The Mooer Prime Minimax M1 is a pocket-sized multi-effects unit that Mooer describes as "a next-generation multi-effects unit designed for both guitar and bass players"1. It packs 149 effect models, an 80-second looper, a drum machine, a tuner and a Bluetooth connection into a unit Mooer measures at 190g and 12cm long12. Gearnews called it "your portable guitar rig that will fit in your pocket"2.
It follows the Prime Stomp S1, which Guitar World noted "was billed as one of the smallest and cheapest multi-FX pedals on the market"3. The M1 goes further toward portability: it runs on an internal battery charged over USB-C, so it works without a power supply, and it carries dedicated bass amp and cab models alongside its guitar tones.
What it does: a portable bass-focused multi-effects rig
The M1 is built as an all-in-one practice and songwriting tool. Guitar World described it as "an all-in-one suite for songwriting" that "facilitates on-the-go guitar practice and performance"3. The effect count is large for the size: 149 effect models covering the usual multi-effects ground, plus a drum machine with 40 drum grooves and ten metronomes for jamming and practice2.
The bass support is what sets it apart from a generic pocket unit. Mooer says "dedicated support for bass players comes with 20 curated amp and cab models"1, and Gearnews noted that "20 amp and cabinet simulations are specifically tailored for bass guitarists, making it an ideal choice" for bass players2. Guitar and bass players share the same 149-model effect library.
The signal connections suit headphone practice as much as a pedalboard. Gearnews lists "a headphone out, a TRS stereo jack output, and a standard guitar jack input"2, and Guitar World adds "the USB slot" on the top side alongside the input and output jacks3. Bluetooth is also on board, with its status shown on the screen2.
Footswitches, buttons and screen
The control surface is minimal: two multi-function footswitches and two buttons. Mooer says "the M1 uses two multi-function footswitches to handle preset navigation, looping, tap tempo, and tuner access"1. Gearnews found that "with just two multi-function footswitches and two buttons, this minimal interface manages to incorporate many features"2.
Guitar World broke down what the switches do in practice: "each footswitch handles multiple tasks, from browsing preset slots to triggering loop recordings and controlling its modulation effects with tap tempo functionality"3. The two footswitches also reach the drum machine functions2.
The LED screen keeps you oriented. Gearnews reports that it "displays essential information, including Bluetooth status, battery life, and footswitch assignments"2, so you can see at a glance how the switches are mapped and how much charge is left.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Footswitch 1 and 2 | Preset navigation, looping, tap tempo, tuner access, drum machine functions12 |
| Two buttons | Supplementary control alongside the footswitches2 |
| LED screen | Bluetooth status, battery life, footswitch assignments2 |
Battery and charging
The M1 runs on a "USB C-powered 2000mAh integrated lithium battery" with "up to 5 hours of battery life" according to Mooer1. Guitar World reported the same five-hour figure and added the charge time: "It takes a modern USB-C input and offers five hours of playtime on a two-and-a-half-hour charge"3.
The M1's LED screen keeps battery status visible during use, alongside Bluetooth status and footswitch assignments2. Players who like to see charge state at a glance while practicing will find it on the display rather than having to guess.
Looper and drums
The looper records 80 seconds with overdub and auto-recording1. Gearnews summed up its role: "The 80-second looper lets you capture and layer your song ideas"2. Loop recording is triggered from the footswitches, the same switches that handle presets and tap tempo2.
The drum machine pairs with the looper for practice. With "40 drum grooves and ten metronomes, users can practice and jam along to various rhythms"2.
How it differs from the Prime Stomp S1
The M1 builds on the Prime Stomp S1, which Gearnews called its predecessor, with the M1 offering "a more compact and versatile solution"2. Mooer's own page frames it the same way: "Following the success of the Prime Stomp S1, MOOER introduces the Prime M1"1.
The visible difference is the control surface. The S1 has "4 multi-function footswitches" and "a bright LED display"4, against the M1's two footswitches and two buttons2. The M1 adds the internal battery and USB-C charging1, which the S1's feature list does not include21. GuitarPlayer's buying guide characterized the S1 as "a supremely affordable, entry-level, slip-in-your-back-pocket multi-effects device"5, the same pocket-scale territory the M1 occupies with a smaller footprint and a battery.
| Prime Stomp S1 | Prime Minimax M1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Footswitches | 4 multi-function4 | 2 multi-function, plus 2 buttons2 |
| Battery | Not listed21 | 2000mAh lithium, up to 5 hours1 |
| Charging | Not listed213 | USB-C1 |
| Looper | Not listed12 | 80 seconds with overdub1 |
| Bass models | Not listed12 | 20 bass amp and cab models1 |
Price and what reviewers said
Pricing moved between launch coverage. Gearnews listed the M1 at $84.00 in November 20242; Guitar World reported in December 2024 that "The Mooer Prime Minimax M1 is available now for $105"3.
Gearnews's verdict was measured. The reviewer found the sound "more than passable as a practice tool" but concluded that "it may be better as an occasional tool rather than a primary source for your guitar/bass tones"2. For a player weighing it as a main rig, that is the caveat to keep in mind: the M1 is positioned as a portable practice and songwriting unit rather than a board centerpiece.
"it may be better as an occasional tool rather than a primary source for your guitar/bass tones"
Videos
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Questions
Does the Mooer Prime Minimax M1 have a battery?
Yes. It has an internal 2000mAh integrated lithium battery that Mooer says gives up to 5 hours of playtime. Guitar World reported five hours of playtime on a two-and-a-half-hour charge, so you can top it up between sessions.
How is the Minimax M1 charged?
Over USB-C. The unit has a USB-C input for charging its internal 2000mAh lithium battery, and Guitar World reported a full charge takes about two and a half hours for around five hours of playtime.
Does the Minimax M1 have a looper?
Yes. It includes an 80-second looper with overdub and auto-recording, which Mooer describes as part of its songwriting and practice toolset. Loop recording is triggered from the multi-function footswitches.
How long is the Minimax M1 looper?
The looper records up to 80 seconds, with overdub and auto-recording so you can layer parts over your initial take.
Is the Minimax M1 for bass or guitar?
Both. Mooer describes it as a multi-effects unit designed for guitar and bass players, and it includes 20 curated amp and cab models specifically for bass, which Gearnews called an ideal choice for bassists.
What is the difference between the Prime Minimax M1 and Prime Stomp S1?
The M1 follows the Prime Stomp S1 as a more compact, battery-powered option. The S1 has four multi-function footswitches, while the M1 has two footswitches plus two buttons, and the M1 adds an internal battery charged over USB-C.
Sources (5)
- PRIME M1_MOOER Audio, MOOER Audio
- Mooer Unleashes the Prime Minimax M1, gearnews.com, 2024-11-20
- Mooer Prime M1: a 12cm multi-FX pedal for $100, Guitar World, 2024-12-05
- PRIME S1_MOOER Audio, MOOER Audio, 2024-03-27
- Best multi-effects pedals 2026: do-it-all multi-FX, GuitarPlayer (www.guitarplayer.com), 2021-11-10
