The Micro Amp is one of those "utility" pedals that have become essential: a simple, effective boost that serves both to increase volume and to add a bit more bite to the attack, depending on where you place it in the chain. With the MXR Micro Amp+, the idea remains the same-to recapture the famous snap of the Micro Amp-but with a decisive improvement: two tone controls to tailor the boost to your guitar, pickups, amp (or even a bass) without suffering from excessive brightness or, conversely, an overly dominant low end.
In practice, the Micro Amp+ fits perfectly within MXR's philosophy: a compact format, immediate handling, and a pedal designed to be engaged at any time without hassle. Set Bass and Treble at noon to stay true to the "Micro Amp" spirit, then adjust as needed to fit the mix, the venue, or your rig.
The MXR Micro Amp+ is aimed at a very broad audience: from beginner guitarists who want a true clean boost for their first gigs, to seasoned musicians looking for a reliable tool to shape output volume and make their amp respond exactly as they like. It shines in styles where dynamics matter: blues, rock, pop, indie, funk, but it is equally relevant for more modern sounds whenever you want to maintain definition.
Live, it's a perfect pedal for a solo boost (more level, more presence) or to compensate for a humbucker split, a guitar change, or a somewhat shy neck pickup. In the studio, it can be used to "place" the guitar in the mix by finely adjusting the EQ while preserving a natural feel under the fingers. And if you use an effects loop, the Micro Amp+ can also become an excellent post-preamp volume boost, cleaner and more consistent.
The heart of the Micro Amp+ relies on a wide-range analog boost, controlled by a simple trio of knobs: Gain for the amount of boost, Bass to adjust the lows, and Treble to shape brightness and attack. It's precisely this tone section that makes the "+" model more versatile: you can thicken a sound that's too thin, tame a guitar that's too bright, or conversely add a bit more edge to better cut through the mix.
MXR also paid attention to practical aspects: a robust bypass footswitch, a clearly visible status LED, and true bypass (hardwire) to avoid any coloration when the pedal is off. Power-wise, it sticks to pedalboard standards: 9V DC, compatible with a 9V battery or power adapter (handy if you occasionally play without dedicated power supply).
The Micro Amp+ is designed for a boost that remains natural and respectful of your instrument, with a dynamic response that follows your playing: the harder you attack, the more the amp reacts. At low settings, it provides a sense of "presence" and firmness, ideal for waking up a clean tone or homogenizing a pedalboard. Pushing the Gain, the boost becomes a real lever to drive the input stage of your amp (or an overdrive), adding sustain and more organic saturation without adding extra distortion.
The 2-band EQ is key: you can get a very "transparent" boost (Bass and Treble at noon), a denser and warmer solo (a bit more Bass), or a more cutting emphasis (a bit more Treble). This type of boost is regularly favored by guitarists who rely on their amp and right hand for character: the Micro Amp+ is notably found in setups used by Adam Jones, Danielle Haim, and Fredrik Ã...kesson, proving that this kind of pedal can stay discreet while being decisive when it's time to step forward.