MXR Micro Flanger Review

Flanging is an audio effect that originally was only achievable in the recording studio via manipulating the speed of the tape you were recording to. MXR's Micro flanger is a much simpler way to get that effect.

It's built in the same cast metal boxes as like their Carbon copy delay and Phase 90 pedals, which means it's not going to take up alot of space on your pedal board. The only controls are rate and depth knobs, which keeps things very simple. The on/off footswitch is true bypass, so there's no degradation of tone while it's not in use, and as usual, red LED light indicates when it's on. A 9v Power adapter jack is mounted on the side, which uses the same center negative pin found on most pedals. It will run on a regular 9v Battery, but to access the battery compartment you'll have to use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the bottom of the pedal.

While it only has rate and depth controls, it certainly doesn't lack any sound. Flanging is one of those effects that certainly changes your sound, and even with low settings. I personally find it easier to dial in a good sound with fewer knobs. There are flangers out there with more controls, but I find that they sometimes don't do as much on certain settings, and at times can clutter up the actual sound you're looking to dial in. It can easily go from a semi mild modulation, to easily getting into that underwater/ufo bubbling effect. It was Super easy to dial in those Van Halen flanges like "unchained", Heart's "barracuda" and "the Spirit of Radio" by Rush. While it can get those classic sounds, one thing it doesn’t have is alot of noise or hiss like some of those older, sought after vintage flangers.

The street price is around $85 which is also a great plus, I've seen flangers that don't sound as good run well into the $100 range easily.

I know it's a cliché to say it has a small size, and big sound, but in this case it's you'll find that it's true. I found it easy to work with, no extra noise, and didn't clutter up my sound. This one will be on my pedal board for the foreseeable future.

Pros: Compact size, big sound, great price

Cons: Some players may desire more controls, pain to get battery out.

http://www.jimdunlop.com/product/m152-micro-flanger