POCKET ROCKET
For such a small pedal, Mooer has managed to squeeze ve different delay and chorus tones into one incredibly economical box. One central knob selects between chorus, triple chorus for a deeper variant, echo, CH-DL mode for a combination of both chorus delay and DL-CH – that adds chorus added to the delay effect. There are three thumbtack-sized knobs allowing some simple control over the sounds with level, depth and rate controls. It solely runs off a 9-volt power supply, but only because there is simply no room for a battery inside the minuscule enclosure.
DON’T BORE US, GET TO THE CHORUS
The first chorus mode offers the most classic, airy sound of the bunch. It’s great for a subtler chorus effect. With a slow rate and low depth settings, it adds a pleasing touch of stereo depth to the guitar sound that can almost result in something akin to a 12-string sound. A little bit of chorus can go a long way, so I found the best results taking a metered approach to the dials. The ‘tri-chi’ or triple chorus effect is more noticeable, with a deeper and multi-layered approach to chorus. With a higher rate and depth settings, it’s possible to get Leslie-type rotary tones that sound relatively convincing. I don’t think this would be the type of effect to always leave on, but the Baby Water would certainly be useful to accentuate certain moments in an arrangement.
DELAY FOR DAYS
While the delay and echo based effects are perhaps slightly limited by the lack of controls, they offer a perfectly usable – and at times – lush sounding ambience. The echo setting offers a dry, clean digital delay without the addition of chorus. The CH-DL mode is the most pleasing setting for acoustic guitar that especially shines when ngerpicking. With the effects working in series, neither the chorus nor delay overwhelms the other. It results in a weighty effect that can effectively fill out the sound when playing solo. Finally, the DL-CH mode applies the chorus to the delay’s repeats. Funnily enough, the wobbly repeats created by the chorus actually seem to recreate the flutter and wow of a tape echo. It’s a handy all-rounder type setting that doesn’t get too overbearing unless either the rate or depth is really cranked.
AN ACOUSTIC EXPERIMENT
While a lot of players may consider it sacrilege to start loading effects on to an acoustic guitar sound, Mooer’s Baby Water offers a cost effective dip into the world of acoustic effects. It doesn’t always hit the mark, but when you lock into a sweet spot that works it can sound both mesmerising and inspiring to play with.
