The MOOER 003 Power-Zone is a digital preamp pedal from Mooer Audio, part of the maker's numbered series of micro preamps. It is a dual-channel preamp in a mini pedal enclosure, designed to sit on a pedalboard and feed a power amp or the effects return of a standard guitar amplifier rather than a normal amp input1.
Mooer describes its tonal range broadly: "Shimmering cleans, bluesy grit, classic rock crunch and soaring high gain lead are all possible from this tiny little power house."1
Power and Connections
The Power-Zone runs on a DC 9V power supply with a center negative plug and draws 300mA1. Mooer highly recommends using its own Micro Power supply1.
At 300mA, the Power-Zone draws considerably more current than most compact analog pedals. Check that your pedalboard power supply can deliver 300mA on a single 9V output before adding it.
The INPUT jack accepts your instrument directly, or the output of pre-amp effects such as overdrive or distortion placed before it1. The OUTPUT jack connects to a power amp or your amplifier's effects return; Mooer adds that it highly recommends using a tube amplifier1. The micro preamp series as a whole is designed to be used with the upcoming Mooer power amp or in the effects return of any standard guitar amplifier1.
Channels and Footswitch Modes
The Power-Zone is a dual-channel preamp, and its single footswitch can be set to one of two operating modes1:
| Footswitch mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| On/Off | Bypasses the pedal entirely |
| Channel A/B | Switches between the two channels |
This makes it usable either as a switchable always-on preamp, or as a two-sound amp-in-a-box where one press moves between channels1.
Where It Fits
As a preamp pedal, the Power-Zone replaces the preamp stage of a traditional amplifier, which makes it a fit for players running straight into a power amp, an amp's effects return, or a cab sim. It sits alongside the other numbered Mooer micro preamps, such as the MOOER 001 Gas Station, MOOER 002 UK Gold 900, MOOER 004 Day Tripper and the rest of the series, each voiced for a different amp character. See preamp pedals for how the type works and how it differs from overdrive and distortion pedals1.
Videos
MOOER Audio
Jazzy Sadhu
Alen Alekke Babin
Questions
What amp is the MOOER Power-Zone modeled on?
Mooer Audio does not name a specific amplifier as the model for the 003 Power-Zone. The maker describes it as a high quality dual channel digital preamp whose range covers shimmering cleans, bluesy grit, classic rock crunch and soaring high gain lead, but no source amp is given.
Can the Power-Zone switch channels with one footswitch?
Yes. The 003 Power-Zone offers two modes for footswitch operation: On/Off, which bypasses the pedal, or channel A/B, which switches between its two channels with a single press.
Can I run the MOOER Power-Zone into an amp's effects return?
Yes. Mooer says the OUTPUT jack connects to a power amp or your amplifier's effects return, and the micro preamps are designed to be used with the upcoming Mooer power amp or in the effects return of any standard guitar amplifier. Mooer highly recommends using a tube amplifier.
What power supply does the MOOER 003 need?
It needs a DC 9V power supply with a center negative plug, drawing 300mA. Mooer highly recommends its own Micro Power supply. At 300mA it draws more current than most compact analog pedals, so a small daisy chain supply may not be enough.
Sources (1)
- 003 - Power-Zone_MOOER Audio, MOOER Audio
