The Donner Pocket Go is a battery-powered multi-effects processor pedal from Donner that puts amp modeling, cab simulation and a full effect chain in a pocket-sized box. It runs on a built-in 1440mAh battery rated for up to 7 hours of continuous use, so it works as a practice rig with headphones, a travel companion, or a desktop recording interface over USB1.
The core of the unit is its amp and cab simulation. The amp block offers 20 amp types modeled with ANN (audio neural network) technology and supports loading third-party ANN models, while the cab block offers 20 cabinet simulations and accepts third-party IR files in mono WAV format at 44.1K/24 Bit with 1024 sampling points12.
Effect modules and presets
Donner describes the Pocket Go as having 6 effect modules arranged in a chain: a noise-reduction effector, a boost effector, a compression effector, 20 classic box head tone simulations, a three-band EQ adjuster, 7 modulation effects, 5 delay effects, 6 reverberations, and 20 classic IR cabinet simulations1.
| Module | What it gives you |
|---|---|
| Noise reduction | Cuts noise at the start of the chain |
| Boost | Pushes the signal into the amp block |
| Compression | Evens out dynamics |
| Amp simulation | 20 amp types, ANN modeling, third-party ANN loading |
| Three-band EQ | Bass, mid and treble shaping |
| Modulation | 7 modulation effects |
| Delay | 5 delay effects |
| Reverb | 6 reverberations |
| Cab simulation | 20 IR cabinets, third-party IR loading |
The modules can be used 6+1 at the same time, and the order of the effects can be customized, so a player can, for example, move the delay before or after the amp block1. There are 21 built-in presets, and preset tones can be edited, overwritten and saved, so the factory patches can be replaced with a player's own1.
Controls, app and connections
Hardware control on the box itself is minimal: a volume knob controls the volume, and there is a charging indicator light1. Deeper editing happens in Donner's sound editing software, which supports Windows, Mac, iOS and Android; on the iOS App Store the app is listed under the name M-EFCS12.
Connections are simple:
- Input: standard 1/4'' mono TS jack1
- Outputs: standard 1/4'' mono TS jack and a 1/8'' stereo output for headphones1
- Bluetooth: BT accompaniment is supported, so backing tracks can be streamed to the pedal1
- USB: Type-C port carrying both power and USB data transmission1
The 1/8'' stereo output makes the pedal headphone ready, and there is a built-in tuner2. Bluetooth accompaniment means a player can practice along with tracks from a phone without extra cables.
Battery and charging
The built-in 1440mAh battery is rated for up to 7 hours of continuous use1. Charging is over the Type-C port: Donner says to use a 5V USB adapter or a power bank1.
Do not use a 9V DC power supply to charge the Pocket Go. Donner warns that this may damage the battery and the pedal1.
USB recording
The Type-C port doubles as an audio interface. The Pocket Go offers USB audio (OTG) at 44.1K/24bit with internal recording, and loopback can be turned on and off independently1. Loopback is what lets a recording capture the Bluetooth accompaniment along with the guitar signal, which makes the pedal usable as a simple desktop or phone recording setup.
Where it sits in Donner's range
The Pocket Go is one of Donner's compact multi-effects offerings, sitting alongside larger units like the Donner Arena 2000 and the smaller Donner Pocket X. Where the analog Donner Triple Threat collaboration with Third Man Hardware puts three fixed analog effects in one box, the Pocket Go is fully digital, preset-based and editable from an app, with amp and cab modeling rather than individual drive circuits.
Donner lists the Pocket Go at a regular price of $119.99 USD, with a sale price of $55.99 USD shown on the maker's store as of October 20261. The pedal carries a 1-year warranty, and returns are accepted within 30 days of receipt1.
Videos
Donner Review
MyMusicMasterclass
Steven Kambach
Questions
Can the Donner Pocket Go load third-party IRs?
Yes. The cabinet simulation block supports third-party IR loading. IR files need to be mono WAV files at 44.1K/24 Bit with 1024 sampling points. The amp block also supports third-party ANN (audio neural network) model loading, so both the cab and amp sections can be expanded beyond the 20 built-in types each.
How long does the Donner Pocket Go battery last?
Donner rates the built-in 1440mAh battery for up to 7 hours of continuous use. It charges over the Type-C port from a 5V USB adapter or a power bank, and a charging indicator light shows the state of charge. Donner warns not to charge it from a 9V DC power supply, which can damage the battery and the pedal.
Does the Donner Pocket Go work with headphones?
Yes. The Pocket Go is headphone ready, with a 1/8'' stereo output for headphones alongside its 1/4'' mono output. Bluetooth accompaniment is supported, so backing tracks can be streamed to the pedal and heard together with the guitar.
What app does the Donner Pocket Go use?
The Pocket Go is edited with Donner's sound editing software, which supports Windows, Mac, iOS and Android. On the iOS App Store the app is listed under the name M-EFCS. The app is used to edit and save presets and to load third-party IR and ANN files.
Can the Pocket Go record to a computer over USB?
Yes. The Type-C port carries both power and USB data, and the pedal offers USB audio (OTG) at 44.1K/24bit with internal recording. Loopback can be turned on and off independently, which is useful for recording the guitar together with Bluetooth accompaniment.
Sources (2)
- Pocket Go Portable Multi Effects Guitar Pedal Donner, donnerdeal.com
- Pocket Go Portable Multi Effects Guitar Pedal Donner, Donner (us.donnermusic.com)
