The NUX MG-30 is a floorboard multi-effects unit and amp modeler from NUX, described by the maker as a "Versatile Modeler"1. It packs 30 amp models, cabinet and microphone simulation, impulse responses, pre- and post-effects, an onboard tuner and a phrase looper into a single pedal-format unit, and it was pitched at the budget end of the modeling market when it launched in 20212.
Under the hood it is a digital modeler built on two NXP RT processors, which NUX says drive 1024 samples Impulse Response resolution with ultra-low system latency1. Gearnews reported at launch that it also provides 32-bit two-channel audio and a dynamic range of 110dB2.
The controls: 5-way encoder, three footswitches and a 4-inch screen
Editing and navigation center on a 5-way encoder. NUX says it handles quick editing, signal block routing, jack setting and more, so you can reconfigure the signal chain from the unit itself rather than only through software1. What you are editing shows up on a color 4-inch LCD screen with a simple UI, which Gearnews singled out as one of the more noteworthy features alongside the pre and post effects, tuner and looper2.
On the floor are three footswitches with their functions clearly marked, as MusicRadar noted in its launch coverage4. For hands-free control beyond the switches, the EXP1 input can be used with an expression pedal or with the NUX NMP-2 LITE to remote signal blocks1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| 5-way encoder | Quick editing, signal block routing, jack setting and more1 |
| 4-inch color LCD | Displays the UI for editing and preset management2 |
| Three footswitches | Preset and effect switching, functions clearly marked4 |
| EXP1 input | Works with an expression pedal or NUX NMP-2 LITE to remote signal blocks1 |
Amp, cab and mic models
The modeling section covers 30 amps in total: 25 electric guitar amp models, two acoustic amp models and three bass amp models24. That spread means the unit serves electric players, acoustic players and bassists from the same box, with the acoustic and bass models doing the jobs that a guitar-only modeler would need extra gear for.
The amps can be paired with eight guitar and bass cabs, along with eight mics and three mic placement options2. That gives you the classic modeler workflow of choosing an amp, then a cabinet, then a microphone and its position, rather than being locked to fixed amp-and-cab pairs.
The cabinet side runs on impulse responses at 1024 samples resolution, driven by the two NXP RT processors12. NUX says the system latency is ultra-low2.
Connections, USB and MIDI
The USB port carries four functions: audio interface, the QuickTone editor, firmware updates and MIDI1. MusicRadar noted that the MG-30 has a USB input and can be used as a recording interface4, so it can sit at the center of a simple desktop recording setup without a separate interface.
MIDI works over USB, and MIDI CC assignments are customizable through the QuickTone edit software1. The unit can be run in mono or stereo4.
Versions and firmware
The MG-30's firmware has moved through several generations, and the version matters for how you manage the unit51:
- The V5 firmware version is only compatible with V5 QuickTone Editor Software1.
- The Gen 2 firmware adds a new MOD block, MONO OCTAVE1.
- NUX warns that the English firmware is only for the English version of the MG-30.
If you are using the Mandarin version MG-30, updating it with the English firmware may cause malfunction or damage the machine. Match the firmware language to your unit1.
The MG-30 MKII
NUX has since released the MG-30 MKII, also described as a "Versatile Modeler"5. It runs Gen 2 Firmware and carries over the two acoustic amps5. Two additions set it apart from the original:
- A newly added 1/4 inch TRS balanced output, which NUX says ensures stable connectivity with mixers, audio interfaces and professional PA systems5.
- AUX to USB routing is included5.
For a player comparing the two, the MKII is the version aimed at connecting straight into professional audio gear, while the original MG-30 covers the same modeling and effects territory without the balanced output51.
What the press said
The MG-30 arrived at NAMM 2021 as an affordable amp modeler and multi-effects unit, priced at just under €300 with 30 amp models plus cabs, mics, effects and IRs2. Gearnews' reviewer was impressed by the value on offer:
"Those specs are pretty staggering for a unit nearer the budget end of the market than the top end, better than the similarly priced Mooer GE200"2
MusicRadar highlighted the build as well as the feature count, noting the metal kickbar that protects the dials and LED screen and calling it "pretty sturdy", and describing the price of £222 street as "measly" for the stack of features4. GuitarPlayer later reported the unit would come in under $300, with dozens of amp models and a wide range of pre- and post-effects3.
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Questions
Can the NUX MG-30 be used as an audio interface?
Yes. The MG-30's USB connection works as an audio interface, and it also carries the QuickTone editor software, firmware updates and MIDI. MusicRadar noted when covering the launch that the unit has a USB input and can be used as a recording interface, and NUX lists audio interface as one of the USB port's functions.
Does the NUX MG-30 have bass amp models?
Yes. The MG-30 ships with three bass amp models, alongside 25 electric guitar amp models and two acoustic amp models. The cab section also covers bass, with eight guitar and bass cabinet models that can be paired with the amps.
Can I load my own IRs into the NUX MG-30?
The MG-30 runs impulse responses at 1024 samples resolution, driven by its two NXP RT processors, and IRs are part of its cabinet and mic modeling system. NUX's product page describes the unit as driving 1024 samples Impulse Response resolution with ultra-low system latency.
Does the NUX MG-30 work in stereo?
Yes. MusicRadar reported that the MG-30 can be run in mono or stereo. The MG-30 MKII adds a 1/4 inch TRS balanced output, which NUX says ensures stable connectivity with mixers, audio interfaces and professional PA systems.
What is the difference between the MG-30 and the MG-30 MKII?
The MKII runs Gen 2 Firmware, includes two acoustic amps, adds AUX to USB routing, and adds a 1/4 inch TRS balanced output for connecting to mixers, interfaces and PA systems. Both are described by NUX as a Versatile Modeler.
Can I update a Mandarin MG-30 with English firmware?
No. NUX warns that the English firmware is only for the English version of the MG-30, and that updating a Mandarin version MG-30 with it may cause malfunction or damage the machine. Match the firmware to your unit's language version.
Sources (5)
- MG-30 - NUX Audio, NUX Audio (nuxaudio.com), 2026-06-22
- NAMM 2021: NUX MG-30, an affordable amp modeller and multi-effects, gearnews.com, 2021-01-22
- NUX Unveils New MG-30 Versatile Modeler Multi-Effects Pedal, GuitarPlayer (www.guitarplayer.com), 2021-02-11
- NUX expands its range of affordable multi-effects and modelling units with the stylish MG-30, MusicRadar, 2021-01-25
- MG-30 MKII, NUX Audio, 2026-08-28
