MXR Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor (MX100), in stock
The original Rockman X100 was the headphone amp Tom Scholz designed through Scholz Research & Development, and its bright, compressed cleans and glossy chorus defined the sound of Boston and a lot of 80s rock records. MXR built this pedalboard version with engineer Bob Cedro, a veteran MXR designer who worked at SR&D, using an all-analog circuit.
Four classic presets. The Mode button steps through two clean voices and two dirty voices: CLN2 (the default) for crystal-clear cleans and long sustain, CLN1 for a tighter, punchier mid-focused clean, Edge for input-sensitive crunch that cleans up with your volume knob, and Distortion for high-energy lead sustain.
Compression and real bucket-brigade chorus. The compression circuit is tuned with a slow release on the clean modes and a fast release on the dirty ones, which is a big part of the Rockman sound. The Chorus button adds wide modulation from an MN3007 bucket-brigade chip, like the original.
Mono or stereo, studio or stage. In stereo the chorus varies between the left and right outputs. It is great for direct recording and layered rhythm parts, and you can add an external footswitch (such as the MXR TRS Split + Tap) for hands-free mode changes.
Key Features:
- All-analog recreation of the original Rockman X100 headphone amp
- Four presets: CLN1, CLN2, Edge, Distortion
- Compression with slow release on clean modes and fast release on dirty modes
- MN3007 bucket-brigade chorus
- Mono or stereo operation, with optional external mode switching
- Input Gain and Volume sliders
- Runs on 9V DC (Dunlop ECB003 adapter or an MXR Brick power supply)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the MXR Rockman X100?
A: An all-analog recreation of Tom Scholz's original Rockman X100 headphone amp in a compact MXR pedal.
Q: Will it get me the Boston guitar tone?
A: It recreates the Rockman circuit Tom Scholz designed and used, including the compression and MN3007 chorus that are central to that sound. Start with CLN2 and the chorus on for the classic clean, or Distortion for the lead sound.
Q: What presets does it include?
A: Four modes: CLN1, CLN2, Edge and Distortion, two clean and two dirty voices.
Q: Is it good for direct recording?
A: Yes. Rockman tones are known for direct recording and layered rhythm tracks.
Q: Can it run in stereo?
A: Yes. It runs in mono or stereo, and in stereo the chorus varies between the two sides.
