What is the primary purpose of the MXR EVH Modern High Gain Pedal?

The pedal is designed to provide aggressive, modern high-gain distortion while maintaining clarity and definition. It was developed in collaboration with Eddie Van Halen to capture his modern signature sound.

What controls are available for tone shaping?

The pedal features dedicated Bass, Mid, and Treble knobs. These allow for detailed adjustment to match the pedal's output to different amplifiers and speaker cabinets.

Does this pedal include a noise gate?

Yes, it features a built-in noise gate to refine the signal. This helps eliminate unwanted hum and hiss that often accompanies high-gain distortion settings.

What does the 55 Hz / 80 Hz switch do?

This is a low-frequency voicing switch. The 55 Hz setting provides a heavier, thicker bottom end, while the 80 Hz setting offers a tighter and more controlled response.

How much does the MXR EVH Modern High Gain Pedal typically cost?

The typical price range for this pedal in the UK is approximately £269. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Is this pedal suitable for low-gain blues tones?

While it has a gain control, the pedal is specifically voiced for modern high-gain environments. Players seeking subtle overdrive might find it too aggressive for traditional blues styles.

Can the pedal maintain definition at high gain settings?

Yes, it is specifically engineered to provide cutting high frequencies and focused mids that stay defined even at extreme gain levels. This prevents the sound from becoming 'muddy'.

Who manufactured the EVH Modern High Gain Pedal?

The pedal is manufactured by Dunlop under the MXR brand. It was developed in direct collaboration with Eddie Van Halen.

How does this pedal compare to the Boss NS-2?

The Boss NS-2 is a dedicated noise suppressor, whereas the EVH Modern High Gain is a distortion pedal with a built-in gate. Users of the EVH pedal may not need a separate NS-2 if they only require gating for their distortion.

What kind of power supply does the pedal require?

As an MXR pedal, it typically uses a standard 9V DC power supply. Users should verify the specific amperage requirements in the user manual.

Is the low-end response adjustable?

Yes, beyond the Bass knob, the 55 Hz and 80 Hz toggle switch provides two distinct low-end characters. This allows the player to choose between a 'heavy' or a 'tight' feel.

Does this pedal replace the need for a high-gain amplifier?

It is designed to deliver high-gain characteristics through almost any amp. It allows players to achieve a modern saturated sound even when using a clean amplifier channel.

Gear article

MXR EVH Modern High Gain Pedal

The MXR EVH Modern High Gain Pedal is a high-output distortion effect designed by Dunlop in direct collaboration with Eddie Van Halen. It is engineered to deliver the aggressive, defined high-gain tones associated with Van Halen's modern era while maintaining clarity through a dedicated noise gate and precise EQ controls.

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Overview

The MXR EVH Modern High Gain Pedal represents a collaboration between Dunlop and Eddie Van Halen to replicate the guitarist's contemporary high-gain amplifier characteristics in a compact pedal format. The unit is designed to provide aggressive distortion that remains articulate at extreme settings, addressing the needs of metal and hard rock players who require punch without sacrificing note definition.

Technical Features and Controls

The pedal features a standard five-knob layout consisting of Output and Gain for levels, alongside a dedicated three-band EQ (Bass, Mid, and Treble) for tonal shaping. A significant feature is the built-in noise gate, which assists in keeping the high-gain signal quiet during pauses in playing. Additionally, the pedal includes a selectable low-frequency voicing switch, allowing users to toggle between 55 Hz for a thicker response or 80 Hz for a tighter, more controlled low-end profile.

Sound Character

The sonic signature of the EVH Modern High Gain Pedal is characterised by a tight low end, focused midrange, and cutting high frequencies. Unlike vintage-style fuzz or distortion pedals, this unit is voiced to stay defined even when the gain is set to maximum. It provides a modern 'brown sound' that is more compressed and saturated than traditional overdrive pedals, making it suitable for lead work and aggressive rhythm parts.

Target Audience

This pedal is primarily aimed at guitarists seeking the specific high-gain saturation associated with the EVH brand. It is particularly well-suited for performers who play through various amplifiers and cabinets and require a consistent, high-gain foundation. The inclusion of the noise gate also makes it a practical choice for touring musicians who need to manage signal noise in high-volume environments.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the MXR EVH Modern High Gain Pedal?: The pedal is designed to provide aggressive, modern high-gain distortion while maintaining clarity and definition. It was developed in collaboration with Eddie Van Halen to capture his modern signature sound.
What controls are available for tone shaping?: The pedal features dedicated Bass, Mid, and Treble knobs. These allow for detailed adjustment to match the pedal's output to different amplifiers and speaker cabinets.
Does this pedal include a noise gate?: Yes, it features a built-in noise gate to refine the signal. This helps eliminate unwanted hum and hiss that often accompanies high-gain distortion settings.
What does the 55 Hz / 80 Hz switch do?: This is a low-frequency voicing switch. The 55 Hz setting provides a heavier, thicker bottom end, while the 80 Hz setting offers a tighter and more controlled response.
How much does the MXR EVH Modern High Gain Pedal typically cost?: The typical price range for this pedal in the UK is approximately £269. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Is this pedal suitable for low-gain blues tones?: While it has a gain control, the pedal is specifically voiced for modern high-gain environments. Players seeking subtle overdrive might find it too aggressive for traditional blues styles.
Can the pedal maintain definition at high gain settings?: Yes, it is specifically engineered to provide cutting high frequencies and focused mids that stay defined even at extreme gain levels. This prevents the sound from becoming 'muddy'.
Who manufactured the EVH Modern High Gain Pedal?: The pedal is manufactured by Dunlop under the MXR brand. It was developed in direct collaboration with Eddie Van Halen.
How does this pedal compare to the Boss NS-2?: The Boss NS-2 is a dedicated noise suppressor, whereas the EVH Modern High Gain is a distortion pedal with a built-in gate. Users of the EVH pedal may not need a separate NS-2 if they only require gating for their distortion.
What kind of power supply does the pedal require?: As an MXR pedal, it typically uses a standard 9V DC power supply. Users should verify the specific amperage requirements in the user manual.
Is the low-end response adjustable?: Yes, beyond the Bass knob, the 55 Hz and 80 Hz toggle switch provides two distinct low-end characters. This allows the player to choose between a 'heavy' or a 'tight' feel.
Does this pedal replace the need for a high-gain amplifier?: It is designed to deliver high-gain characteristics through almost any amp. It allows players to achieve a modern saturated sound even when using a clean amplifier channel.