programming your MS60b.

I use mine mainly as a fretless simulator. Is it like playing a fretless? No, but in a live setting it gives me a good approximation. I’ll post settings when I’m back home.
thank you for reply guys
 
  • Like
Reactions: bassbrad
I bought one when it first came out and have used it on 99% of my 200+ gigs since (majority being weddings and private parties). I ended up getting two, one for each pedalboard, and I've done multiple gigs with *just* the MS-60b, as well.

My primary 60b effects for live use are envelope filters, chorus, dirt, and tuner. I've tried multiple envelope pedals but always prefer the 60b because I can stack with other effects to make it just right (like a mid-bump EQ before and some modulation after). Same with the others, really. On my larger board I have it in the loop of a true bypass looper, which lets me stomp effects on and off, find a patch without sound coming through, etc. Though this does increase live usability at some gigs, for bars and more rockin sets I actually find scrolling a limited number of patches on the fly with just the 60b on my small board easier.

As for overall sound relative to other options, I still like dedicated pedals for some things, like octavers and compressors. But those are certainly passable on this unit; the thing I've always noticed about the 60b is that what sounds kind of meh at home works just right in a live mix.
I have the MS100-BT and I was skeptical about the envelope filters from some reviews I’ve read on here and the little I tried. I’ve also been very particular about autowah/envelope pedals (my standards have been MXR and currently I use the EBS BASSIQ).

Well, recently I’ve uploaded 4, 5 of the envelope filters onto my MS to my surprise I’m REALLY liking them. They have consistent wah sounds and some of them also includes adjusting the dry signal. I’ve also noticed that there’s some low end loss when I turn on my BASSIQ. I’m all about dedicated pedals but I just might sell my EBS...
E7CA3AA1-F962-4150-ADB3-D4EDF58FF628.jpeg


Here’s my modded MS100-BT.
 

Latest posts