MXR Buffer Boost

The MXR Buffer Boost is a compact buffer pedal from MXR and Jim Dunlop. Its job is to make up for signal loss that can occur when combining effects, which the maker notes is especially a problem when effects with different impedance levels sit together on a board¹. Guitar World covered it as new gear in July 2015, describing it as "this tiny little gadget" that "makes up for signal loss that can occur when combining effects"².

What it does

A buffer counters the dulling of tone that can build up when a guitar signal passes through many pedals. MXR's product page for the pedal, also sold as the MXR CAE Buffer, states that "it makes up for signal loss that can occur when combining effects with different impedance levels"¹. In other words, it is placed on a pedalboard to keep the signal strong from the first pedal to the last.

The pedal gives the player some control over how that recovery is voiced. Guitar World's review notes that "it fine-tunes signal recovery with Hi & Lo cut switches"², letting the player trim the top or bottom of the restored signal to taste.

Outputs

Alongside its main output, the Buffer Boost "features extra output for optional separate unbuffered signal chain"². That second output lets a player send the raw, unbuffered signal to a second chain or amp setup while the buffered signal continues through the main one.

What reviewers said

Guitar World included the Buffer Boost in its Guitar World Recommends series, which "shines the spotlight on new and noteworthy gear for guitarists," naming it "the new Buffer Boost from Jim Dunlop and MXR" in its July 2015 feature².

For other buffers and boosts in the MXR range, see the MXR Micro Amp, the MXR Boost/Line Driver and the MXR Booster Mini, or browse the full buffer pedal and boost pedal categories.

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Questions