The Fender Mustang Floor is a floor-mounted multi-effects unit and the company's first: Fender unveiled it as a first for the 2012 NAMM show, describing it as "in essence, a Mustang amp without the power amp and speaker"1. It takes its name and its modeling from Fender's Mustang digital modeling amp range, which had been well received, and puts that same amp and effects modeling into a rugged metal floorboard21.
MusicRadar's review counted 37 effects and 100 preset patches, with amp models running from Fender's own '59 Bassman to a modern Mesa/Boogie voicing2. Premier Guitar's reviewer, covering the unit in a floorboard roundup alongside the Boss GT-100 and Zoom G5, put the amp model count at 133. The two reviews disagree on that figure, so both are given here.
The controls
The layout is built around a large data wheel that cycles through the presets and push/pulls to fine-tune parameters on the virtual amps and stompboxes, with a single LCD screen displaying all of the effects parameters2. Under that sit nine footswitches, and a solid aluminum treadle-style control pedal serves as the expression pedal1.
That expression pedal is not fixed to volume or wah duties. Premier Guitar's reviewer noted that "the floorboard's expression pedal can be assigned to control pretty much any amp or effect parameter on the fly"3.
"they've condensed the entire package into a rugged metal floorboard with a simple, clean layout"
Amp models and effects
Fender is not naming every amp the models are based on, but MusicRadar's review found it fairly clear the set includes the glassy sparkle of a classic Vox and the full-bore, frayed-edge warmth of an old-school Marshall, alongside Fender's own '59 Bassman2. The unit also carries an individual stompbox mode in which the amp models can be bypassed, so players who want to keep their own amplifier can use the Floor purely for its effects1.
Connections and extras
The Mustang Floor connects to a computer via USB for direct recording and preset editing1. Premier Guitar's reviewer also listed "a MIDI control, a built-in effects loop, an auxiliary in, and 1/8\" headphone out" as part of the package3, and Fender's announcement separately confirmed the headphone output and auxiliary input1. Performer Mag's review, by Chris Devine, added an onboard chromatic tuner and noted it is a pretty decent size for a floor-mounted multi-effects unit4.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar's verdict in its roundup was short and positive: "Pros: Great effects, excellent build."3. MusicRadar noted that Fender stresses the unit is not merely an overgrown stompbox, positioning it as a proper floorboard modeler rather than a scaled-up single pedal2.
The Mustang Floor was Fender's first multi-effects unit, announced at NAMM 20121. Fender has since returned to the multi-effects category with the Fender Tone Master Pro, so the Mustang Floor marks the company's first step into that field.
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Questions
How many amp models does the Fender Mustang Floor have?
The count depends on who you read. Premier Guitar's reviewer says the firmware stores a total of 13 amp models, while MusicRadar's review describes a selection of 12 amp models, running from Fender's own '59 Bassman to a modern Mesa/Boogie voicing. Either way, the amp models come from the same family as Fender's Mustang modelling amps.
Does the Mustang Floor have a built-in tuner?
Yes. Performer Mag's review lists an onboard chromatic tuner among the unit's features, so you can tune without leaving the floorboard.
Can the Mustang Floor connect to a computer by USB?
Yes. Fender says the unit connects to a computer via USB for direct recording and preset editing, so you can record into a computer and manage your patches from the desk.
How many footswitches does the Mustang Floor have?
Nine. Fender's announcement lists nine footswitches, alongside a data wheel, an LCD screen and a solid aluminium treadle-style control pedal.
Can I bypass the amp models on the Mustang Floor?
Yes. The unit has an individual stompbox mode in which the amp models can be bypassed, so you can run the effects into your own amp rather than using the onboard amp modelling.
Does the Mustang Floor have MIDI?
Yes. Premier Guitar's reviewer notes that MIDI control is part of the package, along with a built-in effects loop, an auxiliary input and a 1/8-inch headphone output.
Sources (4)
- NAMM 2012: Fender unveils debut multi-effects unit, the Mustang Floor, MusicRadar, 2012-01-16
- Fender Mustang Floor review, MusicRadar, 2012-07-01
- Best Multi-Effects Floorboards: Fender, Boss, Zoom, Premier Guitar, 2012-06-06
- Review: Fender Mustang Floor FX Unit, Performer Mag, 2012-06-01
