The NUX MG-20 is a guitar modeling processor from NUX, a floor unit that packs amp modeling and a full set of effects into one metal enclosure. It offers 16 amplifier models plus the usual spread of effects: distortion, chorus, delay, reverb, phaser, tremolo, compressor, noise gate and flanger1. Mixdown's reviewer described it as "a nifty guitar modeling processor" and "a sure competitor to Boss' iconic ME-20, from the name at least"1.
Footswitches, expression pedal and LED screen
Control of the unit is built around a built-in expression pedal and three footswitches. Mixdown's reviewer found the expression pedal smooth, with grip rubber on the tread, and said it makes control of the unit "exceptionally easy"1.
The three footswitches divide the work:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Two left footswitches | Preset functionality, including the drum machine, looper and onboard tuner |
| Right footswitch | Activates a specific tone control or an external pedal |
| Expression pedal | Real-time control of parameters such as volume or wah |
The display is a small LED screen that Mixdown's reviewer said "looks like a calculator"1. That sounds like a knock, but the reviewer found it suited the job: the amp controls are simple enough that the little screen works well for them1.
Connections
The rear panel covers the basics a player needs for practice and gigging: a guitar input, left and right outputs, a headphone jack, an auxiliary input and an external pedal output1. The headphone jack makes silent practice straightforward, and the auxiliary input lets you play along with a backing track.
The MG-20 weighs 3.15kg and has no carry handle, which Mixdown's reviewer found disappointing given the weight1. Plan on a pedalboard or a case rather than carrying it by hand.
How it compares to the Boss ME-20
Mixdown's reviewer positioned the MG-20 against the Boss ME-20, at least in name1. The ME-20 is a multi-effects floor unit from Boss that runs on six AA batteries or an optional PSU2. The MG-20's metal build and 3.15kg weight put it in the same floor-processor class, though the MG-20's power comes from its own supply arrangement rather than a battery option1.
What the reviewer made of it
Mixdown's verdict was mixed but clear about where the unit shines:
"The amp modeling is definitely the jewel in the MG-20's uneven crown; the little LED screen is excellent for the simple [amp controls]"1
So the amp modeling, all 16 models of it, is the strongest feature, and the calculator-like display turns out to be a good match for the simple amp controls rather than a limitation1. For players shopping the wider NUX range, the MG-20 sits alongside units like the NUX MG-30, the NUX MG-300 and the NUX MG-400 in the maker's multi-effects lineup.
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Questions
Does the NUX MG-20 have a looper?
Yes. The looper is one of the preset functions handled by the two left footswitches, alongside the drum machine and the onboard tuner. Mixdown's reviewer found the footswitch layout made these functions easy to reach while playing.
Does the NUX MG-20 have a built-in tuner?
Yes. The MG-20 includes an onboard tuner, which is accessed through the two left footswitches together with the drum machine and looper functions.
Is the NUX MG-20 a copy of the Boss ME-20?
No, but Mixdown's reviewer called it a sure competitor to the Boss ME-20, from the name at least. The Boss ME-20 is a multi-effects floor unit powered by six AA batteries or an optional PSU, and the MG-20 is NUX's own guitar modeling processor aimed at the same kind of player.
How heavy is the NUX MG-20?
The MG-20 weighs 3.15kg, which Mixdown's reviewer described as a hefty metal slab. The unit has no carry handle, which the reviewer found disappointing given the weight.
Can you use headphones with the NUX MG-20?
Yes. The MG-20 has a headphone jack among its connections, along with the guitar input, left and right outputs, an auxiliary input and an external pedal output, so silent practice is possible.
Sources (2)
- Reviewed: NUX MG-20 Guitar Modeling Processor, Mixdown Magazine, 2019-07-24
- Boss ME-20 Guitar Multiple Effects review, MusicRadar, 2008-09-15
