The Zoom MS-80IR+ MultiStomp is an amp sim pedal: a single MultiStomp-sized box that puts amp modeling, cabinet simulation with impulse response (IR) loading, and a set of additional effects on your pedalboard. Zoom says it gives guitarists "an incredible assortment of amps created using the latest in IR and modeling technology," and the company describes the result as "the dream amp collection."1
It arrived as the fifth entry in Zoom's next-gen MultiStomp series, announced in August 2024 and available from September 2024.2 Guitar World's take at launch was that, assuming the tones lived up to the hype, it was "among the most versatile compact amp sim and IR pedals on the market."2
An amp and IR pedal in the MultiStomp range
The MS-80IR+ sits in Zoom's MultiStomp line of single-footprint multi-effects pedals, alongside the MS-70CDR+ (chorus, delay and reverb), the MS-200D+ (drives, distortions and boosters) and the MS-50G+ multi-effects pedal.3 Where those siblings cover time-based and drive effects, the MS-80IR+ is the amp-and-cab voice of the range: the pedal you put at the end of a board, or use on its own, to carry your amp sound.
The amp count breaks down as 16 amps modeled by Zoom engineers plus 7 Zoom original designs, 23 amps and cabs in all.1 Guitar World reported the same split at launch: "models of 16 classic amps and seven Zoom originals."2 On top of the amps, the pedal carries 12 effects including noise gates, EQs and delays, and 5 studio effects that Zoom says add natural ambience, including Woody Studio, Urban Studio and Live Music Club.1
Multi-Layer IR
The core of the pedal's cab sound is Zoom's Multi-Layer IR technology. Each Multi-Layer IR combines three impulse responses recorded at three different volumes, which Zoom says recreates the sound and feel of playing through classic amps and cabinets.1 Guitar World explained the reasoning: because the captures are taken at three different volumes, Zoom claims a more realistic tone than a single IR provides.2 The pedal also supports user IR upload, so your own captures can sit alongside the built-in content.2
The controls
Control comes down to two things: knobs for editing and switches for navigating.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Four encoder knobs | Fine-tune and adjust amp models and effects1 |
| Cross Key switches | Switch between amps, effects and patches with a tap of the foot1 |
| Color backlight | Gives the onboard chromatic tuner visual feedback1 |
The tuner supports all standard guitar tunings, including alternate and drop tunings.1 Patches are navigated with the Cross Key switches, as Guitar World noted at launch.2
Connections, headphones and USB
The MS-80IR+ runs stereo effects with dual input and output jacks, which Zoom says allows immersive stereo tones, and it has a built-in headphone output for practice anytime.1 Guitar World noted one of the outputs is set up specifically for headphones.2
Over USB-C the pedal works as an audio interface: you can record into a computer or smartphone, or use audio interface mode to play along with your favorite songs.4 USB MIDI lets you connect the MS-80IR+ to other MIDI gear to remotely trigger patch changes, and Guitar World also noted patch triggering via USB-MIDI.12
For live use, there is an Output Splitter mode: one output sends a signal with amps and IRs to the PA while the other sends a signal without IRs to your amplifier.4
Patches
The pedal stores up to 80 patches, each combining an amp, a studio sound and an effect.1 Guitar World confirmed the 80-patch count at launch.2
Videos
ZoomSoundLab
ZOOMcorporation
ZoomSoundLab
Questions
How many amp models does the Zoom MS-80IR+ have?
It carries 23 amps and cabs in total: 16 amps Zoom engineers modeled from what the company calls the greatest amps in history, plus 7 Zoom original designs. Guitar World reported the same count at launch, 16 classic amp models and seven Zoom originals.
Can the Zoom MS-80IR+ load my own IRs?
Yes. Alongside Zoom's own Multi-Layer IRs, which are captured at three different volumes, the pedal supports user IR upload, so you can load your own impulse responses alongside the built-in amp and cab models.
Does the Zoom MS-80IR+ work as a USB audio interface?
Yes. Connect it to a computer or smartphone over USB-C and you can record with it, or use its audio interface mode to play along with your favorite songs. USB MIDI also lets you connect other MIDI gear to remotely trigger patch changes.
Does the Zoom MS-80IR+ have a headphone output?
Yes. The pedal has a built-in headphone output that Zoom describes as letting you practice anytime. Guitar World noted one of the outputs is set up for headphones, and the pedal runs stereo effects with dual input and output jacks.
How many patches can the Zoom MS-80IR+ store?
Up to 80 patches. Each patch combines an amp, a studio sound and an effect, and you navigate between them with the onboard Cross Key switches, switching amps, effects and patches with a tap of the foot.
What is Multi-Layer IR on the Zoom MS-80IR+?
It is Zoom's IR technology that combines three impulse responses recorded at three different volumes. Zoom says this recreates the sound and feel of playing through classic amps and cabinets, and claims it results in a more realistic tone than a single capture.
Sources (4)
- MS-80IR+, ZOOM
- Zoom launches MS-80IR+ MultiStomp pedal with Multi-Layer IR, Guitar World, 2024-08-02
- MS-80IR+ MultiStomp for Guitarists, ZOOM (zoomcorp.com)
- MS-80IR+, Zoom Corporation
