Zoom Ms-70 CDR

As I was looking for a compact and USB-powered multiFX box to go with my synth, I settled with the CDR-70, though the dual 5.35 jacks on the side were an issue for me, as it takes too much space, and that’s too much cables for my compact synth setup.

So I worked on a simple mod to add stereo 3.5mm input and outputs, that can be used in place of the side jacks. Turned out that it wasn’t too difficult to do as there’s some space inside the pedal and it can be easily disassembled. Here’s how it went:


First step was to open the pedal and search for suitable space. I settled for the space just below the 9V power plug, as there’s space for the two 3.5mm jack sockets side by side, and it would not be in the way of an angled USB cable.

Then I drilled the holes, at a very slow speed to not damage anything inside:

Finally, wire everything and we’re done:

That’s it! Now with angled USB and 3.5mm cable its footprint is really small, perfect for portable setups :slight_smile:

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What brand are the 3.5 mm cables ? They look very low profile.

It’s cablecreation cables bought on AliExpress, they’re very good quality-wise and I never found more compact connectors :wink:

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Can you share the part number and where you got the 3.5 female jacks?

These are the jack sockets I used: 5pcs Pj392 Stereo Female Sockect Jack 3.5 Audio Headphone Connector 3.5mm Stereo Headphone Audio Video Jack Socket Plug Hot Sale - Connectors - AliExpress

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Thanks.
I wish there was room for 2 x 1/4" TRS Jacks!

Just bought a MS-70 CD-R to add effects to my guitar to feed my MPC One. Will later (few months) purchase a synth. This MS-70 makes possible the order of a cheap synth. I don’t know yet which one. Maybe a Microfreak or Volca Keys or Typhon.

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Yes, ms70 cdr really makes shine any synth, cheap or not.
Speaking of Typhon, imho it doesn’t need external fx, as its own fxs are already amazing.
Depending on your budget, and the kind of sound you’re after, as 3 synths you talk about are very different.

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You’re right these synth are very different. I have to think about it. I’m not in a hurry. With the MPC I have a lot to explore again and I bought the FM plug-in OPX-4. Very powerful.
Microfreak (paired with the MS70) seems to be very fun. But these Typhon seems incredible also.
Regarding the MS-70 I used the Zoom Effects Manager 1.1.1 yesterday to add few distorsions and amp models from the MS-50 so I have all i need for my guitar. I plug it into the MPC through the MS. Despite what I thought I have no input level issues. Fantastic.
The MPC has a lot of reverbs, delays, distorsions, amp and much more. I could use it but MS ones are better for a guitar.

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Just bought it, and as usual, looked for and found some sysex unofficial access :slight_smile:

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