Two phasers in one
The idea behind the Phase 95 is simple: instead of choosing between the gentler two-stage Phase 45 and the more pronounced four-stage Phase 90, you get both circuits in one box. The 45/90 switch toggles between the two modes, with a red LED showing Phase 45 and a blue LED showing Phase 901. The footswitch toggles the effect on and off, with the blue LED indicating when it is on1.
On top of that, the SCRIPT switch removes feedback from the circuit, which the manual describes as a subtler vintage sound, indicated by an amber LED1. That gives the pedal two voicings as well as two stage counts, which is why Dunlop's announcement framed it as combining Phase 45 and Phase 90 circuits with Script and Block voicings2.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| SPEED knob | Controls rate of effect1 |
| 45/90 switch | Toggles between Phase 45 (red LED) and Phase 90 (blue LED) modes1 |
| SCRIPT switch | Removes feedback from circuit for a subtler vintage sound (amber LED)1 |
| FOOTSWITCH | Toggles effect on/bypass (blue LED indicates on)1 |
The manual's quick-start directions give a sensible starting point: set the SPEED knob to its 12 o'clock position, turn the effect on with the footswitch, select the mode with the 45/90 switch, and engage the SCRIPT switch if you want the subtler vintage sound1.
Power and specifications
The manual states: "This pedal cannot be powered by a battery." You will need a 9VDC supply; at 8 mA it is light on current, but a battery will not work1.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Power requirements | 8 mA @ 9VDC1 |
| Input impedance | 800 kΩ1 |
| Output impedance | < 6 kΩ1 |
| Max input level | -8 dBV1 |
| Max output level | 8 dBV1 |
| Noise floor | -95 dBV (A-weighted)1 |
| Speed range | 0.125 Hz to 10 Hz1 |
The manual notes that all measurements were made at 1 kHz with the speed at mid position and the noise floor A-weighted1. Connections are straightforward: run a cable from your guitar to the INPUT jack, and another from the OUTPUT jack to your amplifier1.
Where it sits in MXR's phaser line
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Questions
Can the MXR Phase 95 run on a battery?
No. The manual states plainly that the pedal cannot be powered by a battery. It runs on 9VDC and draws 8 mA, so a standard center-negative pedalboard supply handles it easily, but you will need one: there is no battery option inside the mini housing.
What is the Script switch on the Phase 95?
The SCRIPT switch removes feedback from the phaser circuit, which the manual describes as a subtler vintage sound. An amber LED shows when Script mode is engaged. In practice it lets one pedal cover both the softer Script-style voicing and the more pronounced feedback-rich voicing of the block-logo phasers.
What is the difference between Phase 45 and Phase 90 modes?
The Phase 45 mode uses a two-stage phaser circuit, while the Phase 90 mode uses a four-stage circuit. The 45/90 switch toggles between them, with a red LED for Phase 45 and a blue LED for Phase 90. More stages generally means a more pronounced phasing effect.
What do the red and blue LEDs mean on the Phase 95?
The 45/90 switch selects the mode and shows it by LED color: red for Phase 45 and blue for Phase 90. The blue LED also indicates that the effect is on when the footswitch is engaged, since the footswitch toggles between effect on and bypass.
How fast can the Phase 95 sweep?
The manual gives a speed range of 0.125 Hz to 10 Hz, set with the SPEED knob, which controls the rate of the effect. That covers everything from a slow, drifting sweep to a fast warble.
What is the input impedance of the MXR Phase 95?
The input impedance is 800 kΩ, with an output impedance of less than 6 kΩ, according to the manual. Measurements were made at 1 kHz with the speed knob at its mid position and the noise floor A-weighted.
Sources (2)
- M290.pdf, Dunlop Manufacturing, Inc., 2020
- Enter the Next Phase, Dunlop, 2017-02-15
