MXR 74 Handwired Phase 90

[toneseeker74]

I love the shape of the sweep, but this pedal sucks out so much midrange that my tone loses all fullness. Anyone else having this problem? I have adjusted the trim pot, within the tiny range available, but no improvement. Any way to fix this? I'm about ready to sell this highly-praised version and get the standard "to much mids and it overdrives my signal" Phase 90.

 

[Agileguy_101]

Re: MXR 74 Handwired Phase 90

Do you mean in bypass or when the effect is son?

 

[xxxplorer]

Re: MXR 74 Handwired Phase 90

Try the skreddy lil' miss sunshine. I use an oxvibe, which is a univibe clone, and just turn down the throb... But the lms is a full frequency phase 90 that's dead quiet.

 

[JeffB]

Re: MXR 74 Handwired Phase 90

Whirlwind Orange Box. Designed by the guy who designed the original Phase 90. Best MXR type out there..I feel it is a much better and authentic sounding box than anything MXR itself produces these days, including the 74ri.

It is also TB, american made, can use an ac adapter, and has a led, all for around 120 bucks. No contest.

 

[ErikH]

Re: MXR 74 Handwired Phase 90

Be careful with that pot adjustment. That is the bias control and can negatively affect it.

 

[Zombiwoof]

Re: MXR 74 Handwired Phase 90

I have all 3 of the Whirlwind Rochester series MXR-clone pedals, and I agree that they nail the script sound, and the LED and TB are a plus. I got mine all for about half the going price by buying them slightly used in mint condition with box and papers on Ebay. Made exactly like the old MXR's, with the modern additions of LED and TB. I wish they would make a version of the Phase 45, I have the Dunlop Custom Shop one, and although it sounds great it doesn't have the LED (although you know when it's on!). The Phase 45 has more of a Univibe type sound, I think I actually prefer it to a Phase 90 in most cases. I would also agree that it's not a good idea to mess with the internal trimmers in those pedals, they are set at the factory to the optimum setting, and shouldn't be screwed with IMO in a phaser like that.

Al

 

[BrianS.]

Re: MXR 74 Handwired Phase 90

I'd like to try the Whirlwind just to see how much better it is than the standard MXR & to a/b it with my "vintage" phase 45. Personally I love the phase 45, but would like to have some modern amenities like true bypass & an LED. I might even make a clone and include those features.

OP, if you have the opportunity to try the phase 45, do it. I really dig the tone & don't think it kills any mids, although it is a more subtle effect and may get somewhat lost in a heavily distorted tone.

 

[toneseeker74]

Re: MXR 74 Handwired Phase 90

Mids are cut subtley when the pedal is off, moreso when the pedal is on.

I tried the reissue script Phase 45. Very weak and uninspiring. The best I have played is the DOD 201 Phasor. Right now the prices on eBay are crazily inflated for almost all DOD pedals, and I say that as a guy who likes a lot of their effects. I'll sell the MXR, try a regular old Phase 90. If that doesn't float my boat, I'm going back to the 201.

 

[Zombiwoof]

Re: MXR 74 Handwired Phase 90

I think there is something wrong in your chain, IMO the RI Phase 45 is anything but weak and uninspiring, it has an intense throb and as I said can sub for a univibe type effect in a pinch (although not as complex a sound as a real Vibe pedal). You don't say what guitar/amp combo you are using, but your results contradict most of what I have experienced and read about these pedals. The regular Dunlop Phase 90 is based on the later versions of the original MXR Phase 90's, which had an added feedback circuit that is non-adjustable, which adds a very swishy sound that some like and some don't.

Al

 

[JeffB]

Re: MXR 74 Handwired Phase 90

Or perhaps the OP just does not like the MXR sound and is better off with a EHX, which is what the old DOD pedal is based on.

 

[toneseeker74]

Re: MXR 74 Handwired Phase 90

I think there is something wrong in your chain, IMO the RI Phase 45 is anything but weak and uninspiring, it has an intense throb and as I said can sub for a univibe type effect in a pinch (although not as complex a sound as a real Vibe pedal). You don't say what guitar/amp combo you are using, but your results contradict most of what I have experienced and read about these pedals. The regular Dunlop Phase 90 is based on the later versions of the original MXR Phase 90's, which had an added feedback circuit that is non-adjustable, which adds a very swishy sound that some like and some don't.

Al

I too was surpised how weak the Phase 45 sounded when I had one, because I thought it would be in the vein of my two-stage DOD 201. I test pedals on their own before I add them in-line with other effects; and even then I move pedals around to get the best sound I can with them. At the time I had the Phase 45 my gear was Strat-->Whirlwind cable-->Phase 45-->Whirlwind cable-->Traynor YBA-1-->Marshall 1965A 4x10 with Celestion G10L-35's or Peavey 412MS 4x12 with Celestion G12-65's.

Thanks for the tip on the Phase 90's altered circuit giving it a swishy sound. That is one of the biggest things that turns me off from phasers, an overpronouned swish thins/brightens it up too much. I guess I'll take my '74 reissue to a shop and A/B it against a standard Phase 90.

 

[Aceman]

Re: MXR 74 Handwired Phase 90

Or perhaps the OP just does not like the MXR sound and is better off with a EHX, which is what the old DOD pedal is based on.

I'm feeling this post

 

[toneseeker74]

Re: MXR 74 Handwired Phase 90

With two people recommending Electro-Harmonix, I guess I should check one out. Online clips never did it for me, but they are never the same as the real thing. Thanks!

 

[Aceman]

Re: MXR 74 Handwired Phase 90

I'm actually questioning if you really like Phase, honestly. But it is clear you don't dig MXR's version of it.

 

[toneseeker74]

Re: MXR 74 Handwired Phase 90

I'm actually questioning if you really like Phase, honestly. But it is clear you don't dig MXR's version of it.

I admit that phase is not an effect I use much, but in the right song it sounds righteous. As far as the Phase 90 goes, I really like the shape of the phase envelope, and I like that there is no volume drop...I just want more mids.

 

[toneseeker74]

Re: MXR 74 Handwired Phase 90

Sold the 74 handwired. Bought a regular Phase 90, and it does just what I want...little bit of volume boost, and full in the mids.

 

[VanDerchuck]

Re: MXR 74 Handwired Phase 90

full in the mids.

Great band name.