Feature – 1982 MXR Micro Flanger

Model Description:

American effect manufacturer MXR Innovations was founded in 1972 and got off to a flying start in 1974 with their iconic orange ‘script’ logo Phase 90 followed by several other landmark pedals, including the Dyna Comp compressor, Distortion + and Blue Box. A little later in MXR’s original incarnation, they released some other effects to broaden out the range and fill in some gaps. These second generation effects didn’t carry the early ‘script’ logo and appeared only with the later ‘block’ logo. MXR introduced the original ‘big box’ Flanger (model MX‑117) in 1976 and the familiar standard size Micro Flanger (model MX‑152) in c.1981, both in demure black finish. The Micro Flanger’s analogue modulation circuit was driven by the common Reticon SAD512 ‘bucket brigade delay’ (BBD) integrated chip (IC) and sometimes by the less common but similar Reticon R5106 IC. Both sounded great, although they tended to be a bit noisy in the circuit of both the flanger and chorus pedals. Like other MXR pedals up to 1981, a very small number of early pedals had no LED status indicator or DC input. From c.1981, MXR added an LED and DC power supply input. In 1984, MXR went out of business until 1987 when the brand was acquired by Jim Dunlop and a number of the classic models were reissued alongside some new models. The Micro Flanger was one of MXR’s reissue pedals. However, while the new models are good reproductions of the originals, they just aren’t the same. The original 1974‑1984 pedals provide a benchmark for their time and are now collectors’ items that can fetch high prices on the vintage effect market. As the Micro Flanger was released just as modulation effects were beginning to decline in popularity, it is somewhat rarer than some other MXR pedals, although it doesn’t command the sort of high prices that the early ‘script’ logo models attract.

Pedal Description:

Compared to its more brightly hued brethren, the MXR Micro Flanger appears in a dowdy black finish, perhaps not the best colour for visibility on a dark stage. It is difficult to be precise about dating MXR pedals so the closest that I can get with this one is that it dates from c.1982. It features both the LED status indicator and the DC input, making it far more useable than some older MXR pedals, although perhaps it is not quite as quaint. The drab matt black enclosure is in near‑mint condition and at a cursory glance looks brand new, with no indication that it is several decades old. There are no marks on it whatsoever and even the foam base is unmarked, just like it was when it left the New York factory. It must have been stored in its box for much of its life before joining the MXR clan here at CRAVE Guitars. The sounds are typical of many vintage analogue modulation pedals, all warm and swooshy with that jangly chorus‑like effect (flangers and chorus both use very similar technology). It evokes one’s perceptions of what a great vintage flanger should sound like. The simple controls for speed (‘Rate’) and depth (‘Regen’) make it easy to dial in spine‑tingling sonic soundscapes without the complexity of some of its competitors. Being uncomplicated means that its relatively subtle effect doesn’t stretch to some of the more extreme sonic noises that emanate from some modern flangers. While the MXR is good, it still doesn’t match up to my personal favourite flanger, which remains the awesome Electro‑Harmonix Electric Mistress. The flanger is one of my personal favourite effects, especially when combined with other vintage analogue pedals, like echo and fuzz for those way‑out‑there psychedelic space rock smarts. The cool and rare vintage MXR Micro Flanger makes a welcome addition to the family and one that earns its position with consummate ease.

Features: