MXR Rockman X100
In 1982, Tom Scholz, visionary guitarist and founder of the hard rock band Boston, designed and launched the Rockman X100, a revolutionary headphone amplifier through his electronics company, Scholz Research & Development (SR&D). But it was not just a simple headphone amp. Equipped with connectivity for recording consoles, options to shape the sound, and built-in effects, the X100 quickly became a secret weapon in the studio, helping to define the saturated arena rock backing vocals sound of the 80s.
MXR Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor
Today, MXR revisits this classic with the Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor, a pedal that encapsulates the DNA of the original headphone amp. With the help of Bob Cedro, an engineer at SR&D at the time, the MXR design team recreated the same crystalline tones, crunchy harmonics, and sparkling modulations as the original. This analog pedal retains the four presets, carefully calibrated compression, and the famous bucket-brigade chorus, while offering mono/stereo modes and optional external control for an enhanced user experience.
Revisited Compression
One of the keys to the original X100 sound lay in a complex compression circuit, keeping the signal clear whether clean or distorted. The MXR Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor incorporates this same circuit, adjusted for a slow release in clean mode and a fast release in dirty mode. Compression varies according to the input Gain level — higher gain results in increased compression.
Modes
Like the original, this pedal offers four modes via a MODE button:
- CLN2: a crystalline clean, ideal for arpeggios and open chords.
- CLN1: a clean more focused on mids, offering a tight and punchy attack.
- EDGE: moderate saturation, sensitive to input gain variations and guitar volume.
- DISTORTION: intense distortion and infinite sustain, perfect for smooth and epic leads.
Signal Control
Two sliders allow you to easily shape your sound:
- Input Gain: to adjust the interaction of the incoming signal with the four modes, especially EDGE.
- Volume: to set the overall level sent to your amp.
Bucket-Brigade Chorus
With the famous MN3007 chip used in the original amp, the Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor delivers a rich and expansive chorus with a simple press of the Chorus button. Every riff will be wrapped in an immersive sonic texture.
Advanced Configuration
For even more advanced use, it is possible to connect an external switch, such as the MXR TRS Split + Tap, to control the modes with your foot. In stereo mode, the signal can be split between left/right channels, with dynamic chorus modulation for exceptional spatialization.
- The iconic arena rock sound in a compact format.
- Crystalline cleans, crunchy harmonics, and sparkling modulation.
- The same four presets as the original headphone amp: two clean, two dirty.
- Complex compression circuit, adjusted for clean and dirty modes.
- Analog chorus with MN3007 bucket-brigade chip.
- Advanced features: stereo modes, external switch, and more.
- Ready to recreate the legendary sound of Boston and the 80s? The MXR Rockman X100 is waiting for you!
Specifications:
- Power supply: DC 9 V
- Power supply included: No
- Category: Overdrive
- Format: Pedal
- Technology: Analog
- True bypass: Yes
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