All user reviews for the MXR M104 Distortion+

I was looking for a distortion pedal to get some sound from 80ies. After watching couple of videos on youtube i decided to buy that MXR pedal. Surprisingly it have correct and good distortion upto fuzz (tested on my scope & signal generator before using my guitar). But how it's build.. well. That was made almost 50y ago (i had version end of 70 / beg of 80, 9v battery only).
Honestly it must be improved & replaced: the LM471, ceramic caps on sound.. Also it was made when we did not had all these wifi around & strong EM mess. Hopefully it's in alu case so it helps a bit.
I don't recommend that pedal except you wanna get some trashy vintage sound or just for collection purposes. There are much, MUCH better pedals on the market.
So i paid it 50€, pretty cheap (some folks are selling on ebay for 100+) and sold recently for 59€. I had an occasion to play it cheap and now someone else got the same chance. I don't like that pedal. 3 stars for the construction: it will work in next 40 years.

I used it w/ Jackson DKMGTFF & Orange crush 20. Vintage side of Orange gave some low to distortion that pedal do (made it better).

It is an analog distortion pedal made for rock, blues rock. In my next gain can be used overdrive, can be metal but need good humbucker and I think there best to pedal it.
The design is simple and looks really super strong, it is a steel block with two protected for me by two rubber knob cover knob.

UTILIZATION

Most to this pedal is its simplicity, both output knob (volume) and gain plug and play mode, you plug it goes to the volume group and the amount of distortion is chosen the rest is done by the equ the guitar amp and pedal.

SOUND QUALITY

Suddenly it's a super efficient distortion which comes in very bad, the good thing is that it is a distortion of course, but very clean the compact I say, it does not drool nothing beyond. The negative point is that there was an increase in acute, I play with a stratocaster telecaster and it sounds great rock nickel but must adjust the amp to absorb more acute that this would probably be less with humbucker.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for a month or two, I tried two three foot, I bought it without trying it and that is exactly what I wanted, a very simple distortion of quality, I wanted a pedal ask me a minimum setting for the scene. This is a good value for money and I would do this choice.

This is a peculiar distortion pedal but it is very simple electronically. A simple PDO and symmetrical clipping diode Germanium. Problem for some, this pedal is not true-bypass or buffered-bypass. The output remains permanently connected to the signal path, and it eats a chouilla acute depending on config ...

UTILIZATION

Setting distortion and volume, no tone but contrary to what one might think, this is not really a problem. Note the LED and power supply input (absent on vintage).

SOUND QUALITY

I use it as a distortion in AC15 clean with a Gretsch and a Stratocaster, distortion and volume up to 12, I have a good low-pitched well balanced crunch that can do a good Rock. With distortion beyond the pedal gradually removes low (in the manner of a TS), which turns the pedal into a sort of treble booster, but even on a VOX, I'm not a fan at all. Then suddenly, I modded my pedal to stick to my tastes.

I changed the condo which is on the low (the 47nF replaced by a 100nF). After, with Germanium diodes origins, I was not happy with the result. Very fuzzy, little grain, pretty cold and miserable reserve volume. So I changed the diodes against the 1N4148 (Silicium so) with an asymmetrical clipping (2 Serial + 1 single), buzz it with a grain of hell and is gaining volume (one-third) Now I can the use it as a clean boost (not base).

OVERALL OPINION

For the bargain price, it is a good plan. And € 2 surcharge components, it works miracles. I did my first scenes with and I always use it. Besides, I have a OD808 and Fuzzmaster. Note that it goes very well with such modulations Wah, Phaser, Chorus!

Analog distortion, could not be more simple, drive volume, switch to activate, a 9v power supply, a jack in, jack out, and roll youth! Note that everything is solid, as often with MXR.

UTILIZATION

Given the configuration can hardly be simpler. The only downside is the access to the battery, in effect for access must remove 4 screws and then back, so for live concerts we forget ... (And usually also on all the effects if it's not vintage fuzz).

SOUND QUALITY

So here comes the good point of this pedal, it distorts well. I mean, if your sound is good at the base, it will sublimate (and if sucks ... She'll leave it as is!).

With the same gain in depth, it will be in the punk / rock California, but not much further gain, and much more!

It is very versatile, with all possible settings it sounds even while donf, which is rare. Frankly it's terrible.

OVERALL OPINION

I kept 6 months I think, I did find better, but the value for money is unbeatable, with the expertise of MXR bonus, so ... Go for it if you do the rock without the fuss!

Analog distortion. Classic case in MXR: solid!

UTILIZATION

Ultra simple: two knobs, output level and gain level.
Personally the lack of tone control does bother me at all.

SOUND QUALITY

See below.
Used primarily with Gibson Les Paul.

OVERALL OPINION

I love this distortion. I owned at the end of '70 and I bought without hesitation when I started playing. I have since acquired Reissue but still retains that model.
Solo tone to zero on the guitar, the M104 gives exactly what I want: a mellow, an important gain to sustain without fully (even infinite Dyna Comp with the same brand) and a smooth attack very close to an effect violoning.
The Vintage Reissue model does not exist, I will note higher.

Disto metal case, solid, very solid, 2 knobs, one volume and one of distortion and Roll! go!

UTILIZATION

What is bleufant with this pedal is that with just these two knobs, one can achieve a multitude of sounds from the border of light and saturated Light Coats, crunch, a rich harmonic overdrive and a distortion at full throttle. Personally, I often used a MXR GT OD upstream to give him a super grain notament solo.

SOUND QUALITY

Sound! so versatile, wide range, as I said above. Ella was sometimes a little color "fuzz" when the distortion is between half and three-quarters, very interresting for guy like me who find big muff disgusting. But not too much fuzz. Very good sustain, very comfortable for blues on a strat for example, very punchy with a Telecaster, and very 70's with Les Paul.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it recently, but when I integrated into my pedalboard, it was a revelation. How did I ever live without this pedal before. Usually my other pedals (distortion or other) have a specific setting that I never touch, this one, I stop without changing the sound to my songs. In addition, adjustable foot with large knobs, and rubber protectors.
ESSENTIAL!

Analog distortion
true bypass
9v battery or mains power supply (not supplied)

UTILIZATION

It can not be simpler.
there a manual?

SOUND QUALITY

Ben and before I knew I needed a simple and effective distortion.
I play on an ibanez roadstar equipped CREL of 666.
marriage is nickel. Highs are very pronocés but it's good to get out of the mix effectively. I have an old 50 jazz chorus and even with the bright I have nothing to complain of acute ... no sound engineer no more than elsewhere. the mix amp pedal is not exceptional and consistent use on stage and studio.
playing with the guitar volume we have a great crunch, but the pedal does not really compress, so the dynamic is very respected.
the sustain of the guitar as the coup and there is no "stalling" of the effect at very low volume (as is the case on a lot of emulations of analog distortion or od or not elsewhere ). The violoning is possible!

OVERALL OPINION

for it one month but I had other in the past.
I had a lot of stuff but we never stop trying distos ... I have a sort od (tech 21) that I love and that is a very good overdrive, as a boss ds 1 (yuck the Taiwanese stew) and other stuff but I was missing one disto that is a ...
it is simple and effective.
value for money impeccable. Music Star in Brest was a good promo and plus they are nice.
I actually redid this choice with the one I just bought ...

Distortion pedal which is not one. Just a solid overdrive.boitier.

UTILIZATION

Live in the amp, I have not been able to get something musical. Its garish. Impossible to adjust the tone, no adjustment.

SOUND QUALITY

I got something audible limit boost in a crunch channel. Otherwise too much treble, no grain, and gain limit. Even the blues is pr mauvaise.Je tried it with a Strat Plus, a PRS, a Yamaha AG 800 of 85 .... A Fender Pro Reverb, a Koch and a Twintone Studiotone.
Nothing to be learned ....

OVERALL OPINION

We gave it to me! I understand why! lol! I knew the model of the early 80s and already I had not responded.
Even my beginners, I recommend. I want to keep!

I bought the pedal from musiciansfriend.com and paid 63 bucks for it. I think its a really great pedal. I bought it, honestly, because i had money and it was burning a hole in my pocket. BUT, i love this pedal. It's really nice.

It has great vintage and modern tones, without muddying up the rest of the sound. The batteries also last a pretty long time, unlike other pedals.

If i were to name one negative thing about this item, it would be this: the unit does not have any tone control. Its sound by itself is a little lacking in the low end, but you can adjust it to your liking on your amp. Other than that no down sides.

VERY HIGH QUALITY. this pedal is built diamond-tough. Heavy die-cast unit with heavy-duty stomp switch. Takes a beating.

You will love this item.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

The MXR M104 is an analog overdrive guitar pedal. It has 1/4 inch inputs and outputs.


UTILIZATION

The configuration of the MXR M104 is really easy to follow and is straightforward overall. It has knobs for volume, tone, overdrive, and boost, with a separate foot switch to turn the boost on or off. It also has two switches to control different types of amp simulations and tones. I don't have a manual for this, but the pedal is easy enough to use that I never needed any help learning how to use it.


SOUND QUALITY

The sound quality of the MXR M104 is great overall. It is rich in tone and has quite a full sounding overall body to it. I use this with guitar - usually a Fender Stratocaster and a '76 Fender Twin Reverb amplifier. While it will work with other electronic instruments, it is probably suited best for electric guitar. You can get both a great lead tone and a great rhythm tone, as the pedal versatile and capable of a few different types of overdrive. Overall, the sound quality is top notch and is easy to get a great sound from it.


OVERALL OPINION

I've been using the MXR M104 for about a year. MXR is building a reputation for making some great overdrive pedals, and the Full Drive 2 is one of their best. It has a great look to it, and the sound quality is awesome. Its ease of use makes for being able to get quick overdrive sounds that sound great. The price is more expensive than most Boss pedals, but in terms of a high quality overdrive, the pedal is reasonably priced. It is built well overall and will stand the test of time if you treat it right. Overall, I recommend this pedal to those interested in a great sounding overdrive pedal - great for rock music!

The MXR Distortion+ has been around since nearly the beginning of time. It was one of the first boost pedals to ever hit the market, and it has been used every since. While its popularity has been waning, I still see it being used on pedalboards today. The pedal features an output and an gain knob. The newer ones have LEDs, but aside from that, they're still fairly similar with the same input/output/switch/2knob configuration going on.

UTILIZATION

The pedals can take some ridiculous abuse. I've never had any problems with this pedal in my lifetime, and I don't expect it to ever break down, really. I've done a true bypass mod to it, but it really wasn't needed that much. The bypass on this isn't too bad, stock. The manual is well written, and if you need any help, MXR is more than happy to assist you. However, I find that it's not needed with such a simple pedal. It's so easy to use and set up that it almost seems like a waste of paper. Even the guitarist just starting out could figure out how to use this in seconds.

SOUND QUALITY

The most famous user of the MXR Distortion+ would probably be Randy Rhoads. He was a heavy user of this pedal in his Marshalls, and if you're looking for that tone, it'll deliver it. One thing worth noting is that this and the DOD 250 are actually very similar. The DOD250 is slightly more aggressive due to the diodes that it utilizes, but they're still very similar, and if you want that Yngwie style tone, this pedal can deliver. I find that it doesn't work great as a normal boost to tighten things up. It's a bit too vintage sounding, and it lacks tightness. In fact, it's starting to sound a bit dated today. However, if you're looking for that old school distorted kind of sound, running this through a Marshall would definitely deliver.

OVERALL OPINION

The pedal is solid, but it's getting to be a bit dated to me. I have one, but I find myself using it less and less. I tend to prefer tighter, more aggressive tones than this pedal can deliver, but if I ever find myself going back to classic metal, I generally pick this off my shelf and throw it in front of my amp for that old school metal tone.

Mine is the original (1979) led indiquand not the level of the stack, not input power supply ... Archaic brief ...

UTILIZATION

Plug and play

SOUND QUALITY

It changes depending on the level of the stack, "which softens" it's like the strings ... I love them almost black!

OVERALL OPINION

More than 25 years and no customer service. We will question its a bit of overdrive "bees" on fuzz. The output level does not allow to really boost a clear sound is therefore a distortion. No tone control plus it wrong fix the rate and volume (vice versa) when changing sound, it's a shame that all the knobs have caoutchous buffer allowing adjustment to the foot.
This gives almost the same sounds with the blower tube of Jacques, which goes further to a new price kif kif.
It's vintage

Everything has been said about it

UTILIZATION

Easy to use which does not mean that there are initially sound that is sought.

SOUND QUALITY

This pedal has an amplitude sound interesting. It can be used in simple crunchy with the clear sound of the amp or use it for more potato during the solos with the distortion of the amp. It sounds vintage when the knob is in the first third, but it works well with a Fender Stratocaster, contrary to what some people think. In addition, I use a Marshall MG100DFX, configuration: MXR + OD2 + FDD triggered the marshall is pretty devastating.

OVERALL OPINION

I have been using for over a year (thank you UNDERTAKER)
What I dislike is that it buzz to death when we want to push it to more than 2 / 3.
I love everything else.

Analog pedals

UTILIZATION

Very simple configuration: two knobs and switch. No need of the manual.

SOUND QUALITY

Sound quality exeptionnelle I possde 12 pedals with a Vox wah, a RAT, a Muff, Small Stone one vintage, one Rotovibe ... and it's the one that I could not do without as it is monstrous.
I play a Custom Shop Start and a Marshall Plexi 65, 1973.
This gives me a crunch pedals standard, indispensable. This is THE pedals. I tried so many but that the crunch is the top. And if you push it a little, the Angus Young is the sound, it flies!

OVERALL OPINION

Report on Thomann quality reasonable price.
Well OK I have 10 model is perfect everywhere, but I swear j'ne dpendant am if I had to keep that would be the l.

Particularity: absolutely indestructible.

Distortion, for a guitare.Dispose between 6.35 and output jack.
The models today, have to connect between an external power supply in addition to the conventional 9-volt battery.

UTILIZATION

Setup is simple. The audio edition is easy, button distortion RULES Obviously the amount of distortion. Output knob on the RULES nivau output.

SOUND QUALITY

The effect is the distortion, the more you can easily go up to a distortion trs trs fawn grows "couillue" of the 70s (the pedals silent rev appr cie guitarists of the 70's). We just use it with any guitar without any problem. the pedals can really dvelopper a big distortion.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 15 years is the Premire of distortion pedals I had. Really the characters, for cons I do not use it exclusively. I also use an Ibanez TS808, a Boss SD-1. quality-price report is correct, I would do without this choice problem.
Rod Barthet http://www.rodbarthet.com

From the MXR website:

* Germanium-powered, soft-clipped distortion.
* Classic 70s distortion.
* The tone that made Randy Rhoads famous.

Pretty simple controls, one output and one distortion knob. I guess it's good for simplicity, though it's not tonally very versatile because of this.

It's supposedly the 'famed' yellow pedal that made Randy Rhoads famous but this is the first time I"ve heard of that to be honest.





UTILIZATION

TOO simple. Distortion controls the amount of gain you want to add to your signal and output is like a level control which controls the amount of level/output you want. Works the same way as an overdrive's level knob would, by just adding more output to the overall signal and can lead to clipping the guitar signal.

SOUND QUALITY

I honestly don't know what to say about this pedal other than it's not really good whatsoever. The distortion is tinny, buzz, with too much midrange. It sounds like a bad ham-radio signal! And everytime i pick, there's that super ice-picky sound just super accentuated from the pedal. I've used it quite a few times and even heard other guitar players use and have never liked how it sounded. Is this how the 70s really sounded??? If it is, I don't want any part of it!

The gain itself is quite low, complete classic rock, that's as far as you can get in terms of gain. The pedal itself looks like it's built quite well however.

It also seems to be amp and/or rig dependent, I've played it through a few fender tube combos and some marshalls and have had better results from the marshalls. So it goes to show how this pedal is not versatile at all.

OVERALL OPINION

Do not get this pedal without trying it. It has one sound, that's not very good at all and does not play well with every amp. It's shrill, has too much midrange, ice-picky and tinny. If that's what you want, this is the pedal for you. I definitely don't think this is what Rhoads sounded like nor is it what the 70s sounded like.

Prsentation so easy, no it's brutal Tone: Tone Flight and interactive enough, that's all.

UTILIZATION

Two major types of use: blues, distortion and volume max 10 Rock bottom or, between 1 and 3 hours flight with distortion between 3am and bottom. The sound of the pedals is Features and gives a kind of blistering, a roar at the sound of any guitar of any kind is quite magical. Vol background distortion is a bit noisy but it wanted. For the blues, I use my turn TS9 808 mod for the rock is a little more "fit in" my other distortion so I am not a fan (and I really what to do in Mati re of distortion!)

SOUND QUALITY

a stratovolcano or a LP is gnial, but not adapted from Satriani's or other typical metal. It's vintage 60's and 70's but what about an amp lamps rgal same simple, if RULES much volume for the sound to be PDAL Battery Inrush hair is all over history of rock guitar in dboule. Preferences on a stratum, a good blues rock hairy, the hairs of the arms are in custody you!

OVERALL OPINION

no breath, drooling a big well, it is the tape before the big muff, indmodable, good reserve of power, vintage spirit not so versatile that a (not 10 / 10), trs CHRE not ultimately purchase as indestructible. Report QP on top for the price of some supposedly more vintage pedals that vintage ...

2 buttons Volume and Distortion
1 Switch
1 LED
In
Out
(Not supplied € 26!) The only "negative" ... It is true that for zicos, spend 26 € for a transformer seems money down the drain ... But as our electric equipment are expensive ... The quality of the transformer should not be overlooked ...

A small metal box yellow canary look great ... Solid foolproof ... A perfect value for money ...

UTILIZATION

Ben you plug, you play. Easy as pie. The pedal comes with 2 "-buttons" that are fixed on the 2 knobs to adjust the tip to toe. But we must nevertheless that the ground is not slippery ... In a pedal board that will be perfect.

Well my usage may be atypical ... I wanted a light distortion for an acoustic guitar + microphone in the soundhole. I love the sound of banging metal and acoustics (for rhythm) ... a good dose of "crunch" - distortion coming, for my taste, add the punch power ... Must of course pay attention to feedback ...

Yesterday I bought "on trial" Booster HEB Uno Mos - a great boost pedal that works miracles on my acoustic (a Takamine) and I have exchanged with the MXR because I wanted a slight distortion - crunch ... With the condenser microphone output level is quite low, which adds to the distortion without it screaming ...

In short I have exactly the sound I was looking for

SOUND QUALITY

Nickel! A good analog distortion whose setting can be done with finesse by the duo Volume + disto ... If it's just add a little crunch but a hair volume up high for a solo, or a more sustained rhythm is perfect ... if it is "dirty" sound without increasing the volume is too Ni ... The only 2 knobs allow adjustment of a multitude of toe or hand ...

PERSONAL PARENTHESE

So far I only used the "multi-effect" ... for convenience "all in one" with moults sounds. 1. The overall quality is never equivalent to the pedals dedicated separate. 2 edition is often complex in the "big bracket" and tackle it with application instructions and the whole shebang ... and inaccessible to the "small cranks" requires miniaturization and cost. In short, nothing is as simple as turning a knob and press a switch ... 3. By moving from one sound to another there is a micro-break (which accommodates one bit) ... with a set of pedals on "add" sounds. So I will slowly replace my pedals (Yamaha Magicstomp) with separate pedals ... well made ... What is certain is that I'll buy the HBE Uno Mos (105 €) as the mini pré-amp/boost MXR Distortion + is the game. I will be gradually filled and could quibble looking for a particular sound and this without taking the head. The multi-effects are complex, and often we created one or two banks of sounds that keeps unchanged for not re-rub to the lineup.

Of course with analog pedals ... will note the configs nice on paper ... but in the end ... one location to another on the acoustic scene is so different that it's sometimes handy to turn 2-3 portards to adapt to sound ...

END OF THE PARENTHESE

MXR vs BOSS. While Boss is a brand known and correct ... but be sure that MXR is well above the melee ... The MXR is much less "versatile" than the Boss but quality is another ... and you can tweak the sound with 2 good knobs rather than the double of adjustment possibilities. Brief strong analog ... More in terms of price, MXR is not much more expensive ... and soundness of the beast was not lésinée.

OVERALL OPINION

I have already "crossed" a lot of pedals "distortion" mostly Boss or Ibanez ... which are not bad ... but there was a much more precise settings really simple but offer some interesting sound amplitudes.

The price / quality ratio is really nickel.

At all guitarists ... Experience ... compare, try the pedal less known, less mainstream ... you might get some nice surprises ... (HEB, MXR, RADIAL ... are brands that I discovered with much happiness)

I take this opportunity to slip a publicity stunt for the store GrooveStreet 98 in Brussels ... the guy only sells pedals and guitars of "quality" and in addition, a rare thing, I've tried a pedal and the next exchange to buy MXR this was what I wanted. It feels good to come across a merchant who knows his job and is nice and helpful ...

Brief in conclusion, this MXR M104 Distortion + a really nice personality and a quality ...

MXR is one of the best of the analog pedal companies, both in their sturdy metal box design and the uniqueness of their sounds. This pedal contains the similar thin sturdy steel design with a simple in out 1/4 on either side. There are two knobs, the left is gain or volume the right is 'distortion.' Please note that there have been many versions of this little box made; I believe there was a corporate shift during the 80s and it is desirable to find the original MXR analog pedals. I found this one in a music shop in '07 for $100.00 and it was a deal. The originals are super rare and are considered the 'godfather' in 80s metal and hard rock. The one I'm reviewing is an original from 1981 and is essentially the same exact pedal Eddie Van Halen would be using during the time. This is a true "Fuzz Box," before the tone was called that. It was just DISTORTION +. Interesting, it's got a '+' on it, it means there's more distortion than one without the '+'? Let's find out...

UTILIZATION

The only problem with this pedal is that it isn't really powerful, or even very useful, at low settings. Undoubtedly there are resistors that can be added to boost the distorted signal (one shop guy added such a transistor to an old Dist+ and showed me the tonal difference), but you've essentially got to 'put it on 10' on both dials to get the magical effect its renowned for. Well, not ten. There's more headroom and tonal space in the last half-inch of dial than in the rest of it. Reasons for this is that whenever tone (i.e. from your pickups and your pick) the pedal catches it kind of squeezes (compresses) and this sort of compartmentalizes the tone, essentially making it 'sound' quieter. So that's what the volume or boost is for. This pedal is almost exclusive to the hard rock, heavy metal, goth/industrial side of things, though if you get a little washy with other settings, you can hear the more progressive side of rock as well. For example in the old prog rock they would kick out some serious fuzzy sustain, probably in combo with this kind of pedal and a delay. It's absolutely sturdy and mine is held together with rubber bands.

SOUND QUALITY

Take a gibson SG and run it right through a dist+ into a marshall amp. Put both knobs at about 4:30 on the dial and turn up. Give it a strum...there it will be. Sense-shattering teeth grinding gothic goodness. To test whether this pedal could turn anything at all into a 'heavy metal machine' I ran a thin strung Telecaster into a Blues Junior Fender amp. Not exactly Merciful Fate setup, if you know what I mean. Since Fenders have less 'mid-rangey' tone, they aren't the best choice for 'heavy metal;' well it still completely crushed. Seriously, one of these old pedals in good working order with the right gear and perhaps a tube driver and you won't NEED a distortion channel. You'll have one in your pedal chain already. I'm still trying to get that "Steve Howe" or "Steve Hackett" out of it and for that kind of music it's a little trickier. But for in your face crunch, this little box is stomp-ready.

OVERALL OPINION

This is a classic analog pedal, and even if you end up with a newer model, it should be plenty of juice to rock with. The box is indestructible and while it may not be the most diverse of pedals, it's an absolute classic for genres of heavy metal, hard rock and anything with serious grind.