MXR just dropped a bomb on us! They’re teasing a new version of the legendary Rockman amp, but this time it’s a pedal! Yep, you read that right. The iconic amp that blew minds back in the 80s is getting a modern makeover, and it’s gonna be a stompbox you can easily throw on your pedalboard.
Now Officially Out!
MXR Rockman
MXR posted a super cryptic pic on Instagram, but guitar nerds everywhere instantly recognized the classic Rockman blue face and those signature sliders. There is no ‘official’ word yet on exactly what this pedal will do, but we expect killer cleans, soaring harmonics, and maybe even that iconic chorus.
The teaser demo below gives a quick blast of what it sounds like.
Price?
The big reveal is happening at NAMM later this month, so prepare for severe gear GAS! This is gonna be huge.
MSRP appears to be €279 in Europe, though people say they picked them up in the US for only $229.
Pour Some Sugar On Me
They teased the news with a cryptic Instagram post, but guitar nerds everywhere instantly recognized the classic Rockman blue face and those iconic sliders.
In the early 80s, Boston guitarist Tom Scholz dreamed up the original Rockman X100. This wasn’t your average headphone amp; it had a unique sound that quickly became a legend. Think crystal-clear cleans, soaring harmonics, and a gritty crunch that screams rock ‘n’ roll.
Released in 1982, the Rockman revolutionized how guitarists recorded. Suddenly, you could plug your guitar straight into the mixing board and get amazing tones.
This wasn’t just some bedroom gadget – the Rockman became a studio staple. Guitar heroes like Phil Collen, Steve Clark, and Joe Satriani were all fans, recognizing its game-changing potential. As MXR puts it, the Rockman was “the sound of a thousand hits,” and Scholz himself used it on countless Boston tracks.
Leaked Manual & Details
Allegedly, pedal enthusiasts have already started hunting for it online and are sharing links to the leaked manual on social media and guitar forums, along with the now-pulled official product page that lists the official price as $229.99!
Details of the controls are below.
- 1. CTRL Jack: This handy jack lets you control the MODE function with an external switch, like the MXR Tap or MXR TRS Split + Tap. This gives you even more flexibility in how you use the pedal.
- 2. FOOTSWITCH: The classic on/off switch. Stomp on it to turn the effect on or bypass it completely.
- 3. MODE Button: This button cycles through four distinct tones: CLN2 Mode: Crystal-clear cleans, pristine, and pristine. Your starting point, CLN1 Mode: Adds some punch! Mid-focused EQ for a tighter, more aggressive, clean sound, Edge Mode: A touch of grit. Responsive to your playing dynamics, cleans up beautifully at lower volumes, and Distortion Mode: Unleash the beast! High-gain overdrive with tons of sustain for screaming leads.
- 4. VOLUME Slider: This controls the overall output volume of the pedal.
- 5. INPUT GAIN Slider: This adjusts the input signal strength. Crank it up for a more compressed and aggressive sound.
- 6. CHORUS Button: Press this button to add a lush chorus effect to your tone.
Flip the switch on the bottom of the pedal to toggle between Mono and Stereo modes.
- Mono Mode: (Default) The entire signal goes to the single OUTPUT jack. Use a standard instrument cable here.
- Stereo Mode: When using a TRS splitter cable, the selected MODE preset is evenly split between the left and right channels. If you engage the CHORUS, you’ll get a more expansive, spacious sound with subtle variations between the two channels.
Leaked Images
There are no official details yet (though some images have already leaked). Still, we expect all the classic Rockman goodness – those soaring leads, the shimmering cleans, that bucket-brigade chorus that made the original so special.
Expect the four tonal presets on this pedal, covering everything from sparkling clean tones to full-on, aggressive distortion. Get ready for some serious dynamic control, thanks to calibrated compression that’ll make your cleans and dirtiest sounds sing.
Of course, no Rockman would be complete without that legendary chorus sound. We expect the classic “bucket brigade” chorus to be a key feature, just like the original. Plus, you’ll have the flexibility of both mono and stereo modes to dial in the perfect sound for your setup.
Hysteria in a Pedal
The official unveiling will be held at NAMM on 23 January, so prepare for severe gear GAS. This will be epic for guitarists who crave classic ’80s tones and legendary sounds.
MSRP – $229.99
More Information
Video
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16 thoughts on “MXR Bringing Back the Rockman X100… As a Pedal?! Hysteria for NAMM 2025”
The X100 was, if I recall correctly, was something like $340 when they were new, when I bought mine.
I still have mine with everything included. Bought it when it came out with a sticker of $223 still on the box.
OMG…this 69 yr old still rockin roller will be doing anything and everything in my power to grab one of these! This pedal is going to be the Hottest Selling Guitar Effect since the 70’s….! MXR will not be able to keep up with demand and this little box will go the way of the Klon….! I’ve GOT TO HAVE ONE….!
Keep me posted! I’m very interested in this pedal. I had a Rockman Sustainer a long time ago and regret letting it go.
Fantastic! I loved that little black box …had one in the eighties when I was laid up due to a motorcycle accident… Lived in headphones… Been chasing those tones ever since… Gotta have one!!!
I had the X100 and then the rack units. Could never duplicate the sound with modern effects.
Sign Me Up!!! I’ll be preordering this thing the moment it launches! Must have one! I owned both the X100 original Walkman style one and I also owned an original X100B amplifier and wish I kept both of them. Now I can have that time again in this convenient pedal form! I’m Stoked!!!!
Available to pre-order
I currently own an Original Rockman X100 Gen 10. It’s amazing! I also have the RMS Rockman X100 V2, and the RMS Rockman Ultimatum Distortion Generator from the Facebook group- Not Just Another Rockman Group.
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18Ubrc8fw7/?mibextid=wwXIfr
They better put in the production OT
Perhaps aimed at a certain demographic? Sign me up.
Had the original rockman x100 and the soloist (?) back in the 80’s . My lead guitar player used one and I the other other on live gigs, always had amazing guitar sound .
Just keep in mind, before it can achieve all the wonderful things it’s proclaiming, the biggest issue is still to be resolved.
Can the new MXR X100 sound IDENTICAL to the great Rockman X100??? Until we know for sure and get a chance to hear and compare, it’s all just hype and dross for now.
Do I hope it is? OF COURSE but hearing is believing. With something like this, we don’t just want a carefully sampled modelling of the X100, we want the actual X100 and those wonderful classic tones that go with it. Unless it can achieve that, it will just be a mega disappointment.
Fingers crossed fellow X100 fans that this isn’t the flop I’m guessing it could be. Not setting my hopes too high in case it’s simply a cheap knock off.
Needs another footswitch on it to switch between modes
Still got mine. Bought it for practicing in hotel rooms thru headphones while touring late 70’s to late eighties. After blowing my old Marshall for the umpteenth time, I snuck the X100 into my little effects rack, ran thru a Crown DC150A, and everyone loved it from them on.
Is the red light for Chorus supposed to blink when in use?