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Tone Quest: The Skinny on Minis

Wednesday April 28, 2021. 10:00 PM , from Sweetwater inSync
While the sheer number of pedals on the market is ever expanding,
their physical size seems to be shrinking. Technological advances and more
efficient designs and manufacturing enable pedal companies to put more
capabilities into smaller enclosures. One current trend is to make miniature
versions of time-tested designs. Many have basically the same features and
options, so it’s the same pedal — only smaller.

Consider the MXR Carbon Copyanalog delay. Sonically, the miniature and standard versions are the same. But, as a bonus, the miniature version adds a Bright switch, which captures the sound of the Carbon Copy Bright. The standard version has internal controls for the rate and depth of the modulation section, while the Mini does not.

MXR M169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay Pedal

MXR M299 Carbon Copy Mini Analog Delay Pedal

Contrast that with the Wampler Plexi-Drive. The Deluxe version has a 3-band EQ, Bright and Bass boost switches, and a level boost control with its own footswitch. The Mini only has a Bass boost, and the EQ section is a single Tone control and a mid-boost switch.

Wampler Plexi-Drive Deluxe Overdrive Pedal

Wampler Plexi-Drive Mini Overdrive Pedal

Why Choose Mini?

Let’s look at some reasons why you may or may not want to choose a
pedal in a miniature enclosure. A smaller enclosure means that it takes up less
pedalboard real estate. The Carbon Copy standard is 2.75 inches wide, and the Mini
is 1.65inches. That extra 1.1 inch on a crowded board is handy — room
for signal and power cables or space to add another pedal to your board. Using
smaller-size pedals in your initial pedalboard layout might let you choose a
smaller board — not to mention that smaller pedals are lighter. Who doesn’t
want a lighter pedalboard? I’ve even seen players mount “always-on” mini pedals
underneath their board, which really saves space on top.

Even if a mini pedal has the same controls as its full-size counterpart, some of the knobs may be smaller and closer together. This might make it more difficult to see and change settings, especially during a live performance. Also, the smaller width makes it tempting to put the pedals as close together as possible. In that case, accessing the footswitches becomes a precarious ballet move — no small feat if you’re wearing size-11 Doc Martens like mine (pun intended). However, if your pedals are on a loop switcher and/or you don’t have to access the footswitches or controls, then placing your pedals close together could be a good thing.

No Pedalboard?

If you’re rockin’ old-school with pedals directly on the floor or
a table, then the lighter weight and smaller dimensions of mini pedals make
them less stable than regular-size pedals. Depending on the size and weight of
your cables and connectors, the pedals might tip or wobble around if the cables
are moving. A right-angle connector on a cable with a long strain relief could
force a lightweight mini pedal to sit at a weird angle. Also, many mini pedals
eliminate the battery option. That’s not a big deal if they’re mounted to a
board with a power supply, but it’s less convenient if you just want to grab a
pedal and plug it in.

Decisions, Decisions

Going mini is a case-by-case decision. Looking at the Plexi-Drive, if the extra features on the Deluxe version are more than you need, then the Mini is not only smaller but will also save you a few bucks. I have an Xotic SP Compressor on my board, and it is only available in a mini enclosure. I chose it strictly based on sound and performance; size was not a factor. That being said, the smaller size allowed me to place it strategically on my board, corresponding to the signal flow, which makes access to it easier and more logical. Logic and ease are always good things when you’re performing.

Xotic SP Compressor Mini Compressor Pedal

Hopefully this overview can help you decide if mini pedals are
right for you. With the wide array of options available and the fact that some
pedals are mini only, they’re definitely worth serious consideration. Big shoes
notwithstanding.

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https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/tone-quest-the-skinny-on-minis/
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