How many pedals fit on the Pedaltrain Metro 16?

The Metro 16 fits 5-8 pedals depending on pedal size. The 16 x 8 inch surface is designed for single-row linear arrangements rather than dual-row setups. Standard Boss-sized pedals allow approximately 8 units, while larger pedals reduce capacity to 5-6. Compact pedals like expression pedals or small drive boxes maximize available space.

What is the shoulder bag included with the Metro 16?

The Metro 16 includes a purpose-built shoulder bag with adjustable cross-body straps, allowing hands-free carrying. The bag is constructed from durable nylon with reinforced stitching and padding, protecting your board during transport. The straps distribute weight evenly, making it comfortable for extended carrying. This carrying solution is one of the Metro 16's key differentiators compared to other compact boards.

Is the Metro 16 suitable for air travel?

Yes, the Metro 16 is highly suitable for air travel. At 16 x 8 inches and under 4 pounds, it fits most airline carry-on allowances without issue. The shoulder bag packs easily into luggage or can be carried separately. Many touring musicians use the Metro 16 as their travel board specifically for its compact, flight-friendly dimensions.

Can you expand pedal capacity on the Metro 16?

The Metro 16's capacity is limited by physical dimensions—you cannot add additional surface area. However, some users mount additional pedals using stackable configurations or expression pedal mounting brackets. For most musicians, this compromises the board's intended minimalist design. If you require more than 8 pedals, upgrading to a larger Pedaltrain model is a better solution.

Does the Metro 16 have under-board cable routing?

Yes, the Metro 16 includes basic under-board cable routing channels, though the board's compact size means extensive routing isn't necessary. Most users route their audio cables underneath the board, keeping the top surface clean. Power connections and additional cables are typically managed alongside the board rather than underneath it.

Pedaltrain Metro 16 Review: Compact Grab-and-Go Pedalboard | New Guitar Daily

Pedaltrain Metro 16 Review: Compact Grab-and-Go Pedalboard

Sometimes you just need to grab your board and go. The Pedaltrain Metro 16 is designed exactly for that scenario. At 16 x 8 inches, it’s small enough to fit under your arm, light enough that you won’t notice the weight, and smart enough to accommodate 5-8 carefully selected pedals. If the Classic 2 is the professional standard and the Novo 18 is the traveling musician’s choice, the Metro 16 is the player who values simplicity and portability above all else.

This is the board for jam sessions, rehearsals, and coffee shop gigs. It’s the backup board you keep in your car. It’s what you bring when you’re unsure of venue logistics and don’t want to worry about bulky gear. The Metro 16 strips the pedalboard concept down to its essentials: a solid mounting surface, basic cable management, and enough space for your core effects.

Key Features

The Metro 16 measures just 16 x 8 inches and weighs under 4 pounds—making it the lightest full-featured pedalboard Pedaltrain offers. The footprint is narrow and rectangular, designed for single-pedal linear arrangements rather than dual-row setups. This constraint forces intentional signal chain design, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The included shoulder bag is a genuine differentiator. Rather than a gig bag designed for multiple purposes, this is a purpose-built carrying solution with adjustable straps that let you wear the board across your body. This is genuinely convenient for musicians who regularly transport gear on foot, via public transit, or who want hands-free carrying during quick venue hops.

The Metro 16 retains Pedaltrain’s core design philosophy: lightweight aluminum construction, velcro-compatible mounting surface, and under-board cable routing. The cables don’t require complex management given the board’s size, but the option is there if you need it. Standard 1/4-inch cables route easily, and the compact footprint means you’ll rarely need more than three or four audio connections.

Pedal capacity tops out at 8 pedals in a best-case scenario using compact Boss-sized units, though 5-6 pedals is more realistic and still allows comfortable access to every footswitch. This capacity is sufficient for a complete core signal chain: drive, modulation, delay, and reverb, perhaps with additional texture pedals.

Build & Design

The Metro 16’s design is minimalist without being cheap. The aluminum frame is identical material to larger Pedaltrain boards, just scaled down proportionally. There’s no cost-cutting here—it’s simply smaller, not lesser. The mounting surface uses the same velcro-compatible texture, and edge reinforcements are proportional to the board’s size.

The shoulder bag carrying solution deserves special mention. It’s not an afterthought—Pedaltrain engineered this specifically for the Metro platform. The bag features reinforced stitching, durable nylon construction, and straps positioned to distribute weight evenly across your torso. The bag is comfortable enough for mile-long walks, which is genuinely useful for urban musicians or those without easy vehicle access.

The narrow 8-inch depth is the metro’s defining constraint. Rather than mounting pedals in two rows across a wider board, you’re arranging them in a single line—like pedals on a traditional “pedalboard” format. This forces clarity in signal chain thinking: every pedal must earn its place because space is genuinely limited.

Cable routing is simplified for the Metro’s size, but the basic principle remains. You can route audio cables underneath, keeping the top surface uncluttered. Power distribution is straightforward—most users pair the Metro with a compact pedalboard power supply that mounts beneath the board or sits alongside it.

Who Should Buy the Pedaltrain Metro 16

The Metro 16 is for the minimalist musician. If you have a core signal chain you love and aren’t interested in expanding, this board provides all the functionality you need. Session players maintaining multiple board configurations appreciate the Metro as a travel or backup board. Teachers who gig occasionally benefit from the compact size and shoulder carrying option.

Traveling musicians who fly frequently find the Metro’s weight and dimensions ideal. Most airline carry-on policies accommodate boards of this size without issue, making it genuinely flight-friendly when paired with a compact power solution.

Musicians in small spaces—apartment dwellers, van lifers, or those with limited storage—find the Metro practical. It occupies minimal space between gigs and doesn’t require dedicated storage solutions. The shoulder bag means your board doesn’t need a dedicated case taking up closet real estate.

Conversely, if your signal chain requires more than 8 pedals or you regularly perform at venues requiring extensive setup, the Metro will feel limiting. If cable management is a priority in your rig, larger boards provide more routing options. The Metro shines for intentional minimalism, not comprehensive effects capability.

Related Gear

If you found this review helpful, check out these related articles:

Frequently Asked Questions

How many pedals fit on the Pedaltrain Metro 16?: The Metro 16 fits 5-8 pedals depending on pedal size. The 16 x 8 inch surface is designed for single-row linear arrangements rather than dual-row setups. Standard Boss-sized pedals allow approximately 8 units, while larger pedals reduce capacity to 5-6. Compact pedals like expression pedals or small drive boxes maximize available space.
What is the shoulder bag included with the Metro 16?: The Metro 16 includes a purpose-built shoulder bag with adjustable cross-body straps, allowing hands-free carrying. The bag is constructed from durable nylon with reinforced stitching and padding, protecting your board during transport. The straps distribute weight evenly, making it comfortable for extended carrying. This carrying solution is one of the Metro 16’s key differentiators compared to other compact boards.
Is the Metro 16 suitable for air travel?: Yes, the Metro 16 is highly suitable for air travel. At 16 x 8 inches and under 4 pounds, it fits most airline carry-on allowances without issue. The shoulder bag packs easily into luggage or can be carried separately. Many touring musicians use the Metro 16 as their travel board specifically for its compact, flight-friendly dimensions.
Can you expand pedal capacity on the Metro 16?: The Metro 16’s capacity is limited by physical dimensions—you cannot add additional surface area. However, some users mount additional pedals using stackable configurations or expression pedal mounting brackets. For most musicians, this compromises the board’s intended minimalist design. If you require more than 8 pedals, upgrading to a larger Pedaltrain model is a better solution.
Does the Metro 16 have under-board cable routing?: Yes, the Metro 16 includes basic under-board cable routing channels, though the board’s compact size means extensive routing isn’t necessary. Most users route their audio cables underneath the board, keeping the top surface clean. Power connections and additional cables are typically managed alongside the board rather than underneath it.

Final Thoughts

The Pedaltrain Metro 16 rejects the idea that bigger is better. Instead, it proves that thoughtful constraints drive better artistic decisions. For the musician who wants a functional, portable pedalboard without complexity, the Metro 16 delivers exactly what you need. The included shoulder bag is genuinely clever, and the board’s quality doesn’t suffer despite its compact footprint.