Zoom MS50G MultiStomp

The Zoom MS-50G MultiStomp packs a multi-effects processor into a single stompbox, an idea Zoom claims was the first of its kind¹. The current version, the MS-50G+, arrived in October 2023 as a next-generation successor to the original MS-50G, and essentially puts Zoom's latest G2 Four multi-effects pedal into a compact chassis². You can chain up to six effects simultaneously in a single preset, drawn from a library that now stands at 102 effects³⁴.

Where a typical multi-effects unit is a floorboard or tabletop box, the MultiStomp is the size of one ordinary pedal, built with a metal frame Zoom says is designed to withstand the rigors of live performance³. For a player building a first board, it can stand in for several pedals at once; for an experienced player, it works as a utility pedal alongside existing drives and delays.

Six effects at once in a single stompbox

The core idea of the MultiStomp line is that one pedal-sized box can be several pedals at once. Users can combine up to six effects simultaneously in a single preset⁴, and you chain up to 6 effects to design and save your own custom patches³. MusicRadar described it as "another seriously flexible solution which, incredibly, allows up to six effects simultaneously"⁸.

The effects library covers the main categories a guitarist needs:

• Drives, Modulations, Delays, Reverbs, Compressors, Filters, and Special Effects³
• 22 amp models with cabinet modeling, where any amp model can be paired to any cabinet model⁷
• Preamps developed with Multi-Layer IR technology³

The amp models include emulations of classic and contemporary tube and solid-state amplifiers⁷. MusicRadar's review of the original MS-50G noted the lineup includes three Fenders ('65 Twin Reverb, '65 Deluxe Reverb, Tweed Bassman), a Vox AC30 and a Marshall Plexi¹. Guitar World's review of the MS-50G+ observed that the preamp names make their intentions obvious, for example MS 1959 is going for a Marshall Plexi sound⁶.

The MS-50G+ offers 102 effects in total, and you can chain up to six of them to design and save your own custom patches⁴⁹.

The controls: four encoders, color screen and footswitches

Operating the pedal centers on a color LCD and four knobs. Adjusting and tweaking parameters for each effect is done with the four encoder knobs⁹. The LCD screen changes color to distinguish each category of effects while scrolling, which gearnews noted helps navigation on dim stages³⁴.

On the original MS-50G, the footswitch is surrounded by a four-way cursor that lets you navigate around the screen, and it can be set up for tap tempo¹. Holding the footswitch down calls up an automatic chromatic tuner that can be switched to recognize several altered tunings¹. On the MS-50G+, the onboard chromatic tuner uses the color backlight for visual feedback and supports all standard guitar tunings as well as open and drop tunings³.

One caveat from MusicRadar's review of the original: in patch-list mode, called up by pressing the center knob so the patch list is in the display, the effect bypass function is out of use¹.

Power and connections: 9V, USB-C or AA batteries

The MS-50G+ runs on 2 AA batteries, USB power or AC power³. Guitar World's review lists the full picture as 9V DC (500mA), USB-C, or 2 x AA batteries⁶, and notes the 500mA draw is worth bearing in mind⁶. The USB-C port sits on the top side, in addition to a 9-volt power connection⁴.

Connections are simple: a mono jack input and stereo jack outputs⁴. The two ¼" outputs support stereo effects like reverbs, choruses and delays³. The original MS-50G can be powered from an AC adapter (sold separately) or via USB¹⁰.

Effects added through Guitar Lab

The effects library is not fixed at what shipped in the box. Guitar Lab, Zoom's free software, is now delivering 27 additional effects to the MS-50G+³. Recent additions include:

• December 2025: Added OverDrive¹¹
• January 2026: Added Modulation Delay 2¹¹
• June 2026: Added Stereo Guitar Graphic EQ7¹¹

On the original MS-50G, Firmware V3.0 is free to download and adds the MS-50G Effect Manager, a Mac and Windows app that gives access to a complete list of effects, letting you view, download and delete effects to customize the pedal¹⁰¹². Firmware V3.0 also adds 72 new effects to choose from¹³⁷.

What reviewers said

Guitar World's review of the MS-50G+ found it intuitive and easy to use, with one reservation¹⁴:

The same guide noted the controls can be quite fiddly, as the four rotary encoders are pretty small¹⁴. At launch, Guitar World's news coverage concluded that "Zoom has produced a compelling package here, assuming the sounds are up to snuff"², while also reporting that "hardcore MultiStompers will be a tad upset there are no MIDI or external footswitch options"².

Guitar World's Daryl called it "a great shout for amp modeling and effects on a tight budget," with "an excellent range of sound and the ability to use up to six sounds at any one time"¹⁵. In a Boss GX-1 review, Guitar World's Matt described it as "compact and affordable, a more traditional multi-effects pedal that does away with any amp models in favor of giving you six effects at a time with a huge array of options"¹⁶. The same review found the controls "can be quite fiddly," noting the four rotary encoders are pretty small¹⁴.

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