Boss MD-500 - Tremolo Modes

Boss MD-500 - Tremolo Modes

The Boss MD-500 offers up 4 different Tremolo modes.

 - Deluxe - This mode models the tremolo in a Fender Deluxe Reverb (Optical)

 - Twin - This mode models the tremolo in a Fender Twin Reverb (Optical)

 - Prime T - This is a catch all mode that should offer a wide array of tweaking options

 - Prime P - This is a mode dedicated to stereo tremolo. You will need to have a stereo setup or this mode will be useless to you.

Deluxe Mode

So we know optical tremolos are typically more fluttery and choppy, and that's exactly what we get with the Deluxe waveform.

Having played a Deluxe Reverb in real life, this is pretty true to form. There is very little off time in the trem cycle, and it almost sounds glitchy. I personally don't like the sound very much, but if you dig it, there it is.

Ultimately in this mode, the primary controls you've got are Speed, Depth, Effect and Direct Levels, Output Gain and tap tempo options. A couple options related to assigns. There isn't a whole lot to it, it is meant to give you the sound of a Deluxe Reverb. That's it.

Twin Mode

Next is the Twin mode which is a bit smoother in nature on the attack, but still not a smooth trem. Pictures are worth more than me explaining it.

I do not own a Twin, so I cannot comment on how accurate it is. But my guess would be they did a fine job here at the emulation. Controls are pretty much the same I mentioned as was on the Deluxe Mode.

Prime T Mode - Prime Tremolo

So this mode should be the end all, the bees knees, the tremolo mode that gives you so many options, you can't think straight...Except...it's really not.

The first new control this adds is "Waveform" So lets delve in and see what type of wave forms we have. Shall we?

... Uh...What?

Oh right... well I guess I'll dial in a wave form of 1 - 100... with no knowledge of what wave shapes those are. Let's go read the manual. I'm sure it'll tell us.

Doot dee doo...oh here we go. Alright, now we're in business.

... Thanks for phoning that in Boss, much appreciated.

Luckily I'm here to save you from having to figure this out.

Triangle Wave - Waveform = 1    Different Depth Settings

Tri/Square Mix - Waveform = 50       Different Depth Settings

Square - Waveform = 100                 Different Depth Settings

Notice how these look oddly familiar? Yea pretty much the Boss TR-2 wave shape range.

Next a control called "Rise Time" and I'm thinking to myself...Sweet you can control how quickly the wave form ramps up and falls off. But I was wrong there :) "Rise Time" relates to if you are using an assign and trigger an event. This controls how long it takes to reach full effect.

There is a parameter to control an envelope that modulates the depth of the Tremolo. You want to modulate speed with the envelope? As far as I am aware there is not a way to do it. Which seems like a waste to me. For such a fully featured pedal, there is sure a lot they left out. If someone knows how to do this in the MD-500 please let me know. 

There are a couple controls related to doing things with assigns, but if you aren't doing anything with assigns then those are pretty much useless. So what you are left with is basically TR-2 parameters, with the addition of control over volume boost and dry/wet signal and an added envelope for depth.

Prime P - Panning/Stereo Tremolo

The last mode in my opinion is the best. Anytime I start getting into Stereo tremolo I start to get giddy. I've rarely met a stereo trem I didn't like.

Now my gripe here, is that you could have simply allowed control of stereo spread on all modes... Moving on.

In fact, it'd be cool if you gave control over the stereo spread at all?! Nope. You simply get stereo here. So if that is something you are looking for. Look elsewhere. You wont find it here.

You would think that "Init Phase" might have something to do with it, but you'd be wrong. That has to do with assigns. 

Anyways, you pretty much get Prime T mode but in Stereo. Lets take a look at the wave forms.

Sine/Triangle Wave  - Waveform = 1            Different Depth Settings

Well I'll be damned. A sine wave...ish thing. Strangely enough as the depth is decreased this turns into a more triangle shape. A bit confusing, but very cool that you can get both shapes out of it. The panning here sounds awesome, very smooth, and very hypnotizing.

Triangle/Square Wave Mix - Waveform = 50          Different Depth Settings

At middle we are back to TR-2 like wave shapes. Just in stereo, which automatically makes it cooler.

Square Wave - Waveform = 100                 Different Depth Settings

If you have the DD-500 you'll know, they included an absolute CRAP TON of EQ options. EQ options on a Tremolo are absolutely awesome! They allow you to really tailer the sound to your liking and setup. Well Boss didn't even take a page from their own book on that one and included exactly 0 EQ settings to adjust.

Slowest Speed: 00.01 Hz - ~100,000 ms - 100 Seconds
Fastest Speed: 20.00 Hz - ~52 ms - .052 Seconds

 Pro's

 - Twin and Deluxe Tremolo emulations

 - Prime T Mode is pretty much TR-2 Mode with Extras...

 - Very useful having control of Output Volume, Effect and Direct levels

 - Midi

 - Assign options 
 - Ridiculous speed range

Con's

 -  So many missed control opportunities

        a - Stereo Spread

        b - Duty Cycle

        c - Leaning wave forms left or right

        d - Including more wave shapes, especially sine... 

        e - No EQ options
 - No inclusion of Harmonic Tremolo

Ultimately I think this is worth it if you are a big fan of the Deluxe and Twin tremolo. I also think the panning Tremolo is awesome despite its limitations. I personally was very disappointed in Prime T mode however. It is OK. If you are completely satisfied with a TR-2, you'll probably be satisfied with this pedal.

Tweaking Parameters of the Tremolo Modes

 

Comparing Modes to the Strymon Mobius