TEST: Mooer SD75

 What was only hinted at in the past has now developed so much that one almost has to speak of two different types of amplifiers. Especially in the combo area, there is a diametrical development between the puristic all-tube representatives, who like to come along with only 1 - 2 channels, and entire workstations, which not only come with countless presets, but also with additional connection options, as you would otherwise only find from familiar from small mixing consoles. The second group also includes the Mooer SD75 Combo, which we have for testing.

The concept of the Mooer SD75

Anyone who has read the introductory text will easily recognize that this is a modeling combo, precisely the kind of amplifier series that is based on well-known trademarks in the guitar sound in order to imitate them as well as possible using algorithms and digital technology. In order to get as close as possible to the different sounds of a high-quality amplifier, the Mooer SD75 has 25 different replicas, using the in-house Digital Preamp Modeling Technology.

In order to make the sounds even more flexible, various pedals from the distortion / modulation and room effect collection were also emulated, which is reflected in 8 different overdrive / distortion, 9 modulation, 5 delay and 6 reverb effects, with the delay algorithm has an additional tap function. In order to match one's personal taste, the combo still has a typical three-band tone control, consisting of treble, mid and bass plus a gain, volume, presence and master volume control. All values are controlled via an encoder called "Value" and a built-in push function. A serial FX loop on the back of the housing is available for the additional operation of external pedals or 19-inch components.

The combo was equipped with a 12-inch speaker (100 watt load capacity) specially made for Mooer and has an output of 75 watts, which is generated from a class A/B power amplifier. The combo has no tubes and is a pure transistor amplifier. If you want to give your sound a little more punch at a live show, you can connect an additional cabinet with an impedance of between 8 and 16 ohms. The impedance of the internal speaker is 8 ohms.

The scope of delivery of the Mooer SD75 includes a power cable as well as a 4-way foot switch, which can switch both the 4 presets of a bank and the banks with double switching. The special feature of the switch is that it does not require a cable and connects to the amp when you hold down two buttons and then switch on the combo. The switch is powered by a 9V battery.

In order to be able to operate the Mooer SD75 worldwide, you have the option of selecting the voltage from 220 - 240 V or 100 - 120 V using a slider on the back of the housing. It goes without saying that this switch should not be operated with the mains cable plugged in.

The case of the Mooer SD75

For a 1x12" modeling amp, the Mooer SD75 is comparatively large in size, although at 570 mm x 275 mm x 465 mm you can't really speak of large. The advantage lies in the fairly large storage space of the combo, which is open to the rear, although you should always keep in mind that the loudspeaker cardboard can be destroyed immediately by external influences if it is loaded improperly. If at all cables or pedals should get lost in the inner workings of the combo, please stow everything in an additionally padded bag if possible.

In terms of processing, there is nothing wrong with the combo, which comes in different shades of gray. All seams are neatly finished, there are no protruding edges or other defects. Everyone should decide for themselves whether they like the 1950s office furniture color scheme. The combo rests on 4 plastic feet, which are comparatively stiff and can slip on slippery floors. A slightly softer compound could prevent this. The carrying handle is made of imitation leather, comfortably padded, well made and allows the combo to be transported comfortably. With a weight of only 16 kilograms, the Mooer SD75 is comparatively easy to handle, especially in direct comparison to other combos in this performance class.

The additional connection possibilities of the Mooer SD75

To define the Mooer SD75 as a guitarist's workstation, it takes more than just an extensive set of sounds. Some tools were installed internally to give the user the option of a private jam. In addition to a chromatic tuner, the Mooer SD75 has a looper with up to 150 seconds, a drum machine with 40 different patterns and a metronome with 10 variations. The combo also has a headphone output.

External devices can be paired as players via Bluetooth or connected to the combo via a mini-jack plug. A USB connector on the back of the housing allows access to the computer for firmware updates. Likewise, a frequency-corrected output via XLR connector enables direct connection to a P.A. If ground loops occur, there is a ground lift on the amplifier. The USB socket is only used for updating the software, direct import into the DAW is only possible via the XLR Out and an additional interface.

The Mooer SD75 in practice

Anyone who has ever worked with a modeling amp will quickly find their way around the innards of the combo. The 40 editable presets can be moved, overwritten and adapted to personal needs as you wish. The delivered volume in combination with the 12-inch speaker is also sufficient to assert itself against a dynamically playing drummer. In terms of practical orientation, everything is fine so far.

In terms of sound, you should briefly keep the key data of the combo in mind. Every experienced musician should be aware that you can't expect high-end sounds with the highest sound quality at a retail price of less than 400 euros. It is therefore not really surprising that the Mooer SD75 also struggles with the classic problem of inexpensive modeling amps, the transparency of the different sounds and their strength of character. Although the sound culture has improved significantly over the past few decades compared to the first representatives of this species, in direct comparison to an all-tube combo or at least a purely analog solid state amplifier, the Mooer SD75 draws the short straw in terms of sound.

Compared to the next higher league, all sounds lack the famous “aha” experience in the resolution of the sound. Not that the offered sounds would sound bad, but the sounds generally suffer from a subtly dull or even dull basic sound, a limitation that almost all transistor-based modeling amps in this price range share. In my opinion, it is also to be regarded as suboptimal, as all other representatives of this species also do, to play with the type designations of large trademarks in order to avoid a trademark lawsuit on the one hand and on the other hand to give the user a large name from the US or as a basis UK as a base to believe. However, the sonic results couldn't be further from a Marshall, Friedman or Fender, no matter how much you would like it to be.

Mind you, this approach is not unique to Mooer, it is generally practiced by all representatives of this genre. Absolutely understandable for marketing-technical reasons, unfortunately not for sound reasons. However, anyone who now thinks that I didn't like the Mooer Combo is very wrong. In my opinion, you should always see exactly which area this combo was built for and the combo covers this targeted area very well.

We are dealing with a very flexible combo that can be used universally in the home recording / practice area and does its job very well. In my opinion, the Mooer SD75 is very suitable for the rehearsal room, for songwriting or practicing songs for the next show. As a bedroom amp, I personally find the dimensions and the performance specifications of the combo a bit too lavish, for professional stage use I don't think the sound culture is sufficient enough.

Conclusion

With the Mooer SD75, the Chinese manufacturer has a very flexible, open-ended and very well-made modeling combo in its range. The choice of sounds along with extensive connection options enables good use in the practice room with homercording intentions and in personal practice routines for little money, also due to the strong performance data.

Additional Informations:

Moeer Audio: A Comprehensive Company Report

Abstract:
This report provides an in-depth analysis of Moeer Audio, a prominent company in the audio equipment industry. The report covers the company's background, product range, market presence, technological innovations, business strategies, and future prospects. Moeer Audio has established a strong reputation for producing high-quality, innovative audio gear that caters to the needs of musicians, producers, and audio enthusiasts worldwide.

Introduction:
Moeer Audio is a renowned company specializing in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of audio equipment and effects pedals. With a commitment to innovation, quality, and affordability, the company has gained significant recognition in the music industry.

Company Background:
Founded in 2010, Moeer Audio has rapidly grown to become a leading player in the audio equipment market. The company is headquartered in Shenzhen, China, and operates globally, serving customers in over 80 countries. Moeer Audio's core mission is to provide musicians and audio professionals with accessible and versatile gear that enhances their creativity and performance.

Product Range:
Moeer Audio offers an extensive range of products that cater to various audio applications and user preferences. Their product portfolio includes:

Effects Pedals: Moeer Audio is well-known for its diverse lineup of effects pedals, covering a wide range of tones and effects. From classic overdrive and distortion to modulation, delay, and reverb, their pedals are designed to deliver exceptional sound quality, versatility, and user-friendly operation.

Amplifiers: The company also manufactures amplifiers that combine solid-state and digital technologies to offer reliable performance and tonal flexibility. Moeer Audio's amplifiers are renowned for their compact size, portability, and high-quality sound reproduction.

Multi-Effects Processors: Moeer Audio provides multi-effects processors that integrate a wide range of effects, amp simulations, and digital signal processing capabilities into a single unit. These processors offer musicians and producers a comprehensive toolkit for sound shaping and experimentation.

Technological Innovations:
Moeer Audio's success can be attributed, in part, to its commitment to technological innovation. The company invests significantly in research and development to stay at the forefront of audio technology. Moeer Audio continuously incorporates advancements in digital signal processing, circuit design, and component selection into its products, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and tonal integrity.

Market Presence:
Moeer Audio has established a strong market presence, with its products being well-received by musicians, producers, and audio enthusiasts worldwide. Their gear has gained recognition for its sound quality, durability, and affordability. Moeer Audio actively participates in industry events, trade shows, and collaborations with artists and influencers to increase brand visibility and engage with its target audience.

Business Strategies:
Moeer Audio implements several key strategies to maintain its competitive edge:

Product Affordability: The company focuses on offering high-quality audio equipment at competitive prices, making professional-grade gear accessible to a wide range of customers.

Product Diversity: Moeer Audio continually expands its product range to cater to diverse musical genres and user preferences. This strategy ensures that musicians and producers can find the right tools to achieve their desired sound.

Customer Engagement: The company values customer feedback and actively engages with its user community through social media, forums, and direct communication. This customer-centric approach helps Moeer Audio understand user needs, gather insights, and incorporate suggestions into product development and improvement.

Quality Control: Moeer Audio maintains rigorous quality control processes to ensure that every product meets the highest standards. This commitment to quality enhances customer satisfaction and builds trust in the brand.

Future Prospects:
Moeer Audio's future prospects look promising. With its dedication to innovation, affordability, and customer satisfaction, the company is well-positioned to expand its market presence and capture new opportunities. As the demand for audio equipment and effects pedals continues to grow, Moeer Audio can leverage its strong brand reputation, technological advancements, and diverse product range to solidify its position as a leading player in the industry.

Conclusion:
Moeer Audio has established itself as a reputable company in the audio equipment market, renowned for its commitment to innovation, quality, and affordability. With a diverse product range, technological advancements, and effective business strategies, Moeer Audio continues to cater to the needs of musicians, producers, and audio enthusiasts worldwide. The company's focus on technological innovation, customer engagement, and product affordability ensures a promising future in the highly competitive audio equipment industry.