Ibanez extends its mini-pedal lineup with the launch of new Phaser and Booster Mini
Despite their small size, both pedals offer a surprisingly versatile feature set
NAMM 2021 isn't taking place in the physical realm this year, but you'll find all the hottest January gear launches in our guide to the biggest guitar, amp and pedal releases of 2021 so far.
Out of all the mini pedals on the market, Ibanez’s range has struck perhaps the best balance between tone, features and bang for buck, so the addition of two new pedals to the series is welcome news indeed – meet the Phaser Mini and Booster Mini.
The all-analog Phaser Mini is notable for its switchable stages, which offer traditional four-stage sounds, as well as more dramatic six-stage swirls, accessed via a small side-mounted button.
There’s a full control set onboard, too, including Depth, Feedback and Speed knobs, while Ibanez promises the pedal retains dry signal clarity even at intense settings.
The Booster Mini, meanwhile, features controls for Bass, Treble and Level – with up to 24dB of boost – but the straightforward feature set belies hidden depths.
Turning Bass and Treble all the way up delivers a wide range boost with increased volume and presence, while different combinations of the EQ dials in a range of mid boosts.
What’s more, it’s packing a Japanese-built JRC MUSES 8820 op amp that promises to retain clarity even when pushing amps into high levels of overdrive.
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Both pedals are made in Japan, feature true bypass switching and run off 9V power supplies.
The Phaser Mini and Booster Mini are available later this year for $119 and $99 respectively.
Head on over to Ibanez for more info.
It follows a wealth of new product announcements from the revered Japanese company, including a trio of new AZ models, 15 fresh RG designs, and new signature models for Paul Gilbert, Paul Waggoner and Martin Miller.
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Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism from Cardiff University, and over a decade's experience writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as 20 years of recording and live experience in original and function bands. During his career, he has interviewed the likes of John Frusciante, Chris Cornell, Tom Morello, Matt Bellamy, Kirk Hammett, Jerry Cantrell, Joe Satriani, Tom DeLonge, Ed O'Brien, Polyphia, Tosin Abasi, Yvette Young and many more. In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.
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