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MXR

collapse expand iconDescription

The MXR M69 Prime Distortion effects pedal is a 100-percent analog distortion pedal that conjures up the vintage hard-clipping tones of the '80s. This pedal's warm yet aggressive sound is easily dialed in with classic Output, Tone and Distortion controls. The Prime Distortion is highly responsive to pick attack, cleaning up when you roll back and unleashing a huge punch when you dig in. MXR designed this pedal with low-noise operational amplifiers so you get rich, saturated distortion without the extra noise. Like all MXR pedals, the Prime Distortion is built for a lifetime on the road with a heavy-duty housing and durable jacks and switches.

Vintage Hard-Clipping Distortion

The M69 Prime Distortion summons up the hard-clipping distortion tones that dominated '80s rock. This pedal produces raw, punchy distortion that sustains for days, perfect for arena rock leads and chugging power chords. The Distortion control provides over 25dB of gain to take you from a hint of grit to fully saturated distortion.

Highly Responsive Tone Controls

The M69 Prime Distortion's Tone and Output controls are highly responsive, allowing you to shape your distortion tone with precision. The Tone control offers up to 9dB of boost or cut at 100Hz and 2kHz, allowing you to dial in just the right amount of low end rumble and high end sizzle. The Output control provides up to 10dB of boost to push your amp into overdrive or cut to reduce overall volume without changing distortion amount.

Built for the Road

Like all MXR pedals, the M69 Prime Distortion is built to handle the rigors of the road. It features a heavy-duty aluminum housing, durable jacks and footswitches and high-quality components selected for their roadworthiness. Powered by a 9V battery or optional power supply (sold separately), this pedal provides consistent tone night after night.

MXR M69 Prime Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal
MXR M69 Prime Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal
MXR M69 Prime Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Big, powerful '80s arena-rock tone
  • Raw, punchy sustain
  • Rich distortion
  • Highly responsive to playing intensity
  • Tone, Output, Distortion controls
  • MXR build quality and components
  • Low-noise op amps
  • 100% analog
  • Hardwire bypass

collapse expand iconSpecs

  • Input Impedance: 1 mohms
  • Output Impedance: 6 kohms
  • Nominal Input: -22dBV
  • Max Output: -10dBV
  • Signal to Noise*: 85dB
  • Distortion Range: 27dB @ 500Hz
  • Tone Control: +/- 4dB @ 100Hz, +/- 5dB @ 2kHz
  • Bypass: True Hardwire
  • Current Draw: 4 mA
  • Power Supply: 9V DC

collapse expand iconWarranty

All pedals - one year parts and labor warranty.

Featured Articles

collapse expand iconReviews

4.23

52 Reviews

82%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Most Liked Positive Review

5

It just sounds good.

We as guitarists always search for that new distortion, that new sonic texture, that new inspiration. Well this little pedal has that in spades. I bought this on a whim...because the price was just too good to pass up and with MXR you know you are getting quality gear. I was pleasantly surprised when I plugged in and started tweaking the tones/gain. You can dial in a little grit, or you can go full aggressive distortion with the knobs cranked. Now don't think this is a Metal Distortion...no, you can get high gain...but this has a more classic distortion tone for when you need to dial it down but still want some grit. And sonically speaking, the harmonics and tone of this pedal is great. It just sounds good. Period

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

2

It worked for a bit.

This distortion pedal is way to high ended. The pitches aren't dirty and it doesn't produce a good distorted sound. There is almost no difference between the distortion at the lowest setting vs the highest setting. I was using this for a dress rehearsal for a show. I had the output and distortion turned all the way up and I got quieter when I turned it on. IT really isn't that good.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Performances17
  2. Home Studio16
  3. Amateur Recording12
  4. Professional Recording11
  5. Outdoor Events / Games10
Cons
  1. Poor Sound Quality5
  2. Limited Selection Of Effects3
  3. Not Responsive3
  4. Not Durable1
  5. Poor Tone Adjustment1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced16
  2. Professional Musician8
  3. Novice6
Pros
  1. Compact18
  2. Excellent Sound Quality18
  3. Responsive16
  4. Versatile14
  5. Good Selection Of Effects8

Reviewed by 52 customers

  • Perfect distortion pedal, great price

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    byJeffrey

    fromBurton, Michigan

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    The amp I'm using right now has terrible built in distortion. I was looking for a nice and responsive distortion pedal, this is it. Every bit is good is the boss, Morley, and DOD pedals have had in the past, but at a fraction of the price. Very responsive, good for just a bit of distortion or full scale assault.

  • Weak sound, poor controls

    2

    submitted3 years ago

    byJonas

    fromSalt Lake city

    There is no unity gain on this. Even with the volume maxed it reduces the volume. I guess brown is a good color for it because it is muddy sounding too, lacks clarity and doesn't cut through a mix. I couldn't get a good sound out of it at any setting. Very disappointing distortion.

  • Classic design. Improvement of BOSS DS-1 design

    5

    submitted3 years ago

    byKev

    fromBellingham, Washington

    To me, it sounds like a very heavily modified BOSS DS-1 circuit. It doesn't have the "ice-pick" in the ears trebles. And it doesn't get "fizzy" at extreme gain settings. It has less background noise than the DS-1. All for about the same price.

  • Just OK

    1

    submitted3 years ago

    byChris A

    fromSouth Florida

    Bought this to add a little distortion to my clean channel when needed. Problem is that when you change from clean to distortion you can't blend the volume. Never had a pedal like that. Poor design. Would tell people get a different pedal and not waste there money

  • Sounds great looks great

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted3 years ago

    byDylan

    fromRockford Il

    Would definitely recommend this pedal

  • Glorious Distortion

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted4 years ago

    byDon V

    fromRound Rock, TX

    I love MXR products. I recorded an album heavily using the Classic Overdrive and have loved it. Decided to snag the Prime Distortion because I loved their other stuff and have not been disappointed. It's got an awesome warm tone and can get really crunchy for some excellent hard rock sound. Definitely glad I got this pedal!

collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byJason

    fromPortland OR

    Does this come with a power supply? It's says it needs a 9v adapter but does one come with the product?

    Does this come with a power supply? It's says it needs a 9v adapter but does one come with the product?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Unfortunately, no. Please give us a call to help you find something – 855-770-3373

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byJamie L

    fromPueblo, Co

    Can this be used with a bass guitar?

    Can this be used with a bass guitar?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Yes

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byEthanado0

    fromundisclosed

    Is this compatible with a Squier Stratocaster?

    Is this compatible with a Squier Stratocaster?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Yes, this is compatible