All user reviews for the MXR MC401 Boost/Line Driver

everything has already been written, including the location of the PSU painful (but hey, having 3 mxr on the pedalboard you get used ...).

UTILIZATION

I hesitated at (front or loop) and stopped at a front panel operation.
it gives the following chaining:
guitar => tuner => wah => send the Gate => mxr 401 CAE booster => in the amp (orange TH30) => send the amp => return the Gate => delay => return to amp
it has already been written but actually the ideal is to have two, one in front and one in the loop.
for my part I wanted to have both a clean boost and a "third channel" on my orange. the beast is fulfilling its role!

SOUND QUALITY

We attack the real subject, and in a word: SU-PER-BE
In clean I have a fairly transparent boost, but bounces medium very dynamically in the right hand, with a very warm and sexy rendering.
In drive, I finally use it as an overdrive for lead parts, or as a third channel on a piece that uses crunch and saturation ...
Used knob to 0 and is an excellent buffer that adds color to the guitar signal.

The grain is really good!
I've never used 18V, I expect to come across the power supply that goes just to test.

OVERALL OPINION

I hesitated with Xotic, but in the end I am very happy with my choice, with a price / quality ratio OCCAZ my ideal sense.

The only drawback is that it takes a perfect world in his own two pedalboard ...

Boost pedal mxr size, so heavy and compact: 1 single knob that controls the amount of boost 0-20 db 9volts and a little over 18 volts (yes ...).

UTILIZATION

It has rarely been more simple, like the manual on 2 lines. 1 switch on / off, 1 knob and a nice blue led banana ...

SOUND QUALITY

Both at rest (true bypass) in action, this pedal does not color the sound, if you feel that the sound changes corpulence, it is only because the next stage take more expensive than usual . When I say next stage, I speak of a preamp, preferably lamps ... The bad idea is to insert it into an effects loop hoping to use solo pedal, generally, the output transformer do not like at all but YMMV ...

OVERALL OPINION

I needed a solution for my triple recto transitions between channels, here.
Well measured (13-15 db) is a real treat and we keep the character of his shovel and his amp, we discover even the background pushing further. I am pleased with this purchase as each item CAE that I have acquired, and the detail that kills? The knob with its phosphorescent mark a pretty bright green in the dark! and yes he was thinking ...

Clean Boost Analog 0 to 20 dB in collaboration with Bob Bradshaw of Custom Audio Electonics.

A single knob level.
In one entry, exit out, a power plug (9 or 18v).

As usual with housings Mxr type can blame him access to the hard and the positioning of the power outlet stack, while it does not bother me at all and the pedal is easily integrated into my pedalboard.

Pedal inspires confidence, it seems well built and solid.

UTILIZATION

The general configuration is basic is simple: a single knob manages the boost level. I do not have to read the manual.

You have to think to put the pedal effects loop if it is to increase the volume and only the volume of the amp. Placed in front a boost gain transparent and efficient too (Slash appears and boost their heads Marshall) is obtained.

Editing sounds is easy anyway as the pedal is transparent.

SOUND QUALITY

The effect is really super efficient: I am provided to add a few dB of boost when starting a solo, and that's exactly what makes the pedal once it is placed in the loop of amplifier.

Since it is transparent, it works well with all my guitars (Stratocaster, Flying V. ..)

To be able to try it in the past in front of an amp set to crunch, the boost can push towards a more frank distortion without changing the overall character or equalization.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for about two weeks, I'm thrilled. The reputation of this booster is to be one of the most transparent market and it is deserved.

I once owned a Micro Amp Mxr also from home and she was not as "clean". I am also filled with my Xotic Ep Booster, but it brings the desired color that I really prefer that the front loop.

The quality / price ratio of this Mxr Booster / Line Driver is justified.
This choice I would gladly if I loose the pedal or if I have to design a second pedalboard.

Boost from 0db (buffer only) to 20db (bobo eardrum ...)

9V battery or power supply

UTILIZATION

Crane, more gain in the loop, more volume ...

Also allows you to attack the big racks or large pedalbords by lowering the impedance to avoid losses ...

Be careful with vintage pedals that prefer high impedances.

SOUND QUALITY

This is done to boost and / or bufferiser and it does it well and in a linear fashion.

OVERALL OPINION

Well, to be underfoot.

on the other hand I regret that the buffer only works when the pedal is activated.

THE top, having one front and one in the loop.

Boost everything simpler, analog transistor, a level knob and basta ... what more?

construction is exemplary, sturdy box, button and knob strong, very classy finish (the blue LED, class too!: p)

UTILIZATION

Mouarf! that he who can not settle back in primary ca ...

SOUND QUALITY

The effect is good, but its not fully transparent color ren sound more smooth, which is not bad ... cruncher to a lean, we get a very crunchy sweet, very nice ... to boost a lead it a little too smooth for smooth rhythm but this aspect makes the acrobatics Soloists.

OVERALL OPINION

I borrowed to buy it ... frankly it's very very good material that will fit on a pedalboard upscale ... or to a fairly modern amp (for others, we prefer a more vintage boost or a good old overdrive)

But I do not keep it to one simple reason: the price! over 100 € for a circtuit op amp is abused. this material should be negotiated between 60 and 80 € for me ...

So I will just boost my G2 of the moment which is only slightly less transparent but which is very good job, and I will wait for the MXR landed on the second hand market

What drove me to this pedal: the need for a boost in volume (and only that) on two channels of my amp (a JVM 205) to float in the magma of a group sound for lead parts. So I was looking for something transparent, powerful and works primarily on two channels. In short, after reading everything and its opposite, I am able to bring my contribution to the building and provide a config that works for people who finally have the same pbm me.

UTILIZATION

So, I use that is super simple and summarized by the following scheme:
Guitar = [od pedal / distortion / wah] = input amplifier parallel loop = Send = [pedal modulation delay / chorus / tremolo / phaser] = MXR MC 401 = Return parallel loop

In here! Basta! My pbm is solved! Whatever the channel on which I play, the MC401 will boost the volume of what comes out of the preamp to attack the floor of the power amp! Magic is not it?

SOUND QUALITY

Not only did I reach my goal level functionality but the more I am filled sound level! No sound coloration, no gain change whatsoever on the clean channel or on the od. Nickel.

OVERALL OPINION

In short, great pedal, used in the right place in the chain, a formidable impact in terms of your overall volume boost. € 100 for it, it's always expensive, but for the moment do not regret it.

There is a boost / line driver ... to the work of a pentode amplifier dernire lamps)

it is a booster transistor

A line in and one line out and plug in a connector for a 9V

A model is on the floor pedals for ...

UTILIZATION

Oooh yes, too simple, there is nothing dipping ...

nothing difficult, there is a button or may rgler of 20 db 0db so tired of Reserved ...

no need for manual ...

what is good is that it is true bypass boost ... Bob Bradshaw for a product it is clear that all must have what is class

SOUND QUALITY

Very effective ...

I use it with a guitar, it has t built for use with guitar ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a few months

so I tried other things too, eq to boost the level etc ... other booster, but the custom audio electronics is really the best ...

qualitprix report ... excellent ... I pay ais nine 99 ... it's a fairly reasonable price if you know what was with ...

I would do without this choice prtexte ...
PS I do not use more because I have a solo boost on my amp! (Sold)

Read other comments ^ ^

UTILIZATION

Very simple ... turn the knobs and pulls the switch

SOUND QUALITY

For my part I felt no deterioration of sound or color of sound

OVERALL OPINION

Frankly, I sought a real boost volume and no distortion boost, and I was on my ass, I'll walk around the shops near my house, she just happen to leave, I ask to try it, and I not expect something really powerful, but if! you set the audio level meter that will add is this is really great, a phone switch and the output volume really increases, it's great when you have no 2nd master like me, and more for me when I tried, there was no coloration of sound, it does not boost the distortion as a tube screamer or a ca Zakk Wylde but really increases the volume!
the only negative as usual is the price, whatever justified by the quality of this pedal
I heard from the seller, this pedal was created in collaboration with a former engineer mxr I think (Bob Bradshaw) who set up his own company CUSTOM AUDIO ELECTRONICS!
it is really very good stuff

Well here we present a simple booster, gp simply increase the volume to go over a mix when the song requires. This is not a treeble booster.

UTILIZATION

It has a large knob for adjusting the level of boost and that's it ... what is asked, either.
Oh yes the power plug is misplaced, I think, it could have been more practical, but not prohibitive.

SOUND QUALITY

The least we can say is well, it has under the foot. Difficult to go beyond 2 / 3 of the race without really being much too strong compared to his "rhythm".
She is reputed to be very clear. It's true and it is really great for that. Do not dream it anyway, your clear sound will still start the race once cruncher of knob beyond half of the race.

OVERALL OPINION

She did exactly what I wanted and this for almost a year.
I used to be a boost to my pedaltone. I wanted to use the top boost channel of my AC30 as boost and the normal channel for rhythm but it was not that.
So now I am using the normal channel for my clean sounds and saturated and the top boost channel for my crunch ... and my boost for the channel of my choice.
I like the fact that it is well clear (unless you push it too) and the fact that the extra volume it offers can really go far. It is not limited.
What I like least ... bin I found a little expensive (99 €).
I do it again this election, anyway.

The MXR Boost/Line Driver is the type of gear that I've been searching for. what it does, it does simply and pretty darn good. It's built like a tank, like most MXR/CAE products. It has one footswtich, one knob and one led. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to work this one guys.

- 0 to 20 db knob
- in and out jacks
- blue led when engaged
- dark grey casing
- runs on 9 volt battery or power adapter

UTILIZATION

I'm sure this pedal can do more but for my application, I only use it as a pure volume boost. I run it through the loop of my Marshall DSL. It can make your sound INSANELY loud. I rarely push it past around 2 or 3 db of volume boost, mainly because it just is just too loud unless you're playing an arena. Even using it in this fashion, it gives your tone a little bit of a treble boost it seems, along with the added volume.

SOUND QUALITY

The one thing about this pedal is more me nitpicking than anything. The volume it gives is GREAT. You can boost your own solos and not have to worry about whether or not the soundman is sleeping or not paying attention. It does seem to add a slight artificial treble or mid to your tone. It's not bad but it feels like it takes a little gain away at the same time it feels like it's adding gain. Confusing? It's hard to explain. It's definitely not a deal breaker but it does color the tone just a tad. The majority of people in your audience are not going to notice this at all so you're ready to rip those notes!

OVERALL OPINION

As I said earlier in this review, the MXR MC401 is exactly what I'd been looking for to give my leads and solos a volume boost without relying on a sound tech that doesn't know my band's music. For the $65 price I paid for this, I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It's also a very compact pedal so it won't take up a ton of space on your board. I've yet to try it through the front of my amp as a traditional boost but I didn't buy it for that.