REVIEW MOOER PE100: Tiny Powerful Guitar Processor that easily fits in your shirt pocket

In the world of guitar effects, bigger isn't always better—especially when you're practicing late at night or jamming in a cramped hotel room. Enter the Mooer PE100, a compact desktop multi-effects processor that's designed to pack a full pedalboard's worth of versatility into something that easily fits in your shirt pocket. Released a few years back, this little beauty from Mooer Audio has earned a reputation as an affordable and complete solution for practicing guitarists. It's got an incredible bargain price, but does it deliver? 

My iPhone 11 next to the Mooer PE100

DESIGN AND BUILD

The PE100 measures just 5.4 x 3.2 x 1.3 inches and weighs a featherlight 8 ounces, making it incredibly portable. It's not a stompbox meant for stage abuse—think desktop or lap-top use—but the plastic chassis feels solid for the price, with a sleek black finish and a bright LCD screen that's easy to read even in dim lighting. Power options are flexible: it runs on a 9V DC adapter (included with the purchase) or two AAA batteries (not included) for unplugged practice, perfect for travel (I love the battery option). The PE100 does not include batteries (you didn’t really want the cheap carbon type that are often included, did you?).

Analog Master Volume control on right side

USING THE PE100

The interface revolves around a touch-sensitive panel for selecting effects, flanked by two knobs for volume and value adjustments, plus dedicated buttons for presets, tuner, and tap tempo. Quick-recall buttons (A, B, C, D) let you jump to your favorite sounds instantly, which is a lifesaver during impromptu sessions. Connectivity is straightforward: a 1/4" input for your guitar, stereo 1/8" headphone out for silent practice, an AUX in for jamming along to tracks, and a 1/4" output for amps or direct recording into a DAW. No Bluetooth, MIDI or USB here, but for a device this size, it's more than enough.

9-volt (300mA) pedalboard power compatible

What sets it apart for practice? The PE100 headphone amp delivers surprising punch and clarity, letting you crank volumes without waking the neighbors. Direct recording output is clean, making it a handy tool for home demos. For the best direct recording, connect the headphone output to your DAW input, the headphone output on the PE100 delivers the most complete sound.

FEATURES

At its core, the PE100 is built around a chain of six effect blocks, totaling 39 high-quality effects that cover the essentials and then some. You get:

• 7 Amp Models: Emulations of classics like the Fender Twin (sparkly cleans), Vox AC30 (chiming mids), Marshall JCM800 (classic rock crunch), and Mesa Boogie options for high-gain territory.
• Drive and Distortion: 10 options, including Tube Screamer-style overdrives, fuzzes, and aggressive distortions.
• Modulation: 11 effects like chorus, flanger, phaser, and tremolo for lush, swirling textures.
• Delay and Reverb: 5 delays (from analog warmth to digital precision) and 4 reverbs (hall, room, spring) to add space.
• Wah and More: 2 auto-wahs, plus a 5-band EQ for fine-tuning.
• Light Weight, PE100= 8.3 oz (w/batteries), my iPhone 11= 10.2 oz.

With 99 factory presets and 99 user slots, there's plenty of room to dial in and store your sound—whether you're chasing '80s shred tones or ambient soundscapes. The "Quick Recall" buttons A, B, C, D, are where you can store your favorite rhythm and lead tones.

DRUMS AND METRONOME

The built-in drum machine offers 40 patterns across multiple genres (rock, blues, metal), synced via tap tempo for delays and rhythms, plus a 10-pattern metronome keeps your timing sharp. 

TUNER

The included tuner function is accurate but very sensitive, it displays notes clearly but can be tricky to get exactly in tune. It comes set to A=440Hz for reference (adjustable via the value knob).

SOUND QUALITY

Plugging in, the PE100 impresses with its clean tones—those Fender and Vox models ring true and respond dynamically to your picking. Effects like chorus and delay feel natural and usable right out of the box, adding depth without muddiness. The drum patterns are surprisingly fun and useable, providing solid backings for riffing or songwriting.

That said, the high-gain amps can sound a bit fizzy or digital on dirtier settings, lacking the organic warmth of pricier units like a Line 6 POD. Distortions work well stacked with drives, but they might not satisfy metalheads seeking ultra-tight saturation. Overall, it's punchy through headphones or small amps.

I used the PE100 with Audio Technica ATH-50 headphones and had plenty of volume. My favorite jam application came when I plugged the tiny PE100 into a Headrush FRFR GO powered speaker. Whenever possible I avoid headphones, the PE100 really lit up the room when I plugged it into the Headrush speaker system - the drums came into their own and the guitar sounds were impressive. The PE100 has so little mass that the weight of my guitar cord wanted to pull it off the table (and that is WITH batteries installed). 

LIKES

• Ultra-portable and battery-powered for anywhere practice.
• Compact (cell phone size) and light weight (lighter than iPhone 11)
• Surprisingly powerful headphone amp
• Analog rotary volume control on side, no menu diving for Master volume
• Intuitive controls and quick preset access.
• Many effects and presets for the price.
• Built-in tools (tuner, drums, metronome) make it a complete practice rig.

DISLIKES

• Guitar tuning function is tricky to get exact, but functional

EPILOGUE: Great for Budget Tone Tweakers and Travelers 

The Mooer PE100 isn't trying to replace your high-end multi-effects rig; it's a fun, feature-packed companion for casual players, travelers, or anyone dipping their toes into digital processing. It is amazing how much is packed into this little box and it really is pocket sized.

I bought the PE100 brand new, in original factory packaging. I am always on the lookout for deals and found this one on Amazon for $35, delivered the next day. Apparently that was a special sale because when I went to look again it was up to $54. Even at this higher price, it delivers all the functionality you need in a portable package. If you're a beginner or just need something to spark creativity without high cost and bulk, or you want a powerful traveling companion, the PE100 is a winner. 

Thanks for reading High on Technology, Good Music To You!

©2025 by Mark King, it is NOT ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author.

Addendum: Who is Mooer Audio?

Mooer Audio, founded in 2010 and based in Shenzhen, China.  They are in the guitar effects industry, known for crafting compact, affordable, and innovative gear. The company gained fame for their micro-sized single-effect pedals, and have expanded into multi-effects units like the PE100, as well as amp modelers, preamps, and wireless systems. 

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