The MXR Blackout Series Bass Envelope Filter is a limited edition version of the MXR Bass Envelope Filter, one of MXR's most popular bass pedals. An envelope filter, sometimes called an auto-wah, listens to how hard you pluck and sweeps a filter in response, so your attack itself shapes the sound. MXR describes this edition as delivering "classic analog envelope filter tones" in a special finish1.
It was built as a special edition run of 1,500 pieces to celebrate 15 years of MXR Bass Innovations, and it is no longer in production: MXR lists it as a legacy product1. A matching MXR Blackout Series Bass Compressor was released in the same series, also as a run of 1,500 pieces2.
An analog envelope filter for bass
The pedal is an analog envelope filter voiced for bass. MXR says it produces "classic analog envelope filter tones," and like the standard version it carries separate Dry and Effect controls for blending the effected and direct signals, so you can, in MXR's words, "bring the funk without losing the low end"1. That blend matters on bass more than on guitar: an envelope filter thins the low end as it sweeps, and a dry blend keeps your foundation intact.
Everything sits in a durable, lightweight, Phase 90-size aluminum housing, which MXR pitches as easy to carry and easy to fit on a pedalboard1.
Where envelope filtering came from
MXR has history with this effect. The Blackout Series Bass Envelope Filter is a bass-focused take on the envelope filter idea, part of the Bass Innovations line that also includes pedals like the MXR M82 Bass Envelope Filter and the MXR M82B Bass Envelope Filter. Like the standard version, it is equipped with separate Dry and Effect controls for blending effected and direct signals, so you can bring the funk without losing the low end1.
Power and connections
Power options are the same as most MXR pedals:
- A single 9-volt battery, installed by removing the bottom plate1
- A 9-volt AC adapter such as the Dunlop ECB003 or ECB003EU1
- An MXR Brick Series power supply1
The power supply circuitry is designed to withstand over-voltage or polarity mishaps, so a reversed plug or the wrong adapter is less likely to damage the pedal1.
The pedal uses true-bypass switching, which MXR says preserves your tone in bypass mode: with the effect off, your signal passes through without the circuit coloring it1.
What is different about the Blackout version
The circuit is the standard Bass Envelope Filter, including the Dry and Effect blend controls. What sets the Blackout Series apart is the finish and the run size1:
| Standard Bass Envelope Filter | Blackout Series edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit | Bass envelope filter | Same, with Dry and Effect blend controls1 |
| Finish | Standard MXR finish | Matte black housing, gloss black text, bright yellow LED1 |
| Run size | Standard production | Special edition of 1,500 pieces1 |
| Status | Current line | Legacy, no longer in production1 |
The Blackout Series Bass Compressor shares the same look, with the same matte black housing, gloss black text and bright yellow LED, and the same 1,500-piece run2. Both were 15th-anniversary editions of the Bass Innovations line12.
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Questions
Is the MXR Blackout Series Bass Envelope Filter still made?
No. MXR lists it as a legacy product that is no longer in production. It was a special edition run of 1,500 pieces, so finding one now means searching the used market rather than buying new from a dealer.
How many Blackout Series Bass Envelope Filters were made?
MXR made it as a special edition run of 1,500 pieces. It was released to celebrate 15 years of the company's Bass Innovations line, alongside a matching Blackout Series Bass Compressor.
Does it run on a battery?
Yes. It is powered by a single 9-volt battery, installed by removing the bottom plate. It can also run on a 9-volt AC adapter such as the Dunlop ECB003 or ECB003EU, or an MXR Brick Series power supply.
Is the Blackout Bass Envelope Filter true bypass?
Yes. MXR states that its true-bypass switching preserves your tone in bypass mode, so the pedal passes your signal untouched when it is switched off.
Is it analog or digital?
It is analog. MXR describes the pedal as delivering classic analog envelope filter tones, in keeping with the standard MXR Bass Envelope Filter it is based on.
What is different about the Blackout version?
The circuit is the same as the standard Bass Envelope Filter, including the separate Dry and Effect blend controls. The difference is cosmetic: a matte black housing with gloss black text and a bright yellow LED, in a limited run of 1,500 pieces.
Sources (3)
- MXR® BLACKOUT™ SERIES BASS ENVELOPE FILTER, Jim Dunlop (jimdunlop.com)
- MXR® BLACKOUT™ SERIES BASS COMPRESSOR, Jim Dunlop (jimdunlop.com)
- M87B.pdf, Jim Dunlop (jimdunlop.com), 2023
