The MXR CSP033 Custom Shop Il Torino Overdrive is an overdrive pedal that uses MOSFET technology, which MXR says recreates the gain structure of classic tube preamps1. It offers a Boost Mode that MXR describes as a cleaner sound with just the right amount of compression and sustain1, and its bypass system takes the form of a Class A low-impedance output driver, which the company says keeps a player's tone sounding natural across long signal chains1. It sits apart from MXR's standard M-series overdrives such as the GT-OD or the Badass Modified OD, in the same Custom Shop family as the Il Diavolo Overdrive.
A MOSFET overdrive voiced like a tube preamp
The Il Torino uses MOSFET technology to recreate the gain structure of classic tube preamps3. Guitar Interactive Magazine's Jonathan Graham described the result as a pedal "allowing it to sing with sweet, touch responsive saturation and natural sounding compression"3. MusicRadar's reviewer Michael Astley-Brown found it shines at what he called "delivering valve-aping shimmer, rather than grittier higher gains, nearing fuzzier RAT-like sounds"4. In other words, this is an overdrive aimed at blending with an amp's natural break-up rather than piling on distortion of its own.
The controls: three-band EQ and two modes
Sorasio designed the circuit and equipped the pedal with a three-band EQ section, so you can finely shape the sound of the overdrive, plus switchable OD and boost modes34. Guitar Interactive described Boost Mode as "a cleaner sound with just the right amount of compression and sustain"3.
- Three-band EQ: shapes the overdrive tone across bass, middle and treble34
- OD mode: the main overdrive voice4
- Boost mode: a cleaner sound with compression and sustain3
MusicRadar's reviewer found that "punching in the boost mode and a low gain level adds an earthy break-up that's hugely responsive to playing dynamics," making it a candidate for an always-on overdrive4.
Buffered bypass, not true bypass
The Il Torino does not use true bypass. Its bypass system is a Class A low-impedance output driver, which Guitar Interactive Magazine describes as "essentially a form of buffered bypass"3. Vintage Guitar reported MXR's aim: to keep a player's tone sounding natural across long signal chains1. Players who prefer true bypass on every pedal should know this one is always buffering.
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's review listed the reasons to buy as boutique build and style, the three-band EQ, a new take on MOSFET tones, and a response to playing dynamics4. The reviewer's verdict: "If you have a craving for high-fidelity dirt, the Il Torino could be what you need; it's a different, boutique-y overdrive that deserves a play." He also noted the flip side of its dynamic response: "That also makes it less forgiving of mistakes than compressed Marshall-style drive"4.
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Questions
Does the MXR Il Torino have a buffer?
Yes. Instead of true bypass, the Il Torino uses a Class A low-impedance output driver, which Guitar Interactive Magazine describes as essentially a form of buffered bypass. MXR's stated aim is to keep a player's tone sounding natural across long signal chains, so the pedal is always acting as a buffer between your guitar and the rest of the board.
Is the MXR Il Torino a Custom Shop pedal?
Yes. The pedal carries the model number CSP033 and is sold as MXR's Custom Shop Il Torino Overdrive. The Custom Shop designation marks it apart from MXR's standard M-series line, and it was designed in partnership with the Italian boutique amp and pedal builder Carlo Sorasio.
What does Il Torino mean on the MXR pedal?
Il Torino is Italian, fitting for a pedal designed by the Italian boutique builder Carlo Sorasio. The name translates as 'the Turin', referring to the Italian city, and it sits alongside MXR's other Italian-named Custom Shop overdrive, the Il Diavolo.
Sources (4)
- MXR Launches Custom Shop Il Torino Overdrive, Vintage Guitar magazine, 2014-11-14
- MXR announces Il Torino Overdrive pedal, MusicRadar, 2014-11-17
- MXR CSP033 Custom Shop Il Torino Overdrive Now Shipping, Guitar Interactive Magazine, 2014-11-17
- MXR Il Torino Overdrive CSP033 review, MusicRadar, 2015-04-09
