The Tech 21 MIDI Moose is a MIDI foot controller for accessing patches, described by its maker as "a super simple, stage-friendly alternative to access 128 patches"1. It sits in the same family as the Tech 21 MIDI Mouse and Tech 21 MIDI Mongoose, and it is one of the simpler options among MIDI pedals: instead of a deep menu system, it gives a player direct access to program changes with their feet.
How it works on stage
The Moose is built around groupings of five preset programs. There are Up and Down footswitches to select groupings of five preset programs, and within the selected grouping, individual silent-switching custom actuators instantly engage each program change directly1. In practice, that means a player steps Up or Down to reach the bank of five sounds they want, then taps one of the actuators to call up the exact patch, without scrolling through all 128 one at a time.
Tech 21 describes the design philosophy behind it plainly: "Tech 21's intuitive engineering eliminates the intimidation"1. The unit is housed in a sleek aluminum chassis1.
Power options
The Moose offers three ways to power it, which is worth knowing when planning a pedalboard:
- A standard 9V alkaline battery, not included1
- Phantom power via the MIDI cable1
- An optional power supply, Tech 21 Model #DC4-A1
The battery is not included, and the power supply is an optional accessory, so a player who wants mains power needs to budget for the Model #DC4-A separately1.
On battery, Tech 21 specifies a minimum of 200 hours usage1. To help get there, its battery-saving feature turns off the numerical display after 5 seconds1. The display going dark after a few seconds is normal behavior, not a fault.
Size
Tech 21 lists the actual size as 17"L x 3.75"W x 2.0"H1. That long, low profile is typical of a bar-style foot controller meant to sit on the floor in front of a player.
Videos
Spencer Bruce
Tech21nyc
Questions
Does the MIDI Moose run on a battery?
Yes. Tech 21 says the MIDI Moose is operable with a standard 9V alkaline battery, though the battery is not included. It can also run on phantom power through the MIDI cable, or on the optional Tech 21 Model #DC4-A power supply.
How long does the battery last in the MIDI Moose?
Tech 21 specifies a minimum of 200 hours of usage from the battery. A battery-saving feature turns off the numerical display after 5 seconds to help extend that running time.
Can the MIDI Moose be powered through the MIDI cable?
Yes. Along with a 9V alkaline battery and the optional Tech 21 Model #DC4-A power supply, the MIDI Moose can be powered via phantom power through the MIDI cable.
How big is the MIDI Moose?
Tech 21 lists the actual size as 17 inches long by 3.75 inches wide by 2.0 inches high, housed in a sleek aluminum chassis.
Sources (1)
- Midi Moose, Tech 21 NYC, 2019-06-23
