Equipped with 126 effects, a drum machine, a looper, and both analogue and digital connections, the Mooer Prime S1 Multi Effects Pedal serves as a versatile sound hub in a compact pedal format. The Prime S1's Bluetooth 5.0 interface allows for the wireless playback of backing tracks and provides a connection to the Prime app, which is available for both iOS and Android and gives the user full access to the sound structures of the Prime S1 and additional practical tools such as the drum machine with 40 grooves, a looper with 80 seconds of recording time, and a tuner, all displayed on a clear screen on the pedal's user interface. With its built-in 2,000mAh lithium-ion battery, the sleek pedal can also operate for up to 4.5 hours away from the mains.
Mooer has kept things simple for guitarists here, packing only the essential functions into the Prime S1's compact 240 x 70.2 x 31.9mm enclosure, which weighs in at just 350 grams. The rear side houses the guitar input, stereo outputs, a headphone jack, and a USB-C port for charging the battery, which also supports the popular OTG (On-the-Go) function for direct recordings via a mobile device. The Master dial controls the overall volume, and the power switch turns the Mooer Prime S1 on. The four metal switches in turn are used for selecting presets as well as starting and stopping the looper and drum machine. Both modules can be synchronised, and footswitch C features a tap function to allow the user to easily set the tempo. Meanwhile, the display shows key information, including battery status, Bluetooth connection and, most practically, the input gain level of the connected guitar.
The "Prime App", which connects to the Prime S1 via smartphone or tablet, provides an easy and intuitive way to manage the numerous amplifier types and cabinet simulations, and dynamics and modulation effects stored on the Prime S1. The app also clearly displays the selection of 40 drum grooves, the metronome settings, and the looper functions, in addition to which it offers access to the "Mooer Cloud", where numerous presets created by users from around the world are available for download. Users can of course upload their own presets to share with the community.
The Mooer Prime S1 Multi Effects Pedal delivers a comprehensive array of high-quality guitar sounds in an exceptionally compact format, making this vibrant pedal suitable for both use as a central effects processor and for on-the-go sessions. The Prime App provides easy control, allowing users to assemble their desired sounds via a touchscreen on their mobile device and thus create custom presets in next to no time. And as if the range of amps, cabinets, and effects weren't already extensive enough, the drum machine and looper - offering up to 80 seconds of recording time - provide additional opportunities for the user to unleash their creativity or capture and preserve their ideas for the next band 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.
Whether it is combined with an amplifier to provide a central sound processing source, as a tool for evening practice and songwriting in a hotel room or out by the lake, or as an audio interface for direct recording on a computer, the Mooer Prime S1 Multi Effects Pedal will handle every role effortlessly and make a convincing case thanks to its arsenal of sounds and effects that are likely to meet every need that might arise. The clever control system with the "Prime App" ensures easy access to the myriad possibilities of the S1, allowing for quick adjustments to suit any situation, whether the user is working with headphones for rich stereo sound or connecting to an amplifier or mixing desk for live gigs.