MXR Micro Ampchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Numerous commenters use the Micro Amp specifically to punch solos above the mix, describing it as effective for cutting through a busy band or three-guitar arrangement. It's praised as doing exactly its one job well: making solos louder at the right moment.

@cchavezjr7

One thing not mentioned but the primary use of this pedal back in the day was to take the guitar's player rhythm level and boost it for a lead solo.launch

smart_display

February 11, 2024

@blakemcnamara9105

I really underestimated this pedal until I saw the lead guitarist in my band use it for solos. We have three guitarists so it can be hard to hear the solos in the mix sometimes but this cuts through at the right time so as to temporarily make the solos louder.launch

smart_display

January 16, 2022

@zeppelin1996

I love this pedal! It's a perfect boost of volume and gain for leads. Don't know what I'd do without it.launch

smart_display

June 8, 2012

@Prestostark

These are great to use in an effects loop as a nice lead volume boost. A lot cleaner and more effective through the effects loop for a clean boost, in my opinion.launch

smart_display

January 11, 2012

Several long-term owners report using the same unit for years or even decades without issue, including one who has used it for over 40 years and another since the 1980s. It's frequently called a permanent, never-removed fixture on pedalboards.

@Mr.JTM45

The only pedal you'll ever need. I've been using one for over 40 years with my JTM45. Absolutely the best pedal ever made.launch

smart_display

July 28, 2025

@MikeGervasi

I remember back in 1985, the Micro Amp was my guitar teacher's secret weapon. That was the only pedal he used and he was mostly a jazz player with HEAVY strings. Never bent a note. However when he turned this on he went into full VH Eruption mode and blew our minds.launch

smart_display

February 9, 2024

@deh1301

I've had one of these for years. Other than my tuner, it's the only pedal that has never left my pedal board since the day it arrived. I use it always on with the gain at about 9 o'clock, just like Charlie, and it just fattens up the sound nicely. I mainly play single coil guitars but it works will with my Les Paul Trad Pro too.launch

smart_display

February 28, 2021

@niptodstan

When I was gigging in the 80's I had a Les Paul. Two Marshall's and the original Micro amp. That was all I needed. It would make my Marshall sound great. Try one.launch

smart_display

February 8, 2017

Users describe using the Micro Amp to drive a tube amp harder, achieving a natural, musical overdrive or the classic 'pushed Silverface' bristling tone. One calls it the most natural overdrive they've ever heard, and another compares its effect to punching a JCM 800 beyond its limits.

@niptodstan

When I was gigging in the 80's I had a Les Paul. Two Marshall's and the original Micro amp. That was all I needed. It would make my Marshall sound great. Try one.launch

smart_display

February 8, 2017

@KevinCube

The overall sound of this unit is really a lot like a pushed Silverface amp. That kind of bristling hair that's just tame enough to not kill you. Absolutely glorious tone.launch

smart_display

December 8, 2013

@VKzGibson

i used it as overdrive :) it's the most natural overdrive i 've ever heard! :Dlaunch

smart_display

July 30, 2010

@katzenrubbl0r

I recommend getting a power attenuator. This device is placed in between the amp and the speakers. It basically turns the power of the amp into heat and allows you to play your amp fully cranked up at bedroom level. The cheaper but not quite as good solution would be to get this pedal. The main use of this pedal is punching a tube amp beyond it's limits (should sound awesome with a jcm 800 with gain on 11 ;-)launch

smart_display

January 5, 2009

Some players leave it on constantly at low settings to fatten their overall sound rather than just for solos, describing it as adding a pleasant thickness across single-coil and humbucker guitars alike.

@Daniel_DeadSimple

I always have this pedal at 3 o'clock in my signal chain... SG -> Micro Amp -> JCM 800 2203 \n...I used a Spark Mini Booster for a long time and it sounded exactly the same... the Micro Amp just looks cooler ;)launch

smart_display

April 22, 2025

@WilDBeestMF

The thing about this pedal? It's magic. \n\nI'm finding that I love what it does to my signal so much that it's always on, forcing me to check out an actual 'boost' 😅launch

smart_display

November 25, 2022

@deh1301

I've had one of these for years. Other than my tuner, it's the only pedal that has never left my pedal board since the day it arrived. I use it always on with the gain at about 9 o'clock, just like Charlie, and it just fattens up the sound nicely. I mainly play single coil guitars but it works will with my Les Paul Trad Pro too.launch

smart_display

February 28, 2021

Several commenters specifically praise using it in the effects loop for a clean, transparent volume increase for solos, calling it more effective there than in the main signal chain, especially when amp distortion is involved.

@ArtEfekt

ATTENTION: If you are trying to use boost pedals to increase your volume WHILE in distortion to play solos, have it plugged up to the FX LOOP instead of your pedal chain! It will give you a master volume for your entire FX chain! :)launch

smart_display

February 17, 2013

@Prestostark

These are great to use in an effects loop as a nice lead volume boost. A lot cleaner and more effective through the effects loop for a clean boost, in my opinion.launch

smart_display

January 11, 2012

@BKellyS

I use this pedal in the effects loop as a clean boost for solos. Works like a charm, no problems in about 6 years of occasional gigging. If you just want a volume increase it is much more effective in the effects loop if you have one, particularly when you are using amp distortion.launch

smart_display

December 6, 2009

Users find it useful for multiple purposes beyond solos, such as balancing volume between two guitars, working well on bass, or stacking with other overdrive pedals for added gain.

@WilDBeestMF

Hey, man. Long term bass player who is starting to dabble with guitar. I've used the Micro Amp on bass and continue to do so. \nI was very surprised when I put the Micro Amp up front of my Sansamp GT-2. I was also very surprised when I noticed what it does AFTER the Sansamp haha. It's just a great boost. I'm getting another one. I need it on every board.launch

smart_display

July 5, 2025

@jameslloyd949

This video made me buy it. I know the Xotic super sweet is a great option, but seeing how this is much more hands on rather than flicking switches at the side makes it a my preferred choice. Plus, it's all the gain I need along side my BD2!launch

smart_display

May 29, 2022

@jammers5

I own this pedal and I love it! I use it to boost my solos, and to balance the sound levels when switching from my LP to my Strat. I am going to be buying the MXR Micro Chorus to replace my Boss Chorus pedal too!launch

smart_display

April 14, 2010

Fans appreciate the original's simplicity with just one control, finding it easy to dial in and less fussy than pedals with multiple knobs. One commenter explicitly says they wouldn't want to deal with three knobs for a boost pedal.

@mortonwilson795

I have a few vintage MXRs but never came across this one. Love the simplicity of it. Reminds me a bit of Paul Crowthers 'other' Hotcake, the one he incorporated into the Double Hotcake, I think he called it the 'blueberry muffin or banana pudding' or something 😅 I use that setting in the same way you're using this, slight boost with harmonic glow, and the original HC for full on solo parts. Will look out for this next time I'm in at the stockists!launch

smart_display

February 12, 2024

@blues62751

I have the orginal M133 Micro Amp and love just the one knob.\nI don't think I would like dealing with the 3 for just a boost pedal.\nThanks for posting the demo though and love your riffing, GMD !launch

smart_display

January 10, 2014