Boss MS-3 Multi Effects Switcher

Have you ever really liked the idea of a multi-effects unit, where everything is controllable from the one single switch board, but already owned a small battalion's worth of standalone effects and stompboxes that you can't bear to part with? Well worry no more, as the MS-3 Multi Effects Switcher is designed specifically for you! This new-concept pedalboard solution helps maximise your creative options by combining a world-class multi-effects engine AND a multi-pedal switcher in one compact, easy to use board.

Pedalboard Integration Evolved

The MS-3 can run up to six internal pedal effects simultaneously, whilst also integrating up to three of your favourite stompboxes. You can also switch amp channels, adjust effect settings in real time, work with MIDI devices, and much more! This little sonic-powerhouse makes it easy to create a portable board or fly rig without all of the compromises associated with traditional loop switchers and all-in-one effects units.

Versatility is the Key

The highly flexible design for the MS-3 gives you the option of constructing a full customised effects system, as simple or complex as you want it to be. Either use it as a general all-purpose effects unit to boost the tone from your 3 favourite pedals, or use it as the central hub of an advanced hybrid rig with MIDI gear and channel-switching amps. In addition to this you can also just use it as a standalone multi-effects processor, making it perfect for the working musician on the go. It's also a great starting point for musicians wanting to enter the world of multiple effects, as once you're happy with the unit as a standalone you can just add more stompboxes to it to further sculpt your sound!

Three High-Quality Effects Loops

The MS-3's audio loops allow you to connect up to three of your favourite stompboxes to the system. What you add is entirely up to you (my personal choices would be my favourite drive and booster pedals, but what you choose it entirely up to you!). Once connected you can now switch each loop on/off individually, and use the MS-3's editing function to place them anywhere in the effects loop that you want to!

BOSS Effects Engine

In addition to the three extra loops, the MS-3 gives you a whopping 112 different internal effects to choose from (!!!). Each effect is grouped according to type (FX1, FX2, Mod1, Mod2, Delay and Reverb). Within FX1 and FX2 you have a variety of OD's, distortions, compressors, pitch shifters and more to play around with. Mod1 and Mod2 off you the famous BOSS chorus and vibrato style effects (as well as tremolo, flanger, phaser etc.), and whilst most of the available effects are fantastic for guitar the pedal also contains a large section that have been specially optimised for bass players!

Complete Foot Control

The MS-3 has two modes for you to play with: Memory and Manual. In Memory mode, the heavy-duty footswitches allow you to select individual patches and banks, but changing to Manual alows you to switch loops and effects on or off, as well as control multiple effects parameters for intense real-time expression! These assignments can be stored in patches, allowing the creation of dynamic custom setups for different songs and styles.

Other Professional Essentials

In true BOSS fashion, what you see on the surface of the MS-3 is just the tip of the iceberg. You get a multitude of options for expanded effects controls, including the option to connect external footswitches (for tap tempo, effects on/off and parameter adjustment), plus expression pedals (for volume, wah, pitch shift etc.). In addition to this there are also Control Out jacks (for switching amp channels and controlling effects that support external input), a powerful MIDI interface for sending tempo, PC and CC information to MIDI-enabled pedals, and two audio outputs that can be set for full stereo or selectable mono operation per patch!

USB & Remote Editing

Finally, there's the onboard USB interface. This interface allows you to access the free MS-3 Editor/Librarian software on a Mac or PC, which lets you edit effects, assign control parameters, set tempos and much more via an easy-to-use graphic interface. You can also use the software to back up and restore individual patches, and organise groups of patches into Live Sets for different gigs!

Highlights

• Compatible with both Electric Guitar AND Electric Bass
• Powerful integrated solution for creating a compact professional pedalboard
• Unlimited sound creation with six simultaneous pedal effects and audio loops for connecting three external pedals
• 112 Built-in effects types for guitar and bass, including delays, reverbs, mod/pitch effects, overdrives, distortions and more
• Intuitive user interface for easy patch creation
• Backlit LCD, editing knobs and panel LEDs for on/off status of loops and effects
• 200 unique patch locations
• Control assign, wave pedal and other functions for deep, real-time expression
• Equipped with numerous jacks for amp channel switching, effects control and more
• MIDI output for working with MIDI-enabled effects
• Built-in tuner, noise suppressor and global EQ
• USB for patch creation and backup via free MS-3 Editor/Librarian software