How many pedals fit on the Pedaltrain Novo 18?

The Novo 18 comfortably fits 8-10 pedals in a standard two-row configuration. Standard Boss-sized pedals allow approximately 10 pedals, while larger pedals reduce capacity to 7-8. The angled rails create ergonomic spacing that slightly improves perceived capacity compared to flat boards of similar size.

What makes the angled rails feature unique?

The Novo 18 features 15-degree angled side rails that improve ergonomics and cable management. The angle provides a better viewing angle when standing to the side of the board during performance, making footswitch access more intuitive. The angle also naturally directs cables toward the board's rear, reducing clutter and improving organization.

Is the Novo 18 portable enough for travel?

Yes, the Novo 18 is highly portable at 18 x 14.5 inches and approximately 6 pounds. The included padded soft case makes it suitable for road gigging and local touring. For air travel or heavy touring, an aftermarket flight case would provide additional protection, though the board fits comfortably in standard pedalboard road cases.

Does the Novo 18 have under-board cable routing?

Yes, the Novo 18 includes recessed channels on the underside and edges for under-board cable routing, similar to larger Pedaltrain models. This allows audio cables, power distribution, and expression pedal connections to be routed beneath the mounting surface, creating a clean aesthetic and protecting cables during transport.

How does the Novo 18 compare to the Pedaltrain Classic 2?

The Novo 18 (18 x 14.5 inches, 6 lbs) is significantly more portable than the Classic 2 (24 x 12.5 inches, 8 lbs) while sacrificing some capacity. The Novo 18 fits 8-10 pedals versus the Classic 2's 12-16. The Novo 18 costs less and is ideal for traveling musicians. The Classic 2 is better for stationary rigs or touring bands with comprehensive setups requiring maximum pedal count.

Pedaltrain Novo 18 Review: Perfect Mid-Size Pedalboard | New Guitar Daily

Pedaltrain Novo 18 Review: The Perfect Mid-Size Pedalboard

The Pedaltrain Novo 18 occupies an interesting space in the pedalboard ecosystem. It’s larger than a compact starter board, yet more portable than flagship touring systems. At 18 x 14.5 inches, it’s sized for the working musician who has evolved beyond basic effects but hasn’t yet committed to carrying a full-size platform. If the Classic 2 is the industry standard, the Novo 18 is the smart compromise.

This is the board for the gigging guitarist who plays venues ranging from coffee shops to mid-sized clubs. It’s for the session player who needs flexibility without overkill. It’s for the semi-serious hobbyist whose pedal collection has grown to justify a dedicated board, but who still values portability. In other words, it’s precisely where many musicians find themselves in their signal chain evolution.

Key Features

The Novo 18 measures 18 x 14.5 inches and weighs approximately 6 pounds—significantly lighter than the Classic 2 despite offering nearly 75 percent of the surface area. This size difference is meaningful for musicians who regularly transport their gear via public transit or who perform at venues without dedicated load-in access.

The angled rails are the Novo 18’s signature feature. Unlike flat pedalboards where you mount pedals in straight rows, Pedaltrain engineered a subtle 15-degree angle on the side rails. This ergonomic detail serves a practical purpose: standing to the side of your board during performance, you have a clearer view of your pedals and their footswitches. The angle also aids in cable management, naturally directing wires toward the rear of the board rather than cascading down the sides.

Like its larger sibling, the Novo 18 features under-board cable routing with recessed channels. Pedals are mounted via velcro strips, and the surface accepts standard hook-and-loop fasteners without issue. The included soft case is padded and provides adequate protection for local gigging, though heavier touring might warrant an aftermarket flight case.

The board comfortably accommodates 8-10 pedals in a standard dual-row arrangement, or slightly fewer if you’re using larger pedals. This capacity is genuinely useful—enough to build interesting signal chains without forcing compromises on pedal size or functionality.

Build & Design

Pedaltrain’s construction philosophy remains consistent across the Novo line: lightweight yet rigid aluminum frames with textured mounting surfaces optimized for velcro adhesion. The Novo 18 uses the same materials as larger Pedaltrain boards, meaning durability isn’t sacrificed for portability.

The angled rails design is subtly brilliant. During the design phase, Pedaltrain recognized that players position themselves differently relative to their boards depending on board size. The larger your board, the more likely you’ll stand to the side rather than directly behind it. This angle acknowledges that reality and solves it through engineering rather than compromise.

The under-board cable routing channels are slightly simplified compared to the Classic 2, reflecting the board’s smaller footprint. You still have ample routing options for audio cables, power distribution, and expression pedal connections. The recessed edges protect cables from damage and prevent accidental snagging during transport.

The mounting surface texture is identical to larger Pedaltrain boards—industrial-grade material that grips velcro aggressively without damaging pedal finishes. The attention to material quality extends to edge reinforcements and hardware, which show no cost-cutting despite the lower price point.

Who Should Buy the Pedaltrain Novo 18

The Novo 18 appeals to musicians in the “Goldilocks zone” of the pedalboard spectrum. You’ve probably owned a starter board and outgrown it, but a 24-inch platform feels excessive. You perform regularly but aren’t touring nationally. You have enough effects to justify dedicated mounting but not so many that you need massive capacity.

Working musicians with 8-10 core pedals find the Novo 18 perfectly sized. Session players who maintain multiple boards for different styles appreciate its versatility. Teachers and gigging musicians who value lightweight transport over maximum capacity make this their go-to platform.

If your setup includes primarily compact pedals (Boss DD-7, small drive boxes, expression pedals), the Novo 18 might actually provide more usable space than you need. Conversely, if you’re running 15+ pedals, you’ll feel squeezed, and upgrading to a Classic 2 or larger platform makes sense.

Budget-conscious musicians appreciate the Novo 18’s pricing—it costs significantly less than a Classic 2 while delivering 90 percent of the functionality at 75 percent of the size. For developing musicians, this represents genuinely smart spending.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many pedals fit on the Pedaltrain Novo 18?: The Novo 18 comfortably fits 8-10 pedals in a standard two-row configuration. Standard Boss-sized pedals allow approximately 10 pedals, while larger pedals reduce capacity to 7-8. The angled rails create ergonomic spacing that slightly improves perceived capacity compared to flat boards of similar size.
What makes the angled rails feature unique?: The Novo 18 features 15-degree angled side rails that improve ergonomics and cable management. The angle provides a better viewing angle when standing to the side of the board during performance, making footswitch access more intuitive. The angle also naturally directs cables toward the board’s rear, reducing clutter and improving organization.
Is the Novo 18 portable enough for travel?: Yes, the Novo 18 is highly portable at 18 x 14.5 inches and approximately 6 pounds. The included padded soft case makes it suitable for road gigging and local touring. For air travel or heavy touring, an aftermarket flight case would provide additional protection, though the board fits comfortably in standard pedalboard road cases.
Does the Novo 18 have under-board cable routing?: Yes, the Novo 18 includes recessed channels on the underside and edges for under-board cable routing, similar to larger Pedaltrain models. This allows audio cables, power distribution, and expression pedal connections to be routed beneath the mounting surface, creating a clean aesthetic and protecting cables during transport.
How does the Novo 18 compare to the Pedaltrain Classic 2?: The Novo 18 (18 x 14.5 inches, 6 lbs) is significantly more portable than the Classic 2 (24 x 12.5 inches, 8 lbs) while sacrificing some capacity. The Novo 18 fits 8-10 pedals versus the Classic 2’s 12-16. The Novo 18 costs less and is ideal for traveling musicians. The Classic 2 is better for stationary rigs or touring bands with comprehensive setups requiring maximum pedal count.

Final Thoughts

The Pedaltrain Novo 18 proves that you don’t need maximum size to achieve maximum functionality. For the working musician who values portability, this is a genuinely excellent choice that balances capacity with practical transport considerations. The angled rails and cable management features deliver the thoughtful engineering Pedaltrain is known for, without the price premium of larger models.