The Ever-Enduring Zoom MS 70 CDR: A Comprehensive Review

Nov 20, 2023

Welcome back, gearheads! Today, we're taking an exciting venture down memory lane, revisiting Zoom's MS 70 CDR – a versatile digital multi-effects guitar pedal that has stood the test of over a decade. Since its release back in 2012, it's claimed the top spot as Amazon's number one selling multi-effects pedal. Is this ancient hero still worth considering for your gear setup in 2023? Will it add that much-needed magic to your pedalboard? Let's dive right into it and find out.

What's In a Name: The Zoom MS 70 CDR

Before we go any further, let's tidy up a mystery: the "MS 70 CDR." These characters represent chorus, delay, and reverb - the three-effect types this pedal brings to your toolbox.

Initially, the pedal incorporated around 86 effects within the categories of chorus, delay, and reverb. The upgraded version (the V2) we're focusing on has a stunning 137 effects.

So, for such a tiny standard-sized pedal, it sure packs quite a punch. It's even got a clear (albeit small) LCD screen for straightforward parameter access.

An Efficient All-Rounder

"There was a point to combining an analog-style enclosure with a fully digital pedal. It needed to be sturdy, small, and efficient. And that's what Zoom successfully delivered."

This pedal includes a few additional features, such as the ability to be powered by both a wall plug and batteries, ideal for on-the-go gigging. Not to mention the fully chromatic tuner and the handy stereo inputs and outputs – this makes it highly versatile, no matter your situation.

The Sound: Is It Still Worth It?

Okay, down to the nitty-gritty. What about the sound? Let's pick apart what this ever-popular pedal offers in terms of audio performance.

Despite its size and age, it remains a powerful unit. You have the option to stack six effects in a chain, which is an impressive feature for such a budget-friendly pedal. It can dish out a range of ambient sounds, perfect for musicians looking for lush chorus tones, ethereal delays, and mind-blowing reverb.

The Pros and Cons

No piece of gear is without its drawbacks. Here are notable negatives for the Zoom MS 70 CDR:

Some musicians find navigating the menus on the small screen challenging, specially during a live gig.- Depending on your amp combination, some users have reported a slight amount of hiss and noise.- Some of the effects can sound artificial, requiring some tweaking of the parameters.

Still, the Zoom MS 70 CDR has plenty of pros:

It offers plenty of variations (137 to be exact) among the three main effect categories.+ It's versatile and user-friendly, suitable for beginners and pros alike.+ It seamlessly integrates with tube amps or tube amp heads.+ The construction is robust and built to last.+ It hits the sweet spot for budget-conscious musicians seeking high-quality effects.

Wrapping Up

In 2023, is the Zoom MS 70 CDR a worthwhile addition to your pedal arsenal? Absolutely. Especially if you're a tube-amp tone lover seeking a solid, affordable, and versatile tool for your creative pursuits. It's a good investment that meets the needs of various musicians while maintaining its budget-friendly appeal.

That sums up today's review. If you've been using the Zoom MS 70 DCR, we'd love to hear your thoughts about this classic yet versatile pedal. Leave us your opinions and experiences in the comments below. And as always, keep playing, keep rocking out, and stay awesome!