All user reviews for the MXR M78 Custom Badass '78 Distortion

Analog distortion pedal sign MXR, solid as all their creations, standard rglage 3 knobs: volume, tone, distortion, and to top it all, a small button "crunch" booster mdiums.

USE

Classic, efficient very perfectly fulfills its role distortion, simple rglages, with a bonus this crunch switch which when Switch-on has a tendency fcheuse blind us. As a, we know that Switch-on is no mistake.

SOUND QUALITY

Very good sound, warm, not garish very versatile ranging from blues to hard rock, with a stroke of the distortion knob very intressante, especially the last quarter or 1/5 th that coats completely sound with a level lev very clean. I use a Les Paul, Strat and a tl and I do not need to change depending rglages guitars. To nitpick, I reproach him a breath lightweight.

NOTICE GLOBAL

Like many, I cum all possible distos imaginable, I am persuaded that this is not the best in the world, but she responds my expectations, simple, clean, flexible, transparent, warm. .. And so on. In addition to a, it's MXR, so it's beautiful ...

Distortion pedal

Analog

1 input and 1 output

1 9V connector

1 ON / OFF switch

UTILIZATION

Config 'very simple: three knobs: Distortion, Tone Output + 1 switch "Crunch"

No manual on the purchase, but not required, it is a pedal effect ...

SOUND QUALITY

Instruments: Gibson SG '61 in 496R/500T and Epiphone LP Studio SH-1/SH-8

This is a distortion pedal a bit special. It has its grain, which is very personal. This is a distortion but, for me, is used in a spirit of "overdrive".
The sound is powerful and bold. It sends strong enough, but at the same time, it drool. The "crunch" switch is a kind of boost but that does not really change the grain or the signal, it just adds a little power.
Gain mini without the "crunch" mode is already more saturated than traditional OD. However, I rather use it in that spirit. Like a OD on steroids.
on the other hand, attention to Tone knob. If you go to the treble, beyond a certain point, mediums come out too, and the sound quality drops, it gets a little too loud. But nothing to do with the side "Bee" some distortion as the Boss MT-2.

This is probably not a pedal to the metal clean and surgical. It is the opposite of that. It is suitable for most well edgy rock or punk. Or, in the spirit of metal productions Ross Robinson 90s (1st album Korn, Soulfly album 1)

To summarize, I would say it is as powerful as a distortion, and Garsse as an overdrive.

OVERALL OPINION

I have a few months. This is not the pedal that I use the most because I prefer the mixture OD + saturation of the amp (Orange Jim Root, JCM800), but I like to connect from time to time.

She really has an identity to it, a very special grain.

Paid € 50 in Cygnus' in new condition, I do not regret that choice. But because of this particular grain, I really recommend trying before you buy.

It is a distortion pedal rather typical vintage in a vein eyeing to the sound of the late 70s, ie roughly the sound of Van Halen at the time (the name of the pedal comes from the famous eruption of 1978).
The settings are spartan: a volume, gain and tone for the equalizer, to which is added a mini switch "crunch" that adds a little bite to render and burn a little better mix.

UTILIZATION

As with all pedals with some settings, the interface is very intuitive, and relatively useless manual.

SOUND QUALITY

The sound quality is really baffling. The distortion produced is very musical, very compressed and really does justice to Marshall JCM 800 years.
Plugged into an amp any serious lamps, we really approach the big sound of the late 70s / early 80s, which can tease a lot of records: one can approach the problem without his Iron Maiden, from that of 'ACDC or Guns n' roses, passing even the first Metallica or Grunge sound of the early 90s.

OVERALL OPINION

I owned an all-tube vintage mind for quite a while amp, and at the time I wanted my happiness with many distortion pedals (some of which cost 3 times the price of the MXR). The MXR Custom Badass 78 is the one that convinced me most of all, the one that seemed to sound less chemical and less "cheap" ...
I have been spent on an Orange amp for which the distortion is written in the genes, and then obviously the conclusion is obvious: NOTHING equals the natural distortion of a good tube amp.
That said, I recommend this pedal for guitarists who prefer to build their sounds from the clear sound of their amp without reservation, this is a great product, and whose price is reasonable not to spoil anything.

Vintage pedal pretty typical distortion ideally suited for blues rock and heavy 70 '80'
The pedal body is strong and the finish is really nice.

UTILIZATION

Simple configuration:
1 knob Output rule that the output level of the effect, 1 tone and 1 distortion to adjust the rate distortion
A small button "Crunch" lights a blue LED that tears the eyes and helps boost in midrange for easier out of the mix.
Short notice but at the same time it is the ears that make the setting. Note that the pedal responds well to volume knob on the guitar, the possibilities of sound are quite huge.
Works with a 9V battery (not included) or external power supply (The position of the input power supply is not very happy on the right side next to the "in" input). To be able to easily fit into a pedalboard it is imperative to have an angled plug power supply.

SOUND QUALITY

This is a pretty versatile pedal to go from mild crunch to a big fat distortion. It's still a little weak when did want to tease the metal, but hey it is not my case so it'll me. Pearly Gate on a bridge we really found a sound that Bill Gibons

OVERALL OPINION

I've had about eight months, it's still my favorite even compared to my Big Muff pedal (at the same time it is not quite the same use). The sound is well defined even with the distortion knob fully. This really is the perfect pedal to play ZZ Top or AC / DC.

If I had the choice again, without hesitation I would resume the same.

Analog pedal, transistor with three knobs:
- Tone
- Level
- Gain
And a switch for increasing the gain and harmonics.
An inlet, an outlet and a 9v input. Basic and effective.

UTILIZATION

Configure the pedal is childish, turn, listen and find the desired sound.
The manual offers some succinct settings as a basis for the less experienced of us.

SOUND QUALITY

Talk about the effect of this pedal:
This pedal is suitable for sounds like classic rock, blues and hard rock 80/90.
Metal aficionados, go your way!
Gain without the boost you will get to feel the sounds in the style of AC / DC, if your guitar is equipped with humbuckers. Reducing the gain, we are left with a fairly creamy overdrive to make blues, pop and rock.
By engaging the boost, the gain increases and harmonics whistled out without penalty, as long as your mics have a level of output result.
The sounds of this pedal are rich, feel good and analog sound pretty good and natural if your amp (preferably all lamps) accepts pedals well.
This pedal slightly compresses the sound, but not as a blackstar ht dual example. We therefore appreciate the rendering quite airy and finally relatively conventional happening everywhere, reminding us of sounds repeatedly heard in rock albums, hard rock light.
Finally, I will focus on the reactivity of this pedal in game volume knob and the guitar / mic plugged in, which will be transcribed with some transparency.

OVERALL OPINION

I use this pedal with 3 different guitars:

- Telecaster (vintage microphones tex mex):
Very smoothly, good blues to heavy rock, boost engaged.

- Gretsch (solid body, mini humbuckers DeArmond)
Rock sounds more assertive, able to tickle sounds to Gun's N'Roses

Gibson Les Paul (EMG 57/66)
Here I have a concern. The pedal does not seem to accept the high output of these pickups.
Low puke and it greatly displeases me, the sound is rough.
Before, my Les Paul was emg 81/85 and it was fine, but the 57 is more loaded than the low 81 and the pedal does not like .. Too bad, because with 81 boost the pedal engaged we were squarely in the sounds Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Slayer old ..
Big disappointment so ..
Conclusion: Mxr try this with your guitar imperative not to have surprises! That said, it is a guarantee of quality, as a pedal that reacts so strongly to the type of microphone and guitar plugged above is a transparent pedal with a real personality, unlike my Blackstar HT Dist, which she accepts any type of guitar, but still sounds like almost ..
But I still like my ht Dist! It's just different ..

Analog distortion, classic case of at MXR if not brilliant color!
3 knobs: 1 volume, 1 level gain and 1 tone. Over-MOST-stamped a small push button "Crunch".

UTILIZATION

Many settings, opportunities really interesting but easy to use.

SOUND QUALITY

Used Gibson Les Paul and Fender Stratocaster.

OVERALL OPINION

I love everything about this pedal. It is a rare versatility and offers a range of rich and varied sounds.
Although this is not a pedal "high gain", the Custom Badass has a sacred headroom switch "Crunch" acts as a booster not volume but rather in the style of a "more drive".
Everything is very subtle and soft on the pedal, whether setting the tone or the distortion. In addition, it responds very well to volume control on the guitar. This provides a large variety of sound and really usable.
It blends perfectly with his sister, the "Custom Badass Mofified OD", which considerably broadens the possibilities.
Only, it offers plenty of sustain without the need to push the level of distortion.
Finally, she excels in rhythmic maintaining intelligibility and coherence.
A distortion of the very best for a very good price.

Characteristics already described. This is an analog circuit so the sound is pure and natural. 3 knobs standards for distortion and crunch button is all there.

UTILIZATION

I wanted a distortion everything more simple and with 3 knobs difficult to get any easier. This is what I wanted.

SOUND QUALITY

Stunning! You want the Led Zep? This is what you need. I'm a fan of Seventies Rock and Grunge. How to get this sound? Adopt the MXR Custom Badass '78 Disto is very simple. Try Black Dog Led Zeppelin ... it's here!

OVERALL OPINION

I fell in love MXR pedals after the purchase of the Carbon Copy I recommend elsewhere. I have the Micro Amp and Phase 90 also. I do not know when I will stop buying them. It is sturdy and really nice. This is exactly what I wanted.

Analog distortion pedal, MXR signed, solid all their creations, setting standard 3 knobs: volume, tone, distortion, and to top it all, a small button "crunch" booster mediums.

UTILIZATION

Conventional use, very effective perfectly fulfills its role distortion, simple adjustments, with a bonus crunch this switch which, when activated, has a tendency to blind us. As it is known that it is switched on, make no mistake.

SOUND QUALITY

Very good sound, warm, not screaming very versatile ranging from blues to hard rock, with a stroke of the distortion knob very interesting, especially the last quarter or 1/5 th that wraps completely sound with a high level very clean. I use a les paul, a strat and a tele, and I do not need to change the settings depending on the guitars. To nitpick, I reproach him a slight hiss.

OVERALL OPINION

Like many, I scoured all distos imaginable, I am convinced that this is not the best in the world, but it meets my expectations, simple, clean, versatile, transparent, hot ... And so on. On top of that, it's MXR, so it is beautiful ...

Analog distortion pedal. Cf the picture for description.
config + standard small switch "crunch"
Solid metal case.

UTILIZATION

Extremely simple as a distortion pedal.
The small switch "crunch" gives a boost in the midrange. You can not miss when this switch is engaged, because the blue LED that lights flashing damn.
Nothing special to say, easy to adjust.

SOUND QUALITY

I find the pedal very effective. I have not noticed any problem with the attack.
It can give a little warmth to a rather cold. It can also serve as a boost.
The directory will use the punchy blues to rock, ... the cat to the lion (of purr to roaaaar).
I particularly love with my guitar in the bridge position split (I have an SH4). Must be really nice with a strat or tele.
The group's sound engineer (who is also gratteu) told me when he heard: "Oh? Another Texan pedal!"

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for about 6 months. This is not a pedal that will revolutionize the distortion, however, it does not invent anything. But this is a pedal that offers sound we know and love at a great price.
Choice again? Certainly though ... I might go looking sidewise at the Badass Custom Modified ... Try it.
Unless moving average weights to another category, the heavyweight with a Xotic AC Booster?

See other descriptions.
I do not like the position of the power input.

UTILIZATION

Config and simple little more appreciable the swich crunch. I leave it always switched on.

SOUND QUALITY

I think it's a distortion that sounds rather round and warm, fairly accurate with a good presence of mediums. I have not heard of too much compression as some say. It goes well with a light amplifier on a clean channel but a little less of a crunch or overdrive channel. In this case it sounds a bit too dark.
Equipped to Roxane on my humbuncker and sh2 sh4, it sends hot and heavy on my Telecaster, it's incisive and biting. It can lower the gain and have a fairly punchy crunch or a big boost.
With two guitars, a clean sound fendérien, sleep easily mix live.
Good point, max gain it does not become an infamous boiled. But hey it all depends on the amp and guitar without doubt ...
Sonnorités very 70's rock.

OVERALL OPINION

A good little pedal, a bit expensive but that perfectly accommodates a lamp with an amp like Fender clean sound. It can complement an amp already has a good crunch because its sonnorité malleable enough without being too typical.
I'm not disappointed even if it does not revolutionize the world of DSTO. Effective, it is essential to good rock.

MXR Custom Badass '78 Distortion Pedal Features at a Glance:

Hot-rodded classic circuit gives you huge distortion tones
Roars with both amp stack tones and old-school pedal distortion
Delivers soaring leads and rich, saturated rhythms
CRUNCH button boosts harmonic content of distortion

UTILIZATION

I probably wouldn't have tried this box if my friend didn't insist I did. He was seriously nagging me about it actually. I'm really more of an overdrive guy who stays away from distortions in general but I figured what the heck. The layout is nothing out of the ordinary. Tone volume gain...got it? Also there's a crunch button or something that "boosts the harmonic content." Bleh. Okay.

I tested it with a Peavey Classic 30 and a Tom Anderson Drop Top. I didn't use any other effects. I just wanted to see how it sounded by itself.

Build quality is good. MXR designs are great. Sometimes they miss the mark in the sound department but I rarely have any issues with pedals being noisy or breaking.

SOUND QUALITY

At low levels of gain this is actually a fairly transparent distortion which surprised me. It's almost like a boost if you turn it low enough. The pedal starts to impart a voice of its own at higher settings. It's very tight. Think Aerosmith or old Ozzy stuff. Kind of has that razor sharp 80's upper mids thing going on. It will do the 70's stuff too. But overall this is a pretty raunchilly voiced pedal that lives up to the name. It can definitely take a clean amp and send it into the upper stratosphere.

The crunch button I find to be really useless. It makes the pedal sound worse overall, and adds to the already questionably versatile voicing. Sure it's great if you want to rock 80's style, but this pedal is basically a one or two trick pony.

OVERALL OPINION

I can say that it seems like another solid MXR pedal, but unless you are in a ZZ Top cover band, I can't see you using this pedal for much else. It's okay as a boost, and it does have a nice range of usable gain, but like I said the voicing limits what you can do with it. Would have been nice for MXR to include a voice knob. I feel like I'm being hard on it because I don't like what it does. But for the price I would like something more flexible. It's just not for me I guess.

This pedal was demoed at Namm this year and it will be a huge hit for MXR. It is modeled off that hot rodded tone coming from 1978. Well they don't go into too much detail why they picked that year but I have a theory. One of the most influential guitarists and band came out that year running with the devil.

Let me start by saying I'm not a huge distortion box guy. I like to get my grit from the amp overdriving the tubes. So when I heard this pedal I was pleasantly surprised at how natural sounding this pedal was to a real tube screaming high gain amp. This pedal is about to make a huge impact on the overdrive pedal scene.

MXR Custom Badass '78 Distortion Features at a Glance:

* Hot-rodded classic circuit
* Roars with huge amp stack tones and old-school distortion
* Delivers soaring leads and rich, saturated rhythms
* CRUNCH button boosts harmonic content of distortion

UTILIZATION

Really simple operation with only three controls knobs and a crunch mini button that beefs up the tone. Like most distortion boxes it has an Output, Tone, and Distortion controls. The Output will control your volume level for the unit, while the tone will control how bright and how dark the overall tone will get much like a tone control on a guitar, and then the distortion knob will give you the gain you desire. The mini button called Crunch will basically beef up the tone and add rich thick harmonics to the tone.

SOUND QUALITY

In my opinion most distortion boxes sound like garbage. And there are even MXR pedals that sound like garbage and I'm a huge MXR fan. This thing really shine in the lead category. The lead are smooth and silky while giving a huge midrange frequency bump that cut through the band mix extremely well. This pedal will be great as a solo boost as well with how well it responds to lead lines. The rhythm is no joke either, in that it has a tight warm gallop to the tone good for mixing in the lead with the rhythm and chugging away.

Use this with a Les Paul or a single coil guitar like a Strat.....it doesn't matter at all. Any operation you through at this pedal sounds great.

OVERALL OPINION

Well there is something to this pedal that many other distortion boxes don't have and that is being as authentic as possible. I don't used OD boxes anymore that much unless I find one like this one. This is a great pedal and for the price it is a no brainer. At new they come in at around $80 which is a steal for something that sounds this good.

I would recommend this pedal to any guitar player who needs a solid built OD box and who is on a budget. Even if you're not on a budget this is a great sounding pedal that rivals the best of them out there on the market.