RJM Mastermind PBC

Mastermind PBC/10

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SKU:

PBC10-A

Description

Description

The Mastermind PBC/10 is our first switching unit designed for use on a pedalboard. This product combines best of all of the products we've done over the years into one compact and powerful unit. This gives for the first time, the power and flexibility of a rack switching system - on a pedalboard!

We've designed the Mastermind PBC/10 to get the most out of pedalboards that include MIDI controllable pedals like those made by Eventide, Line 6 and Strymon. Not only does the PBC handle all of the audio routing and switching, but also its comprehensive MIDI features allow complete control over these pedals.

Features:

10 audio loops, arranged in a group of 4 loops, a group of 2 loops and another group of 4 loops, with insert points in between
The last four loops are stereo capable using TRS jacks
Each of the last four loops can be switched between series and parallel routing, using an internal line mixer
The two outputs can be used as left and right outputs for a stereo signal, or as A and B outputs to A/B switch a mono signal between two amps
The B output has a switchable isolation transformer and a programmable phase switch
Three audio buffers, each of which can be enabled or disabled by IA button or as part of a preset (before loop 1, before loop 7 and after loop 10)
Click Stopper noise reduction circuit, which can be switched between two positions (before loop 7 or after loop 10)
11 buttons, each with a multi-color LED indicator
Easy to read LCD display that can display preset and song names, plus other status
Built in tuner
MIDI input & output connections, powered by the MIDI "brain" of our Mastermind GT controller
USB device port for connection to a PC or Mac. This allows the Mastermind GT to send MIDI commands to a computer
USB host port for use with a USB thumb drive. Back up and restore settings to a flash drive, and also use a flash drive to perform firmware upgrades
Two 1/4-inch TRS jacks that provide four function switches. These can be used to control the channel switching and other features on an amplifier
Expression pedal input that can be programmed to generate MIDI messages
External switch input allows two more switches to be added
Mac and PC editor software allows for faster and more comprehensive editing

Specifications:

Size: 17.5" (w) x 5.5" (d) x 3.33" (h) / 44.5 cm (w) x 14.0 cm (d) x 8.38 (h)
Weight: 4 lbs / 1.8 kg
625 presets
250 songs, 16 setlists
Can control up to 16 MIDI devices
20 MIDI messages can be assigned per button (PC, CC, Note, Sysex)
Power requirements: 9VDC @ 500mA, 12VDC or 9VAC @ 400mA

Please note:The Mastermind PBC/10 can be powered with Voodoo Lab Pedal Power supplies that have a 12VDC 400mA output. You can also power it with a Pedal Power 2 Plus if you use a current double cable with outputs 5 and 6. We also sell "wall-wart" style adapters that work in most countries.

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6 Reviews

4
MIDI works as advertised, but QC flaws need to be addressed.

Posted by Seunghyun Song on Apr 29th 2021

The nuts that hold the I/O jacks came loose upon arrival. RJM did confirm that this was a rare QC fault. I did manage to manually re-tighten the nuts; however, only time will tell if that did enough to solve the issue. Yes, I know I do still have the warranty; however, considering the fact that I am in Canada and not in the US, I pray to god that I won't have to rely on the warranty, as shipping costs will definitely be a pain to deal with.

Now, having said that, the MIDI works as advertised. The IA buttons, the presets, etc. all work very well to provide me a switcher system that doesn't completely bust the bank. Also, I'm happy to report that the switches are bolted down tight at the very least.

However, the fact that the I/O jack nuts came loose during transit is something that I have to seriously acknowledge as a QC issue that RJM needs to address ASAP, as customers shouldn't have to worry about the bolts and nuts coming loose midway through a show, and/or during transit from one place to another. Customers shouldn't have to manually tighten the bolts down just to get the I/O jacks to sit tight on the board.

Although, I will say, the redeeming factor here is that the nuts that hold the I/O jacks don't affect the performance of the switcher itself. There were no further issues that I had to deal with, unlike the previous MIDI controller I used to have from another company that treated their customers poorly.

Overall, 4 stars for now. If the nuts do the job and hold themselves together after 6 months, I'll consider amending the review to 5 stars. However, if the nuts don't do the job well even after I manually fix it? Well then, I better pray that the RMA process with RJM is streamlined to the point where I won't have to worry about shipping fees too much.
5
RJM Mastermind PBC

Posted by John Drew (JD) on May 25th 2019

Well once again Mr. Thorn was reviewing looper/ switchers and in this case the Mastermind. I had been looking for some time as I have always had a lot of pedals. The Mastermind seemed to fit the bill perfectly. I know he uses another manufacturer's however he also really liked this one... and so did I.
I downloaded the manual, read it several times and watched every video I could find. Satisfied I pulled the trigger and ordered it.
last night I used it flawlessly for the first time and was very satisfied. It did everything I needed it to do and more and sounds great to boot. It is obviously very powerful and I plan to dig in further however it didn't take long to get my head around it. Today I used the editor software and named the presets and chose LED colors etc to make it even more accessible.
I am very satisfied so far. I can't speak yet to it's durability, however, I have no doubt it will hold up to the riggers of the road. I have been there done that and seen RJM's gear for a long time now. Although it has only been a few weeks I am loving it. Thanks for a great product and a decent price to boot.
To shamelessly name drop I was speaking with Brad Paisly's guitar player and we looked at his board and he had the same number of pedals as myself.
I told him I was sending him my pic of my board once the PBC was installed and give him a review.
Needless to say it will be favorable. Thanks!
John Drew (JD)
5
Amazing sound and functionality!

Posted by Fernando Gamas on May 8th 2019

I am blown away by how good the unit sounds, and the ability to completely customize the buttons to match your individual workflow is a game changer for me. Loving my new pedalboard!
5
Greg Spontak

Posted by Greg Spontak on Jul 2nd 2018

Just starting to enjoy the Mastermind PBC. Compared to the Boss ES 8, the Mastermind is well worth the extra money. The ease of use and options available on the Mastermind PBC make the ES-8 look like an overpriced toy.