The MXR Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor is an all-analog stompbox that revives the signature sonic character of Tom Scholz's celebrated Rockman X100 headphone amp and signal processor in pedal form1. Where the original was a portable headphone amp, the MXR version puts the same four tonal presets, plus a chorus, on a pedalboard-friendly box. MXR says it offers "crystalline cleans, crunchy harmonics, and shimmering modulation"1.
The pedal was developed by the MXR design team, aided by veteran MXR engineer and SR&D alum Bob Cedro, who worked at Scholz Research and Development, the company behind the original1. It debuted at NAMM in January 2025 and was available at launch for $2292. MXR lists it at $245.993.
The four modes: CLN2, CLN1, Edge and Distortion
Like the original headphone amp, the pedal carries four tonal presets, selectable with the MODE button: two differently equalized clean modes with high-power sustain and two distinctively gritty dirty modes1. MusicRadar's reviewer, Trevor Curwen, notes the four presets (CLN2, CLN1, Edge, Dist) match those found on the original5.
| Mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| CLN2 | Default setting. Provides a clean, crystal clear tone4 |
| CLN1 | Mid-focused EQ curve, tuned for a tight, punchy sound4 |
| Edge | One of the two dirty modes, gritty character1 |
| Distortion | High-energy overdrive and sustain that makes for easy, fluid leads4 |
The manual describes the MODE button as cycling through "four different tone presets: two differently equalized clean modes with high-power sustain" and two dirty modes4.
The controls
The control set is small. Guitar World lists it as Mode, Volume, Input Gain and Chorus6.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| MODE button | Cycles through the four tone presets4 |
| VOLUME slider | Adjusts overall output volume4 |
| INPUT GAIN slider | Adjusts input gain level; increase for a more compressed sound4 |
| CHORUS button | Adds the chorus effect4 |
| FOOTSWITCH | Toggles effect on/bypass4 |
The compression is built into the design rather than given its own knob. Guitar World's reviewer found the amount of compression, tuned for slow release on clean modes and fast release on dirty modes, is controlled by the Input Gain level6.
For hands-free mode changes, the CTRL jack allows the MODE function to be controlled with an off-board switch such as the MXR Tap or MXR TRS Split + Tap4. Guitar World describes this as an additional footswitch input for anyone wanting to control the modes with their feet, with another button on the right of the pedal to engage the chorus6.
Mono and stereo output
The pedal supports both mono and stereo modes, plus optional external mode switching4. An internal switch, accessed by removing the bottom plate, toggles between mono mode (the default) and stereo mode at the OUTPUT jack4.
- Mono mode: the entire signal goes to the OUTPUT jack4
- Stereo mode: requires a stereo cable. If you use a standard mono instrument cable in stereo mode, the pedal works as if in mono mode, but the signal is cut when bypassed4
If you plan to run the pedal in stereo, use a stereo cable. With a mono cable in stereo mode, your signal disappears when the pedal is bypassed4.
The manual also offers alternate setup options: for a subtler high-end response, try running the pedal into the return of your amp's FX loop or a full-range, flat-response speaker system4.
From Tom Scholz's headphone amp to an MXR pedal
The original Rockman X100 was a headphone amp and signal processor designed by Tom Scholz, and the MXR pedal revives its sonic character in stompbox form1. Guitar World called it "the revolutionary headphone amp used by Joe Satriani, Phil Collen and Boston"2.
MXR caused a stir in early January 2025 by all-but-confirming a Rockman pedal revival, then officially announced the stompbox at NAMM that month2. The pedal is a faithful, all-analog recreation of the original's circuit4, and Pedal of the Day reports it is "equipped with the same classic MN3007 bucket brigade chip found in the original headphone amp"7.
"Equipped with the same classic MN3007 bucket brigade chip found in the original headphone amp"
What reviewers said
MusicRadar's Trevor Curwen described the pedal as designed to revive the sonic character of the original headphone amp, with buffered bypass among its features5. Guitar World's reviewer found "a robustness to the build that will ensure years, if not decades, of wear and tear on the road"6. That review also lists the pedal's physical details: made in the USA, dimensions of 60 x 111 x 32mm, and a weight of 0.52lbs/0.234kg6.
Videos
Pete Thorn
Andertons Music Co
R.J. Ronquillo
Questions
Is the MXR Rockman X100 analog?
Yes. MXR describes it as a faithful, all-analog recreation of the original Rockman X100 headphone amp designed by Tom Scholz. The chorus circuit uses the same MN3007 bucket brigade chip found in the original headphone amp, according to Pedal of the Day.
Does the Rockman X100 pedal have stereo outputs?
Yes, but stereo is set by an internal switch. The pedal ships in mono mode by default, with the entire signal going to the OUTPUT jack. Removing the bottom plate lets you toggle the internal switch to stereo mode at the OUTPUT jack, which needs a stereo cable to work properly.
Can you switch Rockman X100 modes with a footswitch?
Yes. The MODE button on the pedal cycles through the four presets, and a CTRL jack lets you control the MODE function with an off-board switch such as the MXR Tap or MXR TRS Split + Tap. Guitar World notes this is useful for anyone wanting to change modes with their feet.
Is the MXR Rockman X100 true bypass?
No. The manual lists the bypass as Buffered Bypass, and MusicRadar's review confirms buffered bypass. One consequence: in stereo mode with a standard mono cable, the signal is cut when the pedal is bypassed.
Does the Rockman X100 pedal use the same chorus chip as the original?
Yes. Pedal of the Day reports the pedal is equipped with the same classic MN3007 bucket brigade chip found in the original headphone amp. The chorus is engaged with its own button on the right side of the pedal.
Can the Rockman X100 go into an amp's effects loop?
Yes. The manual suggests that if you want a subtler high-end response, you can run the pedal into the return of your amp's FX loop or a full-range, flat-response speaker system instead of a normal amp input.
Sources (7)
- MXR® ROCKMAN® X100™ ANALOG TONE PROCESSOR, Jim Dunlop (jimdunlop.com)
- MXR revives the Rockman amp as a pedal, Guitar World, 2025-01-23
- ROCKMAN® BASS ACE, Jim Dunlop (jimdunlop.com)
- MX100.pdf, Jim Dunlop, 2025
- “Perfect for anyone seeking that specific '80s arena-rock vibe”: MXR Rockman X100 pedal review, MusicRadar, 2025-03-21
- MXR Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor Pedal review, Guitar World, 2025-03-24
- MXR Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor, Pedal of the Day, 2025-02-02
