Mooer Ocean Machine II | Review

Mooer Ocean Machine II | Review

MSRP: (UK) £225 / (US) $299

For players who seek sonic exploration and experimental soundscapes, the Mooer Ocean Machine II could be your dream come true. The second unit developed with Devin Townsend, the Ocean Machine II includes dual delay engines and a reverb module, providing endless layers of ambient texture. With tap tempo, MIDI compatibility, and up to 120 seconds of loop recording, it combines all these features into a serious creative tool. Sam Bell tells us more.

I had the pleasure of reviewing Devin Townsend's amazing reverb/delay pedal from Mooer when it first appeared on the market. Now, Mooer is back with a second edition of this affordable, compact, and versatile ambience machine! What makes this pedal different from the first edition? Let's find out.

The improved DSP algorithms deliver a superior delay and reverb experience, making this pedal capable of producing pristine, lifelike effects. The nine delay types—including digital, analog, tape, echo, liquid, rainbow, crystal, low-bit, and fuzzy—offer a rich palette for experimentation. Whether you're after the warmth of vintage analogue delay or the quirky texture of a low-bit effect, the Ocean Machine provides a tone for every style and mood.

The nine reverb types are equally impressive, ranging from classic room and hall reverbs to more experimental options like distorted reverb and flanger reverb. The filter and reverse reverb settings open up new sonic landscapes, making it easy to sculpt atmospheric soundscapes for ambient, post-rock, or experimental music. With the Freeze feedback feature, you can sustain your delay or reverb effect indefinitely, allowing for creative builds and sound manipulation.

The looper functionality is another new feature of the Ocean Machine. With up to 120 seconds of recording time, you can easily capture your performance and layer sounds, making it a great tool for live performances or practice sessions. The looper also supports overdubbing, half-speed, and reverse effects, giving you even more ways to manipulate your recorded loops.

The inclusion of a tap tempo footswitch makes syncing your delay effects to your performance effortless, while the customizable order of effects—either in a parallel or series chain—gives you full control over how your signal is processed. Whether you want to run delay and reverb in parallel for an ethereal sound or combine them in series for a dense, layered effect, the flexibility here is top-notch.

The large LCD screen is a welcome feature, making it easy to see your settings at a glance, even in low-light environments. The twelve physical knobs allow for real-time adjustments to each parameter, providing tactile control over your effects without needing to dig through menus. This makes the Ocean Machine an intuitive choice for both beginners and experienced players who want to fine-tune their sound quickly and efficiently.

Build-wise, the Ocean Machine feels rock solid, designed to withstand the rigours of both studio and live use. The durable construction is backed by true bypass and DSP bypass options, ensuring a transparent signal when the pedal is off. Full stereo inputs and outputs also allow you to take full advantage of the pedal's spacious, wide-ranging effects.

For those who like to integrate their gear into more complex setups, the MIDI In and Thru support is a huge bonus. The pedal can sync with other MIDI-enabled devices, opening up new possibilities for controlling effects via external gear. The USB-C port for firmware updates ensures that the Ocean Machine will remain up-to-date with the latest features and improvements, future-proofing your investment.

In addition to MIDI control, the Ocean Machine supports an external expression pedal (via TRS cable), giving you hands-on control over parameters like delay time, feedback, or reverb depth. And if you want to further streamline your live setup, it's also compatible with the Mooer F4 wireless footswitch (sold separately), allowing you to control the pedal remotely without the hassle of cables.

The Mooer Ocean Machine is a stellar choice for musicians who want to push the boundaries of delay and reverb effects. With its high-fidelity sound, extensive range of effects, powerful looper, and intuitive controls, it delivers everything you need for both studio and live performance. Whether you're a solo artist creating ambient layers or a band looking to add atmospheric depth to your sound, the Ocean Machine is up to the task. It's a must-have for anyone looking to explore new sonic territory.

For more information, please visit:

mooeraudio.com