This is my full review of the NUX MG-30 multi-effects processor pedal.

The NUX MG-30 is a great studio and recording tool offering great tones and presets made by professional musicians worldwide. Unlike most multi-effects pedals, NUX worked with artists to develop extremely musical presets, or you can start from scratch and build your own.

NUX MG-30 Review Video

Below is my deep-dive review and test of the NUX MG-30 modeler pedal.

Get the Best Deal on a NUX MG-30 here:

Walmart USA | Artist Guitars AU | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon de 

Musical Amp Simulations

The Nux MG-30 offers a mix of amplifier models, including Fender, Roland, Hi-Watt, Marshall, Soldano, Mesa Boogie, Dr. Z, and many more. Enough amps in the selection will work from jazz to country or blues to high-gain metal. 

NUX MG-30 Functionality

Functionality is sometimes the thing some multi-effects pedals lack regarding the user experience. NUX did a great job corresponding the dedicated hardware keys to the software and effects options. Unlike other effects in the same vein, the MG-30 offers dedicated keys for compressors, EQ pedals, Delays, Reverbs, Modulation, and amp selection. 

MG-30 New Processors

The NUX MG-30 is loaded with two new NXP RT processors giving it a fast response and low latency. When I recorded the backing track for this video, it felt natural and responded great.

The MG-30 features 30 amp models and can be used as an Audio Interface, MIDI device, and Effects Processor. In addition, it can support and drive Impulse Responses with a 1024 sampling rate, giving a more realistic amp sound. 

Get the Best Deal on a NUX MG-30 here:

Walmart USA | Artist Guitars AU | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon de 

Outputs

The outputs allow you to connect the MG-30 as an interface or go directly to a sound card thanks to the Left and Right output connectors.  

NUX MG-30 LCD Display Screen

The MG-30 has a 4” LCD; you don’t have to look directly down at it to see it easily. I can see it without an issue looking diagonally at it on my desk. It’s a full-color display that is easily viewed from most angles. Unfortunately, this 4” display is not a touch screen, so you must navigate using the dedicated hardware key and main function dial. 

Effects Routing Options

You have the option to customize Effects and Block Routing. This allows players to customize their effects chain and overall tone, or you can leave it as is and still get some great results. 

It has Post-EFX Parallel Routing, and the versatile I/O lets players adapt to their needs. In addition, it can be used together with the included Nux NMP2 Footswitch pedal to control signal blocks remotely.

QuickTone Editor Software

Connecting the MG-30 to a PC or Mac lets you use it with the QuickTone Editor Software. This interactive software lets you easily tweak parameters, download patches, load 3rd party IRs, and even set up a USB audio-stream routing in real time.

Phrase Looping, Tuner, and Drum Machine

The MG-30 has a Tuner and Phrase Looper. It uses a unique tuning algorithm that automatically compensates for the guitar fret layout. This allows can record of a 60-second mono phrase loop or 30 seconds loops with rhythm synchronization and a drum machine.

Where the NUX MG-30 Shines

These effects are great for home studio users or folks wanting to jam or record at any level. I wouldn’t say I like using these effects live personally, but they shine as a replacement for a Kemper, where getting IRs and recording at any volume is essential. If you want to use it as an amplifier, you can turn off the amplifier cab simulation and use it as a dedicated effects pedal. 

Get the Best Deal on a NUX MG-30 here

Walmart USA | Artist Guitars AU | Amazon Canada | Amazon UK | Amazon de | 

My NUX MG-30 Pros and Cons Review

The NUX MG-30 is a great multi-processor effects pedal. Whether you’re new to effects pedals like this or upgrading from a smaller unit, there’s much to offer.  The companion software works great for Mac and PC, allowing you to control the unit fully.

While I wouldn’t use this sort of effects pedal for live use because of the menu diving, making adjustments with digital pedals can be harder than typical analog effects in the context of a band mix.  If you’re a live player, stick to analog-style effects with tangible controls.  For studio use or for practicing, the MG-30 is a great choice. 

NUX MG-30 Alternatives

Check my post regarding the 7 best multi-effects pedals.  I would add the NUX MG30 to this list right alongside the Hotone Ampero. 

Ethics Disclaimer:

NUX provided this pedal for this review, and I was not paid to showcase it on my YouTube channel. NUX had no input into the video; my thoughts about it are mine.  This review was written on my behalf as a follow-up. 

The Mod Devices is a brand new approach to the multi-effects unit.  Saying “multi-effects” doesn’t really do this unit justice for several reasons.  The effects of this device cover more than just guitars.  The Mod Duo can be used for Bass, Violin, Acoustic Guitar, and also with Synth instruments.

The Mod Devices Mod Duo is a stereo and stereo out unit which can also be used in mono without any issues.  Not only does it have lots of great effects built in it can also be used as a loop station and a recording device.  For the home studio user, the device features amplifier emulation so tracking guitars with different parts and sounds has never been easier.

Effects Quality

One thing for sure is the effects sound legit.  I did a blind test at home and I couldn’t tell the difference between an all-analog Maxon OD808 and the same overdrive effect within the Mod Duo.

Not only do the effects sound great on their own but they also sound great stacked together which is generally the Achilles heel of digital effects.

Computer Interface

The computer interface couldn’t be easier.  Just hook the Mod Duo to your computer via USB and all you have to do is load up any browser of your choice and enter a local IP address for the pedal and you’re in. (See the video below for more details of the user interface).

How the Mod Duo Works

As soon as you drag and drop in your favorite effects to the board you’re good to go.  They kept things simple by making this a dual (duo) pedal. You can have as many effects going at once as you like but you can only turn two on and off at a time via the buttons on the front of the Mod Duo.  This means you can essentially have any combination of effects you like with the ability to turn only a couple off.  This is perfect for people who don’t want a million buttons to click on (i.e Line 6).  The big difference between the Mod Duo and a lot of other “digital pedals” is the fact this actually sounds and feels great to play.  Once it is set up for your sound it’s literally set and forget.  This type of simplicity is often overlooked in a lot of digital effects units.

One more great thing to point out is that you can also tweak the pedal settings via the two round controls/buttons on the top of the unit.  If you want more drive or volume for example – a few clicks and you’re good to go.

The menu within the pedal took some time to get a handle on, it didn’t feel 100% intuitive compared with what I was expecting so for best results hook it up to your PC or MAC (or Linux) for the best results.

Do You Need Drivers?

You don’t need to download any drivers or software to make this work either.  The pedal is very much like a computer as you can store as many settings as you like and I believe it also has its own CPU to speed up the process of saving and modifying items in preview mode.

With all this in mind, you can also take the pedal online to download even more patches and software.  There are way more patches than I showed in this video available online so if this type of pedal is up your alley be sure to check it out.

Overall

The concept of the Mod Duo is really quite great.  Having open-source software allows it to be added to by a wider community in the future.  Functionality-wise, this will never replace a row of actual effects on the floor.  Like many digital products, what it does – it does pretty well.