In this article I will review the Micro Drummer ii Drummer Pedal. If you’ve ever tried practicing guitar alone, you know how quiet it can feel without a drummer.
My experience is that even the coolest riffs lose their edge when there’s no beat to back them up. That’s where the Micro Drummer II Drummer Pedal comes in. This little gadget promises to be your pocket-sized rhythm section, and after testing it out, I’ve got some thoughts to share.
Micro Drummer ii Size
First off, the MOOER Micro Drummer II is about the size of a standard guitar pedal, which means it won’t hog space on your board. It’s built like a tank—sturdy metal casing, solid knobs, and a no-nonsense design.
The footswitch feels responsive, and the LED display is bright enough to read in any lighting. It’s clearly made to survive gigs, basement jams, and the occasional coffee spill. Portability is a big win here. You could toss it in your backpack and hardly notice it’s there.
Now, let’s talk features. The pedal offers 50 drum patterns covering genres like rock, blues, funk, and even electronic beats. Each style has variations—basic, fill, and intro/ending—so you’re not stuck with repetitive loops.
Also Read:
MXR M104 Distortion+ Distortion Pedal
Best Multi effects Pedal for Guitar: Review
8 Best Octave Pedals for Your Guitar
10 Best Flanger Guitar Pedals for 2024
Micro Drummer ii Patterns
The patterns feel natural, not robotic, which is huge for keeping your practice sessions feeling alive. There’s also a tap tempo button, letting you set the speed by stomping along to your own groove. No more fiddling with menus or confusing settings.
Sound quality is where the Micro Drummer II really shines. The drum samples are crisp and realistic, especially the snare and kick. Cymbals have a nice decay, and the hi-hats don’t sound tinny or artificial.
You can tweak the mix with a volume knob and a dedicated tone control, which helps blend the drums with your guitar’s sound. It won’t fool anyone into thinking there’s a live drummer in the room, but for a pedal, it’s impressively close.
One thing I love is how easy it is to use. Power it up, pick a pattern, adjust the tempo, and you’re good to go. The interface is dead simple—no PhD required. Even if you’re new to drum machines, you’ll figure it out in minutes.
Footswitch
The footswitch lets you start/stop patterns or trigger fills on the fly, which is perfect for live performances. Imagine kicking in a drum fill right before a solo—it adds a layer of spontaneity that’s hard to get with pre-recorded tracks.
Connectivity is another strong point. There’s a headphone jack for silent practice, an aux input for playing along with your phone, and an output to route the drums to an amp or PA. The aux input is a game-changer—plug in a backing track, and the pedal’s drums will sync automatically.
Jamming to your favorite songs just got a lot more fun. It runs on a 9V battery or a standard power supply, so you’re covered whether you’re at home or onstage.
Pros and Cons
But let’s keep it real. The Micro Drummer II isn’t perfect. While 50 patterns sound like a lot, you might crave more variety after a few weeks. The electronic beats feel a bit generic compared to the acoustic kits, and there’s no way to create custom patterns.
If you’re into experimental or super-specific genres, this might feel limiting. Also, the tempo range tops out at 240 BPM, which is plenty for most players, but metal shredders might wish for more speed.
Another minor gripe: the display doesn’t show BPM numbers, just a blinking light. Tap tempo works fine, but if you’re OCD about exact tempos, you’ll need an external metronome. And while the build quality is great, the pedal’s weight might be a tad heavy for some—though I’d take durability over featherweight any day.
Target Audience
Who’s this pedal for? If you’re a solo performer, this thing is gold. It turns your one-person act into a full-band experience. Songwriters will love sketching ideas with a beat behind them, and bedroom players can finally ditch the metronome drone for something groovier. It’s also a killer practice tool—locking in with a drum track tightens your timing like nothing else.
The Micro Drummer II isn’t trying to replace a live drummer. It’s a practical, no-fuss solution for guitarists who need rhythm support without the hassle. Priced around the mid-range mark, it’s not the cheapest option, but the build and sound justify the cost. If you’re on a tight budget, there are simpler metronome pedals out there, but none offer this blend of versatility and fun.
Micro Drummer II Drummer Pedal FAQ
What does the Micro Drummer II do?
It’s a compact drum machine pedal designed for guitarists. It provides realistic drum beats across multiple genres, acting as a portable rhythm section for practice, live performances, or songwriting.
How many drum patterns does it have?
It includes 50 built-in drum patterns, covering styles like rock, blues, funk, and electronic. Each pattern has variations (basic, fill, intro/ending) to keep things dynamic.
Is it easy to use for beginners?
Absolutely! The interface is straightforward—no menus or complicated settings. Just pick a pattern, adjust the tempo, and play. Even if you’re new to drum machines, you’ll get the hang of it quickly.
Can I use it silently for practice?
Yes! There’s a headphone jack for quiet practice sessions. Plug in, and you can jam along without disturbing roommates or neighbors.
Does it work with other instruments or backing tracks?
Definitely. The aux input lets you plug in a phone or MP3 player to play along with songs or backing tracks. The drums will sync automatically, making it great for covers or original music.
How do you control the tempo?
Use the tap tempo button—stomp the footswitch in time with your desired speed, and the pedal adjusts. There’s no BPM display, though, so you’ll need to rely on feel or an external metronome for exact tempos.
What’s the sound quality like?
The drum samples are crisp and realistic, especially snare and kick sounds. The tone control lets you tweak the mix to better match your guitar’s output. It’s not 100% like a live drummer, but it’s close for a pedal.
Can I create my own drum patterns?
No, the Micro Drummer II doesn’t support custom patterns. You’re limited to the 50 preset styles, which might feel restrictive if you’re into experimental or hyper-specific genres.
Is it durable enough for gigging?
Yes! The metal casing and sturdy knobs are built to handle travel and stage use. It’s a bit heavier than some pedals, but that’s a trade-off for durability.
What power options does it have?
It runs on a standard 9V battery or a 9V DC power supply (not included). Battery life is decent, but a power supply is better for long sessions or gigs.
Is it worth the price?
If you need a reliable, portable drum companion, yes. It’s mid-range priced—cheaper than high-end drum machines but pricier than basic metronome pedals. The sound quality and ease of use justify the cost for most players.
What’s the biggest downside?
The lack of custom patterns and limited tempo range (up to 240 BPM) might frustrate advanced users. Metal players or those needing ultra-fast beats may find it restrictive.
Who should not buy this pedal?
If you need intricate, customizable beats or play genres requiring extreme speeds (e.g., speed metal), look for a more advanced drum machine. This pedal focuses on simplicity over complexity.
Can I use it live without a drummer?
Yes! It’s perfect for solo performers. The footswitch lets you trigger fills or start/stop beats on the fly, adding energy to live sets. Just plug it into an amp or PA via the output jack.
Does it replace a metronome?
It can! The drum patterns make timing practice more engaging than a standard metronome click. But if you prefer traditional metronome features (subdivisions, visual BPM), keep a backup.
Any tips for getting the most out of it?
Experiment with blending the drum volume with your guitar using the mix knob. Try the aux input to jam with your favorite songs, and use fills to transition between song sections dynamically.
Where can I buy the Micro Drummer II?
Check music retailers like Guitar Center, Sweetwater, or Thomann. It’s also available on Amazon. Always compare prices and look for demo videos to hear it in action first!
Conclusion
So, should you buy it? If you want a portable, easy-to-use drum companion that sounds great and won’t let you down mid-gig, absolutely. It’s a blast to play with, and it’ll make those lonely practice sessions feel way less lonely.
Just know its limits—if you need intricate, customizable beats, look elsewhere. But for most guitarists, the Micro Drummer II hits all the right notes.
In the end, this pedal is about keeping things simple and enjoyable. It doesn’t overcomplicate, and it does exactly what it promises: gives you a solid beat to play along with. Whether you’re writing songs, practicing scales, or performing live, it’s a tool that’ll make you smile—and maybe even make you play better.