Video Chat with a Pro Audio Expert - Live

BOSS MD-500 Modulation Multi-Effects Pedal for Electric Guitars

BH #BOMD500 • MFR #MD-500
Print
BOSS MD-500 Modulation Multi-Effects Pedal for Electric Guitars
Key Features
  • 28 Modulation Effects in 12 Modes
  • Stereo I/O
  • Chorus, Flanger, Tremolo, Phaser & More
  • Run 2 FX Simultaneously
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).
More Details
Special Order
Expected availability: 2-4 Weeks
No Store Display
This item cannot be canceled or returned.
Free Standard Shipping
Protect Your Gear
Add a protection plan from $59.99
Ask an Expert
800-606-6969

BOSS MD-500 Overview

From Manufacturer

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.

A/B Simul Mode and Insert Loop Function Explained
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.
Control Possibilities
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.
Key Features at a Glance
  • 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)
Effect Types
  • 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
UPC: 761294511275

BOSS MD-500 Specs

Effect Type
Chorus / Filter / Flanger / Modulation / Phaser / Ring Modulator / Rotary / Slicer / Tremolo
Instrument
Guitar
Controls
2x A/B Switch
1x Tap/Ctl Switch
2x Down/Up Button
1x Exit Button
1x Edit Button
1x Mode Knob
1x Rate/Value Knob
1x Depth Knob
1x Effect Level Knob
2x Parameter Knob
Bypass Type
Buffered Bypass or True Bypass (Selectable)
Presets
297
Sample Rate
96 kHz
Bit Depth
32-Bit AD/DA Conversion
32-Bit Float DSP
Connectivity
Inputs/Outputs
2x 1/4" Instrument Input (L/Mono or L/R Stereo)
1x 1/4" TRS Footswitch/Expression Input
1x DIN 5-Pin MIDI Input
2x 1/4" Output (L/Mono or L/R Stereo)
1x DIN 5-Pin MIDI Output
USB
1x USB-B
Audio Interface Capability
No
Media/Memory Card Slot
No
Mobile App Compatible
No
Wireless
No
Power
Input Power
9 VDC at 225 mA
AC/DC Power Adapter
Boss PSA-Series, 9 VDC at 500 mA, Center-Negative (Not Included)
Battery
4 x AA (Included)
Up to 4.5-Hour Runtime, Dependent on Settings and Battery Type
Physical
Display
Backlit LCD
Dimensions
6.7 x 5.4 x 2.4" / 17 x 13.8 x 6.2 cm
Weight
2.2 lb / 1 kg (with Battery)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
3.56 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
10 x 7.9 x 4.5"

BOSS MD-500 Reviews

See any errors on this page?
Whatever You Need, We've Got It