MXR releases Deep Phase M279 phaser pedal with 4 and 8-stage modes

August 25, 2022 · 4 sources

MXR has added the Deep Phase M279 to its phaser pedals line, a compact two-knob pedal that the maker says builds on a classic vintage phaser circuit¹². Guitar.com and MusicRadar both reported the pedal on October 4, 2021¹²; Delicious Audio published its coverage on August 25, 2022³.

The M279 has a Speed knob for the effect rate and an FDBK knob for the intensity of the effect⁴. A Mode II switch toggles between four and eight phase shifter stages, with an amber LED indicating the eight-stage setting⁴. The pedal runs on four stages by default; MXR says the eight-stage position gives "a more pronounced and textured effect"⁴. Delicious Audio describes the stock four-stage mode as smoother sounding and the eight-stage mode as more textured³. The footswitch turns the effect on and off, with a blue LED indicating on⁴.

According to MXR's specifications, input impedance is 1MΩ, output impedance is under 100 Ω, the LFO range is 0.15 to 50 Hz, current draw is 18 mA and bypass is true bypass⁴. The pedal runs on 9 volts DC from a Dunlop ECB003 adapter or an MXR Brick Series power supply and cannot be powered by a battery⁴. MXR describes the sound as "crystal clear with a pronounced swoosh, scooped midrange, and a dynamic, voice-like response to your attack," and says the pedal matches output level when engaged rather than dropping volume as its vintage inspiration did³. Guitar.com and MusicRadar both put the price at $129.99¹².

Delicious Audio describes the Orange Phaser finish as a departure from MXR's Phase 90 and suggests the Deep Phase is "in all likelihood inspired by the sound of a competing line: the Small Stone ones by Electro-Harmonix"³. Guitar.com likewise says the vintage pedal MXR refers to is likely the original Electro-Harmonix Small Stone, whose early versions had a volume drop¹. MusicRadar says the M279 is "said to build on the Phase 90 circuit" and notes it has one more knob than the Phase 90 and the Phase 95 Mini².