Zoom MS-70CDR / WonkoMusic

What it is

The MS-70CDR is the original MultiStomp Chorus / Delay / Reverb pedal. It packages 86 effects covering chorus, delay, and reverb into a small stompbox with two ASCII-style footswitch-driven patch controls, a backlit LCD, and a tuner. Zoom's product page describes it as offering the capability of a rack-mounted multi-effects unit in a pedal-sized format. Unlike the earlier MS-50G and MS-100BT, it does not include amp or overdrive models; its focus is on modulation, time-based, and reverb effects. The original should not be confused with the later MS-70CDR+, which has 149 effects, four encoder knobs, 100 patch slots, and USB MIDI connectivity for remote patch changes. Published sources differ on some original-model figures, such as the number of patch memories, so the specifications below follow Zoom's UK specification table. The pedal was released in the late 2010s as part of Zoom's push toward compact multi-effects for guitar and bass. Reviewers have generally valued its reverbs, delays, and choruses, while noting that the menu structure and small display make live patch navigation harder than with single-purpose pedals.

Specifications

Effects: 86 total; up to 6 used simultaneously, in any order
Patch memories: 50 (Zoom's text and feature list give conflicting preset counts)
Converters: 24-bit A/D and D/A, 128x oversampling, 44.1 kHz sampling
Processing: 32-bit floating point and 32-bit fixed point
Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+1 dB / -3 dB into 10 kohm)
Inputs: 2 x 1/4 inch phone jacks; rated input -20 dBm; input impedance 1 Mohm
Outputs: 2 x 1/4 inch phone jacks; maximum output +5 dBm (10 kohm load or more)
Power: 2 x AA batteries, about 7 hours on alkaline (5 hours in stereo); optional Zoom AD-16 adapter (DC 9V, 500 mA, centre-negative); USB bus power for firmware updates
Dimensions: 130.3 (D) x 77.5 (W) x 58.5 (H) mm
Weight: 350 g without batteries
Display and controls: Backlit LCD with contrast control; chromatic tuner with drop tunings; tap tempo; Auto Save; patch cycling of up to 26 patches
Included: Operation manual only

How it's used

Musicians most often use the MS-70CDR as a pedalboard space saver, replacing separate chorus, delay, and reverb pedals. It is placed on a guitar or bass signal chain, typically after the instrument and any drive pedals. Reviewers and users have also reported use in an amplifier effects loop, with synthesizers, and for ambient textures. Zoom says many of its effects are designed for bass guitar.

Suggested usage

Plan the power supply
The unit uses two AA batteries, which last about 7 hours on alkaline cells, or 5 hours in stereo. For longer sessions, Zoom's optional AD-16 adapter (DC 9V, 500 mA, centre-negative) avoids battery changes. The adapter is not included.
Tune in silence
The chromatic tuner can bypass the effects or mute the outputs, so you can tune without the signal reaching the amplifier.
Set delays to the tempo
Use tap tempo to match delay times and modulation rates to the song. One reviewer called tap tempo essential for any delay effect.
Use the line selector for signal order
A forum reviewer found the line selector useful for bypassing all effects or only those placed after it in the chain.
Check the tone with a trim
One reviewer heard a slightly artificial quality in some settings and reduced high-frequency content to compensate. Adjusting the tone control on the amplifier or a following pedal may help.
Practise patch changes before live use
Several reviewers describe the small display and patch navigation as the main weak points. Rehearse patch changes in advance, especially for live performances.

What reviewers said

MusicRadar
An older review that rated the pedal 4.5 out of 5. It praises the reverbs and the wide range of delay and chorus settings, and calls the pedal a worthwhile purchase for players who want tweakable chorus, delay, and reverb. It notes that the modulation options could be wider.
Geardiary
A 2018 review that finds many of the effects surprisingly good. It identifies a tuning issue, with the pitch-shifting algorithm running a few cents short of a full octave.
HubPages
A user review of about two years old. It finds the number of effects more than adequate and reports that the most common complaint concerns live use.
Harley Benton Club forum
A forum review that praises the reverbs, choruses, and delays and says the footswitching is quiet. Its criticisms are the lack of expression pedal support and menus that some find convoluted.
zZounds user reviews
User reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5 overall. Ease of use scored 3.5, sound 4, and value 4.5. One reviewer reports a slight change to the tone when the pedal is engaged. Some excerpts do not state whether they refer to the original model.
Audiofanzine user reviews
Nine French user reviews, machine-translated. One reviewer finds the sound quality variable depending on the effect but never poor. Another says the reverbs can sound thin and advises against the pedal if that matters to you.
Gearspace discussion
A forum discussion in which one user finds some effects weak, especially the filter, and notes that parameters cannot be controlled via MIDI on this model. The same user describes the unit as a set-and-forget device.

What it is

Specifications

How it's used

Suggested usage

Plan the power supply

Tune in silence

Set delays to the tempo

Use the line selector for signal order

Check the tone with a trim

Practise patch changes before live use

What reviewers said

Sources