The Mooer 017 Cali MK IV is a compact digital preamp pedal from Mooer's Micro Preamp range. Mooer describes its Micro Preamps as sonically accurate digital recreations of the preamp sections of popular tube amplifiers, and the Cali MK IV re-creates two channels from what the maker calls one of the most famous modern-day session player combos1. Guitar.com reported the pedal as one of three new mini pedals added to the Micro Preamp line-up in August 2018, listing for $99 each at that time2.
What it does
The Cali MK IV gives you two channels with integrated speaker cabinet simulation, so it can act as a complete preamp into a power amp or interface without a separate cab sim. Mooer describes the clean channel as shimmering and bouncy, with the gain channel covering purring blues tones, grinding crunch and soaring lead sounds1.
Like the other Micro Preamps, it carries independent three-band EQ, gain and volume controls, which Guitar.com noted across the line2.
Power and connections
The pedal runs on a DC 9V, center pin negative power supply and draws 300mA. Mooer recommends using its Micro Power adapter1.
At 300mA, the Cali MK IV draws more current than many small pedals, so a low-output daisy-chain supply may not run it. Mooer recommends its own Micro Power supply1.
Connections are simple: a 1/4" mono input with 1 meg Ohm impedance and a 1/4" mono output with 100 Ohm impedance1.
Using it in a rig
Mooer gives two ways to place the pedal:
- As a preamp: connect your instrument directly, or feed it from the output of overdrive, distortion and similar pre-amp effects1
- Into an amp: connect to a power amp or your amplifier's effects return, with Mooer highly recommending a tube amplifier in that role1
Because the speaker cabinet simulation is integrated, the pedal can also serve as a preamp stage in a rig1.
Footswitch modes
The single footswitch works in two modes: On/Off, or channel A/B switching between the two modeled channels1. That makes it work either as a straightforward effect you switch in and out, or as a two-channel amp-style preamp.
Where it sits in Mooer's range
Like the other Micro Preamp pedals, the Cali MK IV comes with independent three-band EQ, gain and volume controls, and the new Mooer Micro Preamp pedals list for $99 each2. The pedal measures 93.5mm(D) x 42mm(W) x 52mm(H) and weighs 160g1. Mooer describes its clean channel as shimmering and bouncy and its gain channel as capable of purring blues tones, grinding crunch and soaring lead sounds1. For more on the category, see Preamp Pedals.
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Questions
Is the Mooer Cali MK IV a digital or analog preamp?
It is a digital preamp. Mooer describes its Micro Preamp pedals as sonically accurate digital recreations of the preamp sections of popular tube amplifiers, and the Cali MK IV follows that approach, modeling two channels of a Californian session combo in a compact pedal rather than using analog circuitry.
Does the Cali MK IV have cabinet simulation?
Yes. Each Micro Preamp, including the Cali MK IV, comes with integrated speaker cabinet simulation alongside its dual channels and dual operating modes. That means the pedal can be run directly into a power amp, a flat response amplifier or an audio interface without needing a separate speaker simulator.
Can the Mooer Cali MK IV go into an amp's effects return?
Yes. Mooer says the pedal can be connected to a power amp or to your amplifier's effects return, and recommends using a tube amplifier in that setup. You can also connect your instrument directly, or feed it from overdrive and distortion pedals used as pre-gain effects.
What do the two footswitch modes do on the Cali MK IV?
The pedal offers two different modes for footswitch operation: On/Off, which bypasses the effect, or channel A/B, which switches between the two modeled channels. That lets you set it up either as a simple in-and-out preamp or as a two-channel amp-style switcher.
Sources (2)
- 017 - Cali MK IV_MOOER Audio, MOOER Audio
- Mooer launches three Micro Preamp pedals, Guitar.com, 2018-08-23
