Zoom 509 Dual Power Modulator

I just purchased the zoom 509 pedal about a month ago. At first it seemed kind of confusing, and I basicly gave up on it. A little while after I started working with it and trying out things. To get your moneys worth out of it, you have to just experiment and try things. Overall it's basicly easy to use once you get the hang of it.

The sound quality seemed very good for the price. I got mine brand new for only $70.00. The sounds are very clear and it has quite a few small adjustments and it also has a tuner. I was somewhat disappointed in the choices of effects on it though. There really isn't any distortion or a type of blues sound.

It uses up alot of battery power quickly. I wouldn't recommed using it at a gig without a backup. It isn't real high quality, but it is perfect for a beginner who wants something cool to play with.

I've never dealt with the company, so I can't really answer this question.

Overall it is a pretty all around good pedal. I wouldn't recommend it for an advanced player though. It seems to be getting out-dated and I would look for something more advanced and expensive if you are playing live and in a band. I just play at home, and it is perfect for me.

Yeah. it's pretty easy to use, I had a 505 before it so I know what I'm doing there. Some bits aren't particualrly logical and it was pretty hard getting the hamroniser to do it's job, but the instructions were pretyt useful - mine came in 8 different languages!

Hmmm some of the sounds do sound a bit weak in comparison to stompbox or rack versions, like the phaser isn't as good as my Boss Duper Phaser but I swear you can get some real crazy sounds with it if thats what you're after. I play a bit of Korn and you can get good approximations of some of their crazy sounds they have in soem of their songs.....pitchshifter is excellent, so is tremolo. But the main advtnage is that you can combine two totally different efefcts to get strange new sounds!!!! Yeah, I could hear some gain loss on it but my guitar's active anyway so it doesn't matter much.

I've not gigged it yet, but will be soon. I would trust it, but would take good care of it. It's not going to survive being thrown into a moshpit but if you take care of it it will be ace.

Not dealt with em......

This is not for everybody, if you want great classic guitar sounds then you might not like it (though the tremolo is great) but if you're into making new sounds up and experimenting or if you're on a budget then it's perfect. With a delay pedal and a wah-wah I can conjure up almost every Rage Against The Machine song with it (buy the expression pedal and you have yourself a budget whammy pedal!!!!)

Super easy

I've used with several configurations, since acoustic until digital sound, and yet is not noisy, the effects sound too bad, too beginner.

Just dont't use it

Very good

I play acoustic music and i'll never use it on a gig. Was a waste of money. If anyone wants it i'll sell it cheap.

It's kind of easy to use at home, though very annoying to edit the patches. Each effect itself is easy to configure, since they don't have much options. The annoying part is the tiny little buttons that will make you bend over and over for each try. The manual is okay if you have the time and patience to figure out the messy big table included. If you use a lot of effects like I do, it will be a pain to use it on stage, because you only have two switches to browse through the patches.

I'm currently using only a Boss Metal Zone (MT-2) before the zoom, and my Crate GX-80 after it. Eventually I use a Dunlop Cry Baby. In all cases I never had any problem with noise, it's sounds REALLY clear. Overall, the effects are a bit weak, specially the equalizers. The so called "intelligent" pitch shifter (the harmonizer) sounds more like a retarded dumb idiot pitch shifter. It sounds really bad on my guitar, I have this unit for about 2 years now and still haven't figure how to make it acceptable, even without distortion. If you know any trick, please e-mail me, I'll be very thankful since this is the main reason why I chose this 509 instead of the 505. One great thing is the control pedal jack, with an optional pedal (that you can make at home using a simple volume pedal) will sound great with the pitch shifter (the normal pitch shifter, not the harmonizer). I can get sounds like Joe Satriani's whammy pedal in "Cool #9" or Steve Vai's in "Touching Tongues". It's really cool. The chorus and phaser will sound ok, the flanger could be stronger. And those "step" effects are totally useless, they sound awful. The so-called delay effect has a maximum delaying time of about 200ms (can't figure out why), so you will only use it eventually as a reverb (?!). I've never really used it.

The unit it pretty strong, but if you don't clean it regularly the tiny "edit" and "save" switches will jam. You'll have to open the unit and clear them again. I think they could be better. For a live performance, I'll stand on what I've said before: It'll be a little annoying because you have only 2 switches (forward and backward) to browse through the patches. If you use more than 3 effects on some tune you'll notice it gets hard.

No idea. By the way, have you ever dealt with ANY customer support service that made you happy? ;-)

I've been playing for about 9 years. I play basically heavy metal and some progressive stuff. I bought it because of the harmonizer and the delay effects, and both suck. My advice: the 505 model. I kinda like this unit, but I think that's only because I don't have any other. Sometimes I still regret.
Please contact me if you share the same problem with the harmonizer, or if you have any tricks to make it work, or even if you want to trade some patches. By the way, I could make it sound exactly like Van Halen's distorted chorus by tweaking the pitch shifter, and through the equalizer plus my Metal Zone I got the same sound as that heavy Pantera distortion.

The initial patches are, generally, over the top for my liking, although they demonstrate the wide range you can get from this unit. Editing is quite easy and the manual is brief and to the point.

I've used stratocasters, telecasters, Ibanez les paul types, and even a jazz guitar through tube (fender super 6) and solid state (peavey bandit). There is a little noise but it works fine on stage, and is okay with my 4-track. There are 13 basic modulation-type effects, with some given different stereo and alternative settings, which add up to 20 different effect. Some of the effects are a little lifeless and there is a general digital sterility to the whole unit but there is nothing that is "bad".

It is housed in a plastic container which has served me quite well stomping on at home, but I have felt it is a little flimsy onstage. Whilst it is designed as a stomp box, I feel stomping would not be a safe nor viable option. As I don't rely that much on effects a backup is not necessary in my case. However, if something like the chorus or flanger is vital to your sound I would keep a pedal like that handy.

Whilst I've never dealt with this company, so I cannot offer a useful rating in this category, my impression is that they would be okay in this regard.

I play a variety of styles of music (excluding heavy metal and hard rock types) and this unit gives a wide range of effects in a small, economic package. I've been playing over twenty years and have had variety of gear. I kind of like the thing but I don't think that I would replace it if it went missing. I love its fundamental ability to incorporate two effects at the same time, its cheapness, and the amount of effects available. I'm not too fond of the sterile sound, although this goes for some of the other digital effects I've played, and I find the time lag when in the pitch shift mode disconcerting to say the least. (Again, this might be a fault with other pitch transposers.) When I bought it I was looking for a tremelo unit but I've discovered that it isn't able to give me the range of sound I was looking for (and I've started looking for another type of trememlo).
However, I have found that the additional nineteen effects can be used in a variety of ways, and that coupling, say the chorus, with the vibrato or flanger or doubler or phaser or rotary speaker or tremelo or autopan or "step" effect or pitch shifter or harmonized pitch shifter or equalizer or even the chorus again, can make for very useable sounds.

Excellent modulation sounds, easy to edit patches

I'm using Jackson Dinky --> Digitech RP-7 --> Zoom 509 --> Boss DD5 --> Boss RV3. No noise (digital)

The plastic can crack, so be careful to not stand up over your 509

Excellent Unit

there are easier things to use, but there are also more difficult ones. I like that the unit can be floor operated with only 2 foot pads, but editing each patch is not that spontaneous. The user's manual is a joke but like afforementioned, it is a lot easier than it seems. I was very comfortable with mine after only a month.

This is no studio quality sound-modeling midi unit, but for the price, it suely stands up for its own. It does have better sounding effects than 75% of the stomp boxes that I have tried thus far. The chorus and flange are top notch. The tremolo is now actually one of my most important effects. There are some neat little things for fun like Zoom's step sound which is like a Ring Modulator that sounds really tripped out according to the strength of your pick attack. And have you ever seen a fully functional INTELLIGENT pitch shifter offered at this price? !!! There are of course my few qualms. That much digital stuff in a 9-V package does add up to some noise (buzz, hum, etc.) and if you are an anal person, you would notice some tone coloration even in bypass mode, albeit very little. However, I did say that this is not in the same class as studio equipment. It is clearly a gigging tool and I am a gigging guitarist and we all have to make minute sacrifices to afford quick setups and portability. All in all, it sounds much much better than you would expect!

I am pretty hard on my stuff when I'm on the road. I pitched the cardboard box and just throw it every night in my sportsbag of cable and other miscallaneous items. It IS only made of plastic casing but I weigh 170 lbs and haven't cracked it yet. It has lasted a year so I have decided it is very dependable. Many of my live sounds are dependant upon the combination of these effects so I would like to get a backup anyway. Two words of caution. If you don't like to use 9V wall warts, carry PLENTY of batteries. This power sucker has run dry in many an unfavorable situation. Also, if you are playing in the sunny outdoors with the rays o'shinin' on your red LED's, forget being able to tell which patch you are on.

N/A

Imagine a lightweight compact stomp unit that allows you to mix and match any two modulation effects and adjust the mix and level between each effect, add an EQ or boost, has an intelligent pshifter, has a built-in tuner, and retails for under $150.00. Any questions?

As easy as plug and play, now that I'm experienced with editing Zoom patches (I also own their Amp simulator), editing is easy. The manual is the usual fold out deal - that chart with the parameter order is a must if you want to edit - small print but straight forward.

The setup changes from time to time, but the constants are my Seth Lover-equipped double-cutaway LPS, and my recently aquired Crate amp. I'll sometimes use a volume pedal (before the modulator) and either my modded Big Muff Pi/TS-5/808.
Digially clean, this unit offers phasing, flanging, chorusing, rotary, doubling, pitch shifting/transposing. Dual Power means that 2 effects can be used simultaneously either in series or parallel, mono or stereo; with the added option of an expression pedal (did't get that one).
Some of the factory presets (the harmonized ones) sound pretty scary, but since I intend on making up my own patches, that doesn't bother me. No long echoes here, but the doubling is very usable, still.
The packageing is both a plus and a minus since accessing patches can become a major pain (where's that patch again? Oh shit I overshot it!), and platic casings require extra care - but I've come to terms with that: if you're gonna spend your hard-earned cash on gear that sounds good, hell ou might as well take care of it!

With proper care and patch planning ( so you can remember where your favorite ones are) this unit should last a long time. I have a box full of pedals (distortions, phasers, one flanger, one EQ, etc) which can serve as backup, just in case. This unit and the amp simulator can clean up your setup a great deal : 3 or 4 floor units (if you add a distortion pedal and a volume pedal) as opposed to half a dozen individual pedals.

Never had to get in touch with Zoom, but the premier customer service at Long & McQuaid makes me feel confident about the purchase.
Since this is more a store rating than a company rating, I can't really put in a number.

For my neo-bizarro comcoction of Folk-Rock meets Psychedelic, this unit is a great bang for the buck. It is quiet (important when you record in a HD setup), the effects are clean and lush (to my ears anyway) and a few Zoom floor units can replace a lot of individual floor pedals (the more of them, the more patch cords, the bigger the chance for noise buildup) which cleans up the setup as well as the sound.
I was fortunate that the item was on sale ($119.00 as opposed to the regular $145.00 CND) and L&M took my old Midiverb (wich was gathering dust) as a trade in, which brought the price further down to under $25.00 after taxes ... I'm a happy man!
This baby replaces a lot of gear and provides many possibilities; a definite keeper.

It's not that hard to understand. You just have to take a couple of hours read the manual and experiment. I used the thing for a month before I started editing patches. Some of the presets are O.K. and the manual makes it seem like it will take forever to modify the thing to your own liking but stick with it it's alot easier than it looks.

I'm only 15 years old and haven't really tried tones of other choruses, flanges, phasers etc. but I use an Ibanez JS series (Joe Satriani is the best guitarist on the planet!) into a Marshall Jubilee series head and Marshall 4x12 cab and to me it sounds amazing compared to the ones I tried. I think the effects could use a little more depth but if they had it why would there be any other pedals, this one would be the ultimate.

The thing has a flimsy plastic casing which can't take any kind of abuse really but it should last awhile if you use it properly. Oh for sure have a backup at a gig. You should always have a back up.

Haven't dealt with them.

I play tons of music I'm to young to limit myself but if you want a pedal where all you have to is turn a nob and stomp this definitely isn't for you.

Like many have said; once you have dealt with Zoom products you know it all.. And you're new to the thing, it's not much hard. You get in touch very fast with those unit. The factory-patches are very mellow (that's not my kind of stuff!) and will please everybody, once again, you can easily edit the thing up to your tastes. The manual allows you to use the full capacities of your Zoom.

Oh my God this thing is my dream!!! Like its name said; it got two modulations in one package, usable in series (Effect 1 affected by Effect 2) or in parrallel mode (with mixable option!). You're not forced to use the two modulations together if you prefer more basic modulations. You can do anything with it!!!!!!! From very subtile effects to Monster ones! You can adjust all parameters, do effects mixing, live on/off switching of the Effect 2 or use an expression pedal to control some parameters. Effect 1 and Effect 2 contains exactly the same effects that you can combine together; which are: Chorus, Flangers, Phasers, Rotating speaker, Tremolo, Panning, Steps, Doublings, Pitch Shifter, Pedal Pitch Shifter; altrough, Harmonizing and Two-Voice effects are used solely due to heavy processing power they demand. Possibilities; that word resume the Zoom 509. I'll let you imagine the combining effects you can do with those mentionned! ..you'll have for days and days.. unlimited!! One thing I'll insist on... If the flanger sound (example) don't sound good to you.. You'll have ten other ways to change this sound just by playing with Depth control: it significantly changes the way it will sound... same with all the other effects. There will always be a way to tame (or unleash) the sound to be pleasing to your ears. ..And should I add again that those effects can goes from subtile, mellow ambiance effects to "OH!! I'M GONNA BE SEASICK IN A WASHING MACHINE SET TO FULL SPEED ESSORING CYCLE OF DEATH!!!" ..well, that kind of thing!

Well.. I rely on it! Never heard of a Zoom failling to operate. My use of it is experimental, so it won't bother me if it fails! I'll go on without it! ...but I think that if a upper cab fall on it with a corner and all is weight.. I think it will break.. but what are the chances that this kind of thing would happen?? ..I'll ask you.. ****Hey you stupid cat!! Watch it!!! Hey Hey NO NO NO!!!!!!!**** *****SCHLING KABOOM KRINGGG KAPAOWWWWPHHHHH!!!!!!********* DAMNED TH*&??%$ #$"%??&$!!!!!!!!!!!! $%#""#$%?&!!!!!! ..What was I saying?!... Oh ya.. Well. I think that the thing is broken..

..I hope so....

It's cheap.. ..got powerful features... Unlimited editing possibilities.. ..that one is a winner to me! I surely get another one.