Boss MS-3 Multi-Effects Switcher with Onboard Processing

Boss MS-3 Multi-Effects Switcher with Onboard Processing

The MS-3 from BOSS is a multi-effects switcher designed for electric guitar and bass. It combines the switching aspects of a multi-pedal switcher (so that you can turn whole effects-chains on and off with one footswitch) with a multi-effects engine equipped with BOSS processing, such as distortion, chorus, flanging, and more. With this pedal, you can activate and control six built-in pedal effects alongside—and woven between—three external pedals.

If you utilize a dual-amp setup on stage, the pedal will let you select between your amplifiers or run them in stereo. Also provided is a MIDI output jack, so you can send tempo, CC, and PC messages to compatible devices.

The MS-3 offers three different loop paths, each with its own send/return I/O. You’ll also note the TRS control I/O, which lets you integrate outboard switches and expression pedals for deeper modulation of onboard effects parameters. Two different modes are provided on the pedal: Memory and Manual. Memory mode allows you to use the four footswitches to select among patches and banks, while Manual mode gives you the ability to switch various loops on and off, and provides some control of processing parameters to boot.

Measuring 9.7 x 3.8 x 2.7", the MS-3 is a relatively compact solution for sporting the feature-set it carries; you could place this pedal on a conventional board and still have room for three or more stompboxes. The unit ships with an AC adapter and four rubber feet.

 

Features:

Integrated solution for creating a compact pedalboard

Six simultaneous pedal effects and audio loops for connecting three external pedals/pedal loops

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

Control assign, wave pedal, and other functions for 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

Three Onboard Loop Paths

Via the MS-3's audio loops, you can connect three different effects devices to the system. Once your pedals are connected, you're able to switch the loops on/off individually, and position the MS-3's onboard effects around them any way you want.

 

Boss Effects Engine

To complement the three external loops, the MS-3 is equipped 112 effects types on board, organized into six simultaneously available categories: FX1, FX2, Mod1, Mod2, Delay, and Reverb. FX1 and FX2 contain many different processors, including overdrives, distortions, compressors, pitch shifters, and more. Mod1 and Mod2 offer traditional BOSS chorus and vibrato effects, as well as tremolo, flanger, phaser, and more. All the effects are suitable for guitar, though there's also a large selection specially optimized for bass.

 

Foot Control

The MS-3's heavy-duty footswitches give you easy command of the entire system. In Memory mode, the footswitches allow you to select patches and banks. Changing to Manual mode lets you switch loops and effects on/off, and even control multiple effects parameters for intense real-time expression. Your Manual mode assignments can be stored in patches, letting you create dynamic custom setups for different songs and styles.

 

Expanded Control Options

The MS-3 lets you connect external footswitches for tap tempo, effects on/off, and parameter adjustment, as well as expression pedals for volume, wah, pitch shift, and more. Control out jacks are available for switching amp channels and controlling effects that support external input. A 5-pin DIN MIDI output jack allows you to send tempo, PC, and CC information to MIDI-enabled pedals, whether they're connected to loops or not. In addition, the MS-3's two audio outputs can be set for full stereo or selectable mono operation per patch, providing flexibility with dual amp rigs.

 

Remote Editing via USB

The MS-3 supports USB for accessing the free MS-3 Editor/Librarian software on Mac or Windows computers. This lets you edit effects, assign control parameters, set tempos, and accomplish more tasks by means of its convenient graphic interface. You can also create backups and restore individual patches, as well as organize groups of patches into Live Sets for various gigs.

 

Specifications:

Connectors:

1 x 1/4" instrument input, phone type

2 x 1/4" control inputs, TRS phone type

3 x 1/4" return inputs, phone type

3 x 1/4" send output, phone type

1 x 1/4" control output, TRS phone type

2 x 1/4" instrument outputs, phone type

1 x 5-pin DIN MIDI output

1 x USB computer port, USB type B

Controls

1 x ON/OFF Button

1 x MENU Button

1 x EDIT Button

1 x EXIT Button

1 x ENTER Button

1 x POWER Switch

1 x MEMORY/MANUAL Switch

3 x Multi-Function Knobs

4 x Multi-Function Footswitches

Modes: Memory mode, Manual mode

Loops: 3x

AD Conversion: 24-bit + AF method (AF is a proprietary technology from Roland and BOSS)

DA Conversion: 24-bit

Sampling Frequency: 44.1 kHz

Effects: 112x onboard

Patches: 200x

Level: Nominal input: -10 dBu

Maximum input (input and return jacks): +7 dBu

Nominal output (output and send jacks): -10 dBu

Impedance: Input: 1 MOhm

Output (L, R/Mono): 1 kOhm

Display: Graphic LCD (132 x 32 dots, backlit LCD)

Indicators: Number indicators 1 through 4, memory/manual indicator, on/off indicators for FX1, MOD1, L1 through L3, MOD2, DLY, REV)

Power Supply: AC adapter

Current Draw: 280 mA

Package Weight: 4.0 lb

Box Dimensions (LxWxH): 15.0 x 8.0 x 5.0"