MXR MC401 Boost/Line Driver

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.

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.