MXR EDDIE VAN HALEN FLANGER

A Cult Rock Flanger, Adapted for the Modern Pedalboard

In the history of modulation effects, the MXR flanger holds a special place: a full, edgy sound, immediately recognizable, that became a signature in 70s and 80s rock. The MXR EVH117 Flanger continues this legacy by retaining the analog DNA (bucket-brigade type) and the "wide" character of the MXR flanger, while offering ergonomics designed to get straight to the point.

Within the MXR range, it is a fully embraced signature pedal: iconic striped visual, assertive temperament, and above all direct access to a "ready to play" setting via the EVH switch. The result: you keep the freedom of a fully adjustable flanger, with the bonus of an instant shortcut to a very distinctive tone.

Who It's For and What It's For: Massive Riffs, Snappy Rhythms, and Studio Textures

The EVH117 is aimed at intermediate to advanced guitarists seeking expressive modulation, responsive to attack, and capable of remaining clear in a dense mix. It naturally excels in hard rock, 70s and 80s rock, and classic metal, where a flanger can become a true playing element (intros, breaks, palm-muted riffs, accents on choruses).

But don't limit it to thick guitar walls: with more restrained settings, it delivers a nervous and "elastic" movement ideal for funk rhythms or more open arpeggios. In the studio, it allows placing a guitar in space without drowning it, while live the EVH mode saves precious time: one press and the sound jumps to the forefront.

Settings, EVH Mode, and Design: A Flanger That Can Be Controlled to the Millimeter

The MXR EVH117 Flanger relies on a clear interface, designed to adjust "like a musician": you shape the movement, then you dose the personality. The Speed knob adjusts the modulation rate, perfect for shifting from a slow, wide sweep to a more nervous vibration. The Width control affects the sweep amplitude: low for a subtle movement sensation, high for spectacular and very pronounced passages.

The Manual setting is key to placing the sweep area exactly where your guitar responds best (depending on the pickup, amp, and your right-hand dynamics). Finally, Regen (Regeneration) adds feedback and resonance: from simple brightness to the edge of self-oscillation, including that typical "turbine" character of rock flangers.

The EVH "Unchained" switch (yellow LED) activates a preset based on specific parameters (Manual, Width, Speed, Regeneration). It's the ideal option to instantly switch from a basic sound to a very identified tone without touching the knobs during a song. On the integration side, the true hard bypass preserves the signal when the effect is off, and the 6.35mm Jack connectors are designed to withstand thousands of connections.

Sound

Expect a thick, lively, and dynamic flanger with a very "analog" movement: the pedal respects attack and playing nuances while adding that sense of depth and sweep that can transform a simple riff into a signature phrase. On light settings, the EVH117 adds subtle relief, almost like an aura around the note. Pushing Width and Regen yields a more aggressive effect, with a notch and resonance that grab the spectrum and give the impression the sound "passes through."

The EVH mode is designed for quickly retrieving a characteristic texture, but the pedal's main appeal is its ability to remain musical across a wide range of settings: it can be precise and controlled or fully expressive and spectacular. On a rock pedalboard, it's a modulation that can be heard without becoming muddy, ideal for intros, chorus accents, and breaks that need to make an impact on the audience.

Technical specifications

Effects	Chorus / Flanger / Phaser, Effects	Settings	speed, manual, regen, width
Technology	Analog	Type	sector
Format	Pedal	Use	electric guitar
Inputs	Jack	Color	Red
Outputs	Jack	Power supply included	No
True bypass	Yes	Power supply	18V Adapter, 2x 9V batteries
EQ	No

Brand	MXR	True hard bypass	yes
Model	EVH117 Flanger	Power supply (not included)	2 x 9 V batteries or Dunlop ECB004E 18 V 1 A power supply or Dunlop DC-BRICK multi-power supply
Effect	Eddie Van Halen signature flanger	Compatible	DC Brick, Iso-Brick and Mini Iso-Brick
Connections	2 x jack in/out that can withstand thousands of connections	Documentation	depending on the manufacturer's packaging
Controls	manual, width, sweep, regen	Required voltage	18 V (via adapter) or 2 x 9 V batteries
EVH button	yellow LED, exact effect from the track "Unchained"	Consumption	35 mA