The MXR CSP041 Hybrid Fuzz is a compact fuzz pedal from MXR's Custom Shop line, built around a Fuzz Face Distortion circuit that uses two different transistor types at once. MXR describes it as combining "the snarling, high-gain aggression of a silicon transistor and the smooth, shaggy warmth of a germanium transistor in a single circuit," so one pedal covers both sides of the classic Fuzz Face character1.
Controls and jacks
The CSP041 keeps a simple layout. The manual lists an OUTPUT knob that adjusts the volume level of the effect, and a footswitch that toggles the effect on and off, with a red LED showing when it is on1. Connections are a standard pedal setup:
- INPUT jack: run an instrument cable from your guitar or bass here1
- OUTPUT jack: run another cable from here to your amplifier1
- OUTPUT knob: sets the volume level of the effect1
- FOOTSWITCH: toggles the effect on and off; the red LED indicates the effect is on1
Power and specifications
The Hybrid Fuzz draws 2.5 mA1. Its input impedance is greater than 15 kΩ and its output impedance is less than 450 kΩ1.
With a 2.5 mA current draw1, the CSP041 sits comfortably within what any standard 9-volt pedalboard supply provides, and a battery is a practical option as well.
The manual's specification figures:
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Max gain | +42 dB1 |
| Max output level | -9.6 dBU1 |
| Noise floor | -87 dBU1 |
| Input impedance | > 15 kΩ1 |
| Output impedance | < 450 kΩ1 |
| Bypass | True Hardwire1 |
A Fuzz Face Distortion lineage
The Hybrid Fuzz belongs to a long line of Fuzz Face based designs. MXR's own description of the circuit is that "this pedal combines two iconic Fuzz Face Distortion sounds," bringing the silicon and germanium transistor voicings together where a player would otherwise need two separate pedals1. Within MXR's fuzz range it sits alongside other Fuzz Face derived pedals such as the MXR Classic 108 Fuzz, the MXR Brown Acid Fuzz and the MXR Blue Box, and you can see how they compare on the Fuzz Pedals page.
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Questions
Does the MXR Hybrid Fuzz take a 9-volt battery?
Yes. According to the manual, the MXR Hybrid Fuzz is powered by one 9-volt battery, and you remove the bottom plate to install it. It can also run from a 9-volt AC adapter, such as the Dunlop ECB003/ECB003EU, or from an MXR Brick Series power supply. The pedal's current draw is low, at 2.5 mA, so it is easy on any 9-volt supply.
Is the MXR CSP041 Hybrid Fuzz true bypass?
The manual lists the bypass type as True Hardwire. The footswitch toggles the effect on and off, and a red LED shows when the effect is on. In bypass, the pedal passes your instrument signal without the fuzz circuit in the path.
How much gain does the MXR Hybrid Fuzz have?
The manual gives a maximum gain figure of +42 dB, which is a large amount of boost available from the fuzz circuit. The maximum output level is listed at -9.6 dBU and the noise floor at -87 dBU.
What power supply does the MXR Hybrid Fuzz need?
The pedal runs on 9 volts DC with a center negative connector. Dunlop's manual names a 9-volt AC adapter such as the Dunlop ECB003/ECB003EU, or an MXR Brick Series power supply, as the options for adapter power. A 9-volt battery also works if you prefer to run without a supply.
What is the MXR Custom Shop Hybrid Fuzz?
It is a fuzz pedal from MXR's Custom Shop line, released in June 2023, that combines two Fuzz Face Distortion sounds in a single circuit: the high-gain aggression of a silicon transistor and the smooth, shaggy warmth of a germanium transistor. It carries the CSP041 model number and was announced at a US price of $169.99.
Sources (1)
- CSP041.pdf, Jim Dunlop, 2023
