Is NUX MG-101 A Great Choice For Beginner Guitarists?

NUX’s take on an affordable modeler promises a vast array of features at a budget-friendly price point. But is it good?

Disclaimer: The NUX MG-101 was provided to me by NUX, and I got to keep it for the content I create for them. However, whether the video is sponsored or not, the company has no say in the things I mention in the video.

Specifications

• 2.4″ 320*240 color LCD with an intuitive UI.
• NG, CMP, EFX, AMP, IR, EQ, MOD, DLY, RVB, P.L | 10 independent signal blocks.
• White-box Amp Modeling & Pre-efx algorithm (TSAC-HD) offers realistic playability and analog-chaos response.
• 512 samples IR resolution and USER slot with each patch. (Includes an additional 12 IR COLLECTION slots)
• 25 classic electric guitar amp models offer various music styles.
• Input trim with Global EQ under SYSTEM MENU.
• PARA. FOLLOW function to track your effect tweaking habits.
• 5 output modes with a 3-band EQ for quick tone tweaking. (Aside from STUDIO DIRECT, the other modes will disengage the IR signal by default.)
• USB recording interface, firmware update, QuickTone™ edit software.
• TRRS headphones out supports headset mic for live streaming. (OTG with mobile device.)
• Phrase looper with auto tempo detection drum machine.

First Impressions

I think I have come full circle when it comes to guitar gear, because the NUX MG-101 strongly resembles something I started with: the Zoom 505MKii. Everything from the black plastic housing to the knobs gives me strong retro vibes, and I love it.

All the inputs and outputs are what you would expect from a modeler in 2024, and you can obviously use this as an audio interface as well. So, specs-wise, we’re good.

How Does It Sound?

In the spirit of being beginner and budget-friendly, I chose my JET JS-400 as the instrument for this job.

I decided to approach the MG-101 from a beginner’s perspective by just plugging it in and browsing the presets. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized all the presets were tones of famous bands and artists, so we were off to a great start.

Everything from Hendrix and Metallica to John Mayer and Guns N’ Roses is there, and the tones ranged from good to awesome. Personally, I especially enjoyed the Metallica and Mayer tones they included. Any aspiring guitar player will have lots of fun just with the presets alone.

Other Highlight Features

Besides great tones, the MG-101 is also packed with a drum machine and a looper, both of which can be controlled from the pedal. These are great practice and songwriting tools that I wish I had at my disposal when I picked up the electric guitar for the first time 25 years ago.

And as with most NUX products nowadays, you can plug the MG-101 into your computer and record with it as well.

Steps to Change Pedals and Effects Per Patch on the NUX MG-101:

1. Select the Patch:
   • Use the footswitches or the rotary knob to navigate to the patch you want to customize.
2. Enter Edit Mode:
   • Press and hold the EDIT button until you enter the editing mode for the selected patch.
3. Select the Effect Slot:
   • Once in edit mode, you can scroll through the various effect slots (e.g., compressor, overdrive/distortion, modulation, delay, reverb, etc.) by pressing the EDIT button repeatedly or using the navigation buttons.
4. Choose a Different Effect:
   • When you are on the effect slot you want to change, rotate the VALUE or PARAMETER knob to scroll through the available effects for that slot (e.g., changing from a chorus to a flanger in the modulation slot).
5. Adjust Effect Parameters:
   • After selecting the desired effect, you can fine-tune its parameters (such as depth, rate, gain, etc.) using the knobs. The MG-101 typically allows you to adjust several parameters for each effect to tailor the sound to your liking.
6. Enable or Disable Effects:
   • You can turn specific effects on or off within a patch by navigating to the effect slot and pressing the relevant button or toggle switch.
7. Save the Changes:
   • Once you’ve customized the effects and settings to your satisfaction, press the SAVE button to store the changes to the current patch. You may need to confirm by pressing the button again, depending on your model.
8. Exit Edit Mode:
   • Press the EXIT button or the EDIT button to exit the edit mode and return to the main screen.

Additional Tips:

• Amp Models: In addition to effects, you can also change the amp model associated with each patch. This is done in a similar way by selecting the amp slot in the edit mode.
• Effect Order: Some multi-effects units allow you to change the order of effects in the signal chain. Check your MG-101’s manual to see if this is an option.

By following these steps, you can create and store a wide variety of customized patches, each with its own unique combination of pedals, effects, and settings.

Is NUX MG-101 Good?

I genuinely like the MG-101. It doesn’t have the best tones in the world, and you must be careful with the plastic housing if you’re a heavy stomper. But it does its main job well: providing you with a vast array of inspiring tones right out of the box. And when the aspiring guitar player wants to get better at their craft, there are practice tools and recording capabilities built-in and easily accessible.

I wish I had something like this as a kid.

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