MXR Prime Distortion Pedal - Black

The MXR Prime Distortion pedal pairs the bite of a vintage hard-clipping stompbox with a Crunch button that increases the distortion's dynamic range. This Guitar Center Exclusive delivers warm distortion and clear articulation as the gain rises, while its low-noise circuit helps keep unwanted noise in check. Output, Tone and Distortion knobs give you separate control over effect level, EQ and gain, so you can shape a rhythm sound and decide how much edge you want on a lead. The pedal also responds to changes in picking attack and to your guitar's volume and tone controls. That amp-like sensitivity gives you room to vary the sound as you play, even after you've dialed in the pedal.

Vintage Hard Clipping With a Low-Noise Circuit

The Prime Distortion draws on the growl and bite of vintage hard-clipping stompboxes. At lower gain settings, it adds grit to chord work. As you turn up the Distortion knob, the sound thickens while retaining the articulation that helps individual notes come through. The low-noise circuit helps keep unwanted noise in check when you turn up the gain for heavier riffs or sustained leads. That range makes it practical for players who want warm rhythm crunch and a more saturated lead sound from the same pedal.

Three Knobs and a Switchable Crunch Setting

Output sets the effect level, Tone shapes the EQ and Distortion adjusts the amount of gain. Small changes to the knobs can make an audible difference, which helps when you're finding a setting that suits a particular guitar or amp. The Crunch button increases the dynamic range of the distortion. Start with the three knobs to set your level, EQ and gain, then engage Crunch to change the distortion response.

Amp-Like Response for Dynamic Rhythm and Leads

The Prime Distortion follows changes in picking dynamics and responds to adjustments made with a guitar's volume and tone knobs. A lighter touch softens the attack, while digging in brings out more of the hard-clipping edge. You can use that response to put more emphasis on a phrase or change the feel of a chord part from the guitar. For players who want vintage-style saturation that follows the way they play, the Guitar Center Exclusive MXR Prime Distortion pedal pairs hard-clipping bite with amp-like response.