The TheGigRig QuarterMaster QMX is a true-bypass loop switcher: a strip that puts each of your effects pedals into its own loop, so a pedal that is switched off is completely out of your signal path rather than sitting on it with its buffers and circuitry loading your tone. TheGigRig calls it "high-quality true-bypass strip loop control for your effects pedals," built around what the maker describes as its "True Bypass" gold contact relay technology to keep your tone intact and your switching quiet1.
It comes in five sizes, from 2 to 10 loops, so you can match the strip to your pedalboard rather than paying for loops you will never fill. It stores 120 presets, and its footswitches are TheGigRig's own OptoKick design, milled from stainless steel and using light instead of mechanics to do the switching1.
What it does
QuarterMaster puts each pedal in its own separate true-bypass loop, so every effect stays out of your signal path when it is not in use1. For a player with a board of always-on buffers and bypass circuits, that is the core appeal: the signal chain between guitar and amp carries only the pedals you have actually engaged.
The strip is controlled with TheGigRig's OptoKick footswitches. These are milled from stainless steel and, as the maker describes it, use light instead of mechanics to do the footswitching, which is a different approach from the mechanical stomp switches found on most pedals and switchers1.
Standard and Flip Flop loop modes
Each loop on the QMX can run in one of two modes, and you choose per loop with a push button next to the loop return that turns any standard loop into a Flip Flop loop1.
| Mode | How it behaves |
|---|---|
| Standard | Loops turn on and off independently, in any combination, with the switch1 |
| Flip Flop | Selecting one Flip Flop loop turns all the other Flip Flop loops off; standard loops stay as they are1 |
Standard mode is the familiar behavior of a loop switcher: every loop is independent, so you can stack as many effects as you like. Flip Flop mode is for pedals you would never want on at the same time, such as a group of drives. Put those loops in Flip Flop mode and stepping on one disengages the others automatically, while your standard loops, perhaps a delay or a tuner, keep running underneath1.
Sizes, power and weight
The five versions share the same 4cm x 5.8cm cross-section and differ only in length, loop count, power draw and weight1.
| Version | Loops | Dimensions | Weight | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QMX2 | 2 | 16cm x 4cm x 5.8cm / 6.30in x 1.57in x 2.28in | 0.24kg / 0.5lbs | 9V / 100mA |
| QMX4 | 4 | 28cm x 4cm x 5.8cm / 11.02in x 1.57in x 2.28in | 0.42kg / 0.9lbs | 9V / 200mA |
| QMX6 | 6 | 41cm x 4cm x 5.8cm / 16.14in x 1.57in x 2.28in | 0.62kg / 1.4lbs | 9V / 300mA |
| QMX8 | 8 | 54cm x 4cm x 5.8cm / 21.26in x 1.57in x 2.28in | 0.80kg / 1.8lbs | 9V / 400mA |
| QMX10 | 10 | 68cm x 4cm x 5.8cm / 26.77in x 1.57in x 2.28in | 0.99kg / 2.2lbs | 9V / 500mA |
The power figures work out to 100mA per two loops: the QMX2 draws 100mA, the QMX4 200mA, and so on up to 500mA for the QMX10, all at 9V1. When choosing a power supply, size it to the version you buy.
The tuner jack mod
Each QMX from the 4-loop version upward is supplied with a "tuner jack mod" jack plug. This simply grounds the jack socket it is placed into1. It is a small included accessory rather than a feature of the unit itself, and it comes in the box with the QMX4, QMX6, QMX8 and QMX10.
Where it sits among switching options
The QMX is a loop strip rather than a full pedalboard switching system. It does one job, keeping pedals out of the signal path and letting you switch them in and out, where a larger system such as TheGigRig's G2 adds MIDI control and more routing. For a player whose question is simply "how do I get my unused pedals out of my tone," a switching strip like this is the more direct answer, and the five sizes let it scale with the board1.
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Questions
Is the TheGigRig QuarterMaster QMX true bypass?
Yes. TheGigRig describes the QMX as using its True Bypass gold contact relay technology, which the maker says keeps your tone intact and your switching quiet. Each pedal sits in its own separate true-bypass loop, so it stays completely out of the signal path when it is not engaged.
How many presets does the QuarterMaster QMX store?
The QMX stores 120 presets according to TheGigRig's product page. That is enough to cover setlist changes across a full night of playing, letting you recall combinations of loops rather than tapping each footswitch individually.
What is the tuner jack mod on the QMX?
Every QMX from the 4-loop version upward is supplied with a tuner jack mod jack plug. It is a simple grounding plug: placed into a jack socket, it grounds that socket. TheGigRig supplies one with each QMX4 through QMX10.
How big is the QMX10?
The QMX10 measures 68cm x 4cm x 5.8cm, which is 26.77in x 1.57in x 2.28in, and weighs 0.99kg, or 2.2lbs. It is the longest of the five QMX sizes, which run from the 16cm QMX2 up to the QMX10.
Sources (1)
- The GigRig, TheGigRig
