MXR Phase 90 Gold 50th Anniversary

An MXR legend, from the brand's first pedal to the anniversary edition

The MXR Phase 90 (model M101) is not just a classic: it's a piece of history. Released in 1974, it was among the very first pedals to popularize phasing among guitarists, thanks to a formula that became legendary: an analog circuit, a warm and organic sweep, and a single potentiometer. The 50th Anniversary Gold Edition continues this philosophy by adding a "tribute piece" dimension: MXR designed it in 2022 with a striking gold finish, initially intended for a limited circle, then offered in a strictly limited series to musicians.

A phaser for all guitarists: from funk to rock, studio to stage

The Phase 90 has the rare ability to suit almost everyone. If you're a beginner, it will instantly give you that "vintage" movement that animates a clean tone or a slightly crunchy rhythm. If you're already comfortable with modulation effects, you'll appreciate its very natural way of thickening the signal and adding depth without requiring complex settings. In a live context, it easily fits into a mix and remains clear; in the studio, it provides a gentle animation, ideal for doubling a track, opening an arpeggio, or making a guitar pad breathe. Style-wise, it's found in blues and classic rock as well as funk and more modern textures. Iconic artists like Eddie Van Halen, as well as more recent aesthetics (up to Red Hot Chili Peppers or The Mars Volta), have shown how a phaser can remain relevant when the circuit is good.

Efficient simplicity: Speed control, fixed regeneration, and true bypass

The MXR Phase 90 Gold goes straight to the point: a Speed knob controls the sweep speed, from slow and wide movement (perfect to give a sense of depth and "rotation") to faster, almost hypnotic speeds that can evoke the spirit of a Leslie cabinet. MXR kept a fixed regeneration rate (feedback): the intensity is optimized to remain musical and consistent, which explains why the Phase 90 "works" so well as soon as you engage it. Switching is done via a footswitch, with an ON/OFF LED for immediate control on stage. And thanks to true bypass, your tone stays intact when the pedal is off.

The sound

The signature of the Phase 90 is a silky phasing with an immediately recognizable grain: it undulates, it "swooshes," but never becomes harsh or too metallic. At slow speeds, the effect adds a subtle animation that makes the sound breathe, ideal on open chords, arpeggios, or a slightly compressed clean tone. When sped up, the sweep becomes more pronounced, perfect for punchy riffs, well-articulated funky parts, or psychedelic passages. On a distorted sound, it also has the talent to smooth and thicken the guitar, giving a musical presence boost to transition from rhythm to lead without changing your entire amp setting.

Technical specifications

Effects	Chorus / Flanger / Phaser, Effects	EQ	No
Technology	Analog	Use	guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Yellow

Type	phaser	Nominal input level	-20 dBV
Control	Speed	Nominal output level	-20 dBV
True bypass	yes	Noise floor	-96 dBV (A-weighted)
Input	6.35mm Jack	Power supply included	no
Output	6.35mm Jack	Power supply	DC 9 V, 9 V battery
Input impedance	1 megaohm	Optional 9V adapter	MDU ECB003E
Output impedance	10 kohm	Current consumption	5 mA