 MXR has officially pulled back the curtain on its most aggressive collaboration yet: the MXR EVH Modern High Gain Distortion Pedal.
Born from the long-standing partnership between Dunlop/MXR and the legendary Eddie Van Halen, this new stompbox isn’t just another distortion pedal—it is the literal soul of Eddie’s iconic “Channel 3” 5150III tone, compressed into a pedalboard-friendly enclosure.
The “Brown Sound” Evolves
While previous collaborations focused on classic phase and flange, the Modern High Gain Pedal addresses the one element metal and hard rock players have been demanding: the “crushing” gain of Eddie’s modern touring rigs. Designed in direct collaboration with Van Halen himself, the pedal aims to deliver that high-octane saturation without sacrificing the clarity that defined Eddie’s playing.
The pedal features a highly responsive interface, including a 3-band EQ for surgical tone shaping and a Boost switch for players who need to push their signal into total “sonic meltdown.”
Precision Control Meets Raw Power
One of the standout features of this release is the integrated Noise Gate. High-gain aficionados know that with great power comes great hum; however, the onboard gate allows for “cleaner, tighter chugging” by cutting out extraneous noise during stops.
Furthermore, the pedal includes a unique Bass Shift switch (55Hz/80Hz). This allows guitarists to toggle between a “fat” low end for stadium-filling chords or a “punchy,” tight response perfect for technical, percussive riffing.
Technical Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Benefit |
| 5150III DNA | Based on the fiery 3rd channel of Eddie’s signature amp. |
| Integrated Noise Gate | Eliminates hiss and hum for tight, modern performances. |
| Boost Switch | Adds an extra layer of heat and sustain for lead work. |
| Bass Frequency Toggle | Switches between 55Hz (Thick) and 80Hz (Tight). |
| 3-Band EQ | Dedicated Bass, Mid, and Treble for exacting precision. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is this pedal digital or analog? The MXR EVH Modern High Gain Distortion is an analog circuit designed to replicate the vacuum tube response of the 5150III amplifiers.
How does the Noise Gate work? The dedicated Gate control allows you to set a threshold. Once your playing stops, the gate clamps down on the signal to eliminate the “hiss” typically associated with high-gain pedals.
Can I use this on a clean channel? Absolutely. It is designed to turn even the cleanest pedal-platform amp into a high-gain monster, effectively adding a “third channel” to your existing rig.
What power supply does it require? The pedal runs on a standard 9V DC power supply or a 9V battery.
Guitar Bomb Verdict
The MXR EVH Modern High Gain Distortion Pedal is more than just an EVH tribute; it is a high-performance tool for the modern era. By capturing the raw, uncompromising power of Eddie Van Halen’s most famous modern amp settings and adding professional features like the Noise Gate and Bass Shift, MXR has created a “monstrous-sounding” box that will undoubtedly become a staple on pedalboards worldwide.
A great compact stompbox for that signature EVH sustain or a tight, modern chug, this pedal delivers the heat.
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#MXR #NewGearDay, #ToneHeaven, #Guitareffects, #HighGain, #EddieVanHalen, #Pedalboard
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