The MXR M279 Deep Phase is a mini phaser pedal that builds on the Phase 90 circuit, the design behind MXR's classic orange phaser. It was launched in October 2021 at a list price of $129.991. Where the Phase 90 is a one-knob pedal, the Deep Phase adds a second control and a mode switch, giving players a way to shape the character of the phasing itself rather than just its rate.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Speed | Alters the rate of the phasing1 |
| FDBK | Adjusts the intensity and sharpness of the phase peaks3 |
| Mode II switch | Engages eight-stage phasing with twice the number of peaks and a more animated texture, per MXR1 |
MusicRadar pointed out at launch that the Deep Phase has one more knob than "its orange big bro Phase 90 and fellow downscaled pedal, the Phase 95 Mini"1. The FDBK knob is that addition: on a standard Phase 90 the intensity of the phase peaks is fixed inside the circuit, so having it on a dial lets a player go from a gentle sweep to a sharper, more pronounced effect.
Modes and stages
The Deep Phase runs two modes. Delicious Audio describes the stock mode as four stages, the smoother-sounding setting, and notes that Mode II doubles that to eight stages, which delivers a more textured effect3. MXR's own description of Mode II, as reported by MusicRadar, is phasing with "twice the number of peaks and a more animated texture"1.
The two modes are not variations of the same voicing: four-stage phasing is the traditional Phase 90-style sweep, while Mode II changes the number of stages itself, which alters how many peaks move through the signal.
Where it sits in MXR's phaser range
MXR's phaser line is built around the Phase 90 circuit in a number of forms, from the M101 Phase 90 to the Phase 95, which combines Phase 90 and Phase 45 circuits in a mini enclosure, and the EVH Phase 90. The Deep Phase is the compact entry that keeps the Phase 90 foundation but adds the feedback control and the eight-stage mode, making it the two-knob option in the mini lineup13.
Videos
Flipside Music
Lost Groove Music
guitarguitar
Questions
Is the MXR Deep Phase based on the Phase 90?
Yes. MusicRadar reported that the M279 Deep Phase builds on the Phase 90 circuit, the same design behind MXR's classic orange phaser. The Deep Phase adds a second knob, a Feedback control, on top of the usual Speed control, and a Mode II switch for eight-stage phasing.
How many knobs does the MXR M279 Deep Phase have?
Two: Speed and FDBK. MusicRadar noted it has one more knob than the Phase 90 and the Phase 95 Mini, both of which are single-knob phasers. The FDBK knob adjusts the intensity and sharpness of the phase peaks, according to Delicious Audio.
What does Mode II do on the Deep Phase?
Mode II creates eight-stage phasing with twice the number of peaks and a more animated texture, per MXR. The stock mode runs four stages, which Delicious Audio describes as the smoother-sounding option.
How many stages does the Deep Phase use by default?
The stock mode is four stages, which Delicious Audio describes as the smoother-sounding setting. Switching to Mode II doubles the phasing to eight stages for a more textured effect.
Is the Deep Phase the same size as the Phase 95?
The Deep Phase is a mini pedal, and MusicRadar compared it directly with the Phase 95 Mini as a fellow downscaled pedal. Both are compact MXR phasers, though the Deep Phase carries an extra knob.
What is the list price of the MXR Deep Phase?
MusicRadar reported a price of $129.99 when MXR launched the Deep Phase in October 2021.
Sources (3)
- Has MXR perfected the mini phaser pedal with the Deep Phase?, MusicRadar, 2021-10-04
- MXR® '74 VINTAGE PHASE 90, Dunlop (jimdunlop.com)
- MXR Deep Phase M279, Delicious Audio, 2022-08-25
