The Zoom MS-100BT MultiStomp is a multi-effects pedal built into a single stompbox-sized box, made by Zoom. It comes loaded with 100 effects and amp models, made up of 92 stompbox models and eight amp models, and it can run up to six of them at the same time12. What set it apart at launch was Bluetooth: it was described as the world's first multi-effects pedal to incorporate Bluetooth technology, used to download additional effects from Zoom's StompShare app32.
Zoom pitched it as "a powerful, easy-to-use guitar stompbox loaded with 100 of the world's most popular effects and amp models"1. It shipped in 2013 at a US list price of $149.9924.
What the MS-100BT does
The 100 onboard models break down as 92 stompbox effects and eight amp models, and a patch can chain up to six of them at once2. Effects are arranged in five groups: dynamics/filter, overdrive/distortion, amp, modulation/SFX, and delay/reverb6. Patches are stored in 50 patch memories5.
Premier Guitar's reviewer noted that the selection goes beyond the usual drive and delay fare: "The native effects include far-out processing like sequenced filters and wacky modulators"8. The pedal also handles stereo input5, and it includes a built-in auto-chromatic tuner2.
At the 2013 NAMM show, Richie Kotzen demoed the MS-100BT at the Zoom booth in a Premier Guitar video9.
The controls: one stomp switch, four buttons and an LCD
The front panel is built around a large LCD screen, a single footswitch, and analog-style cursor keys and parameter knobs72. Premier Guitar's reviewer described the layout in detail:
"Four circularly oriented buttons, much like those found on first-generation iPods, surround the single stomp switch"
Those four buttons modify effect parameters and navigate the system8. With only one stomp switch, there are no additional switches or foot controllers for selecting patches and manually adjusting parameters, which Guitar World's review flagged as a limitation compared with a full-size floor unit6.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Single stomp switch | The one footswitch on the unit7 |
| Four circular buttons | Modify effect parameters and navigate the system, set around the stomp switch8 |
| Cursor keys / parameter knobs | Analog-style adjustment of parameters7 |
| Large LCD | Screen for editing and browsing effects2 |
Power: AA batteries or a 9V supply
The MS-100BT runs from two standard AA batteries, included in the box, which Zoom rated at seven hours of continuous mono input use7. Alternatively it runs from a nine-volt supply drawing 500mA of current5, with RockBoard listing the requirement as 9V DC center negative3. The AC adapter is sold separately10.
At 500mA, the MS-100BT draws more current than most analog stompboxes, so a small daisy-chain supply may not be enough to run it alongside several other pedals.
Bluetooth and the StompShare app
The BT in the name is the feature that separates this pedal from the rest of the MultiStomp line. Over Bluetooth, the MS-100BT connects to Zoom's free StompShare app on iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch, where you can try, buy and download additional amp and effects models311. Zoom's own page puts it simply: "you can try, buy and download new effects any time you need them"11.
Pricing in the app was modest. Premier Guitar reported each effect at 99 cents and virtual amps at $1.998, while MusicRadar's UK review listed amps at £1.495.
How it differs from the MS-50G
Physically, the MS-100BT is very close to the Zoom MS-50G MultiStomp, MusicRadar's review notes5. The difference is the Bluetooth download facility: the MS-100BT can add amp and effects models from StompShare via an iOS device, where the MS-50G's model list is fixed5. On the MS-50G, the footswitch sits surrounded by a four-way cursor for navigating the screen, holding it down calls up an automatic chromatic tuner, and it can be set for tap tempo12.
What reviewers said
Reviews were positive about the concept. MusicRadar's Trevor Curwen called it:
"The most practical, cost-effective way to expand your pedalboard by adding a single pedal."
Guitar World's review raised two practical points: the lack of additional switches and foot controllers for patch selection and parameter adjustment, and the absence of a traditional on/off bypass. The pedal is designed as a primary tone source that stays on, and the reviewer suggested using a loop selector to bring it in only on songs that need it6.
Videos
Sweetwater
Guitar World
Premier Guitar
Questions
Does the Zoom MS-100BT have a bypass?
No. Guitar World's review found it does not perform a traditional on/off bypass. Zoom designed it as an always-on primary tone source, and the reviewer suggested using a loop selector so it can be brought in only on the songs that need it.
How many effects can the MS-100BT run at once?
Up to six effects can run simultaneously, drawn from its 92 stompbox models and eight amp models. Patches are stored in 50 patch memories, and effects are organized in five groups: dynamics/filter, overdrive/distortion, amp, modulation/SFX, and delay/reverb.
Does StompShare still work with the MS-100BT?
Zoom's product page still describes the MS-100BT working with the free StompShare app to try, buy and download new effects over Bluetooth. StompShare was an iOS app for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, so it depends on an Apple device and an App Store that still supports it.
What is the difference between the MS-100BT and the MS-50G?
Physically the two are very close, according to MusicRadar's review. The MS-100BT's distinguishing feature is Bluetooth: it can load additional amp and effects models from the StompShare app on an iOS device, where individual effects cost 99 cents and amps $1.99.
Does the Zoom MS-100BT have a tuner?
Yes. It has a built-in auto-chromatic tuner, reported at launch by Guitar World. On the related MS-50G, holding the footswitch down calls up an automatic chromatic tuner, and the MS-100BT shares the same single-footswitch layout.
Can the Zoom MS-100BT run on batteries?
Yes. Two standard AA batteries are included and give seven hours of continuous mono use. It also runs from a 9V DC center-negative supply drawing 500mA, sold separately.
Sources (12)
- | ZOOM, Zoom
- Zoom Introduces MS-100BT MultiStomp Guitar Pedal with Bluetooth, Guitar World, 2012-12-03
- MultiStomp MS-100BT by ZOOM, RockBoard (PedalPedia), 2026
- Stomping Ground: 30 of the Coolest New Stomp Boxes and Tried-and-True Favorites, Guitar World, 2013-07-23
- Zoom MS-100BT MultiStomp review, MusicRadar, 2013-03-15
- Review: Zoom MS-100BT Multistomp Pedal with Bluetooth, Guitar World, 2013-06-05
- Zoom MS-100BT MultiStomp Bluetooth Pedal Launched, Premier Guitar, 2012-12-03
- Zoom MS-100BT MultiStomp with Bluetooth Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2012-12-05
- Zoom MS-100BT MultiStomp Demo with Richie Kotzen, Premier Guitar, 2013-02-13
- Zoom announces the MS-100BT Bluetooth-enabled multi-effects pedal, MusicRadar, 2012-12-03
- | ZOOM, zoomcorp.com
- Zoom MS-50G MultiStomp review, MusicRadar, 2012-11-28
