The MXR M305 Tremolo is a compact tremolo pedal from MXR that packs six tremolo modes, tap tempo, expression control and stereo output into a standard single MXR housing. It replaces the discontinued M159 Tremolo in the MXR line, and Guitar World's reviewer called it "a pretty comprehensive set of tremolo sounds in a compact footprint with plenty of performance options"1.
Six tremolo modes plus a hidden envelope mode
The M305's six modes span the history of the effect, from vintage amp-style trems to modern chop. Guitar World's reviewer Trevor Curwen described the set as covering "a full historical range" of tremolo styles15. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio wrote that the pedal "combines a full historical range of masterfully tuned tremolo styles with a host of features to satisfy the performance needs of today's discerning players"5.
| Mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| MXR | Recreates the pulsing of the previous M159's sine wave trem1 |
| Bias | Softer flavored vintage amp-style trem1 |
| Opto | Softer flavored vintage amp-style trem1 |
| Revo | Turns the optical tremolo waveform backwards for more exaggerated peaks and valleys, an original innovation5 |
| Square | Choppy on/off effects1 |
| Harmonic | Recreates the phasey sound of a rarer type of vintage amp trem1 |
The MXR mode is a recreation of MXR's M159 MXR Stereo Tremolo, recreating the pulsing of that pedal's sine wave trem1. Delicious Audio described it as "emulating the much beloved M159 MXR Stereo Tremolo"6.
The hidden seventh option is the envelope mode. Guitar World's reviewer found it especially musical1:
"A very cool envelope mode allows tremolo speed to be determined by the intensity of your playing"
In practice, he put it "to great effect with a trem that slows right down as a chord fades out"1, so the effect naturally follows your dynamics rather than a fixed clock.
The controls
The control set is simple on the surface, with extra functions hidden in the knobs and switches. Speed, Gain, and Depth controls set the rate, volume, and intensity of the selected tremolo effect5.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Speed | Sets tremolo speed1 |
| Depth | Sets the intensity of the selected tremolo effect5 |
| Gain | Compensates for perceived volume drop and can give a boost to drive an amp harder; push to cycle through tremolo types1 |
| CTR switch | Selects control functions1 |
| Internal stereo/mono switch | Sets stereo or mono routing1 |
| Bypass footswitch | Engages and bypasses the effect1 |
The Gain knob is a practical touch for a tremolo pedal: because deep tremolo can feel like a volume drop, the Gain control compensates, and it can also push an amp harder when you want a boost out of the effect1.
Power: 9V DC, 190 mA
The M305 runs on a 9-volt DC supply and draws 190 mA2. It cannot be powered by a battery2.
With a 190 mA draw and no battery option, the M305 needs a proper 9V DC power supply. MXR lists the Dunlop ECB003 9-volt adapter, or the DC Brick, Iso-Brick, and Mini Iso-Brick power supplies, as compatible2.
Stereo and connections
The M305 delivers stereo through a single quarter inch jack5, rather than the two-jack approach of the earlier M-159 Stereo Tremolo, which had a standard mono input and output plus a separate stereo input and output, each using a single 6.4mm TRS jack7. An internal stereo/mono switch sets the routing1.
The side jack handles the performance connections. When MXR debuted the pedal in October 2020, GuitarPlayer reported it came with a side jack for tap tempo, expression, or stereo output65. Delicious Audio listed the pedal's features as running "from stereo operation to tap tempo and expression pedal functionality to envelope tremolo"6.
Where it came from
MXR announced the M305 on October 2, 2020, as a downsized six-mode update to the M159 Stereo Tremolo, available for $15941. Gearnews reported that it "takes the formula and brings it screaming up to date for modern players' requirements"3. The pedal marked the return of the tremolo effect to the MXR line after the M159's discontinuation15.
What reviewers said
Guitar World's review verdict was positive on the range and the size:
"A pretty comprehensive set of tremolo sounds in a compact footprint with plenty of performance options."
Delicious Audio highlighted the housing, noting that the features "come in a single MXR housing so that you can put a wide variety of intriguing, well-crafted tremolo waveforms on your board with no overcrowding"5.
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Questions
Can the MXR M305 Tremolo run on a battery?
No. The M305 cannot be powered by a battery. It runs on a 9-volt DC power supply, drawing 190 mA, and can be powered by the Dunlop ECB003 9-volt adapter or the DC Brick, Iso-Brick, and Mini Iso-Brick power supplies.
Is the MXR M305 true bypass?
Yes. By default the M305 uses a true bypass relay, shutting off the effect and hardwire bypassing the tip connection signal when the pedal is off.
How do you get stereo out of the MXR M305 with one output jack?
The M305 delivers stereo through a single quarter inch jack, using a TRS connection rather than two separate output jacks. An internal stereo/mono switch sets the routing, so one cable carries both channels to a stereo destination.
Does the MXR M305 have tap tempo?
Yes. The M305 offers tap tempo, along with expression pedal functionality and envelope tremolo, through its side jack.
How do you access the envelope mode on the MXR M305?
The envelope mode is a hidden extra among the six modes. It allows tremolo speed to be determined by the intensity of your playing, so the trem slows right down as a chord fades out.
Can you use an expression pedal with the MXR M305?
Yes. The M305 has expression pedal functionality, alongside tap tempo, through its side jack, so you can control tremolo parameters in real time with an external expression pedal.
Sources (7)
- MXR M305 Tremolo review, Guitar World, 2021-04-07
- M305.pdf, Jim Dunlop, 2020
- The new MXR M305 Tremolo has six modes and a hidden secret, gearnews.com, 2020-10-02
- MXR unveils versatile six-mode Tremolo pedal, Guitar World, 2020-10-02
- MXR M305 Tremolo, Delicious Audio, 2023-03-17
- MXR M305 Tremolo, Delicious Audio, 2020-11-18
- MXR M-159 Stereo tremolo review, MusicRadar, 2008-05-23
