United States · Est. 1972
MXR
Creators of the Phase 90 and Dyna Comp. Timeless classics used by the greatest legends of rock.
About the brand
MXR was founded in Rochester, New York, in 1972. Their brightly coloured compact pedals quickly became favourites of rock stars. The Phase 90, the Dyna Comp, and the Distortion+ are among the most-recorded pedals in history.
Acquired by Jim Dunlop in the 1980s after the original company went under, MXR was revived and expanded into a full catalog. The new era brought artist collaborations — the EVH Phase 90, the Zakk Wylde Overdrive, and the Carbon Copy analog delay became hits in their own right.
MXR's formula of simple, reliable pedals with great tone at an accessible price continues to resonate today. Their 10-Band EQ and Script Phase 90 reissues are considered essential tools by studio and live professionals alike.
Key facts
- Phase 90: the most-used phaser in rock history
- Dyna Comp: the standard Nashville and country compressor
- Artist collaborations with Eddie Van Halen, Zakk Wylde, and Carbon Copy
- Compact, rugged design that defined an era
Iconic pedals
Phase 90
The most-used phaser in rock history. Its four-stage circuit produces a rich, musical phase sweep immortalised by Eddie Van Halen and Jimmy Page.
Dyna Comp
The standard compressor in country and the Nashville sound for decades. Its aggressive compression and percussive snap on picking attack are unmistakable.
Distortion+
One of the first commercial distortion pedals in history. Its simple circuit with germanium diodes produces asymmetric clipping that sounds like saturated tubes.
Carbon Copy
Bucket-brigade analog delay with modulation that recreated the warmth of vintage analog delay for a new generation at an accessible price.
Notable musicians
- Eddie Van Halen · Phase 90, Flanger
- Carlos Santana · Phase 90
- Jimmy Page · Phase 90
- Slash · Dyna Comp, Carbon Copy