MXR Phase 90From real comments

Verdict distilled from 8 mentions across 1 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment100%
PROS 100%

Rank based on 8 mentions across 1 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a simple, affordable, versatile one-knob phaser for classic tones
  • You want the smoother, warmer Script logo sound favored by most commenters
  • You play guitar, bass, or keys and want univibe, chorus, or rotary-style textures

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're sensitive to a pronounced mid-boost or volume jump (Block logo complaints)
  • You need low noise floor for sensitive keys like Rhodes
  • You want built-in tone-shaping controls beyond one knob

What users complain about

No cons data available.

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1Value
MXR Super Badass Distortion~$130 · 1.3× pricier
Exceptional versatilityNatural, amp-like tonePowerful 3-band EQDemo videos undersell the pedalNoticeable noise floorVolume drop when engaged
MXR Super Badass Distortion~$130 · 1.3× pricier
Exceptional versatility
Natural, amp-like tone
Powerful 3-band EQ
Demo videos undersell the pedal
Noticeable noise floor
Volume drop when engaged
2Mid
Wampler Belle~$179 · 1.8× pricier
Crisp, musical, transparent toneImproved bass control over ODR-1Stacks well with other pedalsLacks some ODR-1 openness/sparkleMisses some top-end chimeSmall print hard to read
Wampler Belle~$179 · 1.8× pricier
Crisp, musical, transparent tone
Improved bass control over ODR-1
Stacks well with other pedals
Lacks some ODR-1 openness/sparkle
Misses some top-end chime
Small print hard to read
3Value
MXR Sugar Drive~$130 · 1.3× pricier
Great for stacking with other drivesTransparent, organic Klon-style toneAffordable price for Klon-style toneSkepticism about matching the real KlonLost out to competing clones in some comparisonsSound depends heavily on amp/settings
MXR Sugar Drive~$130 · 1.3× pricier
Great for stacking with other drives
Transparent, organic Klon-style tone
Affordable price for Klon-style tone
Skepticism about matching the real Klon
Lost out to competing clones in some comparisons
Sound depends heavily on amp/settings
4Value
Wampler Tumnus~$149 · 1.5× pricier
Great stacking pedalClose to original Klon toneTransparent, amp-like toneSubtle differences from other klonesDiode clipping only engages at high gainInflated resale/limited-run pricing
Wampler Tumnus~$149 · 1.5× pricier
Great stacking pedal
Close to original Klon tone
Transparent, amp-like tone
Subtle differences from other klones
Diode clipping only engages at high gain
Inflated resale/limited-run pricing
5Value
MXR Micro Chorus~$109 · similar price
Simple one-knob operationFull, warm, rich toneGreat value for the priceVolume boost when engaged
MXR Micro Chorus~$109 · similar price
Simple one-knob operation
Full, warm, rich tone
Great value for the price
Volume boost when engaged
6Mid
Wampler Plexi-Drive~$179 · 1.8× pricier
Authentic Marshall Plexi toneVersatile gain rangeUseful mid-boost switchInconsistent or problematic boost stageUnderwhelming for some users vs other gearOccasional boxy tone
Wampler Plexi-Drive~$179 · 1.8× pricier
Authentic Marshall Plexi tone
Versatile gain range
Useful mid-boost switch
Inconsistent or problematic boost stage
Underwhelming for some users vs other gear
Occasional boxy tone
7Value
Wampler Mini Ego Compressor~$149 · 1.5× pricier
Low noise floorTransparent, natural toneAlways-on pedal for many usersAttack toggle vs dedicated knobPrice concernsAggressive volume taper near unity
Wampler Mini Ego Compressor~$149 · 1.5× pricier
Low noise floor
Transparent, natural tone
Always-on pedal for many users
Attack toggle vs dedicated knob
Price concerns
Aggressive volume taper near unity
8Budget
MXR GT-OD~$79 · 1.3× cheaper
Hidden ZW-44 switch (two pedals in one)Warm, transparent toneVersatile boost / stacking pedalSlightly dark toneAdds mud in certain setupsConsidered unremarkable by one user
MXR GT-OD~$79 · 1.3× cheaper
Hidden ZW-44 switch (two pedals in one)
Warm, transparent tone
Versatile boost / stacking pedal
Slightly dark tone
Adds mud in certain setups
Considered unremarkable by one user
9Value
Boss LS-2~$140 · 1.4× pricier
Highly versatile parallel and A/B routingInternal loop normalling simplifies setupRestores bass low end lost to dirt pedalsSetup can be confusing for new usersDoesn't split lows/highs like purpose-built blendersNoise/grounding issues reported with some amp pairings
Boss LS-2~$140 · 1.4× pricier
Highly versatile parallel and A/B routing
Internal loop normalling simplifies setup
Restores bass low end lost to dirt pedals
Setup can be confusing for new users
Doesn't split lows/highs like purpose-built blenders
Noise/grounding issues reported with some amp pairings
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10Value
MXR Phase 90~$99
Highly versatile from one knob
MXR Phase 90~$99
Highly versatile from one knob

Who wins on what (similar price)

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

One knob, surprisingly many sounds. Multiple commenters describe getting chorus, auto-wah, classic phaser, univibe and rotary-speaker sounds out of a single speed knob, calling it far more versatile than its simple appearance suggests. Users recommend keeping it below 12 o'clock for the smoothest, most musical tones, while higher settings can sound harsh, especially on the Block version. This versatility keeps it on pedalboards for guitar, bass, Rhodes and clavinet players alike.

Script vs Block is a real, debated difference. Many commenters explain the Block logo has a feedback resistor/extra circuit stage giving a more pronounced, mid-heavy, sometimes harsh tone, while the Script is smoother, warmer, and stays usable even at fast speeds. Preferences vary, but a majority favor Script, with several performing the R28 mod to convert Block toward Script character or reduce volume and mid harshness.

Iconic, affordable, occasionally flawed. Commenters tie the pedal to Gilmour, Van Halen, and Scott Gorham, and praise its low price, often under $100 new or found secondhand for as little as $10. A few report durability problems, like a standard unit breaking twice after 'repair,' and one user found the Block version's volume jump so extreme it drowned out other pedals in the chain.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?