The MS-3 from BOSS is a multi-effects switcher designed for electric guitar and bass. It combines the switching aspects of a multi-pedal switcher (so that you can turn whole effects-chains on and off with one footswitch) with a multi-effects engine equipped with BOSS processing, such as distortion, chorus, flanging, and more. With this pedal, you can activate and control six built-in pedal effects alongside—and woven between—three external pedals.

If you utilize a dual-amp setup on stage, the pedal will let you select between your amplifiers or run them in stereo. Also provided is a MIDI output jack, so you can send tempo, CC, and PC messages to compatible devices.

The MS-3 offers three different loop paths, each with its own send/return I/O. You’ll also note the TRS control I/O, which lets you integrate outboard switches and expression pedals for deeper modulation of onboard effects parameters. Two different modes are provided on the pedal: Memory and Manual. Memory mode allows you to use the four footswitches to select among patches and banks, while Manual mode gives you the ability to switch various loops on and off, and provides some control of processing parameters to boot.

Measuring 9.7 x 3.8 x 2.7", the MS-3 is a relatively compact solution for sporting the feature-set it carries; you could place this pedal on a conventional board and still have room for three or more stompboxes. The unit ships with an AC adapter and four rubber feet.

For Electric Guitars & Basses    Effects Switcher & Effects Engine    Weave Onboard FX With Outboard Pedals    Memory Mode for Patch/Bank Switching    Manual Mode for Loop/FX On/Off    3 Paths of Send/Return I/O    Control I/O for Switches & EXP Pedals    2 x Out for Stereo/Dual Mono Amp Setups    5-Pin DIN MIDI Output for PC, CC & Tempo    Relatively Compact at 9.7 x 3.8 x 2.7"

• Integrated solution for creating a compact pedalboard
• Six simultaneous pedal effects and audio loops for connecting three external pedals/pedal loops
• 112 built-in effects types for guitar and bass, including delays, reverbs, mod/pitch effects, overdrives, distortions, and more
• Intuitive user interface for easy patch creation
• Backlit LCD, editing knobs, and panel LEDs for on/off status of loops and effects
• Control assign, wave pedal, and other functions for real-time expression
• Equipped with numerous jacks for amp channel switching, effects control, and more
• MIDI output for working with MIDI-enabled effects
• Built-in tuner, noise suppressor, and global EQ
• USB for patch creation and backup via free MS-3 Editor/Librarian software

Via the MS-3's audio loops, you can connect three different effects devices to the system. Once your pedals are connected, you're able to switch the loops on/off individually, and position the MS-3's onboard effects around them any way you want.

To complement the three external loops, the MS-3 is equipped 112 effects types on board, organized into six simultaneously available categories: FX1, FX2, Mod1, Mod2, Delay, and Reverb. FX1 and FX2 contain many different processors, including overdrives, distortions, compressors, pitch shifters, and more. Mod1 and Mod2 offer traditional BOSS chorus and vibrato effects, as well as tremolo, flanger, phaser, and more. All the effects are suitable for guitar, though there's also a large selection specially optimized for bass.

The MS-3's heavy-duty footswitches give you easy command of the entire system. In Memory mode, the footswitches allow you to select patches and banks. Changing to Manual mode lets you switch loops and effects on/off, and even control multiple effects parameters for intense real-time expression. Your Manual mode assignments can be stored in patches, letting you create dynamic custom setups for different songs and styles.

The MS-3 lets you connect external footswitches for tap tempo, effects on/off, and parameter adjustment, as well as expression pedals for volume, wah, pitch shift, and more. Control out jacks are available for switching amp channels and controlling effects that support external input. A 5-pin DIN MIDI output jack allows you to send tempo, PC, and CC information to MIDI-enabled pedals, whether they're connected to loops or not. In addition, the MS-3's two audio outputs can be set for full stereo or selectable mono operation per patch, providing flexibility with dual amp rigs.

The MS-3 supports USB for accessing the free MS-3 Editor/Librarian software on Mac or Windows computers. This lets you edit effects, assign control parameters, set tempos, and accomplish more tasks by means of its convenient graphic interface. You can also create backups and restore individual patches, as well as organize groups of patches into Live Sets for various gigs.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can you gain the output to the cam and by how much, i.e. turning audio on Canon to a notch above zero so to send a hot signal from the tascam and get a decent audio recorded so to avoid later syncing from the double system?

A: Under Menu Monitor, you can set the Camera Out port to either CAM level or LINE level, and there is a separate Output Gain for that port as well, that goes from -12db to +12db.I tried to record to a 5D Mark III, by setting the 5D's audio to manual and turning the gain just 1 click to the right. I set the DR70D to CAM output, and with the gain turned up to +12, the levels still weren't reaching the optimum spot on the camera meters.So I set the Output to LINE instead, and the camera levels jumped up considerably. It describes it in the Tascam Reference book that if the camera levels are too low using CAM setting, to switch over to LINE.I haven't done a comparison to see if LINE is as clean as CAM though.

Q: 2. Does this recorder provide multitrack interface for sound editors, when it is attached to computer via USB?

A: The Tascam DR 70D will not be recognized as an interface when connected to a computer. The USB is only able to be used for data transfer from the SD card.

Q: 3. Has anyone tried the built-in mic? Is it good? Compare to the Zoom H6's built-in mic?Thanks

A: Its not bad! I wouldn't use it as a primary mic, but its good for nat sound and stuff like that. Its a little better than the h4n built in mic. I havent used the h6

Q: 4. Can you solo tracks while recording and playing back?

A: Each track is independant can be on or off and generate his own file

Q: 5. can i use it for audior recording purpose?

A: Yes.The unit's features and functions are explained here:a href= http://tascam.com/product/dr-70d/ target= _blank http://tascam.com/product/dr-70d//aAn Owner's Manual is available on the DOWNLOADS tab.Thank you for your interest in TASCAM products.

Q: 6. Is there support to control DJI gimbals via the same controller?

A: Yes, the Waterbird MS PRO 150 Multi Slider Mark II (59") does have support for mounting and controlling DJI gimbal models. Please see the adapter listed below: Waterbird Slidekamera DJI Ronin Stabilizer Adapter BH #WASKRONIN

Q: 7. Hello, the audio recorder seems to be separating each track into a different file, is there a way to avoid this while recording or do it in post? Thanks

A: Hi Carlos- If you're only recording mono, i.e. one single mic, just turn off any channels you don't want to record. Likewise for stereo recording; just turn off any channel(s) without input. (Menu/Basic/Record...) Otherwise, these devices by default record individual files for every track- this is the typical workaround for the limitations with recording audio on DSLR cameras.When I edit with multiple files like this (e.g.: a-Sound on one channel-Nat sound on another), I generally do a sub-edit in one sequence, and copy/paste those edited clips into the master edit. You could also sync the video and related audio channels in one sequence, then export the whole thing as a self-contained file with whatever audio config you want (1ch stereo, 2 monos, etc.). When you bring that clip back into your project, it would then have the audio embedded with the video. Hope that helps...

Q: 8. Can any one recommend a shotgun mic for me to best work with this device? (under $400) Right now, I am looking at NTG2 and MKE600, which one is better? Or any other suggestions.The use of the mic will be very mixed. voice over, conversations, field recording...Thanks a lot.

A: In a quiet room set up close to the speaker, yes, it's a very good mic. I use it for street interviews, and back up audio in controlled environment interviews (indoors).

Q: 9. Can you recharge rechargeable AA batteries in the Tascam or do you have to recharge separately?

A: You will have to recharge batteries out of the recorder on a seperate wall charger.

Q: 10. Does this device have a video monitor output?

A: Yes it does.