MXR M101 Phase 90 Guitar Effects Pedal User Manual

September 9, 2024
MXR

MXR M101 Phase 90 Guitar Effects Pedal

Launch Date: April 13, 2004
Price: $99.99

Introduction

For more than 40 years, musicians of all types have used the famous MXR Phase 90 phaser pedal. This effect is known for having a rich, warm analog tone. It gives your sound depth and a sweeping phase effect, which makes it great for a wide range of effects, from gentle modulation to dramatic swooshing. Its simple design, with just one knob for changing the rate, makes it easy to use for both new and expert players. The metal body of this pedal is strong enough to handle the rough conditions of live shows. When you turn off the pedal, true bypass switching makes sure that your tone doesn’t change, so your signal stays clear. Amazingly flexible, it works with guitars, bass, keys, and even voices. A 9V battery or an optional AC adapter can power the Phase 90, which is still a favorite among artists. This famous pedal gives you classic, lush phaser sounds whether you’re playing rock, jazz, or metal.

Specifications

  • Item Weight: 1 pound
  • Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 2.5 x 4.5 inches
  • Country of Origin: USA
  • Color Name: Orange
  • Hardware Interface: 1/4-inch Audio
  • Signal Format: Analog
  • Power Source: Battery Powered
  • Voltage: 9.0V
  • Item Model Number: 11101000001
  • Batteries: 1 x 9V battery required

Package Includes

  • MXR Phase 90 Guitar Effects Pedal
  • User Manual
  • 9V Battery (often included in the package)
  • Optional: 9V AC Adapter (not included in standard package)

Features

  1. Classic Phaser Effect
    The MXR Phase 90 delivers a rich, sweeping phase sound that has defined its reputation across various music genres. This phaser effect creates a swirling, sweeping motion in your sound, which adds a distinct character to the overall tone. It’s perfect for enhancing clean passages, adding depth to distorted leads, or providing a shimmery background for chords.

  2. Speed Control
    The pedal is equipped with a simple single knob that allows musicians to adjust the rate or speed of the phase effect. You can create subtle modulation for a more ambient sound or dial in a faster rate for dramatic swooshing and pulsating effects. The ease of control makes it suitable for both beginners and professionals alike.

  3. true Bypass Switching
    With True Bypass Switching , the MXR Phase 90 ensures that your guitar’s tone remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged. This is an essential feature for maintaining the purity of your sound chain, as it prevents signal degradation.

  4. Durable Construction
    The pedal features a rugged metal housing designed to withstand the tough demands of live performances. This sturdy build ensures that the Phase 90 can handle the wear and tear of regular gigging and transportation without any compromise on functionality or durability.

  5. Simple Operation
    One of the highlights of the MXR Phase 90 is its simplicity. With only one control knob for adjusting the phase rate, it eliminates the need for complicated settings, making it incredibly user-friendly. Despite its straightforward design, it provides a wide range of tonal possibilities.

  6. 9V Battery or AC Power
    The pedal runs on a single 9-volt battery or an optional ECB003 AC Adapter. It’s highly recommended to use Polaroid 9V batteries for optimal performance. This flexibility in power source options ensures that the pedal is convenient to use in any setup, whether you’re practicing at home or performing on stage.

  7. Rich Analog Tone
    Known for its warm, analog tone , the MXR Phase 90 preserves the classic analog phaser sound, producing a rich and organic feel. This makes it a versatile pedal for many different styles of music, from subtle modulation in clean passages to adding texture in distorted tones.

  8. Iconic Phaser Used in Classic Recordings
    The MXR Phase 90 has been featured on numerous classic recordings, especially in rock and metal genres. Famous for its use on Van Halen’s iconic tracks , this pedal has established itself as a timeless phaser effect, becoming a mainstay on pedalboards around the world.

  9. MXR Legacy
    The MXR Phase 90 is part of MXR’s renowned effects pedal line, known for its innovation and longevity in the market since 1972. MXR pedals, such as the Carbon Copy and Fullbore Metal , continue to uphold the brand’s reputation for producing reliable and high-quality analog effects.

  10. versatility Across Instruments
    Although it is widely used for guitars, the MXR Phase 90 can also be applied to bass, keys, vocals , and even strings , providing a lush phase sound across a variety of instruments. Its versatility has made it a favorite among musicians from different genres like rock, jazz, and alternative.

Usage

Connecting the Pedal :

  • Plug your guitar into the input jack.
  • Connect the output jack to your amplifier.
  • If using an AC adapter, connect it to the power input.

Adjusting the Effect :

  • Use the Speed knob to adjust the rate of the phaser effect. Turning it clockwise increases the speed of the phase sweep.

Engaging the Pedal :

  • Press the footswitch to engage the effect. The LED indicator will light up when the effect is active.

Bypassing :

  • Press the footswitch again to bypass the effect. The LED will turn off, and the pedal will no longer affect your signal.

Care and Maintenance

  • Battery Replacement : Open the battery compartment and replace the 9V battery when the sound becomes weak or intermittent.
  • Cleaning : Wipe the pedal with a dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents.
  • Storage : Keep the pedal in a dry, cool place when not in use to prevent damage from moisture or extreme temperatures.
  • Power Supply : Ensure you use a compatible 9V AC adapter to avoid damaging the pedal.

Troubleshooting

Issue Possible Cause Solution
No sound when pedal is engaged Low or dead battery Replace the 9V

battery
| Faulty power adapter| Use a working ECB003 AC adapter
Weak or distorted sound| Low battery voltage| Replace with a fresh 9V battery
| Loose cable connection| Check and secure all audio cables
Pedal not switching on| Faulty footswitch| Contact manufacturer for footswitch repair
| Power supply issue| Ensure correct voltage (9V) is being supplied
Excessive noise or hum| Unshielded cables or interference| Use shielded cables, avoid high interference
Phaser effect not audible| Speed knob set too low| Increase the speed knob setting
| Faulty internal components| Contact manufacturer for servicing

Pros and Cons

Pros :

  • Simple and intuitive design
  • High-quality sound and build
  • Versatile for various musical styles
  • Iconic status among musicians

Cons :

  • Limited control options (only one knob)
  • Not true bypass, which may affect tone when off
  • May not perform well in effects loops

Contact Information

For support or inquiries, you can reach out to Jim Dunlop:

Warranty

The MXR Phase 90 comes with a  limited lifetime warranty  against defects in materials and workmanship. For warranty claims, please retain your receipt and contact Jim Dunlop customer service for assistance.

FAQs

What type of effect does the MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 Guitar Effects Pedal provide?

The MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 provides a classic phaser effect, creating a rich, sweeping phase sound that adds depth and modulation to your tone.

What instruments can be used with the MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 Guitar Effects Pedal?

The MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 can be used with various instruments, including guitar, bass, keyboards, and even vocals, making it a versatile tool for musicians.

How does the True Bypass feature benefit the MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 Guitar Effects Pedal?

The True Bypass on the MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 ensures that the pedal does not affect your signal when it's turned off, preserving the original tone of your instrument.

What power source does the MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 Guitar Effects Pedal require?

The MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 runs on a single 9V battery or an optional ECB003 AC Adapter for continuous power during long performances.

How durable is the MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 Guitar Effects Pedal?

The MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 is built with a rugged metal housing, making it durable and able to withstand the demands of live performances and frequent use.

What does the speed knob on the MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 Guitar Effects Pedal control?

The speed knob on the MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 adjusts the rate of the phaser effect, allowing for a range of settings from subtle modulation to fast, dramatic sweeps.

What are the dimensions of the MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 Guitar Effects Pedal?

The MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 has dimensions of 5.5 x 2.5 x 4.5 inches, making it compact and easy to fit on any pedalboard.

How long has the MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 Guitar Effects Pedal been in use?

The MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 has been a favorite among musicians for over four decades, contributing to its status as an iconic pedal in the music world.

What makes the MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 Guitar Effects Pedal iconic?

The MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 is iconic for its simple design, rich analog tone, and use in many classic recordings, including those by artists like Van Halen.

Is the MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 Guitar Effects Pedal analog or digital?

The MXR 11101000001 Phase 90 is an analog effects pedal, which provides a warm and organic sound preferred by many musicians.

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