I’ve had a bunch of different Phase 90’s and even a Phase 100 (in the late 70’s). I bought a Phase 95 (mini) about 6 months ago and it blows me away. Great video, Phillip!
If I remember right the Custom Badass 78 Distortion is MXR's take on the DS-1 (which came out in 1978) with the LED mod (Crunch) that you could toggle on and off. I love mine and run the gain low (9-10 o'clock) and run a gain boost that I toggle on and off for more or less "loud" with my Vox
Thanks for the video Phil! As a beginner, (for years), pedals have always been a mystery. I never would have looked at some of those because of the non-descriptive names. It’s nice to hear them in action with someone that knows how to use them. Thanks!
the 78 distortion was my first pedal ever and I still use it all these years later, I always feel like it's an overlooked pedal from MXR but one of their best imo. I just learned this recently but apparently it is based off of the boss ds-1 which came out in 78 hence the name (specifically it is supposed to be based off the keeley mod ds-1)
I had a carbon copy bright for years and gigged with it regularly. It was my favorite delay pedal. Stopped gigging, then sold it to fund the purchase of the horizon devices flux echo. I miss my carbon copy bright.
had lotsa MXRs, got rid of most of them for various reasons..but the 401 line driver/boost will always remain one of my favs.. just adds goodness to every amp..one knob, one button, one love..
My old yellow distortion + has not left my board since the mid 90's. Add to that the carbon copy..... Those are my only 2 favorites. Had a few others. Sold them. Got a phase90 but it rarely is in my chain
I am a little surprised at the lack of an EQ pedal in your top 10. Do you prefer another brand's EQ pedal to MXR's offerings? Or do you rely on your guitar/amp's EQ along with EQ-sculpting pedals (tubescreamer, etc) and speaker/cabinet choice to get you the EQ you need?
I once tried an MXR 10 band to replace my old 80s-era DOD FX40-B eq with broken sliders. Just wasn't feeling the MXR one, and I love other MXR pedals. For some reason, that old DOD does what I need an eq to do better than anything else i've tried. It looks like a squashed turd, but it's on my pedalboard.
Rudiger Ah! I'd forgotten the GE-7 was in Phil's top 10 Boss pedals. When I think EQ pedals I usually think MXR so that must've been how it slipped my mind.
I think MXR roots were based in audiophile-style mixing & equalization, and it’s the “leanest” EQ. It boosts or cuts volume better than anyone. The Boss EQ is nominal (and retains its value), whole that cheap-arse DOD FX-40 series is the most colorful… also a key Tom Morello secret in weaponing dynamics.
78 is the release of the Boss DS1. The Custom78 distortion is a clone of the Keeley modded DS1. Before I had the chance to find a used Keely DS1, I got this one. And I finally found a Keeley DS1. I swear, they sound exactly the same.
I’ve never owned an MXR pedal. I think the Phase 90, micro chorus, Dyna comp and blue box are on my list now! It seems they don’t have an overdrive from the 70s? The GT OD is a newer pedal.
Mxr classic 108. It's a fuzz face without the crap. Buffer really helps with putting pedals in front of it. Boosting it with a bd -2 right now. Awesome! But then again you have to like fuzz.
I have 15 pedals currently at my feet (Crybaby and Whammy are off board) and only two of them are MXR...Carbon Copy and Analogue Chorus. Both serve me very well. Thanks for the vid!
I’m glad they started reissuing the Phase 45 after many years OOP. It’s only 2-stage phasing, so it sounds a little different than the Phase 90, more forgiving to edge-of-breakup tones… definitely an unsung pedal.
Briefly owned a Blue Box. Traded a compressor I wasn't using for it. Enjoyed making video game noises, but never found a use for it, so I sold it and put the cash back in my pedal fund.
I've not gotten around to checking out reviews of the Torino drive, but have been meaning to because my local shop has one for I think 60 or 70 bucks. Definitely going to go snag that thing this weekend! Thanks Phil, you always seem to come through lol.
I amassed a fairly sizable collection of MXRs from my days working in music shops. 24 at last count, even after selling a couple. I have most of the ones shown here. The Blue Box was my first, and still a fave. Along with the '78, Carbon Copy, Echoplex Pre, Univibe and La Machine, I'd add the Analog Chorus, Bass Octave Deluxe, Sub Machine and Phase 99 to my top ten.
Hey Phil . So I have the I’ll Diavolo pedal. I know it has a switch for symmetrical , assymetrcial clipping and no clipping but what drives is it trying to emulate? And what drives are the Il Torino emulating? Thanks . I also have the fet driver. Great pedal
That Blue Box is great with output at 10, and the Blend around 3:00. Pretty sure that's the Jimmy Page "Fool in the Rain" solo setting. I love that sound. It's cool to play pedal steel like notes with that setting.
I have the distortion III, and the super badass distortion on my pedal board. They both sound great! I use the III for a heavy classic rock sound, and the badass for more modern sounds. The III has huge output, and the badass has a great eq!
i have the mxr distortion 3. what i do is set the drive to full then plug infront of the dirt channel of a jcm900 set to near the edge of break up. basically the jcm is like my tube screamer tone then the main drive is the distortion 3. this is my setting to push it near to a metal tone. i really wanna see a video of you doing a review of the mxr distortion 3 and i would like you to try the setting im using and hear your opinion about it :)
If you use the EVH 5150 Overdrive with a Marshall using a crunch tone, set the pedal like you wold usually set a Tubescreamer (low gain, high level) and it will produce an awesome "brown sound" distortion.
My favorite, the only MXR I own, is the Carbon Copy "dark". I don't really get the same impression you get, but you've forgotten more than I know about guitar sounds. I just like it.☺
Hello Phillip, first of all, congratulations for your channel, this is the first time I put a comment on RUclips because I finally think I saw something great (your channel). I don't know if you can guide me , I have a RAT pedal and an MXR overdrive (Zakk Wylde Signature) and I just can't find a great sound putting both together, I like how they sound indvidually but I would like for you to give me a "fix". I know it is all about the taste of each person but so far I like yours. Regards
can't believe you didn't mention the mxr chorus. My 10 for MXR and I do love me some MXR: Precision Drive (not technically MXR but done through them so I think it counts) Carbon Copy (original because it's an industry standard but the newer version does everything and more) M300 Reverb M135 Smart Gate Black Label Chorus EVH Phase 90 EVH Flanger M87 Bass Comp M108S EQ GT-OD
No love for the m75 super badass distortion or the classic overdrive (with the secret switch inside that does either ts or zakk wylde (boss sd1) ?? I love my EVH phase 90 too..blessings bro.
78’ was for DS1 birth. I wanted it to sound great. BUT I thought it was weak gain. Blue Box is for Fool in Rain Solo. Pretty cool. 5150 a gem. Phase 90 is GOLD!
Hey Phil, so about the custom badass 78, I remember reading somewhere when researching the pedal that it was named that reference to the boss ds-1 since it was introduced in 1978, and the pedal itself is based on a modded ds-1. Mind you I read this on a forum so, yeah. Btw, I'm surprised you didn't put the Custom Badass Distortion, a surprisingly versatile pedal if you ask me, the Zack Wylde OD is pretty neat as well, then there's the Custom Badas O.D. though it's on the modded od-1 territory.
You gotta do top 10 MXR Bass Pedals! DI, Dist, Oct, etc. Top 10 Electro-Harmonix Bass and Guitar. And how bout a rundown on all these Bass D.I.s: MXR pushing a couple; EHX pushing at least a couple. No idea where to start
7:39 is my fav. Nice video. well done!
Drastic audio quality improvement now that you mic the speaker! 10/10 Thanks for the post.
I want more downstairs videos please !
The one u missed: Super Badass. Great tone. 3band EQ. What's not to like.
I’ve had a bunch of different Phase 90’s and even a Phase 100 (in the late 70’s). I bought a Phase 95 (mini) about 6 months ago and it blows me away.
Great video, Phillip!
It's almost as fun to watch YOU having fun! Showing how well YOU know your gear!
The '78 is the year of DS-1 release :)
Cool, Thank you for posting.
If I remember right the Custom Badass 78 Distortion is MXR's take on the DS-1 (which came out in 1978) with the LED mod (Crunch) that you could toggle on and off.
I love mine and run the gain low (9-10 o'clock) and run a gain boost that I toggle on and off for more or less "loud" with my Vox
Thanks for the video Phil! As a beginner, (for years), pedals have always been a mystery. I never would have looked at some of those because of the non-descriptive names. It’s nice to hear them in action with someone that knows how to use them. Thanks!
I can’t believe you overlooked the Dunlop Echoplex with it’s added tape warble over the Carbon Copy Bright.
+1 on that! This is my favorite one!
More downstairs videos!
echoplex preamp it's a must have for me, love that led tone, and this help a lot...
The il torino is worth every penny. I was lucky to snag mine when Sweetwater was clearing them out for $70. It's by far my favourite pedal.
the 78 distortion was my first pedal ever and I still use it all these years later, I always feel like it's an overlooked pedal from MXR but one of their best imo. I just learned this recently but apparently it is based off of the boss ds-1 which came out in 78 hence the name (specifically it is supposed to be based off the keeley mod ds-1)
Love the MXR Super Badass Distortion.
Was the univibe even on?
Was on the tremolo setting.
😂😂😂😂😂 It was subtle. I was hoping to hear that hendrixian, grungy sound, but it was there.
I've got the MXR Univibe. Not impressive. Just stick with a phaser.
OG Carbon Copy & LaMachine are my core pedals for my sound. Thanks Jorge Tripps.
I used to own an MXR Jimi Hendrix Experience Fuzz, and I loved it, that was a very long time ago, but I still think about it all the time!
I'm an MXR fanboy from the 90s. Thank you for this video!
Damn that's Eddie in a box... play Panama
Love it
The La Machine is the best! MXR makes great pedals.
i wanna hear you review the op amp big muff!
I had a carbon copy bright for years and gigged with it regularly. It was my favorite delay pedal. Stopped gigging, then sold it to fund the purchase of the horizon devices flux echo.
I miss my carbon copy bright.
had lotsa MXRs, got rid of most of them for various reasons..but the 401 line driver/boost will always remain one of my favs.. just adds goodness to every amp..one knob, one button, one love..
some MXR pedals I like are the dyna comp, the micro amp plus, the super badass distortion, and the shin juku drive
My old yellow distortion + has not left my board since the mid 90's.
Add to that the carbon copy.....
Those are my only 2 favorites. Had a few others. Sold them. Got a phase90 but it rarely is in my chain
How about the Distortion +? That was my first distortion pedal. MXR made some really neat pedals and were solid in their construction.
I am a little surprised at the lack of an EQ pedal in your top 10. Do you prefer another brand's EQ pedal to MXR's offerings? Or do you rely on your guitar/amp's EQ along with EQ-sculpting pedals (tubescreamer, etc) and speaker/cabinet choice to get you the EQ you need?
The Univibe + Compressor sounded GREAT btw. Oh man. GAS strikes again!
I once tried an MXR 10 band to replace my old 80s-era DOD FX40-B eq with broken sliders. Just wasn't feeling the MXR one, and I love other MXR pedals. For some reason, that old DOD does what I need an eq to do better than anything else i've tried. It looks like a squashed turd, but it's on my pedalboard.
Rudiger Ah! I'd forgotten the GE-7 was in Phil's top 10 Boss pedals. When I think EQ pedals I usually think MXR so that must've been how it slipped my mind.
I think MXR roots were based in audiophile-style mixing & equalization, and it’s the “leanest” EQ. It boosts or cuts volume better than anyone.
The Boss EQ is nominal (and retains its value), whole that cheap-arse DOD FX-40 series is the most colorful… also a key Tom Morello secret in weaponing dynamics.
Ummm, you had this space all along and didn't make videos here?! Looks awesome, more videos down here please!
I recently got the MXR Full Bore Metal, and is one of the best distortion pedals I've owned.
78 is the release of the Boss DS1. The Custom78 distortion is a clone of the Keeley modded DS1. Before I had the chance to find a used Keely DS1, I got this one. And I finally found a Keeley DS1. I swear, they sound exactly the same.
I’ve never owned an MXR pedal. I think the Phase 90, micro chorus, Dyna comp and blue box are on my list now! It seems they don’t have an overdrive from the 70s? The GT OD is a newer pedal.
Mxr classic 108. It's a fuzz face without the crap. Buffer really helps with putting pedals in front of it. Boosting it with a bd -2 right now. Awesome! But then again you have to like fuzz.
Want to check out the mini version.
My favorite was the GT OD. I was actually surprised. lol
I ran out and bought the Phase 90, Micro Chorus, Dyna Comp, Distortion + and the Micro Amp which is a great clean boost. I must grab a Blue Box next!
I have 15 pedals currently at my feet (Crybaby and Whammy are off board) and only two of them are MXR...Carbon Copy and Analogue Chorus. Both serve me very well. Thanks for the vid!
My old original mustard coloured MXR distortion + is a fave. Combined with a clean overdrive and the magic happens.
I’m glad they started reissuing the Phase 45 after many years OOP. It’s only 2-stage phasing, so it sounds a little different than the Phase 90, more forgiving to edge-of-breakup tones… definitely an unsung pedal.
What model of strat is that? It's beautiful!!!!!!
I have this pedal. It sounds to me like so many bands from that time. Kinda reminds me of the sound of The Cars....Great playing my brother!
The '78 distortion is the Keeley Seeing Eye Modded DS-1.
Others have answered the '78 thing. That mod switch is the Keeley contribution.
7:00 Fuzz pedals sound pretty horrible?
You like the phase 90 exactly how I like to play it!
Yay!! La Machine made it!
My favorite MXR pedals are La Machine, Cry Baby QZone & Carbon Copy.
One thing I love is the lights mxr use you always know when they on
Briefly owned a Blue Box. Traded a compressor I wasn't using for it. Enjoyed making video game noises, but never found a use for it, so I sold it and put the cash back in my pedal fund.
I subscribed. Nice straight forward review.
I've not gotten around to checking out reviews of the Torino drive, but have been meaning to because my local shop has one for I think 60 or 70 bucks. Definitely going to go snag that thing this weekend! Thanks Phil, you always seem to come through lol.
I amassed a fairly sizable collection of MXRs from my days working in music shops. 24 at last count, even after selling a couple. I have most of the ones shown here. The Blue Box was my first, and still a fave. Along with the '78, Carbon Copy, Echoplex Pre, Univibe and La Machine, I'd add the Analog Chorus, Bass Octave Deluxe, Sub Machine and Phase 99 to my top ten.
I love my Micro Amp. Adds a nice thickness to my clean and a touch of girth on my dirty. It stays on most of the time. It's my secret weapon.
Echoplex, Phase 90 and Univibe are MXR masterpieces!
Hey Phil . So I have the I’ll Diavolo pedal. I know it has a switch for symmetrical , assymetrcial clipping and no clipping but what drives is it trying to emulate? And what drives are the Il Torino emulating? Thanks . I also have the fet driver. Great pedal
That Blue Box is great with output at 10, and the Blend around 3:00. Pretty sure that's the Jimmy Page "Fool in the Rain" solo setting. I love that sound. It's cool to play pedal steel like notes with that setting.
love the videos man
I have the distortion III, and the super badass distortion on my pedal board. They both sound great! I use the III for a heavy classic rock sound, and the badass for more modern sounds. The III has huge output, and the badass has a great eq!
I like the MXR Fullbore Metal, my to get list includes MXR EHV Phase 90, MXR Carbon Copy, and the MXR 5150. Thanks for the video and great info!
Great review Phill, some cool great sounding pedals, more videos down stairs please, thank you, and thank You for your time, Cheers
I've owned an MXR Distortion+ since 1982...
1:42 What song was it?
Love the look of this video Phil! I vote for more downstairs as well!
Hey I made it on the video! Thanks, Phil!
Diggin' that blue box. Even the weird sounds it makes.
i have the mxr distortion 3. what i do is set the drive to full then plug infront of the dirt channel of a jcm900 set to near the edge of break up. basically the jcm is like my tube screamer tone then the main drive is the distortion 3. this is my setting to push it near to a metal tone. i really wanna see a video of you doing a review of the mxr distortion 3 and i would like you to try the setting im using and hear your opinion about it :)
Hmm. I wasn't much interested in the blue box until you showed me that it gets weird. I'm going to have to look into that one again.
If you use the EVH 5150 Overdrive with a Marshall using a crunch tone, set the pedal like you wold usually set a Tubescreamer (low gain, high level) and it will produce an awesome "brown sound" distortion.
My favorite, the only MXR I own, is the Carbon Copy "dark". I don't really get the same impression you get, but you've forgotten more than I know about guitar sounds. I just like it.☺
Hello Phillip, first of all, congratulations for your channel, this is the first time I put a comment on RUclips because I finally think I saw something great (your channel). I don't know if you can guide me , I have a RAT pedal and an MXR overdrive (Zakk Wylde Signature) and I just can't find a great sound putting both together, I like how they sound indvidually but I would like for you to give me a "fix". I know it is all about the taste of each person but so far I like yours. Regards
The Distortion III is a total sleeper pedal.
The Phase 100 and the Dynacomp were major pedals for me growing up. I still use a Dynacomp
These pedals are all amazing!
I've read that the Custom Badass '78 Distortion is based on a modded Boss DS-1, so the '78 is because that's the year the DS-1 was first released!
I love my M300 Reverb. Thanks Phil!
What do you think of the Carbon Copy Deluxe?
You missed the Micro-Amp, which is a really useful pre-amp.
What’s the little guitar hanging in the back? Looks Sweet.
What do you think about the Shin Juku drive?
I know not alot of people dont like dod pedals but i wish phil would do a top 10 dod pedal video also
My top current mxr favorites are probably the reverb 3000, carbon copy deluxe and the dyna comp mini. I can play all day with that
no distortion 3?
The boost mini. It's the echoplex preamp and the micro amp all in one
The pedal you missed? The Klon clone Sugar Drive mini pedal. I have one and it sounds great!
Love my Carbon copy also the EVH phase 90 Great vid
I absolutely love my DIST III....i have 4... a nice TS9/Rat combo..
The '78 Distortion is a reference to the OG Boss DS-1 :)
Phil, what model is your green Strat? I don't remember your introducing it.
Cool workshop Phil!
i love the intro dude
You have an awesome downstairs! More downstairs videos!
Do you think MXR will ever come out with their own version of the Boss ME-80?
The mini Les Paul hanging g up? What's THAT?!
So jealous of that workshop area
Where is your shop? I live in Tucson and want to come by when I get my next axe
can't believe you didn't mention the mxr chorus.
My 10 for MXR and I do love me some MXR:
Precision Drive (not technically MXR but done through them so I think it counts)
Carbon Copy (original because it's an industry standard but the newer version does everything and more)
M300 Reverb
M135 Smart Gate
Black Label Chorus
EVH Phase 90
EVH Flanger
M87 Bass Comp
M108S EQ
GT-OD
Hey Phil,
Love the downstairs and your videos. What kind of mods do you have on that deluxe reverb yours?
Where's the zakk wylde overdrive???
No love for the m75 super badass distortion or the classic overdrive (with the secret switch inside that does either ts or zakk wylde (boss sd1) ?? I love my EVH phase 90 too..blessings bro.
78’ was for DS1 birth. I wanted it to sound great. BUT I thought it was weak gain. Blue Box is for Fool in Rain Solo. Pretty cool. 5150 a gem. Phase 90 is GOLD!
The '78 pedal is great distortion, but not too distorted. It sounds like the guitars on Kiss Alive II to me.
Hey Phil, so about the custom badass 78, I remember reading somewhere when researching the pedal that it was named that reference to the boss ds-1 since it was introduced in 1978, and the pedal itself is based on a modded ds-1. Mind you I read this on a forum so, yeah. Btw, I'm surprised you didn't put the Custom Badass Distortion, a surprisingly versatile pedal if you ask me, the Zack Wylde OD is pretty neat as well, then there's the Custom Badas O.D. though it's on the modded od-1 territory.
You gotta do top 10 MXR Bass Pedals! DI, Dist, Oct, etc. Top 10 Electro-Harmonix Bass and Guitar. And how bout a rundown on all these Bass D.I.s: MXR pushing a couple; EHX pushing at least a couple. No idea where to start