Zoom MS-60B Umm... what am I missing here?

[Adamixoye]

I don't want to say you're going about it the wrong way, but although the MS series can be used as a standalone pedal (and I have done) IMO (and I think zoom's main intention) I feel it works better as an augmentation to your existing pedal collection, by replacing a few little-used ones to reduce the size of your pedal board or give you access to effects you don't already have.

If you have almost always on or frequently used effects such as compression, eq or drive, use separate (and better performing) pedals. The lesser used effect (for me, things like synths, octaver, phaser) use the zoom.

If you want a standalone multi-effects unit, TBH, I think you need to look elsewhere.

I think this is probably the correct viewpoint.

 

[RiffwRiter]

View attachment 2612365
You could solve your problem this way

Funny but one way to do it I guess. Why would you just get the B3? I just got one because I don't like the scrolling thru' patches the OP describes, but also simplifying trouble-shooting sound problems was a big factor. I have a board with 10 pedals, and whenever I have a sound problem my first reaction is to check all the connections on the pedal board. Usually they are ok, but it takes time to go through every patch cable and power connection.

 

[HolmeBass]

Switching patches during a song is not the MS60B's strong suite, that much is certain.

I use it along with other pedals on a small pedal board as @ga_edwards and @Adamixoye suggested, and only for one particular patch per song. Frankly I do not find the sounds it produces very inspiring and mostly use it as a clean boost and a tuner.

Every once in a while The Owl comes in handy. But for analog octaver, chorus, flanger, tremolo, and phaser emulations I personally find it pretty bland and uninspiring.

 

[Kustom_Thunder]

Funny but one way to do it I guess. Why would you just get the B3? I just got one because I don't like the scrolling thru' patches the OP describes, but also simplifying trouble-shooting sound problems was a big factor. I have a board with 10 pedals, and whenever I have a sound problem my first reaction is to check all the connections on the pedal board. Usually they are ok, but it takes time to go through every patch cable and power connection.

I didn't want to be limited on patches and by the time I figured out I wanted more options I already had on so I got the other two so it was cheaper to go that route

 

[Rip Topaz]

I went this route. Switching is NOT a problem.

 

[ChubbyJerk]

I'm curious how you expected it to work, given that it's a multi-fx unit with one switch.

 

[steve_rolfeca]

I went this route. Switching is NOT a problem.

Rip!

Haven't bumped into you in ages. Do you still use your IOS rig, or is that a thing of the past?

 

[mam1862]

I just use the MS60 and I use Chorus, octave, filter, overdrive and an empty patch. I only use one patch for a song so I just rip thru them in between songs. If you need multiple patches per song then you probably have the wrong pedal or use one of the ideas that were mentioned above.

 

[Rip Topaz]

The iOS rig went the way of the dinosaur. I just couldn't get what I was after without the control of normal pedals. And JamUp was kinda abandoned by PG, so I just moved on.

 

[Ricky Caboverde]

Bummer.... May check out a Boss multi fx unit and shelve or sell this one.

While perhaps still a couple months out, you left out one option!

 

[ImaStupidBaby]

I have a similar question and didn't want to start a new thread.

So you set up like 3 patches A B and C.

Am I correct that it's not possible to use the foot switch to like turn A on and off and use something else to switch between A B and C? Like for one song I want to have A on but only for part of it. A couple songs later I want to use B but only for part of the song.

My understanding is that I can only switch between A B and C, but I can't stay on A and turn it on and off with the footswitch, only cycle between A B and C. Is that correct or am I missing something?

 

[RoadRanger]

You can set up a fourth "bypass" patch to switch to.

 

[bassbrad]

http://www.lizardbreathpedals.com/product-page/zoom-ms-series-mail-in-mod-aux-pedal

lizard Breath offers a $50. Mail in mid + pedal option worth considering.

 

[AlexBassMP]

I've been using a MS60B since 2014. I bought it as a backup for my Boss Me50B or for first choice in small gigs and 4 years later the Boss ME50B is stored in a closet at home and I gig with my Sansamp and my MS60B working as a flanger/tuner...

IMO The way it works the best is as a standalone pedal complementing an existing pedalboard or as a "one patch per song" approach. The "A,B,C" method of ordering and switching patches worked for me when I used more than a patch.

If you want some better navigation between patches the B1on or B1onX works better...and if you want patches with the option of switching on and off different fx inside the patch , then look elsewhere..

 

[alack]

I use it both as a stand-alone and an addition to my board. When it's the only pedal I use I have the limit of 4 effects per patch. Usually it's comp, octave, drive & envelope although I do have patches with a mod instead of the envelope. I found one effect per patch is a waste and makes accessing different effects more difficult than need be. The comp is always on while the others are off. Depending on the song I toggle right or left to the effect I want the foot switch to engage. When the Zoom is part of the board I use it for filters and mods I wouldn't otherwise have available to me. Again, 4 per patch allowing right/left access of each of the four.

Tonight I have a low volume, drummerless blues gig. I'm looking forward to using a patch with the comp and an amp model with two other effects (drive & octave maybe) into an EV powered speaker.

This pedal sounds good, is cost effective and super flexible.