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Average Price: $140

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$60

$176+

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Description

Elevate your sound to new heights with the Pigtronix Keymaster, a versatile switch effects pedal that redefines your sonic capabilities. Designed for the discerning musician, this pedal is a powerful tool that seamlessly integrates into any setup. The dual effects loops offer endless possibilities, allowing you to experiment with chaining your favorite effects in innovative ways. Whether you're a guitarist seeking to expand your tonal palette or a producer exploring new soundscapes, the Keymaster is your gateway to creative freedom.

With its crossfade function, you can blend two effects loops together, forging new aural textures that were previously out of reach. Its intuitive design includes XLR and balanced/unbalanced inputs, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of gear. The dual footswitch chassis grants you swift command over your setup, making on-the-fly adjustments effortless during live performances or studio sessions.

Constructed with precision and reliability, the Pigtronix Keymaster caters to both conventional and experimental musicians. Its robust build ensures it can withstand the rigors of the road, while its innovative features encourage you to push the boundaries of your music. Whether you're crafting lush soundscapes or seeking to add a touch of uniqueness to your tone, this pedal is an indispensable addition to your effects arsenal.

Key Features:

  • Dual effects loops for versatile signal routing
  • Crossfade function for blending effects
  • XLR, balanced, and unbalanced inputs for broad compatibility
  • Dual footswitch chassis for intuitive control
  • Durable construction for reliable performance

Product specs

Brand Pigtronix
Model Keymaster
Finish Green Graphic
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Controller, Expression and Volume Pedals

FAQs

What is the Pigtronix Keymaster used for in a guitar setup?

The Pigtronix Keymaster is a switch effects pedal designed for routing and blending effects loops, allowing musicians to switch between or combine different effects chains seamlessly.

How does the Pigtronix Keymaster handle signal routing?

The Keymaster offers dual effects loops with independent send and return levels, enabling complex signal routing and blending for creative sound manipulation.

Can the Pigtronix Keymaster be used with other instruments besides guitar?

Yes, the Pigtronix Keymaster can be used with any instrument, making it versatile for routing and blending effects in various setups, including those for bass, keyboards, and more.

Does the Pigtronix Keymaster require a specific power supply?

The Pigtronix Keymaster requires a standard 18V DC power supply to operate effectively, ensuring adequate headroom and performance.

Is the Pigtronix Keymaster suitable for live performance?

Yes, the Pigtronix Keymaster is designed for live performance, offering reliable switching and blending capabilities to enhance on-stage versatility and creativity.

MusicMarketingTV

MusicMarketingTV

Pigtronix | Keymaster - Combine two distortion pedals!; DI, Re-Amp, Guitar Split, Mic Input...

Video thumbnail for Pigtronix | Keymaster - Combine two distortion pedals!; DI, Re-Amp, Guitar Split, Mic Input... by MusicMarketingTV

Pigtronix | Keymaster - Combine two distortion pedals!; DI, Re-Amp, Guitar Split, Mic Input...

MusicMarketingTV

MusicMarketingTV

Video thumbnail for Summer NAMM '10: Pigtronix Keymaster walk-thru by whatsthatdudeplay

Summer NAMM '10: Pigtronix Keymaster walk-thru

whatsthatdudeplay

whatsthatdudeplay

Video thumbnail for Pigtronix Keymaster Pedal by samashdirect

Pigtronix Keymaster Pedal

samashdirect

samashdirect

Video thumbnail for NY Amp Show '11 - Pigtronix Keymaster and Class A Boost Demos by Premier Guitar

NY Amp Show '11 - Pigtronix Keymaster and Class A Boost Demos

Premier Guitar

Premier Guitar

Video thumbnail for The Gear of CEO: Pigtronix Keymaster by CockeyedOptimistTV

The Gear of CEO: Pigtronix Keymaster

CockeyedOptimistTV

CockeyedOptimistTV

Video thumbnail for Stompbox Saturday : November 22, 2014 : Pigtronix Keymaster Part 1 by Sean Pierce Johnson

Stompbox Saturday : November 22, 2014 : Pigtronix Keymaster Part 1

Sean Pierce Johnson

Sean Pierce Johnson

Video thumbnail for Pigtronix Keymaster Studio Effects Mixer Router Pedal - Pigtronix Keymaster by American Musical Supply

Pigtronix Keymaster Studio Effects Mixer Router Pedal - Pigtronix Keymaster

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Video thumbnail for Stompbox Saturday : November 29, 2014 : Pigtronix Keymaster Part 2 by Sean Pierce Johnson

Stompbox Saturday : November 29, 2014 : Pigtronix Keymaster Part 2

Sean Pierce Johnson

Sean Pierce Johnson

Video thumbnail for Sound Brewing! Pigtronix KEYMASTER Studio Effects Mixer Switch Guitar Pedal Review - Reid's Reviews by Reid's Reviews

Sound Brewing! Pigtronix KEYMASTER Studio Effects Mixer Switch Guitar Pedal Review - Reid's Reviews

Reid's Reviews

Reid's Reviews

Reviews

PROS

  • Solid build and versatility in crossfading effects

  • Features in and out boosts for amp loops

  • Unique design reminiscent of classic 70's pedals

  • Versatile for studio and pedalboard use

  • Allows creative use on vocals, drums, etc.

  • Provides two footswitchable effects loops

CONS

  • Lacks a phase inverter for separate loops

  • No longer in production, making it hard to find

  • Some units prone to issues, like bad pots affecting cross-fade

  • Finicky with certain expression pedals, introducing noise

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Pigtronix Keymaster.

Features and functionality

  • XLR and 1/4" inputs can't be used simultaneously; 1/4" takes precedence, requiring manual unplugging for reamping.

    Source
  • The pedal's name subtitle varies between box, manual, and pedal, sparking curiosity among users.

    Source
  • The Keymaster is noted for its unique utility capabilities, which are surprisingly underrecognized or duplicated by other brands in the market.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Seen as a better option than Boss LS-2 for reamping due to impedance handling capabilities.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Effective for blending sounds and testing phase inversion in pedals, with specific mentions of Zvex SHO and Boss DS1.

    Source
  • Can be used for vocals in a live setting, though some users opted for alternatives like the BOSS VE-20.

    Source
  • Effectively substitutes ART Stereo Reamp and DI units on a keys board, maintaining a quiet noise floor with a hotter signal into the PA.

    Source
  • Suitable for use with a Yamaha digital piano, allowing additional pedals and PA integration without introducing noise.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the Keymaster's versatility, with one user expressing surprise at its lack of widespread recognition or imitation by other manufacturers.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Notably cheaper on Sweetwater's used exchange market after being discontinued, making it a cost-effective alternative for reamping setups.

    Source

User experience

  • Users have successfully paired it with an ART preamp to enhance vocal/mic effects, indicating versatility beyond guitar applications.

    Source
  • The Keymaster is described as a "pretty much one of a kind" pedal, highlighting its standout utility in guitar setups.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Pigtronix Keymaster Review

musictech.com

The Pigtronix Keymaster earns its stripes as a versatile "sonic Swiss Army Knife," bridging gear for creative signal routing without processing sound itself. Its dual effects loops, true-bypass switching, and impedance-matching capabilities allow seamless integration of a myriad of audio setups, whether for live performances or studio sessions. The ability to switch or blend effects loops using an expression pedal elevates its creative potential. While its robust design and sound quality are commendable, the unit's complexity might overwhelm those looking for simple solutions. At £249, it's a premium tool for the adventurous musician seeking new ways to harness their existing gear.

positive

Pigtronix Keymaster review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Pigtronix Keymaster receives high praise for its versatility and robust build, making it a valuable addition to any studio or pedalboard. Its flexibility shines with dual true bypass effects loops that can be run in series or parallel, offering creative possibilities like blending different dirt pedals. However, the price might be a hurdle for some. Overall, this tool is deemed invaluable for its diverse applications, especially in recording and re-amping scenarios.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Adrian Belew uses Pigtronix Keymaster

Adrian Belew

Singer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Photo

Adrian Belew uses a Pigtronix Keymaster, according to Pigtrnoix's website.

See how Juan Alderete uses Pigtronix Keymaster

Juan Alderete

Bassist

Marilyn Manson

...
Verified via Photo

Juan Alderete uses a Pigtronix Keymaster, according to Pigtronix's website.

See how Isaiah Ikey Owens uses Pigtronix Keymaster

Isaiah Ikey Owens

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Mars Volta

...
Verified via Photo

Used live for vocals, as featured in this August 19, 2014 Instagram post.

I'll be doing a little singing tonight with the help of these bad girls! Can't wait to hear the @manticconcepts proverb on live vox. I believe this their pedal board??? #denver @pedalsandeffects

See how Merrill Garbus uses Pigtronix Keymaster

Merrill Garbus

Singer, Drummer

...
Verified via YouTube

Full pedalboard setup can be seen at 0:57

See how Jer Coons uses Pigtronix Keymaster

Jer Coons

Singer, Guitarist

Madaila

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in this Instagram post by Coons.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Pigtronix Keymaster, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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carlos_carrillo

carlos_carrillo

Gear IQ 163

carlos_carrillo

carlos_carrillo

Gear IQ 163

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