[Fender's first full-fledged multi-effect pedal] What are the capabilities of the Fender Tone Master Pro? Comparison with Helix and Quad Cortex [Sound demo and reviews]

"I want to create guitar sounds more intuitively, while still achieving professional quality."

If you're one of those people, you should check out this long-awaited multi-amp from Fender.

Fender Tone Master Pro

Equipped with a large 7-inch touch screen and an encoder-equipped foot switch, it can call up more than 5150 amps and effects from Twin Reverb to EVH 100III with one tap. In addition, it is equipped with a wide range of I/O such as 4 FX loops and XLR microphone input, so you can complete all your live performances, home recordings, and distribution with just this one unit.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the operability and sound capabilities, compare it with the Line 6 Helix Floor and Neural DSP Quad Cortex, and delve into real user reviews.

What is Fender Tone Master Pro?

Basic Information

Item	Tone Master Pro
Price (domestic/overseas)	¥198,990 (tax included)※定価¥266,200 $1,599.99
Rhinoceros (W x D x H)	37.1cm × 26.2cm × 9.6cm
weight	Approximately 4 kg
screen	7-inch color touch screen
DSP/Internal Processing	32-bit floating point/48 kHz
Number of Amp Models	100+
Number of effect models	100+
IR compatible	Thousands built-in + external IR loading possible
ルーパー	60 Second Stereo
I / O	Guitar IN, XLR Mic IN, 4 x FX Loop, XLR OUT, TRS OUT, MIDI I/O, USB-C, Bluetooth, Headphone OUT

The Fender Tone Master Pro is a professional-grade digital amp modeler/multi-effector released by Fender in 2023. It is a "guitar workstation" that inherits the technology of the "Tone Master" amp series, which has been successful in digitally reproducing classic models of the past, and is condensed into a floorboard type. Simply put, it is a product that combines an effects board and an amp into one unit, and can be used in a wide range of situations, from live performances to home recording.

It was surprising to see Fender enter this kind of multi-processor market, but it's a product that makes full use of the company's unique strengths. In particular, the company is confident and proud of its reproduction of the sound of classic Fender amps, and even with digital technology, it is clear that "only Fender sets the standard." In other words,"A digital version of the Fender sound, created by Fender themselves."I can say that.

Tone Master Pro Features

Encoder footswitch with 7" touchscreen and LCD

The Tone Master Pro's control system is centered around a 7" color touchscreen and 10 footswitch/encoders. Below each switch is a small LCD "scribble strip." Step on it to turn the effect on/off, and turn it to use it as a knob to instantly adjust parameters - a design that lets you "see, step on, and turn" in one continuous operation. Its high level of intuitiveness has earned it high praise, with even multi-effects beginners being able to use it in just a few minutes.

100+ amps & effects + over 6,000 IR library

More than 100 built-in Tone Master quality amps and effects. In addition to Fender's golden age amps such as Twin Reverb and Deluxe Reverb, it also covers officially licensed EVH 5150III Stealth and British high gain. In addition, it comes preloaded with over 6,000 Fender capture IRs, allowing you to fine-tune your microphone position and cabinet type, and third-party IRs can also be loaded by drag and drop.

Extensive I/O including 4 FX loops and XLR mic inputs

The rear panel is equipped with guitar IN + XLR microphone IN (+48 V), 4 mono/2 stereo effect loops, independent XLR L/R and TRS L/R outputs, MIDI I/O, USB-C audio IF, AUX IN, and even a headphone jack. There are almost no unexpected scenarios, such as the 4-cable method with external pedals and amps, simultaneous processing of singing and playing, and multi-channel recording for home recording.

60 Second Stereo Looper and Song/Setlist Mode

The unit itself has a 60-second stereo looper, so you can instantly practice phrases or play multiple tracks during a solo. In addition, you can rearrange presets by song in Song mode, and in Setlist mode you can rearrange the presets according to the order of songs you'll play at a live show, so you can easily switch between pages during a performance.

8-Core DSP and Seamless Preset Switching

The 8-core processor handles heavy IRs and multi-stage effects with ease. True spillover is achieved, with no interruption in delay or reverb reverberation even when switching presets, eliminating the stress of cutting out sound during live performances.

Lightweight body weighing approximately 4 kg with metal chassis

While maintaining the robustness of its aluminum/steel casing, its weight is surprisingly light at approximately 4 kg.** Compared to the Helix Floor's weight of approximately 6.6 kg, the burden of transporting it is less than one-third, making it easy to carry around for rehearsals or on the road.

Free firmware updates every six months

Fender releases major firmware every six months, continually adding new amps, effects and features. In fact, between 6 and 2024 alone, it will evolve from version 25 to 1.3, with bass amps and new IRs being released one after another. The appeal is the peace of mind that comes with having hardware that grows with you, rather than just "buying it and being done with it."

Tone Master Pro | Sound demo

Tone Master Pro | Review and reputation

Good reputation (positive reviews)

Bad reviews (negative reviews)

Comparison with Line 6 Helix and Quad Cortex

Item	Fender Tone Master Pro	Line 6 Helix Floor	Neural DSP Quad Cortex
Release date	2023	2015	2021
Price range (new)	Approximately 20 to 25 yen	Approximately 18 to 20 yen	Approximately 25 to 30 yen
Size / weight	Approximately 51×39×23cm・4.5kg	Approximately 56×30×9cm・6.6kg	Approximately 29×19×5cm・1.9kg
Way	Full DSP modeling	Full DSP modeling	Amp Capture+Modeling
Number of built-in models	Over 100 types of amp effects	Approximately 80 types of amplifiers and over 300 types of effects	Approximately 50 types + user equipment capture support
Touch UI	Yes(7 inches)	None (6 inch screen)	Yes(Multi-touch LCD)
Footswitch	10 units (encoder with LCD display)	12 + built-in expression pedal	11 units (also used as encoder, with LCD display)
Distinctive Features	Song/Setlist Mode, 6000 types of IR, 4 FX loops, etc.	snap shotFeatures, extensive I/O, and HX Edit software compatibility	Neural Capture(Equipment input), ultra-compact housing, 2 FX loops

Looking at the table, the Tone Master Pro stands out compared to its competitors with its new operation system (large touch screen and encoder-style footswitch). In terms of intuitive operation, Helix is also known for its simplicity, but Tone Master Pro surpasses it with its innovative UI, which has been praised as "one step ahead in terms of operability." On the other hand, Helix has been updated many times since its release in 2015, and its strengths include an overwhelming number of built-in effects (over 300 types), stable operation, and a huge user community. It is also relatively reasonably priced for a flagship model, and it is also attractive that it can be purchased cheaply on the used market.

Quad Cortex's biggest feature is that it is equipped with an amp capture function (Neural Capture), which allows you to capture and reproduce the tones of your own or other people's amps and pedals. Its size and weight are unmatched, making it popular as a "live rig that fits in a backpack." However, the price has risen in recent years, making it the most expensive in Japan at around 30 yen. Also, it has been pointed out that since it has only been on the market for a short time, the number of effects is somewhat limited (this is expected to increase in future updates).

Due to these differences, Helix is said to be suitable for "those who prioritize ease of use and want a wide range of compatibility," while Quad Cortex is suitable for "those who want to try out the latest technology and prefer a compact design." On the other hand, Tone Master Pro is perfect for "those who want professional quality sound with intuitive operation." It is on par with its competitors in terms of price and specifications, but if you value the unique Fender sound and an overwhelmingly fun operating experience, Tone Master Pro is a strong choice.

Summary | Fender's most ambitious work

The Tone Master Pro is an ambitious product that combines the fun of sound creation with authentic sound. As it was released by Fender itself, the reproduction of traditional Fender tone is guaranteed, and the glossiness of the clean sound and the beauty of the reverb are also highly acclaimed. And yet, the operation is intuitive, and it is designed to be easy to use even for those who are new to multi-effects. In fact, some users have said that it is easy to get close to the sound they want from the first time they use it, so it is a product that is perfect for a first unit.

Of course, it's a costly investment, but it's not too expensive when you consider that this one unit can handle all the famous amps and effects. Compared to the effort of buying and transporting several large amps, Tone Master Pro and a full-range speaker are all you need to handle any genre. In fact, it has been pointed out that "from wedding bands to top professionals, we are now in an era where multi-processors are used instead of carrying mountains of equipment," making it a perfect choice for modern stage and recording situations.

Not only is it comparable to competing models, it is also one step ahead in terms of operability, and in the current situation where each company is competing fiercely in terms of sound quality, it is said that "there is no decisive difference, it's a matter of preference." If that's the case, Tone Master Pro has great appeal in terms of "whether it inspires your creativity when you get it in your hands" and "whether you can use it stress-free." In fact, when you try it out, it is evaluated as **the most robust, powerful, and easy-to-use guitar processor," and it is currently being called "the real favorite for the next generation multi-effect processor."

On the other hand, for those who want a perfect clone sound (capture of the actual amp) or beginners who want to keep it as cheap as possible, other options (such as Kemper or Helix LT) may be more suitable. However, for greedy guitarists who want the best usability and uncompromising sound quality, the Tone Master Pro is a great answer. Try out this long-awaited Fender product in a store or studio and experience its comfort and sonic inspiration. You'll surely find it an indispensable companion for your new creations.