Equipped with 149 effect models and 20 bass amp and cab simulations, the Mooer Prime M1 Multi Effects Pedal has been designed to serve as a compact sound centre for guitarists and bassists alike. The Bluetooth interface can be used for loading backing tracks wirelessly, as well as for connecting Mooer's Prime app, which provides full access to the M1's sonic universe and numerous other practical tools, including a drum computer with 40 grooves and an 80-second looper – more than enough capacity for lengthy jams and creative performances. The USB-C interface allows direct USB OTG recording via smartphone or tablet and is also used to charge the integrated battery, which enables wireless use for hours at a time.
The instrument input, an audio output (stereo-ready when a separate TRS cable is used), a USB-C port, and a headphone connection are all located on the front of the Mooer Prime M1. The master volume control provides quick access to the M1's overall volume, regardless of the sound or preset currently in use. Then, there are two metal switches that perform a variety of functions, such as selecting presets, controlling the looper, or accessing the tuner, as well as numerous tap tempo functions for effects like delay and modulation. In addition to the currently selected memory bank and preset, the display also shows the battery's status and Bluetooth connection quality, which of course is important when using the M1 Prime app on a smartphone or tablet: The app provides comprehensive access to all sounds, presets, and system settings.
Regardless of whether they are playing guitar or bass, the Mooer Prime M1 Multi Effects Pedal gives all instrumentalists a huge repertoire of high-quality sounds – in a compact, appealingly ergonomic design and for an extremely attractive price. Using the M1 is convenient and intuitive thanks to Mooer's Prime app, which turns any mobile device into a touchscreen control centre for creative music-making, even allowing more advanced users to create their own presets. And as if the range of amps, cabs, and effects the M1 offers wasn't already more than enough, the drum machine (with 40 patterns) and the looper (which can be synced to the drum machine, and has an impressive recording capacity of up to 80 seconds) can turn a solo artist into a full band, or simply give them the chance to lay down some tracks for the next rehearsal.
Mooer is based in the Chinese city of Shenzhen and has been making products for guitarists since 2010, which include compact single pedals through to multi-effects units and compact amplifiers. The company initially produced a range of mini pedals before making perhaps its most significant breakthrough in 2016 with the sophisticated Ocean Machine delay pedal, which was designed in collaboration with Devin Townsend. Mooer's product range now also includes solutions that feature amp modelling, IR-based speaker simulation, and matching equalisers, and the company's focus remains firmly on the use of digital technology.
It can be used at full volume with a guitar or bass amp, more quietly as a tool for practising during those lonely nights in hotel rooms, or simply as a songwriting aid whenever inspiration strikes: The Mooer Prime M1 Multi Effects Pedal manages this balancing act effortlessly. Guitarists and bassists of all kinds will be beyond impressed with its arsenal of sounds and effects, which accommodate almost every style and genre. The flexible and functional Mooer Prime app ensures easy access to the array of options hidden inside the M1, meaning musicians can adapt quickly wherever they are, be it enjoying the rich stereo sound on their own headphones or connected to an amp to blow away bandmates and the audience.
Mooer Prime App
The Prime App, which is connected to the Prime M1 via a smartphone or tablet, provides user-friendly and straightforward controls for all the various amplifier types, speaker emulations, and dynamic and modulation effects stored in the M1's memory. Selecting one of the 40 drum grooves, playing with a metronome, working with the looper: All of these functions and more are instantly accessible too, and couldn't be easier to use. The app also provides access to the Mooer Cloud, where countless presets from musicians around the world are available for download – users can upload their own presets to share them with the community.