Notes: A modern modulation classic, the MD-500 offers a huge range of effects from chorus to phasers and beyond, many of them based on iconic Boss and Roland effects from the past. Great value for such versatility.
Supplier's notes:
Monster Mod Machine
Powered by advanced BOSS technology, the ultra-versatile MD-500 delivers nearly any type of modulation effect a musician could want, and then some. Included are 28 different algorithms with intensive programming parameters, offering a nearly limitless sound palette to create with. And with class-defying 32-bit AD/DA, 32-bit floating point processing, and 96 kHz sampling rate throughout, you'll enjoy pristine sound quality that extends beyond the capabilities of the very best studio hardware.
Effects in the MD-500 include many new Prime types developed with cutting-edge BOSS tech, plus authentic sonic recreations of vintage classics like the CE-1 Chorus Ensemble, Roland Dimension D, '70s script phaser, '80s tri-chorus, and numerous others. With the ability to use two patches at once with A/B Simul mode, the MD-500 can likely cover all your mod needs with one convenient pedal. And by inserting drive pedals in the MD-500's flexible external loop, it's easy to place mod effects before, after, or around the loop as needed for the very best sound.
Twelve Modes and 28 Mod Effect Types
The MD-500 includes 12 modes with 28 different mod effect algorithms, and every one of them has been newly developed specifically for this pedal. All the go-to standards are here: chorus, vibrato, flanger, phaser, tremolo, rotary, classic vibe, and ring mod. Auto wah and touch wah effects are on hand too, plus BOSS originals like Slicer and Overtone. Slicer fans will welcome the ability to program custom patterns, an additional feature to the original SL-20 Slicer pedal. And with the MD-500's spot-on recreation of Roland's Dimension D from the 1980s, you can add amazing width and depth with one of the most revered studio rack effects of all time.
Prime Tone
For the MD-500, standard effects like chorus, flanger, phaser, and others have been refreshed with BOSS's advanced new Prime algorithms. Using ultra-fast, high-powered DSP and the latest technology, BOSS engineers have reimagined these essential effects for enhanced expression, extended range, and maximum transparency. With an array of adjustable parameters per type, you have a massive range of sound-shaping potential at your fingers. Some effects even have all-new parameters never seen in BOSS effects before, such as the "Bell" and "Sweetness" settings included in the Prime Chorus algorithm.
Extraordinary Sound
The MD-500 features 32-bit/96 kHz AD/DA, exceeding all industry standards for pedal-based effects. All internal processing is 32-bit floating point and runs at a 96 kHz sampling rate as well, delivering pristine sonic quality that goes beyond the highest-level digital processors used in top pro studios. And with selectable true-bypass or buffered-bypass operation, you can choose the best setting to suit the needs of any pedalboard setup.
Advanced Interface, Intuitive Operation
The MD-500 is equipped with a large LCD that clearly shows the patch name and other vital performance information. It also makes it easy to view and adjust the unit's deep editing parameters and advanced control features. With the grab-and-go panel knobs, you have top-level access to essential adjustments like depth and effect level, plus two parameter controls that change dynamically with the selected effect type. And via USB, you can connect with the free MD-500 Editor/Librarian on your computer for remote editing, patch backup, and more.
A/B Simul Mode and Insert Loop Function
A/B Simul mode further extends the MD-500's versatility by letting 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, and a chorus or flanger after the drive in the next. And when you're in A/B Simul mode, it's even possible to position the loop between two different mod effects.
Specifications
Sampling Frequency: 96 kHz
AD/DA Conversion: 32 bits
Processing: 32-bit floating point
Modes: 12 modes- CHORUS, FLANGER, PHASER, CLASSIC VIBE, VIBRATO, TREMOLO, DIMENSION, RING MOD, ROTARY, FILTER, SLICER, OVERTONE
Memory: 198 (99 banks x 2 [A] [B]), 297 (99 banks x 3 [A] [B] [C])
Nominal Input Level: INPUT A/MONO, B: -10 dBu
Maximum Input Level: INPUT A/MONO, B: +8 dBu
Input Impedance: INPUT A/MONO, B: 1 M ohm
Nominal Output Level: OUTPUT A/MONO, B: -10 dBu
Maximum Output Level: OUTPUT A/MONO, B: +8 dBu
Output Impedance: OUTPUT A/MONO, B: 2 k ohms
Recommended Load Impedance: OUTPUT A/MONO, B: 20 k ohms or greater
Bypass: Buffered bypass or True bypass (with relays)
Controls:
A switch, B switch, TAP/CTL switch
DOWN button, UP button, EXIT button, EDIT button
MODE knob, RATE/VALUE knob, DEPTH knob, E.LEVEL knob, PARAM 1 knob, PARAM 2 knob
Display: Graphic LCD (128 x 64 dots, backlit LCD)
Connectors:
INPUT (A/MONO, B) jacks, OUTPUT (A/MONO, B) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
CTL 1,2/EXP jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
USB COMPUTER port: USB type B
MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
DC IN jack
Power Supply: Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4, AC adaptor (sold separately)
Current Draw: 225 mA
Expected battery life under continuous use: Alkaline: Approx. 4.5 hours
* These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
Accessories:
Owner's manual
Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY"
Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
Options (sold separately)
AC adaptor: PSA-S series
Footswitch: FS-5U, FS-5L
Dual Footswitch: FS-6, FS-7
Expression Pedal: FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, Roland EV-5
Size and Weight
Width: 170 mm / 6-3/4 inches
Depth: 138 mm / 5-7/16 inches
Height: 62 mm / 2-1/2 inches
Weight (including battery): 1.0 kg / 2 lbs 4 oz
* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
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