The Zoom MS-80IR+ MultiStomp is a compact amp and cabinet simulator pedal built on impulse response (IR) technology, the method of capturing a speaker and room's response as a data file and playing your guitar through it. Zoom describes it as giving guitarists "an incredible assortment of amps created using the latest in IR and modeling technology"1. It was announced by Guitar World in August 2024 as an amp sim pedal, the fifth entry in the company's next-gen MultiStomp series, and became available from September 20242.
Amps, cabs and Multi-Layer IR
The pedal comes, in Zoom's words, "fully stacked with 23 of the world's most revered amps and cabs"4. Zoom engineers modeled 16 of the greatest amps in history and created an additional 7 Zoom originals3. Guitar World counted the same figures at announcement: "models of 16 classic amps and seven Zoom originals"2. Each of these models can be paired with five types of room ambience2.
The headline feature is Zoom's Multi-Layer IR technology, which combines 3 IRs recorded at different volumes to recreate the sound and feel of an amp and cabinet3. Guitar World explained the idea: "Zoom's own Multi-Layer offerings are captured at three different volumes, which it claims results in a more realistic tone"2. Alongside Zoom's own IRs, the pedal supports user IR upload, so you can load your own impulse responses2.
Beyond the amp and cab models, the pedal carries 12 other effects, including noise gates, EQ and delays2. Settings can be saved into 80 patches, navigated using the onboard Cross Key switches2.
At a glance, the pedal's modeling and effects package breaks down like this:
| Feature | What the MS-80IR+ offers |
|---|---|
| Amp and cab models | 23 total: 16 modeled designs plus 7 Zoom originals32 |
| Room ambience | Five types, pairable with any amp model2 |
| IR loading | Zoom Multi-Layer IRs plus user IR upload2 |
| Other effects | 12, including noise gates, EQ and delays2 |
| Patches | 80, navigated with the onboard Cross Key switches2 |
Zoom calls the result "the dream amp collection"2. Guitar World's verdict at announcement was cautiously positive:
"Assuming the tones live up to the hype, this is among the most versatile compact amp sim and IR pedals on the market"
Connections: stereo, headphones and USB-MIDI
The MS-80IR+ features stereo effects with dual input and output jacks, which Zoom says allows you to create immersive stereo tones5. For live use, Guitar World spelled out the practical benefit: "stereo ins and outs mean you can split your signal to send one output to an amp, and add an IR to the other" for front-of-house2. One output can be set up for headphones2, and Zoom notes the built-in headphone output lets you practice anytime3.
The pedal also connects to a computer or smartphone: Zoom says you can "record into your computer or smartphone by connecting the MS-80IR+ via USB-C, or play along with your favorite songs" in audio interface mode3. Patch and effect triggering can also be handled via USB-MIDI2.
The ways the pedal can be wired up, in one list:
- Stereo in and out: dual input and output jacks for immersive stereo tones5
- Split live rig: one output to an amp, the other with an IR to front-of-house2
- Headphone practice: one output can be set up for headphones2
- USB-C audio: record into a computer or smartphone, or play along with songs3
- USB-MIDI: patch and effect triggering from an external device2
Where it sits in the MultiStomp range
The MS-80IR+ is one of Zoom's next-gen MultiStomp pedals, a single-footswitch format the company builds in several flavors. The related models Zoom lists alongside it are the MS-70CDR+ MultiStomp for guitarists, the MS-200D+ Multistomp and the MS50G MultiStomp5.
| Model | Focus |
|---|---|
| MS-80IR+ | Amp and cabinet simulation with IR loading2 |
| MS-70CDR+ | Modulation, delay and reverb effects5 |
The MS-80IR+ is the amp and cab modeling entry in that lineup; the MS-70CDR+ covers time-based and modulation effects instead. If you are comparing compact digital pedals more broadly, the MultiStomps sit alongside Zoom's larger multi-effects pedals such as the G1 FOUR and G6512.
Videos
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Questions
How many amp models does the Zoom MS-80IR+ have?
The MS-80IR+ carries 23 amps and cabs in total. Zoom engineers modeled 16 of what the company calls the greatest amps in history and created an additional 7 Zoom original amp models. Guitar World's announcement counted the same figures: models of 16 classic amps and seven Zoom originals. Each model can be paired with five types of room ambience.
Can the Zoom MS-80IR+ load my own IRs?
Yes. Alongside Zoom's own Multi-Layer IR offerings, the pedal supports user IR upload, so you can load your own impulse responses. Guitar World's coverage of the pedal notes the Multi-Layer IRs are captured at three different volumes, which Zoom claims results in a more realistic tone, and that the pedal also handles IR loading as part of its amp and cab sim feature set.
What is Multi-Layer IR technology?
Multi-Layer IR is Zoom's approach to impulse responses: instead of a single IR, the technology combines 3 IRs recorded at different volumes to recreate the sound and feel of an amp and cabinet. Zoom's own Multi-Layer offerings are captured at three different volumes, which the company claims results in a more realistic tone than a single capture.
Does the MS-80IR+ have a headphone output?
Yes. The pedal has a built-in headphone output for practice, which Zoom says lets you practice anytime. Guitar World notes that one of the outputs can be set up for headphones, so the same jack that feeds an amp or front-of-house in a live rig can serve as your practice output at home.
How much does the Zoom MS-80IR+ cost?
Guitar World reported a price of $179 USD at the pedal's August 2024 announcement, noting that it just about undercuts the Boss IR-2 Amp & Cabinet pedal while offering presets and additional amp types. The pedal became available from September 2024.
How is the MS-80IR+ different from the MS-70CDR+?
Both are pedals in Zoom's next-gen MultiStomp series, but they are aimed at different jobs. The MS-80IR+ is an amp and cabinet simulator with IR loading, 23 amp models and additional effects. The MS-70CDR+ is the MultiStomp for guitarists focused on modulation, delay and reverb effects. Zoom's product range also includes the MS-200D+ and MS-50G+.
Sources (5)
- MS-80IR+ MultiStomp for Guitarists, ZOOM (zoomcorp.com)
- Zoom launches MS-80IR+ MultiStomp pedal with Multi-Layer IR, Guitar World, 2024-08-02
- MS-80IR+, Zoom Corporation
- MS-80IR+, ZOOM (zoomcorp.com)
- MS-80IR+, ZOOM
