The MXR EG74 Raw Dawg Overdrive is a mini-format analog overdrive pedal. It runs on 9V DC, center negative1, and Jim Dunlop publishes an English manual for it on its site2.
What the Raw Dawg does
MXR describes the circuit as "a classic crunchy OD circuit customized for a more balanced midrange and a bump in gain, providing a sweet, organic sound"3. The RockBoard PedalPedia listing carries the same idea: "A custom circuit, this pedal is based on a classic OD famous for its grit and crunch, but we balanced out the midrange and bumped up the gain for a sweeter, more natural sound even when cranked"2. In other words, it takes the familiar mid-forward overdrive formula and evens out the mids while adding headroom for gain.
The three controls work as follows1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Drive | Controls overdrive intensity |
| Tone | Controls overall EQ |
| Output | Sets the pedal's output level1 |
Basic operation per the manual: start with all knobs set to 12 o'clock, then turn the effect on by depressing the footswitch3. The manual notes its specifications are measured at 1 kHz3.
Where it came from
The pedal is a collaboration between Gales and MXR's parent company Jim Dunlop. Vintage Guitar's review explains the origin: "Dunlop got Gales in touch with Jeorge Tripps, of Way Huge pedals, and in a few months Gales had exactly what he wanted"1. Tripps is a longtime designer for the Dunlop family of brands, and the EG74 carries his initials alongside Gales' in its model number.
Power and setup
The Raw Dawg is straightforward to power but has one restriction worth knowing before it reaches a board3.
The manual states plainly: "This pedal cannot be powered by a battery"3. A 9V DC adapter or pedalboard supply output is required.
- Voltage: 9V DC, center negative32
- Current draw: 6mA32
- Recommended adapter: Dunlop ECB003 9-volt adapter3
- Also compatible with: Dunlop DC Brick, Iso-Brick and Mini Iso-Brick power supplies3
At 6mA the pedal sits comfortably within the capacity of a single output on nearly any isolated pedalboard power supply, and it will not strain a daisy chain, though the no-battery rule still applies32.
How it fits among MXR's overdrives
MXR's overdrive range runs from the MXR Sugar Drive and MXR Duke of Tone to higher-gain signature pedals like the MXR Yngwie Malmsteen Overdrive and the MXR Super Badass Dynamic O.D.. The Raw Dawg's position in that lineup is as a compact, three-knob signature drive built around a customized classic overdrive circuit. For more on the category, see the site's guide to Overdrive Pedals123.
Videos
Jim Dunlop UK
Rhythm & Beard
The Pedal Picassos
Questions
Is the MXR EG74 Raw Dawg an analog pedal?
Yes. The EG74 Raw Dawg is an analog overdrive. It is built on a custom circuit that MXR describes as a classic crunchy overdrive design customized for a more balanced midrange and a bump in gain, giving what the maker calls a sweet, organic sound. Being analog and drawing only 6mA at 9 volts, it is easy to fit into most pedalboard power setups, though it cannot run on a battery.
What power supply does the MXR Raw Dawg need?
The Raw Dawg runs on 9V DC, center negative, and draws 6mA. Jim Dunlop's manual specifies the Dunlop ECB003 9-volt adapter, and the pedal is also compatible with the DC Brick, Iso-Brick and Mini Iso-Brick power supplies. It cannot be powered by a battery, so plan for a dedicated adapter or a pedalboard power supply output.
Is the EG74 Raw Dawg the Eric Gales signature pedal?
Yes. Vintage Guitar magazine reviewed it as the MXR Eric Gales EG74 Raw Dawg overdrive. Dunlop connected Gales with designer Jeorge Tripps of Way Huge, and within a few months Gales had the pedal he wanted, according to the magazine's review.
Is the MXR EG74 a mini pedal?
Yes. Vintage Guitar magazine described the EG74 Raw Dawg as a mini pedal with controls for Output, Tone and Drive. The compact format keeps it easy to fit on a crowded board while still carrying the three controls of a conventional overdrive.
Sources (3)
- The MXR Eric Gales EG74 Raw Dawg, Vintage Guitar magazine, 2022-05-11
- EG74 RAW DAWG OVERDRIVE by MXR, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- EG74.pdf, Jim Dunlop, 2021
