Boss MD-500chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

A deep, flexible modulation workhorse that replaces multiple analog pedals. Multiple commenters describe swapping out Electric Mistress, Phase 90, CE-2, and other analog modulation pedals for the MD-500, citing its extensive tweakability, dual simultaneous effects, and robust build. One user called it 'huge' with 'madness' levels of adjustable parameters like rotary wheel speed and mic distance. Another praised its CE-1 circuit emulation as the best feature, especially programmable modulation placement relative to drive per preset.

Compared favorably to Strymon's Mobius on usability and price. Several users directly compared the MD-500 to the Strymon Mobius, generally preferring Boss's interface as more user-friendly and less fiddly with sub-parameters. One user chose the MD-500 over the Mobius specifically because it's $100 cheaper and supports two simultaneous mod effects. Another noted it stays on their board permanently and is '10 times easier to navigate' than Strymon gear, though opinions varied on ease-of-use tradeoffs.

Some frustration with MIDI setup, volume drop, and phaser/flange character. One user detailed that MIDI programming is a 'ballsbreaker' since the manual doesn't explain the A/B channel logic needed for external MIDI control. Another reported losing volume whenever any effect engages, with no apparent makeup gain control. A couple of users found the phaser and flange tones too clinical or digital-sounding, saying Boss 'falls a little short' compared to analog counterparts like the MXR Phase 90.