MXR Mini Phase 95 M290

The Phase 95 combines the Phase 45 and Phase 90 circuits in a mini housing with about half the footprint of a standard MXR pedal. I originally bought this pedal to save space on my pedalboard where I have a MXR Phase 90. There is however other advantages. The MXR Mini Phase 95 M290 has a 45/90 switch toggles between the Phase 45 mode’s subtle two-stage phasing and the Phase 90 mode’s more pronounced four-stage phasing. PLUS while the Script o9r BLOCK switch toggles between two phasing styles. The Phase 95 is set to modern style phasing by default, which relies on feedback to create light harmonic distortion and gives the effect a more accentuated swoosh. Engaging the Script switch removes feedback for a lusher, more subdued sound with higher headroom and greater clarity. The familiar Speed control sets the rate of the effect. So in ONE small mini pedal you can get the 4 major different sounding MXR Phase pedals!

I did A/B tests between my newer Script Phase 90 and the Phase 95 pedal running in script phase 90 mode direct into my amp. I can detect a slight difference, but they are very close to sounding the same to my ears.

Eddie Van Halen is also know for using a MXR Phase 90 as part of his sound. That eventually MXR came out with a EVH version.

MXR is know for their legendary phaser pedals. The original Phase 90 was released in 1974. It was the first pedal sold by MXR and helped launch the company. Two years later, MXR released the Phase 45—a mellower version of the effect favored for its ability to easily blend into a band’s mix. These pedals are heard all on countless recordings.

MXR Phase Pedal Lineup

The original Phase 90 came in a simple orange enclosure with MXR’s “script” logo. In 1977 MXR changed its logo to a “block” logo. These pedals had a different sound due to the feedback circuit that was added. All production ceased when MXR went bankrupt in 1984. These pedals were copied by many companies. Jim Dunlop bought the MXR brand and brought back these legendary pedals with a few modern additions including an LED to indicate when the effect is engaged and the option of using a power supply instead of a battery.