The Zoom MultiStomp MS-70CDR is a multi-effects pedal from Zoom that puts chorus, delay and reverb into a single stompbox-sized unit. Zoom calls it "the first of its kind" in the MultiStomp line1. It launched in 2012, and Guitar World later described that debut as having "launched a quiet revolution when it landed way back in 2012"2.
Where Zoom's other MultiStomp pedals of the time carried amp and overdrive models, the MS-70CDR deliberately leaves those out. MusicRadar's review notes that it "does away with the MS-50G and MS-100BT's amp and overdrive models, and instead focuses its efforts on chorus, delay and reverb"3. The result is a pedal dedicated entirely to spatial and modulation effects, with stereo inputs and outputs for recording.
Chorus, delay and reverb in one MultiStomp
The MS-70CDR carries 86 effects covering modulation, reverb and delay, and you can chain up to six of them at once, saving each chain as one of 50 patches43. On the chorus side, Zoom provides 31 different chorus and modulation effects for guitar and bass, including phasing, flanging, tremolo and vibrato6.
MusicRadar's reviewer, Michael Astley-Brown, found real range across the categories:
- Choruses "range from the pristine Mirage to the warbly Clone"3
- Delays span "analogue-voiced classics to more out-there settings," including Trigger Hold Delay, which samples your guitar3
- Reverbs include Particle, with its "mangled reverberations," and Space Hole, whose modulation "soundscapers will love"3
The stereo output jacks are line level, so the pedal connects directly to recording gear as well as an amp1.
The controls
The original MS-70CDR is controlled with three push-button knobs that adjust onscreen parameters3. Guitar World's spec sheet lists the same three push-button knobs among its controls4.
The MS-70CDR+ changes this layout: parameters for each effect are adjusted with four encoder knobs, and the pedal adds a color LCD screen that changes according to the type of effect selected78.
| Control | MS-70CDR | MS-70CDR+ |
|---|---|---|
| Parameter knobs | 3 push-button knobs3 | 4 encoder knobs439 |
| Display | Monochrome | Color LCD that changes with effect type8 |
| Tuner | Not fitted | Onboard chromatic tuner810 |
| MIDI | None | USB MIDI for remote patch changes9 |
The MS-70CDR+ update
Zoom announced the MS-70CDR+ MultiStomp, the follow-up to the original decade-old MS-70CDR, with shipping from May 2024811. It is a multi-effects pedal in the MultiStomp line, with a metal chassis and up to six effects usable simultaneously8.
The MS-70CDR+ raises the effect count to 149 spatial effects, including chorus, delay, reverb, dynamics and filters7. The breakdown as announced:
- 43 chorus and modulation effects, including phasing, flanging, tremolo, vibrato, detuning and pitch shifting8
- 29 mono and stereo delays with times up to 4 seconds, covering self-oscillating to multi-tap and classic sounds8
- 58 stereo effects in total8
- Dynamics and filter options including EQs, compression and noise reduction8
Patch memory doubles: the MS-70CDR+ offers 100 user patch slots plus 80 factory preset patches, and still allows up to six effects simultaneously78. Its stereo input jacks accept passive and active guitars as well as line-level devices such as synthesizers7. The chassis is metal8, and power comes from two AA batteries, USB power or AC power810.
The MS-70CDR+ adds USB MIDI, so you can connect it to other MIDI gear to remotely trigger patch changes, something the original MS-70CDR cannot do9.
Zoom lists the MS-50G+ MultiStomp for Guitarists, the MS-200D+ MultiStomp for Guitarists and its own DC9V AC adapter as related products12.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's review of the original MS-70CDR was positive about the core sounds. On the reverbs, Astley-Brown wrote simply3:
"Reverbs sound great."
MusicRadar, reviewing the MS-70CDR3
His overall verdict:
"If you're after a highly tweakable chorus, delay and reverb pedal, the MS-70CDR is a worthy investment3."
MusicRadar, reviewing the MS-70CDR3
Guitar World's modulation pedals buying guide listed the MS-70CDR's unusual layout among its characteristics, alongside its 86 effects, six simultaneous, and its USB bus / 9V DC / AA battery power options4. When the MS-70CDR+ was announced, Zoom dubbed it "One small stomp for man… one giant leap for chorus, delays and reverbs"2.
Videos
ZoomSoundLab
Brett Kingman
PMTVUK
Questions
Does the Zoom MS-70CDR run on batteries?
Yes. It runs on two AA batteries, either alkaline or rechargeable NiMH, and Zoom quotes up to 7 hours of battery life with alkaline cells. It also powers from a USB bus connection or a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It powers up automatically when a connector is inserted into the input jack.
Is the MS-70CDR stereo?
Yes. It has stereo input jacks and dual line-level output jacks, so you can record its sounds in stereo. Guitar World's spec sheet lists two 1/4 inch TS inputs and two 1/4 inch TS outputs, plus USB. The MS-70CDR+ carries the stereo design forward and includes 58 stereo effects.
How many patches does the MS-70CDR store?
The original MS-70CDR stores 50 patches, each holding a chain of up to six effects. The MS-70CDR+ expands this to 100 user patch slots plus 80 factory preset patches you can use as starting points.
Does the MS-70CDR+ have MIDI?
Yes. The MS-70CDR+ has USB MIDI, so you can connect it to other MIDI gear and remotely trigger patch changes. The original MS-70CDR does not have this feature.
Does the MS-70CDR have amp models?
No. MusicRadar's review notes that it does away with the amp and overdrive models found in Zoom's MS-50G and MS-100BT, and instead focuses on chorus, delay and reverb. If you need amp and drive sounds, those live in the MultiStomp guitar models.
Does the MS-70CDR+ have a tuner?
Yes. The MS-70CDR+ has an onboard chromatic tuner that uses the color backlight for visual feedback. It supports all standard guitar tunings as well as open and drop tunings.
Sources (12)
- MS-70CDR MultiStomp Chorus / Delay / Reverb Pedal, ZOOM (zoomcorp.com)
- Zoom MS-70CDR+ MultiStomp: its best-value multi-FX updated, Guitar World, 2024-03-14
- Zoom MultiStomp MS-70CDR review, MusicRadar, 2013-11-26
- Best modulation pedals: our pick of the best mod effects, Guitar World, 2023-06-02
- MS-70CDR MultiStomp Chorus / Delay / Reverb Pedal, ZOOM
- MS-70CDR MultiStomp Chorus / Delay / Reverb Pedal, ZOOM
- MS-70CDR+ MultiStomp for Guitarists, Zoom Corporation
- Is the Zoom MS-70CDR+ MultiStomp 2024's compact multi-effects pedal bargain? 149 reverb, delay and modulation effects suggest it might be, MusicRadar, 2024-03-14
- MultiStomp Chorus / Delay / Reverb Pedal, ZOOM
- MS-70CDR+ MultiStomp for Guitarists, Zoom Corporation
- Zoom unveils the MS-70CDR+ offering over 140 effects, guitar.com, 2024-03-14
- MS-70CDR+ MultiStomp for Guitarists, Zoom Corporation
