Current latest firmware: 2.5.06
Buyer be aware -- update your firmware as soon as you get the unit. If you make your own effects and then update the firmware, unit resets to stock effects.
NUX recommends you use the QuickTone editor app to backup your effects before updating firmware. However, my (and many others) QuickTone app could not recognize the MG-30 until I updated the firmware. So it was a catch 22 and I lost the 1 effect I had fine-tuned (not a huge pain, thankfully)
Pros:
+ FX Loop for 4-cable method for cheap -- I think the next MultiFX with a Loop is 50% more expensive
+ USB C, welcome to the future
+ This thing has an Uberschall, which sounds pretty convincing, and a Diezel, which sounds pretty crushing
+ Stock IRs are OK -- you can definitely dial in something fun and popping
+ Accepts 3rs party IR -- I already have my favorite IR on this thing and I am happy
Cons:
- Can NOT split L / R to have IRs on one end and off on the other (to connect to amp and line out separately). I wish they would add it with firmware -- if you need that, follow dev updates, I guess. The NUX Cerberus has this, come on :(
- Using it in the FX loop with 4-cable method degrades the sound a little bit. Steals high-end sparkle and adds a small upper-midrange hump. Forgiven, due to price, but beware if you want pristine signal!
- Can only load one IR at a time! Yes, when you are using the QuickTone app, you can set up a full library of about 20 IRs, but once you disconnect the NUX MG-30, it is left with the last custom IR you were using! Not a huge deal -- you are likely to pick the one IR you like best for playing live with. But, it does feel a bit stingy.
- As an interface -- I am not super-happy with the latency
- As an interface -- can't get true stereo, it seems the unit only goes to stereo for rotary effects
- As an interface -- Not enough options for USB and signal mix. I wanted this to double as an interface for my iPad (samples) as well as an FX unit on stage. However, USB signal mixing options don't allow for this. Can't be too mad at this price point! I was pushing my luck.
- I am worried how long those directional knobs will last
- Tiny wah pedal is uncomfortable for precise swells
I ended up returning this as it doesn’t meet my demands for live performance. It’ll do great for a starting musician or someone who plays mostly at home.