Boss MD-500 Multi-Modulation Processor Pedal

Get all the modulation you could ever dream up in the Boss MD-500. From chorus to ring modulation, it's all here and all deeply programmable.

Overview

The ultra-versatile Boss MD-500 Multi-Modulation Processor Pedal delivers nearly any type of modulation effect a musician could want, and then some. Included are 28 different algorithms with intensive programming parameters, offering a nearly limitless sound palette to create with. And with class-defying 32-bit AD/DA, 32-bit floating point processing, and 96 kHz sampling rate throughout, you'll enjoy pristine sound quality that extends beyond the capabilities of the very best studio hardware.

Effects in the MD-500 include many new Prime types developed with cutting-edge Boss tech, plus authentic sonic recreations of vintage classics like the CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, Roland Dimension D, '70s script phaser, '80s tri-chorus, and numerous others. With the ability to use two patches at once with A/B Simul mode, the MD-500 can likely cover all your mod needs with one convenient pedal. And by inserting drive pedals in the MD-500's flexible external loop, it's easy to place mod effects before, after, or around the loop as needed for the very best sound.

Features

- Studio-level sound with first-in-class 32-bit AD/DA, 32-bit floating point processing, and 96 kHz sampling rate
- 12 modes and 28 modulation types, all with deep editing parameters
- Classic mod effects and BOSS originals, newly enhanced with cutting-edge technology
- A/B Simul mode for using two patches at once, with your choice of series/parallel connection and mixed or split A/B output
- Insert Loop function allows you… read more to use mod effects before, after, or around drive pedals
- Graphic LCD and intensive real-time control options
- 297 onboard patch memories and hands-on controls
- Selectable buffered-bypass or true-bypass operation
- MIDI I/O for interfacing with MIDI control devices
- USB-MIDI for connecting to the MD-500 Editor/Librarian or a DAW
- Runs on four AA-size batteries or PSA-series AC adapter

WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.

Specs

- Sampling Frequency: 96 kHz
- AD/DA Conversion: 32 bits
- Processing: 32-bit floating point

Modes:
- 12 modes
- CHORUS
- FLANGER
- PHASER
- CLASSIC VIBE
- VIBRATO
- TREMOLO
- DIMENSION
- RING MOD
- ROTARY
- FILTER
- SLICER
- OVERTONE

- Memory: 198 (99 banks x 2 [A] [B]), 297 (99 banks x 3 [A] [B] [C])
- Nominal Input Level: INPUT A/MONO, B: -10 dBu
- Maximum Input Level: INPUT A/MONO, B: +8 dBu
- Input Impedance: INPUT A/MONO, B: 1 M ohm
- Nominal Output Level: OUTPUT A/MONO, B: -10 dBu
- Maximum Output Level: OUTPUT A/MONO, B: +8 dBu
- Output Impedance: OUTPUT A/MONO, B: 2 k ohms
- Recommended Load Impedance: OUTPUT A/MONO, B: 20 k ohms or greater
- Bypass: Buffered bypass or True bypass (with relays)
- Controls: A switch, B switch, TAP/CTL switch
- DOWN button, UP button, EXIT button, EDIT button
- MODE knob, RATE/VALUE knob, DEPTH knob, E.LEVEL knob, PARAM 1 knob, PARAM 2 knob
- Display: Graphic LCD (128 x 64 dots, backlit LCD)

Connectors:
- INPUT (A/MONO, B) jacks, OUTPUT (A/MONO, B) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
- CTL 1,2/EXP jack: 1/4-inch TSR phone type
- USB COMPUTER port: USB type B
- MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
- DC IN jack

- Power Supply: Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4, AC adaptor (sold separately)
- Current Draw: 225 mA
- Expected battery life under continuous use: Alkaline; Approx. 4.5 hours * These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
- Dimensions: 170 (W) x 138 (D) x 62 (H) mm; 6-3/4 (W) x 5-7/16 (D) x 2-1/2 (H) inches
- Weight (including battery): 1.0 kg, 2 lbs 4 oz

Accessories:
- Owner's manual
- Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY"
- Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4

Options (sold separately):
- AC adaptor: PSA-S series
- Footswitch: FS-5U, FS-5L
- Dual Footswitch: FS-6, FS-7
- Expression Pedal: FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, Roland EV-5

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item: Shipping Weight: 3.5 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 10 x 8 x 4 in; Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): MD-500

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 323-890-3700

Reviews

(2 ratings)

Submitted November 9, 2017 by Corey W in Mtn Home , AR

"Incredibly rich and detailed sound, insane value"

Overall:

(see rating details)

Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.

I really don't think I could undersell you on this pedal. For the price of one high end "boutique" modulation pedal you get a vast array of modulation tones ranging from the must haves to the ones you never knew you wanted until you hear them on the MD 500. All of the presets sound incredible and give you an excellent idea of what this pedal is capable of, the only effects I've been underwhelmed by are the Univibe and Rotary effects, to my ears those two are far from faithful to the originals and sound quite bad. The chorus, flanger, phaser and octave are all top notch and could easily take down many of their analog counterparts. I mean the sound is so pristine it's almost 3D. I've only just begun to edit my own patches but so far I have indeed been able to dial in perfect versions of each effect for basically any situation you can think of, the versatility of this thing is nearly endless. You can recreate damn near any chorus etc tone you can think of and edit parameters not found outside a studio usually. I know I'm rambling so I'll just close out the review by stating that I could easily see this being the last modulation pedal I'll ever need. I prefer analog delay hands down, so I didn't bond with the DD 500, my reverb needs are limited to spring (which I have), but for modulation effects like chorus, I may just prefer digital now. Never thought I'd say that, but it's true (with this pedal).