MXR unveils Layers Pedal for stacked sustain

August 27, 2024 · 5 sources

MXR announced the Layers Pedal on August 27, 2024. The pedal takes the signal from an electric guitar and freezes notes and chords indefinitely, with octave effects added¹. It is available now¹²³.

The pedal stacks up to three layers of sustain, each with its own color-coded status LED¹²³. Layers can be triggered with the footswitch or by playing dynamics: the Trig knob sets the sensitivity of the auto-trigger function, and when the signal exceeds that threshold the pedal samples it and loops it¹⁴. A Single button limits the pedal to one layer¹³, and double-tapping the footswitch turns all layers off at once²³. The Mix knob sets the wet level of the layers, with the dry signal present even at the maximum setting²³. Attack adjusts the fade-in time of each layer, and Decay sets the fade-out time, adjustable from short to infinite¹²³. MXR notes that high frequencies decay faster than low frequencies²³. A Sub Oct switch adds a sub-octave to each layer²³⁵.

Mono, stereo and wet/dry modes are available²³. The pedal accepts an expression pedal, an external tap switch and a keyboard sustain pedal¹²³. According to Gearnews, holding Sub Oct and turning Decay counterclockwise activates stereo output, an internal dip switch allows stereo input, and holding Single while turning Attack alternates between chorus and tremolo, with Mix setting strength and speed; holding Single and turning Trig sets a delay⁴.

Pricing is reported differently. MusicRadar gives $219¹; Guitar World, GuitarPlayer and Bass Magazine give $219.99²³⁵, with Bass Magazine listing $314.27 as MSRP⁵. Gearnews gives $219.99⁴.