Fender launches Tone Master Pro floor multi-effects unit
October 4, 2023 · 2 sources
Fender launched the Tone Master Pro, a floor unit for amp modeling and effects, on October 4, 2023, at $1,6991. GuitarPlayer described it as Fender's first move into the multi-effects market, taking on Line 6 and Neural DSP1. Guitar.com reported that Fender had never before ventured into the multi-effects world2.
The unit carries more than 100 amp and effects models, powered by eight processors, with over 6,000 Fender-captured impulse responses, third-party IR support, cab and mic options, and 500 user preset slots1. One model is the first EVH 5150 III Stealth to receive an official license and seal of approval from EVH, GuitarPlayer reported1.
Controls are 10 footswitches in two rows of five, which also work as rotary parameter controls, plus a seven-inch control screen for settings and signal chains1. Guitar.com reported that each of the 10 footswitch knobs has its own LCD scribble strip, and counted 13 screens in total2. Other features include a 60-second stereo looper and a Song and Setlist mode1.
Connections, as listed by Guitar.com, include a dual mic/line input, a guitar input, four stereo effects loops, stereo XLR and quarter-inch outputs, a headphone out, an eighth-inch aux input, expression and footswitch jacks, full-size MIDI in/through and USB-C2. GuitarPlayer reported Bluetooth and MIDI compatibility and USB connection to Fender's Tone Master Pro Control desktop app for editing, downloading and sharing presets and for firmware updates1.
Guitar.com's review, published October 13, 2023, rated the unit 8 out of 10 and reported no bass-specific amps or cabs at launch, a single factory preset, and no profiling or capture of your own gear2. It also reported that dragging and dropping blocks in the early firmware was fiddly2. GuitarPlayer reported the $1,699 price as identical to that of Neural DSP's Quad Cortex and the Line 6 Helix1; Guitar.com reported that Neural DSP dropped the Quad Cortex price the day after the Tone Master Pro launched2.
"Fender has taken a massive step forward in its involvement in the amp-modeling and effects worlds with the launch of the Tone Master Pro"