Put 28 different modulation effects under your feet with the BOSS MD-500 pedal for electric guitar and bass. Both standard effects and previously unavailable original processes are available in this stompbox, making it suitable for lovers of classic chorus, trusty tremolo, and reliable rotaries, as well as aficionados of more esoteric effects, like Slicer (based on the BOSS SL-20) and Overtone (based on the BOSS MO-20).

The MD-500 provides its sound using 32-bit AD/DA conversion, 32-bit floating-point processing, and sampling rates of 96 kHz, in order to achieve a large and precise range of expression while maintaining utter transparency, free of unwanted digital artifacts. With a panoply of parameters in every effects type, you’ll find more than enough control for shaping your tone. In addition to dedicated panel knobs for effect depth and level, you’ll also be able to perform extensive editing via the LCD screen and quadrumvirate of push-buttons. A tap tempo/control footswitch offers more in the way of on-the-fly manipulation, while the A and B footswitches provide bank selection tools, as well as multiple instantiation options, such as A/B Simul (two effects patches at once in either series or parallel), or parallel to do different destinations via the stereo outputs on the real panel.

Speaking of I/O, the MD-500 gives you a bevy of possibilities, what with its dual inputs for stereo instruments, dual outputs, expression/control jack, and MIDI I/O. All in all, you’ll find 297 built-in patch memories in the unit itself, though you can also interface via USB with Editor/Librarian software on your computer for remote editing, storing your custom patches, and more. This pedal runs on four AA batteries, or by means of a power adapter, available separately.

28 Modulation Effects in 12 Modes    Stereo I/O    Chorus, Flanger, Tremolo, Phaser & More    Run 2 FX Simultaneously    Run 2 FX in Parallel or Series    Tap Tempo/Control Footswitch    Top-Panel Knobs for Broad Control    LCD & Buttons for Extensive Editing    Control/Expression Jack & MIDI I/O    Included Editor/Librarian Software

A/B Simul lets you run two patches at once. A selectable series or parallel connection enables all sorts of tone-shaping possibilities, and you can even send each effect to its own separate output if you like. The MD-500 also features an external loop that lets you insert gain and drive pedals, and set the ideal effect order on a per-patch basis. For example, you can place a phaser or classic vibe before a drive pedal in one patch, while putting a flanger after the drive in the next. When you're in A/B Simul mode, it's even possible to position the loop between two different mod effects.

The MD-500 offers freely assignable switches and extensive real-time controls. By default, the A, B, and TAP/CTL switches offer control for patch/bank selection and bypass, plus tap tempo or real-time adjustment of one or more parameters. However, the switches can be customized to access three different mod patches, A/B Simul mode, and other functions. Via the rear-panel CTL 1,2/EXP jack, you can plug in up to two footswitches for further control, or an expression pedal to adjust wah, effect rate, and other parameters. MIDI I/O is also included, enabling further creative possibilities with advanced setups.

• Effects delivered with 32-bit AD/DA, 32-bit floating point processing, and 96 kHz sample rate
• 12 modes and 28 modulation types, all with extensive editing parameters
• Classic, though updated, BOSS modulation effects 
• A/B Simul mode for using two patches at once, with your choice of series/parallel connection, mixed, or split A/B output
• Insert Loop function allows you to use mod effects before, after, or around drive pedals
• Graphic LCD and intensive real-time control options
• 297 onboard patch memories and hands-on controls
• Selectable buffered-bypass or true-bypass operation
• MIDI I/O for interfacing with MIDI control devices
• USB-MIDI for connecting to the MD-500 Editor/Librarian or a DAW
• Runs on four AA-size batteries or PSA-series AC adapter (available separately)

• Chorus: Prime, CE-1 Chorus, CE-1 Vibrato, and TRI-CHO
• Flanger: Prime G (for guitar) and Prime B (for bass)
• Phaser: Prime G (for guitar), Prime B (for bass), and Script
• Classic Vibe: Chorus (mixed output) and Vibrato (effect-only output)
• Vibrato: Prime and Scanner (a tonewheel organ-style vibrato)
• Tremolo: Prime T and Prime P, plus Twin and Deluxe amp-style tremolo
• Dimension: Models Roland SDD-320 Dimension D rack unit; includes the original four sound modes and a fifth mode new to the lineup, plus a user setting for saving any combination of modes
• Ring Mod: Classic ring modulation effects, plus Intelligent mode for enhanced clarity when playing scales
• Rotary: Vintage rotating speaker effect with slow and fast speeds
• Filter: Auto wah and touch wah (with independent types optimized for guitar and bass), plus pattern filter type
• Slicer: Original BOSS effect derived from the popular SL-20 Slicer, with programmable options not available in the SL-20 pedal
• Overtone: Original BOSS effect based on the MO-2 Multi Overtone pedal; uses MDP tech to alter the input signal’s pitch and harmonic characteristics, allowing you to create interesting sound textures

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Australia voltage is 240V but this 220V version is just 20V under. Will it work in Australia?

A: I don't know. I live in Russia

Q: 2. What are the dimensions (out of the box) of this device? Thanks!

A: Height 4.3 Width 26 Depth 19.3 Weight 25.1 lbs.

Q: 3. Hello, you work it with French standards? thank you

A: Yes the DataVac Electric Duster 500 (220V) will work with French standard electricity.

Q: 4. Effects can be added or swapped in and out using Zoom Guitar Lab software. –Does the G1 also have access to the effects found in the (different colored) Zoom B1 (Bass) and A1 (Acoustic) pedals?

A: No, it does not.

Q: 5. What is the gain rain of the preamps?

A: The gain range is -5dB to +58dB

Q: 6. Can it be used to clean the dust off speaker driver (Edifier S3000 Pro)?

A: No, the METROVAC DataVac Electric Duster 500 is not recommended for use to clean the dust off of a speaker driver. The force of the air may be too strong and could permanently damage the speaker. Instead, use a soft brush or a vacuum hose with a soft brush attachment to remove the dust. You could also try to carefully use a can of compressed air in short bursts from a slight distance to avoid damage from the air pressure, but the soft brush is probably the safest method.

Q: 7. Can I use this with the Roland AX Edge? Is is 100% compatible?

A: Yes it will work with the Roland ax edge, or any audio gear with 1/4 trs output.

Q: 8. Will this work in USA as well as Europe? Is it a switching power supply? VS the regular 110v model?

A: Hi. No switching supply in this model. For US is 110v, for EU 220v, but no more difference.

Q: 9. What does three pronged european plug mean exactly? A grounded schuko or a flat pronged uk plug?

A: Mine was a two prong schuko, not three prong

Q: 10. In Sweden we have 230V.. I guess it will still work there as according to a previous question it works in Australias 240V.Will it work in Sweden?

A: Hi Oskar,I think it will work properly in Sweden, I use it in Israel where we have 220V and on the device itself it says 230V so i guess it will be fine.The exact spec written on it is this: 230V 50Hz 2.3A