MXR introduces M305 Tremolo with six modes and stereo output
March 17, 2023 · 3 sources
The MXR M305 Tremolo is a new multi-mode stereo tremolo pedal from the Dunlop-owned brand, with six waveforms and three knobs1. Guitar World reported the pedal available now for $1592; Gearnews gave the same figure as a recommended retail price including the MXR power supply3. The pedal will not run on an internal battery because it draws more power than a 9 volt battery can supply3.
Speed, Gain and Depth controls set the rate, volume and intensity of the selected effect, and pushing the Gain knob cycles through the six modes13. Three dual-color LEDs on the front show which setting is selected3. Guitar World describes the gain knob as compensating for perceived volume loss2.
The modes are:
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| MXR | Emulates the M159 MXR Stereo Tremolo1 |
| Bias | Based on the compression of tremolo in early 1960s tube amplifiers1 |
| Revo | Runs an optical tremolo waveform backwards for more exaggerated peaks and valleys1 |
| Opto | Smooth pulsating tremolo generated by photocells, as in many popular amplifiers1 |
| SQR | Choppy tremolo with a square LFO wave1 |
| Harm | Phase-like tremolo built into some rare vintage amps1 |
The pedal runs in mono or stereo via TRS input and output jacks, set by an internal switch, and true-bypass or buffered bypass is also selected by an internal switch on the circuit board3. A three-position mini-switch on the side lets the additional jack work as a stereo output or as tap tempo and expression control, the latter allowing blending between two user presets3. Guitar World describes the same side jack as a tap tempo/expression output or stereo output, set by a small slider2. Holding down the Gain knob for a few seconds accesses a hidden envelope mode, which makes the effect respond to playing attack3; Delicious Audio lists envelope tremolo among the pedal's features1.
Delicious Audio describes the M305 as "a brand new, rather simple, multi-mode, Stereo tremolo with six algorithms and three knobs for Speed, Gain and Depth"1.
"This return of the tremolo effect to the MXR line combines a full historical range of masterfully tuned tremolo styles with a host of features to satisfy the performance needs of today's discerning players."
The M305 is listed among Tremolo Pedals.
Sources (3)
- MXR M305 Tremolo | Delicious Audio, delicious-audio.com
- MXR unveils versatile six-mode Tremolo pedal | Guitar World, guitarworld.com
- The new MXR M305 Tremolo has six modes and a hidden secret, gearnews.com