What is the main purpose of the MXR M152 Micro Flanger?

It is designed to provide classic, analogue flanging effects in a compact pedal format. It recreates the tones of the original M117 Flanger using a simplified interface.

How does the Speed knob affect the sound?

The Speed knob controls the rate of the effect's sweep. Turning it clockwise increases the frequency of the modulation cycling.

What does the Regeneration knob do?

The Regeneration knob manages the intensity of the flanging effect. It feeds the signal back through the circuit to create a more pronounced, resonant sound.

Is the MXR Micro Flanger analogue or digital?

The MXR M152 uses 100% analogue circuitry. It employs bucket-brigade technology to achieve its vintage modulation character.

Does the M152 have true bypass?

Yes, it features true hardwire bypass. This means your guitar signal bypasses the effect circuitry entirely when the pedal is turned off.

How many controls does the Micro Flanger have compared to the M117?

The M152 has two controls (Speed and Regeneration), whereas the full-sized M117 features four (Manual, Width, Speed, and Regeneration). This makes the Micro Flanger more straightforward to use.

What kind of power supply does the M152 require?

It can be powered by a single 9-volt battery. Alternatively, it can be powered by a standard 9V DC power adapter with a centre-negative polarity.

Can the M152 produce chorus-like sounds?

Yes, by setting the Regeneration low and the Speed to a moderate level, the Micro Flanger can produce subtle, watery tones similar to an analogue chorus. However, it is specifically voiced for flanging.

How does the size of the M152 compare to other MXR pedals?

The M152 uses the standard small MXR housing, similar to the Phase 90 or Dyna Comp. This makes it much smaller than the original grey MXR Flanger.

Is the M152 suitable for bass guitar?

While designed primarily for guitar, many players use the Micro Flanger on bass. Its analogue warmth works well with lower frequencies without thinning out the tone excessively.

What is the typical price for a new MXR M152?

The typical retail price in the UK is approximately GBP 150. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

How does it compare to the Fender Hammertone Flanger?

The Fender Hammertone Flanger offers a different aesthetic and slightly different controls, but both aim for accessible flanging. The MXR is generally preferred by those seeking the specific vintage M117 circuit sound.

Gear article

MXR M152 Micro Flanger

The MXR M152 Micro Flanger is a compact analogue guitar effect pedal designed to recreate the classic flanging tones of the larger M117 unit. It features an all-analogue signal path and a simplified two-knob interface for intuitive operation.

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Background and Development

The MXR M152 Micro Flanger is a faithful reissue of the original MXR unit from the 1980s. It was developed to provide guitarists with the bucket-brigade device (BBD) technology found in the larger MXR M117 Flanger but in a significantly smaller, pedalboard-friendly footprint. While the larger original featured four controls, the M152 distills the core functionality into a more immediate two-knob configuration.

Operation and Key Features

The M152 operates using a minimalist control set:

Speed: Adjusts the rate of the low-frequency oscillator (LFO), ranging from slow, sweeping modulations to fast, watery warbles.
Regeneration: Controls the amount of signal fed back into the circuit, which manages the intensity and 'resonance' of the effect.

The pedal employs true hardwire bypass, ensuring that the signal remains clean when the effect is disengaged. It is powered by a standard 9-volt battery or an AC adapter.

Sonic Character

The Micro Flanger is known for a warm, organic character characteristic of analogue circuitry. Its sound ranges from subtle jet-stream sweeps to intense, metallic resonance. Because it is based on the M117 architecture, it retains a vintage voicing that contrasts with the colder, more precise digital flangers found in modern multi-effects units.

Comparison and Alternatives

Compared to the standard MXR M117R Flanger, the M152 lacks 'Width' and 'Manual' controls, making it less versatile for sound design but easier to dial in during live performance. For players on a budget, the Fender Hammertone Flanger or the Behringer UC200 (though primarily a chorus) offer alternative modulation textures. The M152 is often paired with other staples like the Boss DS-1 or the Electro-Harmonix Big Muff to create thick, psychedelic lead tones.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main purpose of the MXR M152 Micro Flanger?: It is designed to provide classic, analogue flanging effects in a compact pedal format. It recreates the tones of the original M117 Flanger using a simplified interface.
How does the Speed knob affect the sound?: The Speed knob controls the rate of the effect's sweep. Turning it clockwise increases the frequency of the modulation cycling.
What does the Regeneration knob do?: The Regeneration knob manages the intensity of the flanging effect. It feeds the signal back through the circuit to create a more pronounced, resonant sound.
Is the MXR Micro Flanger analogue or digital?: The MXR M152 uses 100% analogue circuitry. It employs bucket-brigade technology to achieve its vintage modulation character.
Does the M152 have true bypass?: Yes, it features true hardwire bypass. This means your guitar signal bypasses the effect circuitry entirely when the pedal is turned off.
How many controls does the Micro Flanger have compared to the M117?: The M152 has two controls (Speed and Regeneration), whereas the full-sized M117 features four (Manual, Width, Speed, and Regeneration). This makes the Micro Flanger more straightforward to use.
What kind of power supply does the M152 require?: It can be powered by a single 9-volt battery. Alternatively, it can be powered by a standard 9V DC power adapter with a centre-negative polarity.
Can the M152 produce chorus-like sounds?: Yes, by setting the Regeneration low and the Speed to a moderate level, the Micro Flanger can produce subtle, watery tones similar to an analogue chorus. However, it is specifically voiced for flanging.
How does the size of the M152 compare to other MXR pedals?: The M152 uses the standard small MXR housing, similar to the Phase 90 or Dyna Comp. This makes it much smaller than the original grey MXR Flanger.
Is the M152 suitable for bass guitar?: While designed primarily for guitar, many players use the Micro Flanger on bass. Its analogue warmth works well with lower frequencies without thinning out the tone excessively.
What is the typical price for a new MXR M152?: The typical retail price in the UK is approximately GBP 150. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
How does it compare to the Fender Hammertone Flanger?: The Fender Hammertone Flanger offers a different aesthetic and slightly different controls, but both aim for accessible flanging. The MXR is generally preferred by those seeking the specific vintage M117 circuit sound.