So I Bought an MXR Micro Amp

**Brett** · 06.23.07, 08:35 PM

In my band, there's two guitars, so when I solo lots of times obviously it's hard to get on top of everyone. So what I have been doing for years is turning the clean channel on my 5150 up, and using an old Boss distortion pedal cranked up to give me some sort of boost. But that pedal colors the sound, it basically blows as a tone too. It works well enough, but it's a pain trying to hit two pedals at once every time I need to do a lead. So I've read and heard the MXR Micro Amp is good for boosting volume up a little and I won't have to switch over to that clean channel, I can stay on the dirty one. And it doesn't color your tone either.

I know some of you have these, Andrew I know does. Give me your comments on it, and how well you think it's going to work for what I need it for. I ordered it today so I don't have it yet. Just kind of curious on some opinions on this pedal.

Gracias.

AT · 06.23.07, 09:06 PM

I don't have much of a opinion on it. I put it at the end of my effects chain and kept it on all the time as a boost (since there were 11 things in the chain and I lost some signal). I'm about to scale down my pedal board, though, and was thinking of simply using it as a selective lead boost from now on. It worked great in the capacity that I was using it for, and it most definitely did bring back some kick to the overall tone. (In general I just love MXR stuff!) I'd considered one of those really costly Z-Vex pedals before getting it, but those really are more of a tone all of their own and would almost be underused as just a boost.

I think it'll work great for what you're going to use it for, Brett. It'll be way easier, too; you probably won't miss at all that whole two-pedals-Boss thing you had going before.

**Majestic** · 06.23.07, 10:36 PM

I don't see why or how it *wouldn't* do exactly what you're looking for.

I once put a chilled Snickers bar between my guitar & amp, but found that the nougat.....that's right......the NOUGAT was coloring the tone, and giving me softer results than what I wanted.

.......but seriously......the Micro Amp should be exactly what you're asking for!

**Wolfgang Bob** · 06.24.07, 04:02 AM

I bought one last year for same thing, a boost without coloring your tone. I tried every overdrive pedal out there and didn't get what was looking for. They all turned my tone into shit. I use it just what you want it for, a boost for leads! and believe me, you'll hear a big difference. (if you don't leave it one all the time)

**Brett** · 06.24.07, 09:18 AM

Thanks guys. I've heard most people say it should be in the effects loop to really work the right way for a boost, is that true?

AT · 06.24.07, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by Brett

Thanks guys. I've heard most people say it should be in the effects loop to really work the right way for a boost, is that true?

From my experience, yes. Putting it into the main input would otherwise be like playing with hotter pickups, and that would just push the compression of a high gain amp like the 5150 even harder.

**Wolfgang Bob** · 06.24.07, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by AndrewThomas.net

From my experience, yes. Putting it into the main input would otherwise be like playing with hotter pickups, and that would just push the compression of a high gain amp like the 5150 even harder.

Iv'e heard that too for tube amps, but mine's in front of a solid-state (I know,I know) and works fine........(AT, check your PM)

**scs5150** · 06.24.07, 01:47 PM

I've had mine for 2 years now and I love it. It will work perfectly for your "lead Boosts" I have a 5150 combo and just a couple of effects and there are virtually no changes in tone when it gets kicked on. Good luck!

**Rebel67** · 06.24.07, 11:15 PM

Just to add a thought. I found that the best volume boost without coloring the tone is with the BOSS EQ Pedal. I tried several "boost gadgets" but nothing compared to the pure HUGE volume boost the BOSS pedal gave me. I just set the EQ at center zero all the way across, so as not to chenge the tone signal coming in, then jacked the volume and almost fell out of my chair from the boost. Really nice pedal. Perfect for solo boost then off again. Good Luck.

**guitar08man** · 06.25.07, 07:33 AM

Originally Posted by Rebel67

Just to add a thought. I found that the best volume boost without coloring the tone is with the BOSS EQ Pedal. I tried several "boost gadgets" but nothing compared to the pure HUGE volume boost the BOSS pedal gave me. I just set the EQ at center zero all the way across, so as not to chenge the tone signal coming in, then jacked the volume and almost fell out of my chair from the boost. Really nice pedal. Perfect for solo boost then off again. Good Luck.

i do the same thing. Put one of those suckers in the effects loop and youve got an incredible boost in volume. You can also boost your mids a little as well to cut through the mix.