MXR Phase 90 shootout!

[papersoul]

I have a modded block logo phase 90 and an EVH Phase 90, also picked up a reissue 74 script logo and borrowed a friend's reissue custom shop script with LED.

Right now I think the winner is the MXR EVH.

One of my favorites has been my 90's block logo with the so called script mod. Real juicy and warm.

The reissue 74 with no LED or power jack is dissapointing. Warm and musical at home but really gets lost in a band mix.

My favorite is the EVH, although I do not like signature gear because I always feel weird.using gear with another players name on it. I prefer the script mode. Nice thing about this pedal is that it sits nicely in the mix, and is brighter than the reissue.

Honestly I think I may be switching to the custom shop reissue with LED because it sounds exactly like my EVH without the goofy EVH graphics. LOL.

 

[xxxplorer]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

Suposidly the script version with LED IS the EVH board.

I have both the EVH and the 74. I love both for different reasons. The 74 is seriously warm and works great while riffing, it doesn't ever sound fake or harsh or overwhelmong. Could be subtle to some.

The EVH even on script mode is more up front and present. Still sweet but a little more excited. A little rough while riffing, especially on the low strings. It has a faster highest speed and more of a univibe feel past 3 o'clock on the dial.

I use both.

 

[papersoul]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

I like the 74 it just seems pointless if you play in a band because you can't even tell it is on! LOL. It is so subtle....peaoplr are like, "what, you had a pahser on during that song?" Plus I can't deal with the no power jack or LED. Sometimes I accidentally had it on because there is no LED....and I would have it on for a song or two and then suddenly realize it was on. It is that hard to detect in a band setting!

Not sure what you mean when you say rough when riffing. I have to have a phaser with a LED and power out and don't want to spend the money to have the 74 modded when I can't hear it with the band. I thought the Whirwind phaser was better! I might go back to that one.
LOL.

 

[xxxplorer]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

The EVH while riffing seemed 'harsh' or 'flubby' of that makes sense. Hard to explain sound. I like both. Nice thing is we can all hear different qualities and use them the way we see fit.

 

[papersoul]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

Cool, I only use it for clean tones so that is cool. It works. I might replace it with a new MXR Micro Flanger since in a band setting you can hardly hear a difference between phase and flange! Ha

 

[xxxplorer]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

I use flange as well. Old MXR with the plug. I want an AD/A

 

[ErikH]

Yes, the script with LED is the EVH in script mode and the same board.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

I'm surprised you guys found the Script 74 to subtle but then again anyone that says "in a band setting you can hardly hear a difference between phase and flange" makes me wonder what else is in your signal chain...

 

[papersoul]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

I'm surprised you guys found the Script 74 to subtle but then again anyone that says "in a band setting you can hardly hear a difference between phase and flange" makes me wonder what else is in your signal chain...

My point is that the difference is subtle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvScdOldfc8

But yea, quite a few guys find the 74 way too subtle. Now, if it had a LED and power jack I may have kept it...and given another chance.

 

[xxxplorer]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

I would say it's a little more subtle from the EVH but in a good way to me. Best way I can explain it is the phase seems to go to just the right depth and not ever harsh or to too much. It's just perfect to me.

And as far as Flange and Phase sounding the same.... Nope, not to me or my band! I love and use both.

 

[papersoul]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

OK guys, maybe I need to give it another chance. Where can I have it modded for a 9V jack and LED? Analog Mike???

I will say that one flanger that is amazing is the new MXR Micro Flange!!!

 

[xxxplorer]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

Just get a zvex power plate, but honestly, the way it is without an LED will let batteries last a long long time. And just because some like it better doesn't make it better for you. Use your ears and choose, both are cool. It's nice to have choices.

 

[the guy who invented fire]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

AnalogMan will mod them for LED and DC jack but I think you have to go true bypass too...

I use a ZVex Power Plate on my 76 Dyna Comp and my 75 Phase 45.

As for the subtle issue I think there is a world of difference in the 74 Script and any other Phase 90 MXR currently offers.

I love the 74 Phase 90 but I like my 75 Phase 45 even better!

 

[papersoul]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

The Custom Shop reissue with LED and the EVH phaser are rich and warm. The 74 reissue hand wired version seems a little thin.

 

[Aceman]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

You know, I really think people just lose all sensibility when it comes to Sig gear or Boutique stuff. Like i have always said - how DIFFERENT do you REALLY think that any MXR Phase 90 is from another? And even if it is, does it really matter in "the band setting" as was stated?

But - at somepoint you have accept the popular vote. There is a reason for it and it's not just sheeple following the trendsetters blindly.

I have heard wayyyy to much love for the EVH from people who could give a rat's @$$ about EVH.

Still, musicians are surely some of the most UN-OBJECTIVE people in the universe. The REAL way to shootout stuff in in a blind listening. Put them lined up through a splitter/loop, and let someone press the buttons, and turn the knob and then pick your favorite.

I bet the results would blow people away...When the label and price tag and hype is out of the equation, things change.

But heck - Even i surf for a good deal on an EVH Phase 90! But I still think i'll end up with a 45 one of these days...

 

[papersoul]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

Well said Ace. I did that with my 74 and EVH and the EVH sat in the band mix way better and everyone agreed it was hard to hear the 74. I had my bassist switch it without me looking.

 

[papersoul]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

I might just sell all my pahsers and buy some other gear. I no longer play classic rock and the originals I write now do not use phaser. I think you guys are right...I find a good flanger more like chorus which is more my thing so I might go with the MXR Micro Flanger and the Analog Chorus on my board for my modulation effects. I am in a 90s rock and grunge cover band and only one song calls for phase or flange - Incubus's Pardon Me.

 

[Sruffie777]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

The Custom Shop reissue with LED and the EVH phaser are rich and warm. The 74 reissue hand wired version seems a little thin.

Just picked up an CS reissue love it. Even in the zero position sounds sweet.

 

[papersoul]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

Since I have no need for a phaser now. They sound too 70s and 80s. I am taking it off my board and.sticking to my MXR Analog Chorus and Flanger.

 

[xxxplorer]

Re: MXR Phase 90 shootout!

I use my wife's girlfriends as judges at times. One word they described the evh like compared to the 74 was 'pingy' and 'rawr'. They heard a difference even.