MXR M290 Mini Phase 95 Pedal Reviews

This little pedal is a workhorse that doesn't take up much space. Covers all my phaser needs when I need it, which isn't much. It's on my board out of the way. You can't go wrong with this pedal!

This little pedal gives lots of options for phase effects. It goes from just a slight, barely noticable shimmer to an all out Byrds, Wasn't Born to Follow creamy-dreamy phase. For those of you who may be too young, check it out. The added bonus, this little pedal takes up very little real estate on your pedal board. Highly recommend this little honey!!

I've had the full size MXR years ago & sold it with some other equipment. This unit does all the old one did & more, with a smaller footprint. Very happy with my purchase.

This is my first phaser pedal since a Boss phaser I had back in the 80's. Then I didn't really know what to do with it and tended to set it as almost a cocked wah sound to use with distortion. I wanted the Phase 95 to use for cleanish funk, and also to sort of simulate a wah or univibe type sound for overdriven or fuzz leads. It works great for both! This little pedal is simple (which is a plus in my book) but also has quite a bit of range with the two buttons, from very subtle movement to more intense phasor sounds for the aforementioned lead tones. I definitely see why MXR phasers are considered such classics, and this one has the sounds from several different models all in a tiny package!

After spending some time with this pedal, I am amazed
at the variety of phase sounds I get with this pedal. I play clean, so the vintage setting is always on. I'm partial to the Phase 90 setting for its lush depth. I easily get tired of too much of a good thing though, and it's nice to have the option of the Phase 45 when my ears are getting tired or I want something a little less overpowering. I can't see how this pedal can be beat for the price. From Gilmore to Nektar, this pedal can do it. And it's small!

The MXR Phase 95 is a great little pedal that packs a punch! I didn't need anything super complex when it came to phaser, so this was the perfect choice. It's small, hella in-budget, and has all the sounds and controls I need! You've obviously got the 45 / 90 switch, a knob for speed, and script which basically controls the saturation of the phase sound. I usually keep the script off for a more subtle sound. I tend to keep the speed near 8 or 9 o'clock on the 45 for just a slight kiss of phase, and 1 o'clock-ish on the 90 when I want some trippier stuff. It's the coolest little pedal I own. It sounds so good with my electric but it also sounds killer with my bass guitar! I've found a way to get my bass to sound sort of like an upright when I turn the speed down and pair it with some very subtle slap-back delay! I've run my keyboard and my acoustic through it and there are awesome sounds in there for those instruments as well. Also, if you're worried about a bad or cheap phaser tone, don't let the price or size fool you- this thing sounds phenomenally high-end and pairs well with other pedals too! If you don't want or need a super complex phaser that costs a ton and takes up a lot of pedalboard real estate, then I strongly recommend this one! Super huge thanks to Sweetwater and my sales engineer, Justin Wofford for helping navigate to this pedal and making the purchase easy and smooth!

I've been using the venerable Phase 90 for decades; it has been a staple of my sound. When it came time to get a new one I chose this version of the classic pedal. This little gem has, essentially, four different phases with traditional adjustments. Script and standard versions of the 90 and 100 are included in this mini, making it far more versatile than any of the previous MXR phase offerings. Do not hesitate to purchase this product.

I've waited far too long to add phaser to my board, as it is as useful on quiet picking as it sounds before distortion. No wonder it held its own throughout the 70s! And speaking of that, this pedal literally puts two of those greats (the Phase 90 and the Script) in one pedal. I've found I use the Script side most often, but this pedal gives you an entire range to work with. The sounds live on the less whacky side of the tracks as compared the EHX legend. Nothing wrong there, just that this is more meat and potatoes classic phaser. The build is great, and while there's no easy way to bend over and press the tiny buttons, I think kicking this in during a song is a smooth affair. A great deal for an incredibly important effect in a guitarists arsenal. Pros: two classic pedals in one. Cons: I do worry a little about those tiny buttons failing ahead, but that's another review!

I find that the MXR Phasers are the most versatile modulation pedals (outside of multi-effects units). The sound of the Phase 90 can be used for almost any application of modulation...it just works! This pedal in one enclosure includes both block and script versions of the iconic Phase 90 sound, and goes a step further and includes the more subtle Phase 45 circuit in both forms as well. No other phaser compares, and in my opinion, the only other modulations that compete are the Strymon Deco and Leslie cabinets and their simulations. This is a must-have!

Was trying to decide what phaser to get and I was pretty set on a regular block logo phase 90. Saw this and decide to buy it instead. It has every sound you could want from classic mxr phasers. I'm glad I got this one, being able to have more options when creating my tone is very nice

I have tried many phasers. This suits my palate perfectly. Having the choice of 2 phasers plus the option to limit the feedback, in a small package, at that price. - nothing left to desire. How nice is that?

After having a few phaser type pedals in the past, I was totally blown away by the variety of tones 1 knob, 2 buttons and a footswitch could create. Incredibly versatile. I'm impressed.

I love the MXR "Mini Phase 95" pedal! I was skeptical about the new "mini pedals," but this one sounds just as good as my full-size MXRs. If you're after the Van Halen-style phasing the Phase 95 nails it with "Script Phase 90" mode, and sounds equally good for subtle sounds with the always-nice "Phase 45" settings.

The 45/90 settings sound very close to my 70s pedals, and the "script/block" switch does a good job of the vintage/modern voicing. The combinations of those switches give a wide variety of sounds from this very small pedal: you're getting the sounds of a new or vintage Phase 90 and Phase 45, all in one tiny package! (Interesting note: The Phase 95 is half the size, less expensive, yet much more versatile than MXR's EVH Phase 90, due to the Phase 95's two very-useful "Phase 45" settings that are not included in the EVH pedal.)

I also discovered a helpful trick to maximize this pedal's performance: My full-size MXR Phase 90 has a rubber cover on the "speed" knob, for easy foot control. I turned a spare MXR knob-cover upside-down and ta da, the hole fit perfectly over the mini "speed" knob of the Phase 95. I've used the pedal this way for several weeks now with good results.

The MXR Phase 95 gives excellent performance and many sound options, and it's tiny and simple to use. As a long-time fan of MXR's effects I am very happy with this pedal, great quality and price! Thanks to Jake Tillman and Sweetwater for more good gear!

Love the different settings you can choose and being small made it possible to fit it on a small pedal board that was full already!! LOVE IT; Bob Trice

This is my 5th phase pedal (MXR45, MXR90, EH Small Stone, Source Audio Lunar) and my first from Sweetwater. The Phase 95 is my favorite ever as I love the vintage lushness. The emulation of the 45 and 90 are true. It does not lose volume when engaged (downfall of the Source Audio). Phase is the only 'time' effect on my board and I use it a lot for lead & rhythm for Waylon type stuff. I prefer the 90 option with script engaged. Glad to say I finally have the pedal I've been hearing in my head.

After 25 years of use, my old block logo phase 90 had an issue with the switch.
I gave it to a friend to mod out and keep.

I reviewed every phaser between 70-200 bucks. If you like the MXR sound, nothing else will do... I checked.

This adds so many more tones to my board. Being able to switch from script to block and 90 to 45 is so cool! Old Floyd and Hendrix tones are now accessible with this pedal. The LEDs make it easy to tell what mode you're in. Even in the dark on a crowded board.

I would definitely buy this again.

This is a great unit if the 'phase thing' is what you are after. We bought 3 unites to use in the boss pedalboard outfit. The boss power supply is working as there is no 9 volt battery option. This unit is replacing the boss chores units and is a good option for sound improvement. I still like my boss chorus units but these are also a good addition to your sound options. It does use less room than the standard units. So buy now before they go up in price-pluse you get two units in one pedal! The phase 45 and the phase 90. I use with a fender tele and fender Princeton with the Jensen speaker

Been playing guitar a lot of years and had many pedals... several of these versions of phasers have come and gone, and I can say without hesitation this one is superb. It's like a greatest hits of MXR all in one small package. Love it!

Title says it all ...just perfect phaser sounds . Really two different classic MXR phasers with 2 levels of intensity. Very, very useful. I love the script 45 and the modern 90 the best. Exactly the sounds I wanted… Score. Buy it.

Great little pedal for any board. Phase 90 and 45 in one mini unit with script and modern setting gives me a nice range of sounds. Definitely the right choice for me.

I had a phase 45 many years ago(it broke).
Then had the evh phase 90 for many years.
This little phase 95 does both, saves space, and light weight.
I really missed the 2 stage phasing of the 45.
The 45 at slow speed for guitar leads is sweet.
I'm very happy with my purchase.

Totally amazing wonderful sound for a small price.

Really good

Sounds fabulous Running it through the FX loop on My Vox AC 30. I highly recommend using for that classic 70s tone

A phase pedal was the first effect I was ever able to fool around with in-person, but I never owned one or really thought about using or needing one until a recent project called for those sounds, so of course I reached for the MXR classic. When, after a brief search I discovered I could get
The 90 AND the 45 - in a mini to boot? No reason not do it.
Fantastic sounds. Perfect. Sturdy. Economical.

This pedal is sounds amazing I love that it has different settings.I had one a long time ago but this one is much better.it fits
on my pedal board and has a setting for anything I play I love the script setting it's got that slight phase sound and the new setting is a little more agressive I'm going to be using it a lot and as usual it was delivered on time this is what I like about Sweetwater!!!!

It’s hard to beat this pedal. I bought one as a way to downsize from my Phase 90. Truthfully, I wish I had started with the 95 in the first place!

This pedal is very flexible and essentially offers 4 different phasers in one pedal. I personally use it in the regular Phase 90 mode the most and would say it’s about 98% of the way there when compared to its plus sized brother. The model and script buttons along with the single knob offer plenty of flavors to satisfy almost any player’s need.

This is a great phaser. I had an old school Phase 100 that I used on bass guitar that I loved but I hated the size of the old Phase 100 because it was huge.
This phaser is great because you can use it on bass or guitar and it has 4 different phaser sounds in a mini pedal size. I am sorry to the other phaser makers but there isn’t anything that sounds as good as MXR. Party On Garth !!!!!

I used this pedal for the first time @ a gig last night, good thing I did someone requested Waylon

Works great before or after drive. It can be subtle or In your face without sounding corny. Great sounds and a great value.

One for guitar, one for bass. There are other phasers with more knobs that cost much more. But they don"t have THE sound. There is something special and simple about this pedal. The tone. The perfect volume in relation to bypass. One knob to take you from Van Halen to Pink Floyd and anywhere in between.

I used to have an MXR Phase 90 years ago (in my teens) but had to sell it because I needed the money. I told myself that I would eventually get one again someday. Well, I didn't. I got the Phase 95 instead and have no regrets because it does what a Phase 90 does as well as what a Phase 45 does. It's like having two pedals in one. That helps give you more options with your sound.

The only downside I can see is that you don't have the option of using battery power because it is a mini pedal. But, to be perfectly honest, I always use AC power anyway. I have a pedalboard with a power supply that powers multiple pedals. Who needs batteries?

This pedal works well with distortion as well as without. It's great for lead solos. There are a few modulation pedals every guitar player should have and a phase pedal is one. This unit is solid and should last years. I hope I never have to sell this one. I've been having a lot of fun with it.

I love this pedal on the 45 side for Vibe and faux Leslie tones. Very nice! As for the 90? What else can I share that hasn"t already been said? Great pedal!

Even after watching several demo videos, I still couldn't get over how "tiny" the MXR Phase 95 Mini really was - about the size of a candy bar. The last time I owned a phaser pedal (maybe 20 years ago), it was one of those weird sounds I used for five minutes, put away, and never used again.
The phaser, I now realize, is a useful sound to have on board - at low settings, it adds a magical depth to single notes and chords, clean or distorted. At slow, higher-definition settings, it gives a song a sultry moodiness (different, but in a similar way that a tremolo pedal does). Turn the Rate knob full on and you've suddenly playing guitar underwater.
MXR's Mini is "great" because it's so small. It's quiet, too. And, you're getting a 45, a 90 and a Script Phaser in one pedal. Simple to operate. Distinct sounds. Hard to beat. This is my forth MXR pedal - they hold up well.
It's a pedal you might not think you need, but once you have it, you'll use it, for sure.

I love the 1970's, it was the decade I was born, so when I started playing bass, my hippie brother-in-law hooked me up with his Boss PH1R, and man what a groovy sound. Since I have tried various bass processors, didn't like them, tried the TC Electronic Helix, not bad, Boss PH3, still no. On a whim I bought a MXR Variphase, and dug it...it had the sounds and most of the tone I longed for, but the size and weight made it a pain. This year I started over for my effects. I purchased a Bassbone OD (perfection), a TC Sub N Up, fantastic, a Tone City Tiny Spring, (perfect for bowing) and now the Phase 95, I am in a state of bliss. The P95 does so very much...gets the warm sounds I had known with the PH1R, the flexibility of the helix, and really can't find ONE thing to complain about...even comes with a power cable. Thank you so much for this amazing little guy!

I sat down yesterday at a shop and grabbed 4 phase 90s (some new some used) and a Script Phase 90, A"s well as the Phase 95. The Phase 95 is just better. The Phase 90s all seemed to distort and the Script reissue was noisy with the pedal on (and no LED). The Phase 95 sounded superb, lush, and very quiet. And comes with a AC adapeter, which I needed anyway!

Lots of versatility, fits nicely in my pedal board. Definitely worth the (very fair) price!

I sold a very expensive vibe clone and replaced it with the Phase 95. The flexibility offered by this small pedal is unmatched at this price point. If you want chewy Phase 90 tones or vibe-like Phase 45 sounds it"s all there in one small easy to use package. I don"t miss my expensive vibe clone at all, and the Phase 95 has served me well for weekly live playing. I use the Phase 45 setting the most to simulate a vibe/rotary speaker sound. So far this pedal has been very reliable and the tone is spot-on. I highly recommend this for anyone who is looking for a versatile pedal that can cover both phaser and vibe style sounds.

i bought my first mxr effx back around 1980...built like a tank and as heavy as one.

this is the second mxr mini pedal bought recently[the other the mini dyna comp--also killer] from sweetwater and its nothing less than majestic.

extremely musical and reminds me of the nuances of mahavishnu john's guitar from the '70s. still hard to get over the tiny-ness of it. when A/B-ing with my roland boss phaser-2 with the resonance control from 1980--straight phasing almost identical...but with phase 95--the script control removes negative feedback lending to a kinder-gentler effect--which i love. 5 stars on its wee size and maxi versatility.

Fantastic phaser! It sounds better than my phase 45 and the phase 90 sounds great as well. The script button is subtle but effective. It's now sitting on my pedal board!

Didn't think I would have a phaser but gave it a shot! And i love it! Super easy to use, love the size and love it hooks up to my power supply!!

I just joined a country band and knew I needed this effect on my board. I love the sound and size of this unit. Really great quality and as always great service from Sweetwater!!

Clearly one of the best pedals that MXR makes! It's actually two pedals I one with a huge range of sound possibilities. AND in a small package! This will become one of your favorite go-to pedals I promise! buy it!

This thing delivers. I bought this primarily for use on country/americana songs a la Waylon Jennings, but the possibilities and ranges beyond that are enormous. Man does it sound good.

First I'd like to thank Ed Needler at Sweetwater for always taking care of me with my purchases. Now, onto the MXR Phase 95. I grew up playing guitar in the 80's and there were lots of studio guitarists using phasers on records I was listening to back then. My first phaser was the MXR Phase 100. The thing is amazing but had one problem. It's quite large for a guy wanting to keep things on a smaller scale as far as pedalboards go. The Phase 95 does everything I need it to and fits nicely on my Pedaltrain Mini. If you need a Phaser and are looking for a small footprint I'd definitely choose the Phase 95! I'm loving mine!

Hard to believe they can pack this much versatility into such a small package, but they have! Several options to suit all your phase shifting needs. Thrilled with this little pedal!

So many options in such a small pedal. Love all the different sounds and amazed they can get it all in this small pedal.

Not much needs to be said regarding Script v Block/ 45(2 stage) v 90(4 stage). In reguards to the size though, just don't be fooled. The sound of each setting is awesome! And the fact that you get 4 accurately voiced classic pedals in one tiny enclosure for under $ is simply amazing! If you dig on phasing then this is all you need! Way to go MXR!! Great idea getting into the mini pedal realm, and way to not just settle for the traditional. making these unique by adding extra features is totally brilliant! I have the mini Dyna Comp ordered now, cannot wait! Thank you for just killing it! Let's get a mini Blue Box going with some special features stat! And thanks to Joe at Sweetwater for being an awesome guy!

Get 4 MXR Phase pedals for the cost of one! This small pedal gives you the classic sounds of the Phase 45, script Phase 45, Phase 90 and script Phase 90. If you are a fan of the classic phase sound of these MXR effects, then this is the pedal to own. This pedal allows you to dial in a very subtle phase (script 45) to an all out ray gun sounds (90 with fast speed, no script) and every sound in between. Very versatile and it takes up hardly any space. There is no room for a battery, this may concern some folks, but is not an issue to me. Mine came with a 9V DC adapter included within the phase 95 box (i.e. not an external add on). I've seen some documentation that states that it does not come with a power supply. This is a point of confusion. As the actual Phase 95 box is large enough to hold the pedal and the power supply, I would guess all Phase 95 pedals come with the power supply. Great pedal!

Great range of tones. Combined with a fuzz you get that swooshing, roll your eyes back in your head feeling. Only slight drawback is the unit itself can be a little wobbly when mounted to a pedalboard - its taller than it is wide so you have to stomp directly down on the button to activate/deactivate. Jesse Hauser is my Sweetwater rep - terrific customer service!

Useful addition to my down-sized, "go-anywhere" pedal board. Gets that 70's SoCal country-rock sound - think Poco (e.g., Heart of the Night) or anything with Pete Kleinow in the mix. Very musical, nice price point, solid build.

Just having the script option was enough for me. but having the 45/90 split is another great feature.
The foot switch is solid and quiet.
All in all this is great for everything I play. It's probably not a perfect recreation of each type of pedal but its very close and worth the purchase.

Performs exactly as advertised. I dig the sound and the compact footprint. I bought this primarily for the VH1, script logo sound but there's flexibility well beyond that one setting. Very good pedal.

Iconic, essential, classic vibe...Actually,it's two pedals inside one tiny housing, a bargain and well worth the $$. There's a reason the MXR Phase pedal is still around all these decades later; it can't be replicated.
Add it to your pedalboard now.

I agree with everyone else, great sounds, adjust-ability, and the size is really nice. The only problem I have, and I am using this with bass, is that I get a noticeable drop in volume when it is engaged. This isn't too big of a deal, but it is slightly annoying...my work around is using my Bassbone OD and switching to a slightly louder channel before engaging the phase 95. Again, it may just be mine...wish they had placed a volume adjustment inside.

This phaser is awesome for its size. The only complaint I have is that the LED lights are very bright and they stay on even when the pedal is off. It is a little annoying but not a big deal. It could also be a little easier to switch to 45 to 90. But the pedal works and sounds great! I have a hard time not using it. I always want it on!!!

I really am happy with the changeable phase 45/90 with the script option in the mini pedal version. The space saving mini is perfect for the space on my board and the led and options are great.

The Phase 95 is a great phaser. You get vintage MXR phaser tones in an incredibly small package. I really like having the option to select between the 90 and 45 sounds, as well as the script function. I often prefer to add just a little to the tone of my guitar. With this pedal sent to 45 script, the phase effect is subtle and similar to a tremolo effect. With 45 block, 90 script and 90 block options, the Phase 95 offers 3 more "levels" of phase effect, which to me is better buying just one of these sounds in a larger MXR pedal box. I did notice a slight increase in volume when I turn this pedal from off to on, which is likely to compensate for the lower sound on the "downward" part of the phase. But this is minor and not a problem to me. It also surprisingly came with and MXR power supply! ...this pedal is well worth it, and the small size makes it easy to squeeze in any pedal board. This is my third MXR/Dunlop pedal (I also own the MXR M234 Analog Chorus and the Dunlop EP 103 Echoplex), and they are all solidly build and offer incredible sound sculpting for any tone fanatic.

I wish it was full size. Other that that it"s an amazing pedal and everything I hoped it would be.

We have two iconic phaser in one small peace.

I have had this pedal for a little over a week. I am just getting acquainted with the various sound levels it will produce. It has a very nice range.

I bought the MXR M290 Mini Phase 95 Pedal to replace a very worn 1970's era EHX Small Stone Shifter that has seen better days. I don't use phasers much but wanted to keep one on my pedal board for those times when you may want to add a bit of "swoosh" to a song. The MXR M290 does that and a bit more. Its easy to use. Only one main knob that controls the swoosh speed and a couple of push buttons that select between the two selectable MXR phasers inside (the MXR 45 and the classic 90) and a "Script" button that enhances the range of swooshes you can select from. No other bells and whistles. It does what it says it can do. Simple and straight forward. And, I gained a bit of real estate on my board for another yet-to-be determined device. It's hard not to like this pedal.

This little pedal gives a good phaser sound in each of the 4 channels, and I have not moved the output past 1. Very Classic sound, I can hear Jimmy Pageand EVH playing. I took off 1 star because I may have to unplug the adapter often, so the Led's don't burn out. The one is always on, which I don't think is good. And im not sure how long the pedal can last overall if your a Gigging person. Im at home and press lightly so will be ok for a while. But as far as sound goes, its very good

Its the real deal only in mini form. As usual sweetwater prompt shipping had it in 24 hrs. Just amazing dealing with Sweetwater.

I’ve not had this long, but I’m really starting to love it. While it lacks an effect level adjustment, the push button settings allow you to select from essentially 4 modes, each varying in intensity. All very nice, all very usable. Provides a sweet sonic wave to ride when coupled with a nice fat fuzz.
The only con on this pedal for me is the super bright blue LED (a minor annoyance).
As others have stated, received mine with a power supply in the box.
As always, big up to Joe Schafer for the help!

This is an extremely small pedal... measuring a mere inch and a half across. . . I am designing my new pedal board and trying to maximize space. I can literally drop five of these units in the footprint of my Fulltone Deja Vibe. It is truly the first micro pedal I have ever seen, played, or owned and I am quite impressed.

The pedal is quiet, LED packed, and sounds really good.

The listing mentions that the 9V adapter is sold separately, however my Mini Phase 95 came packaged from MXR complete with adapter.

Anyone looking to save some real estate on their pedal board would be very well served.

I like the phase 90 blue mode better than the actual phase 90 block logo itself. The boost function is not quite as intense which allows the effect to stand out and function more for more tonal and psychedelic effects. The red mode is a good but doesn't stand up to my phase 45 script logo, but that has hand matched FETs also so go figure on that one, ( self explanatory). I love it! I think MXR has bypassed my Boss PH-3 by getting the effect without the air swoosh sound. Joe Perry likes Pigtronix better than MXR, but this focuses more on the phase effect than I feel my EP-2 Phaser does. I still like my Boss PH-3 and my Pigtronix EP-2 for other things that maybe the MXR may not be able to do, which is very little. I'm a crash test dummy with pedals, but I've found MXR to be able to do what needs to be done without boutique price ranges, and even better. Wish I had of known this before I spent all that money. You gotta know though, great adventure! I've did some comparisons with my MXR M134, M234, Boss CH-1,CE-5,DC-2W,CE-2W which is another story. Yeah the Phase 95 is a pretty good pedal. I can't say it's my favorite, because I still have to buy the EVH Phase 90 and the Phase 100. I think the Phase 90 Block logo sucks because the boost is too loud, yeah good pedal the 95 is. Phase 95 blue is what to me the Phase 90 block logo should have been. I have all the MXR Phasers except for the 100,99,and EVH.

I returned the Phase 95. Not because it doesn't sound like a decent phaser--it does--it just doesn't sound like my old MXR block 90 they recently died after several decades of use. It sounds similar, but clearly does not sound the same--and I've tried all kinds of settings for a couple weeks in live settings not just at home. I loved the various options, but it's not useful to me without "that sound" the 90 provided. Those who have not used (an older?) block 90 likely will love it, but those who have used the 90 will notice something is missing. It's hard to qualify, but it's lacking something the 90 has that makes the 90 stand out and sound better with bass.

Is is a nice phaser? Yes? Good value for the money for those who want to play not adjust knobs all the time. Is is a good replacement for someone looking for the 90 sound? No it's not, unless close is good enough. I've used a 90 for decades and know what they sound like, and unfortunately the 95 is close, but that's all. As much as I wanted it to work, it simply can't do that sound I'm so used to hearing.

I find the effect is too heavy in all control configurations.