MXR M68 Uni-Vibe

The MXR M68 Uni-Vibe Chorus/Vibrato is a chorus and vibrato pedal from MXR that packs the classic Uni-Vibe effect into a housing the manual calls smaller than the original, and that Guitar World described as a compact, Phase 90-size box¹². Dunlop, MXR's parent company, bought the rights to the Uni-Vibe name, and the M68 claims to be a faithful reproduction of the original³.

It is a three-knob stompbox with a chorus/vibrato switch, built for players who want the swirling, throbbing modulation of the vintage unit without its size or price. Guitar World found it "providing genuine Uni-Vibe effects with thick, rich swirling textures"².

The controls: Speed, Level, Depth and the Vibe button

The M68 keeps its control set simple. Three knobs handle the modulation, and one small switch changes the character of the effect entirely²⁵¹.

The two modes give the pedal its range. Guitar World's reviewer characterized Vibe mode as "delivering subtle, psychedelic swirls and Chorus mode producing deep throbbing bass and thick, chewy, snarling treble"². The mode switch itself is a mini push switch that lets users select chorus or vibe effects, just like the original unit².

Delicious Audio's guide sums up the control layout in practical terms: the Speed and Depth knobs set the modulation, while the Level knob is useful for matching the wet sound's volume to the dry signal⁵. That Level knob also has a use the original units lacked. Guitar World noted it "can be set to boost the effect louder than the bypassed signal, avoiding the 'tone suck' of the original units"².

The pedal also carries an expression input, which MusicRadar lists among its strengths alongside the compact form factor and intuitive controls³.

Power

The M68 runs on 9 volts DC and draws only 5 mA, low enough that it fits comfortably on a shared power supply¹. Powering options from the manual:

• One 9-volt battery, installed by removing the bottom plate¹
• A 9-volt AC adapter such as the Dunlop ECB003 or ECB003E¹
• A Dunlop DC Brick power supply¹

Specifications

What reviewers said

Guitar World reviewed the M68 in September 2014, when it carried a list price of $185.70, and found a lot to like at that number. The reviewer called it "a rugged, professional-quality pedal" and concluded that "The MXR M68 Uni-Vibe may be small in size and price, but its authentic and satisfyingly expressive Uni-Vibe chorus and vibrato" effects earned its keep². On value, the review noted it "costs less than half of the price of most acclaimed boutique versions"².

The one thing the M68 gives up next to the original is foot-controller speed adjustment, since the vintage unit's external pedal controlled the sweep. Guitar World's take on that trade: "most players will probably prefer the cost savings over this rarely used feature"².

Delicious Audio's 2024 buying guide was similarly positive on value, listing among its pros a "Great price/quality ratio, does a good job without breaking the bank," and describing it as "A bread-and-butter but great-sounding 3-knob stompbox with chorus/vibrato switch in a compact case"⁵.

Not every verdict is unqualified. MusicRadar's history of the Uni-Vibe notes that "purists grumble that it suffers from some of the weaknesses of the original, like a tendency toward 'thinner' sounds with certain settings"³. That criticism is aimed at the circuit's design rather than at MXR's execution, since the M68 sets out to reproduce the original.

Where it sits in the Uni-Vibe family

Dunlop owns the Uni-Vibe trademark, and the M68 is one of several Uni-Vibe products the company offers⁵³. Players comparing options within the lineup can also look at the Dunlop Uni-Vibe and the MXR JIMI HENDRIX UNI-VIBE. For players who want a more conventional chorus rather than a Uni-Vibe reproduction, MXR's range includes the MXR M234 Analog Chorus, the MXR M-134 Stereo Chorus and the MXR Micro Chorus.

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