The Definitive Sound of 1980s Arena Rock in a Smokin’ Preamp Pedal
Rewinding to 1982, E.T. ruled the box office, and Michael Jackson's Thriller ascended to the top of the pop charts. Meanwhile, Tom Scholz of Boston fame designed and debuted the Rockman X100, a headphone amplifier with built-in effects and studio-magic capabilities that would go on to define the guitar-driven, chorus-laden sound of 1980s arena rock. Scholz, an MIT-schooled engineer, had spent countless hours experimenting with guitars, amplifiers, and effects, which resulted in "The Boston Tone" and, ultimately, his line of Rockman gear. Fast-forward to 2025, MXR has harnessed the same vitality, technology, and mystical sonic power of the original Rockman X100 in a new, compact, and dynamic stompbox preamp pedal. The Rockman X100 pedal features four distinct preset modes — two clean and two dirty — that, with the help of a complicated compression circuit, capture the same shimmering cleans and distorted depths of the original presets. To further tailor your levels and complement the dynamics of the preset modes, the Rockman X100 includes Volume and Input Gain sliders that allow you to directly control how your incoming signal interacts with both the preamp and your amplifier, ensuring a precisely dialed-in tone. Lastly, the Rockman X100 comes equipped with the same MN3007 bucket brigade chip found in the classic model. Indeed, Sweetwater guitarists have discovered a sea of sprawling, shimmering chorus, all available with the simple push of a button. The original Rockman X100 helped shape a guitar tone that inspired players throughout the '80s and beyond; the redefined Rockman X100 from MXR is poised to carry that flag forward and continue to inspire generations of guitar players for decades to come.
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A faithful re-creation of the original compression circuit
In honoring the tradition of the original, MXR’s Rockman X100 is built around a complex compression circuit tasked with keeping the signal clear, whether the mode is clean or dirty. Directly tied to the Input Gain, the circuit is tuned for a slow release when a clean mode is activated and a fast release on dirty modes. The result is a concentrated force of sound that cuts through both live and studio mixes.
From crystalline cleans to devilish distortion
Four meticulously crafted preset modes form the foundation of the Rockman X100. Of the two clean modes, CLN2 provides players with a crystal-clear tone ideal for arpeggiated chords, while CLN1 serves a mid-focused EQ curve for a tighter, more punchy sound. When switched to Edge mode, players can expect a crunchier tone that cleans up nicely at lower guitar volumes and is highly sensitive to Gain adjustments due to the moderate clipping from the compressor. When Distortion mode is activated, prepare yourself for high-energy overdrive and sustain capable of fueling commanding power chords and soaring leads.
Still looking for more?
"What more can this pedal do?" Well, the MXR Rockman X100 has a slew of additional features designed for advanced-level setups. For instance, you can connect an off-board switch, such as the MXR TRS Split + Tap, for foot control of the Mode selector or even send the signal of your selected mode to L/R channels. Here, you can vary the chorus levels of each side for an even more dynamic, stereo-driven sound.
MXR Rockman X100 Features:
- Pedal-sized revival of Tom Scholz’s 1982 Rockman X100, the secret studio weapon that defined the textured guitar tone of '80s arena rock
- 2 clean and 2 dirty tone presets, identical to the original headphone amp
- Dedicated volume and input gain sliders provide hands-on tonal control
- A complex compression circuit provides dynamic and intuitive release
- Lush, expansive chorus modulation courtesy of an original bucket brigade chip
- Multiple advanced features, including off-board switching and stereo mode
