The Grace Design MOXi is a two-channel acoustic instrument preamp, EQ and DI in a pedal format. Grace Design describes it as "our new high-quality 2 channel acoustic instrument preamp, EQ and DI", built around two instrument preamps, independent three-band EQ on both channels, and a single DI output on XLR with a high-quality output transformer1. It sits in the same family as the company's other acoustic preamps: Grace says it "delivers all of the legendary audio performance as its big brother FELiX, but with a more approachable feature set similar to the BiX"1. For a player, that means a stage box that takes one or two acoustic sources, shapes each with its own EQ, and sends a balanced signal to the PA.
Two channels, one DI output
The MOXi's core layout is two preamps feeding one balanced output. Each channel gets its own three-band EQ, and the midrange band is semi-parametric, so you can set both the center frequency and the level of the mid cut or boost rather than working with a fixed mid control2. That matters with acoustic pickups, where a feedback-prone resonance usually sits at a specific frequency rather than in a broad band.
The two channels can be used in two ways. In Blending / MIX operation, both sources are summed into the single DI output, useful for combining a pickup with a microphone or a second pickup. In A-B operation, the included footswitch switches between the two channels, for players who move between two instruments or two pickup systems on stage1.
The channel 2 input is a TRS jack, and the RING signal on that jack is routed to channel 112. In practice that is how a second source enters the box: a stereo cable or an insert-style connection carries the second signal on the ring contact.
Footswitches and controls
Three footswitch functions and a rear-panel switch cover the performance side:
- A-B footswitch: for switching between two instruments or sources in multiple instrument setups12
- Mute/Tune footswitch: mutes all outputs except the FX send, so you can tune silently on stage2
- Boost footswitch: a variable 10dB level boost, for lifting a solo or a quieter instrument2
- Rear panel Boost defeat switch: disables the boost function on channel 12
The mute function's routing is worth noting: because the FX send stays live while everything else is muted, a player can keep a tuner or other device connected there and still see signal2.
Power, size and build
The MOXi runs on 9V DC and draws 150mA1. That is a real current draw for a pedalboard supply, so it is worth checking what your power supply's individual outputs deliver before adding it to a board.
At 150mA, the MOXi draws more current than many standard pedal supply outputs provide. Plan a dedicated 9V DC output for it rather than a daisy chain1.
Physically it measures 7.1 inches wide, 4.3 inches deep and 2.5 inches high, and weighs 2.2 lbs2. Grace Design states it is designed and built by the company in Lyons, Colorado, USA, and carries a full 5 year transferable warranty1.
Where it sits among acoustic preamps
The MOXi belongs to the acoustic preamp and DI category, alongside pedals such as the Radial Tonebone PZ-Pre, the LR Baggs Session DI and the Boss AD-10 Acoustic Preamp. Its distinguishing features within that group, per Grace Design's own description, are the two channels with independent semi-parametric mid EQ, the transformer-coupled XLR output, and the blend or A-B output modes12. See more options on the Acoustic Pedals and Preamp Pedals pages.
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Questions
How much power does the Grace Design MOXi need?
The MOXi runs on 9V DC and draws 150mA, according to Grace Design's product page. That current draw is higher than many simple pedals pull, so a daisy-chain supply shared with several other pedals may not be suitable; a dedicated 9V DC output on a pedalboard power supply is the safer arrangement.
Does the MOXi have an XLR output?
Yes. The MOXi has a single DI output on XLR, and Grace Design specifies a high-quality output transformer on it. That balanced output is what you run to the mixing desk or PA input when playing an acoustic instrument on stage.
Can the MOXi blend two instruments into one output?
Yes. Grace Design lists Blending / MIX or A-B output operation, so the two channels can be summed together into the single DI output, or used to switch between two sources. The channel 2 input is a TRS jack whose RING signal is routed to channel 1, which is how a second instrument or source gets into the box.
Where is the Grace Design MOXi made?
Grace Design states that the MOXi is designed and built by the company in Lyons, Colorado, USA.
How long is the MOXi warranty?
Grace Design covers the MOXi with a full 5 year transferable warranty, according to the product page.
Sources (2)
- MOXi 2-Channel Instrument Preamp & EQ, Grace Design
- MOXi 2-Channel Instrument Preamp: Reference-Grade Acoustic Performance, Grace Design
