The Fishman AFX Pocket Blender Mini is an A/B/Y pedal with level-adjustable A/B outputs, a D.I., a boost switch, a Y-split, and a two-channel mixer, built for acoustic instruments1. Its main job is blending: if your guitar carries dual-source electronics, such as a magnetic pickup plus an internal microphone, you can connect a single TRS cable from those electronics to the pedal and control the balance of the two signals from one box2.
The Fishman AFX Pocket Blender Mini is a compact effects pedal for acoustic instruments, built to blend two incoming signals into a single combined tone1. Fishman lists it at $99.953, and it comes in a durable aluminum enclosure1.
An A/B/Y pedal and mixer for acoustic instruments
The Pocket Blender Mini is an input mixer pedal at heart. Its 1/4" TRS input and output enable what Fishman calls Dual Path Functionality: the TRS cable carries two signals (tip and ring) from dual-source electronics down one cable, and the pedal splits them into two independent effect chains using a single series of standard guitar cables1. That means you can, for example, send your pickup through one set of effects and your microphone through another, then bring them back together.
The Input Mixer lets you continuously adjust the level of the audio sources connected to the TRS input1. Fishman describes the Pocket Blender as a simple and powerful solution for blending, and positions it as the hub of an AFX Mini board2. The wider AFX family it sits in includes the EchoBack, Broken Record, BlueChorus, AcoustiVerb, AcoustiComp and Pro EQ pedals5, including the Fishman AFX AcoustiVerb, Fishman AFX BlueChorus Mini and Fishman AFX AcoustiComp Mini.
The controls
There are four input faders that let you set up two mixes, one for the A footswitch position and one for B1. Each incoming signal gets a fader for each position:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Tip -> A fader | Sets the level of the incoming Tip signal when the footswitch is in the A position6 |
| Ring -> A fader | Sets the level of the incoming Ring signal when the footswitch is in the A position6 |
| Tip -> B and Ring -> B faders | Set the same levels for the B position, so A and B can be completely different blends1 |
| A/B Mode switch | Sits directly above the mix faders and determines how the mixed levels are routed to the outputs6 |
| Footswitch | Toggles between mix A, mix B, or mute, as determined by the A/B Mode switch1 |
| Ground Lift switch | Electrically isolates the pedal from other devices1 |
Pressing the footswitch toggles between the two mixes you have set, which are then sent to the outputs6. Fishman frames the two positions as two "scenes," each with your desired mix levels, that you switch between on the fly2. A common example from Fishman's own mixer setups: Mix A set with equal amounts of magnetic pickup and microphone, and Mix B set with more magnetic pickup for a solo boost that keeps the mic signal low to reduce the possibility of feedback7.
The control set centers on four input faders that let you set up two mixes, one for A and one for B1. The A/B Mode switch, which sits directly above the mix faders, determines how the mixed levels are routed to the outputs8. Fishman describes it this way:
"With the A/B Modes switch you can choose to mix these signals in a variety of ways."1
Each fader sets the level of one incoming signal in the combined tone: the Tip -> A fader, for example, sets the level of the incoming Tip signal when the footswitch is in the A position8. You can also switch between two "scenes," each with your own desired mix levels2. In Fishman's Dual Source Boost example, Mix A is set with equal amounts of magnetic pickup and microphone, while Mix B uses more magnetic pickup for a solo boost, keeping the mic signal low to reduce the possibility of feedback7.
"Keeping track of A/B mix selection without indicator light"
Connections and power
The pedal has a 1/4" TRS input and output, with the TRS connections enabling the Dual Path Functionality described above1. For outputs, Fishman provides two independent paths, an ABY output and a D.I. output, to help you manage your audio routing needs5. That gives you a straight feed for an amp plus a balanced-style D.I. feed for a PA or recording interface from the same blended signal.
Power comes from a 9V external supply, sold separately, through a 5.5mm OD, 2.1mm ID barrel connector with center negative1. Fishman recommends its own 910-R (120VAC) or 910-U (230VAC) adapter to ensure the published specs, and typical current draw is 53mA1.
There is no battery option. The Pocket Blender Mini requires 9V external power, and Fishman specifies a filtered and regulated supply1.
The analog signal path specs from Fishman are an input impedance of 10M Ohm, output impedance of 1k Ohm, signal-to-noise of -100dB and dynamic range of 100dB, with 32-bit processing in a durable aluminum enclosure1.
Where it came from and what it costs
At launch, the Pocket Blender Mini was the cheapest of the new AFX Mini range at $89.954. Fishman's current list price is $99.953.
Videos
Fishman Music
Acoustic Guitar Magazine
Questions
What is the Fishman AFX Pocket Blender Mini model number?
The model number is PRO-AFX-DL2. It is part of Fishman's AFX Mini series of pedals built for acoustic instruments, alongside the AcoustiVerb, Broken Record, BlueChorus, AcoustiComp, EchoBack and Pro EQ Mini.
Does the Pocket Blender Mini have a DI output?
Yes. Alongside its 1/4 inch TRS output it has two independent outputs, an ABY output and a D.I. output, so you can send your blended signal to an amp and a mixing desk at the same time.
Is the Pocket Blender Mini true bypass?
Yes. Fishman specifies true bypass with a buffered bypass option, so you can run it fully out of the signal path when off, or switch to a buffered bypass if your rig needs a buffer in the chain.
Does the Pocket Blender Mini take a battery?
No. It requires 9V external power, sold separately, through a 5.5mm OD, 2.1mm ID barrel connector with center negative. Fishman recommends its 910-R (120VAC) or 910-U (230VAC) adapter. Typical current draw is 53mA.
What does the Ground Lift switch do?
It electrically isolates the pedal from other electronic devices to break ground loops. Fishman says to leave it set to Ground normally, and to switch it to Lift if you hear a ground hum, most likely when using the D.I. output into a mixer.
What size is the Pocket Blender Mini?
It measures 1.9 inches wide by 3.8 inches deep by 1.92 inches high (49mm by 97mm by 49mm) in a durable aluminum enclosure, so it takes up very little pedalboard space.
Sources (9)
- Fishman AFX Pocket Blender Mini Acoustic Guitar Pedal, Fishman
- Expand Your Creativity with Acoustic Effects Pedals, Fishman
- AFX BlueChorus Mini Acoustic Guitar Chorus Pedal, Fishman
- The must-have new guitar effects pedals of 2023, MusicRadar, 2023-05-04
- Fishman AFX Pocket Blender Pedal Outputs, Fishman
- Fishman AFX Pocket Blender Input Mixer, Fishman
- Fishman AFX Pocket Blender Mixer Examples, Fishman
- Fishman’s New AFX Mini Acoustic Pedals Are Tailored for Acoustic Guitarists, Acoustic Guitar, 2023-10-13
- Fishman AFX Mini Acoustic Pro EQ Mini, Broken Record, AcoustiVerb and Pocket Blender Effects Pedal Reviews, GuitarPlayer, 2023-08-18
