ZOOM MS-60B vs MS-50G

Z

ziko

Jan 22, 2021
31
21
1,921
#1
Hi to you all,

according to zoom web page MS-60B can use up to 4 effects in chain, and MS-50G can use up to 6 effects in chain.

I was wondering, with Zoom firmware editor you can transfer all effects from one pedal to another.
If my thinking is correct, it would be better to buy MS-50G, delete all guitar related effects and load all bass related effects, that way you basically get MS-60B with possibility to chain up to 6 effects? As I understand, sound processing on those two pedals are the same?
Did I miss something? Anyone tried that?
 
#3
I'd just use my MS-50G firmware :cool: It has all stock guitar effects plus 49 more from the MS-60B. And it still has 182 free blocks left (room for about 30 more FX, just didn't know what else to add I'd find meaningful for bass when compiling it -YMMV-), so you can further customize that firmware. I just made "maxed" versions for the MS-60B/MS-50G and G1/B1[X]on models (+ particularly the G1Xon firmware has an additional version with swapped drum sounds). Each firmware has most stock stuff on the designated model plus the important stuff from its guitar/bass counterpart model. Here's all the info and my version downloads. I'm just a user, read the first 2 paragraphs and check the links to the wise and generous people behind the firmware editor I (and many others use), so you can not only use the ones I share but also create your own compilation firmware (no rocket science really).

BTW, lately I'm periodically scanning the local used market for a cheap MS-50G oportunity. I don't use too consuming FX so for me it'd virtually be a 6 slot MS-60B.
 
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#4
@ziko the reason for the difference between the number of effects that the b and g can run comes down to the bandwidth resolution of the effect, bass requires a higher resolution to support the lower range from sounding grainy plus the added functions for each effect between the b and g versions. IME the MS50g sounds thin on bass if you compare it to the same effects on the MS60b.
Depending on which effects you plan to use the MS70CDR might be a better choice for more efx.
 
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#5
bassbrad said:
@ziko the reason for the difference between the number of effects that the b and g can run comes down to the bandwidth resolution of the effect, bass requires a higher resolution to support the lower range from sounding grainy plus the added functions for each effect between the b and g versions. IME the MS50g sounds thin on bass if you compare it to the same effects on the MS60b.
Depending on which effects you plan to use the MS70CDR might be a better choice for more efx.
Click to expand...

Do you mean the pedals run at different sample rates or something? I'm looking at one of these three mainly as a delay that can be set precisely so I can play faster 16th note grooves than what my c4 can deal with. I can't find much else in this form factor with precise delay settings. I have an ultrawave for compression and dirt so I'm not too worried about those options.

I see all three around the same price. If the sound quality is the same on each, then the cdr70 makes the most sense, after installing the models from the other pedals of course. But it the bass runs at a higher resolution or something maybe that's the better choice?

Or just save a little bit more and get an ampero, or save a bigger little bit more and get the line 6 stomp?
 
#6
To
joshofbass said:
Do you mean the pedals run at different sample rates or something? I'm looking at one of these three mainly as a delay that can be set precisely so I can play faster 16th note grooves than what my c4 can deal with. I can't find much else in this form factor with precise delay settings. I have an ultrawave for compression and dirt so I'm not too worried about those options.

I see all three around the same price. If the sound quality is the same on each, then the cdr70 makes the most sense, after installing the models from the other pedals of course. But it the bass runs at a higher resolution or something maybe that's the better choice?

Or just save a little bit more and get an ampero, or save a bigger little bit more and get the line 6 stomp?
Click to expand...

To my ear when comparing the same effects between the two units the ms60 sounds fuller in the low end.
 
#7
bassbrad said:
To


To my ear when comparing the same effects between the two units the ms60 sounds fuller in the low end.
Click to expand...
Interesting, the data on the pedals makes them seem identical but doesn't explain why different models can use more or less effects concurrently.

Are you talking about the bass versions natively available on the guitar version or the versions copied over with that hack?
 
#8
joshofbass said:
Do you mean the pedals run at different sample rates or something? I'm looking at one of these three mainly as a delay that can be set precisely so I can play faster 16th note grooves than what my c4 can deal with. I can't find much else in this form factor with precise delay settings. I have an ultrawave for compression and dirt so I'm not too worried about those options.

I see all three around the same price. If the sound quality is the same on each, then the cdr70 makes the most sense, after installing the models from the other pedals of course. But it the bass runs at a higher resolution or something maybe that's the better choice?

Or just save a little bit more and get an ampero, or save a bigger little bit more and get the line 6 stomp?
Click to expand...
I have a &70CDR I'm looking ti unload. PM me if interested.
 
#9
joshofbass said:
Interesting, the data on the pedals makes them seem identical but doesn't explain why different models can use more or less effects concurrently.

Are you talking about the bass versions natively available on the guitar version or the versions copied over with that hack?
Click to expand...
Sure on paper they all seem to be identical but the sonic demands of bass when compared to guitar are quite different and the designers at Zoom understand that and program effects for that reason taking up more space. Even if you hack bass sounds onto a 50 or 70 you will find that you run out of processing power before you ever get to the max count of 5 or 7.* Again I am relying on my hearing and the sound of the effects when comparing specific effects that are shared between the units like chorus, flange, reverbs and delays.

I own all three and use them often but rely on the MS60G for bass, on the rare occasion I have use the MS50G on bass it was blended with a dry bass signal to retain fullness. I also have a GCE3 that I use for in the box sounds and find the same differences on that gen of Zoom effects between guitar and bass versions.

*FWIW I tried the hack on a 50G that bricked on me, I was able to revive it but it failed again when the next owner tried to hack it again.
 
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#12
I have a MS100BT. I have used the StompShare app and loaded all available bass modules and most upgrades onto my unit as well.

Now I have access to 6 slots of bass modules, but guess what; the bass modules use more DSM resolution and you can only use as many as the unit will allow.

Still, it's a very versatile machine
 
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