MusicRadar Verdict
A solid, versatile distortion pedal.
Pros
- +
Classic hard clipping distortion; two voices; useful EQ.
Cons
- -
Battery access.
MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.
In this first of a new series of pedals, MXR has taken a classic distortion circuit (although it's not saying which!) and modified it to produce a hot-rodded version.
Sounds
The '78 puts out a recognisable raunchy distortion with a solid mid-range. The tone control adds some sharp top end, while the crunch button gives more of everything, boosting dynamic range and the distortion's harmonic content, effectively giving you two voices - too bad it's not footswitchable.
Responding well to playing dynamics, this is a really good distortion pedal with plenty to offer, particularly if you are a fan of late-'70s rock.
“Perfect for anyone seeking that specific '80s arena-rock vibe”: MXR Rockman X100 pedal review
“It’s not even the same song!”: A YouTuber asked AI to tab a bunch of classic tracks by Metallica, Guns N' Roses and Nirvana and got some really crazy results
“The solo is very recognisable and crucial to the song”: How Chappell Roan’s former touring guitarist handled the Pink Pony Club guitar solo live on stage
