MD-200 Modulation Pedal Review

A great addition to modulate synthesizers

The MD-200 opens an entire new world of sonic features to my synthesizers. First of all, it took some time to get everything connected so that it works in a full stereo image. I finally managed this by connecting my MicroKorg through the MD-200 to a soundbar system with subwoofer so that the MD-200 L/R output is going into the 3.5 line input of my soundbar system. Might sound weird… read more to studio pros but I use a Denon soundbar system which provides true stereo clarity in highs and mid tones and a sub bass without distortion. Okay, once I got into the details of each knob of the MD-200, the magic has begun to unfold. I just used the Overtone and Slicer and both effects alone are worth to buy this pedal. The Overtone adds kind of a flutish octave plus to my MicroKorg's strings, awesome! The slicer works like a kind of rhythm pattern generator, the sound pattern it creates comes close to what sounds like some of the older Vangelis tunes like Chariots of Fire and adding a second synth with a Blade Runner theme like sound, well, this is what I was exactly looking for. I also tested the phaser, U-Vibes, rotary, chorus, flanger, but for me the true winner here are the Overtone and Slicer. Especially the Slicer feature has become my kind of rhythm machine now. The tap function of the MD-200 works flawlessly. Still, synth players like myself should know that a synth provides a different impedance than what a guitar does. There was some frustration at that point when I connected my Peak through the MD-200 to the RCA inputs of my Edifier monitors. This did not work out at all, although I tried every cable and adapter and Y-splitter, the Peak's audio signal stays weak and it is audible in mono on one channel only. No idea why. However, with the MicroKorg and Denon soundbar system it finally all worked out. I've been playing for hours with the MD-200 and there is still plenty of room to discover new sonic features. Kudos go to Sweetwater Music who always take great care of my orders and who give valuable advice if needed.

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Be all-end all box!

I've cleared out a ton of individual pedals with this box of magic. It does everything very well as do the DD and OD models. These are way more powerful than I'll ever need. I've been waiting for digital effects to catch up to analog and it's here. I'm a knob twiddler and don't go much past the surface of these and still highly recommend them. They've ended my G.A.S. for new pedals.… read more No more constant rotation on my board.

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Mike the Super Rep

This is not a review about a pedal or a product, those things do not really provide service, or care about how a customer feels. This is about Mike Johnson and the service he provides to make his customers happy (I know I am not the only one) and get them playing with the gear that make their lives enjoyable. And that's what a musicians life is all about in the end. I don't know… read more if I am close to record status for returns/exchanges but I am aware that my orders-reorders-returns-and exchanges could be less prompt. I usually don't have to wait more than 48 hours to get what I want(ed) and realize that delivery could take a week, trust me, I retired from FedEx and I know stuff like that happens, but never for me as related to Sweetwater and Mike. You got a great guy their Chuck and a pretty good company too!! Thanks for keeping my music flowing and evolving; and the revolving door of effects and those marvelous musical toys turning for a lot of years. Jeff Aitken, Terre Haute, IN.

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Bad blue box!

I purchased this bbb primarily for the flanger but it is much more than that. It has so many features that I can use for guitar and banjo that it makes me a happy guy. Thanks Boss and thanks Josh!

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Great pedal for keyboard

I've applied this pedal to a Roland RD-88 and it is a revelation! Right out of the box it has added impressive sonic possibilities to piano, electric piano, and organ. I haven't even begun fiddling with the factory parameter settings. Geoff Allen at Sweetwater was very helpful, as always, suggesting a number of multi-effects pedals I might consider, including this very reasonably… read more priced one. I was considering placing it after drive, but he suggested I try it before. That's how I've put it in the chain, and it works very well for adding a little bit of distortion to the already modified sounds. All in all, another great experience with Sweetwater. This pedal offers a lot to the keyboardist in a single, modestly priced unit.

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