MXR EVH Phase 90

Simple to use, just plug in and with a 9V or adapter you can start using this pedal. It comes with a manual that gives sample settings for the early EVH sound, its very short and to the point. What makes this pedal even simpler thus easier to use is the one knob to adjust the rate of the phase shift.

Ok I'm doing this review just for the sake of giving my opinion on this pedal, given that I already returned it like 3 weeks ago. What I use with this pedal is my typical setup MIM Strat with Seymour Duncan PU's (SSL 1 vintage 50's single coils, with a slightly hotter bridge pu) into a Crybaby 535Q (with the 16db boost ON) into a PRoCo vintage reissue RAt into a reissue MXR phase 90 into a Ibanez DE7 delay into either a Marshall micro amp (1/2 watt?) or a Fender Blues Jr.
From what I remember doing my comparison between the EVH and the reissue MXr Phase 90 are a couple of factors:

1) the EVH phase 90 was in both settings (ie. Script and modern) compared to the reissue Phase 90 more mellow, and not as in your face
2) the EVH phase sounded like it tightened up the distortion coming from the RAT a considerable bit making it sound a bit more compressed, whereas the P90 lets the distortion come out a bit more. This might be due simply to the fact that the gain in this unit is more close to unity (meaing not adding extra volume) compare to the P90.
3) In both the script and modern modes playing with the Rat (keep in mind with a 16 db boost behind it coming from the 535 Q wah, the EVH phasing is not as in your face, keep in mind that it sounds alot like Eddies (of EVH) script MXR phase 90 though, in that it has a sort of chewy character to its phase sweep (hard to describe more technically). Put it another way, it sounds more mellow but has this vocal quality when playing lead lines. Listen to one of his old songs 'Big Trouble' during the solo section, the EVH sounds close along those lines even with my not so Plexi setup.
4) Now for clean setting comparison: the EVH I thought didnt do it for me compared to the reissue p90. Here, the EVH sounds very nice just like the p90 reissue (given that you removed the r28) but I found it to have a different character than my P90. This is where i started to see the differences (when playing clean). The vocal quality of the EVH makes it sound like the stuff that you hear on his records which is what the pedal is meant for, but it was that same vocal quality that made me keep my P90 and return the EVH. I tried playing Hendrix at Woodstock type univibe settings on both pedals (dialed around 12 or 1 o'clock) and thought to myself that the reissue P90 can get these funny univibe type sounds, I didn't think the EVH sounded AS good for the univibe type stuff, it was simply more 'chewy' sounding (more vocal type sweep if you will).
So All in All, I think the EVH phase is perfect if you want to get somewhere close to the lines of his early sounds, of course everyone has different setups but it'll get you nice and close to that sound. As for the noise of the unit, I don't even play anywhere close to live levels (just play in the apt.) so noise was not an issue at all. I've never tried an vintage MXR script pedal from the mid 70's so cant say if this pedal fairly/exactly recreates that sound.

Havent kept it long enough, had it for like 3-4 days doing listening tests between the EVH and the reissue Phase 90. It was just as solid as the reissue P90, but had a nice paint job, doesnt chip like the typical MXR phase 90's orange peel.

Nope, never had to deal with them, only with Guitar Center when I returned it.

Keeping in mind that I started out learning Hendrix stuff, that went well with my Fender Blues Jr amp. But the Van Halen stuff that I got into within this last year is in the realm of Marshall type power tube overdrive and 8.5 K humbucking bridge pu's (like the Seymour Duncan custom shop EVH PU), so my setup are single coils and through the 16db boost and the RAT pedal it sounds alot different that the sound that EVH was getting early in his days. Although that is my case, and my setup, when using it with the EVH phase pedal it gets close to those early VH 1 sounds because my signals' being put through the phase shift which compresses and normalizes the tone a bit. So even though I dont have that VH1 type sound to begin with I think that most ppl out there with some kind of overdrive pedal as a boost into a decent tube amp(even solid state, I use my marshall mini) can like what they hear from the EVH phase 90. I just personally thought that it didnt get enough univiby for my tastes. That being said, overall this pedal gets a 9 for what it's designed for getting close to that script phase sound of the MXR in the 70's. My bit of advice is to try getting the pedals you want to compare at the same time and then do your listening tests, and return the other. My reissue is just fine, although i did remove r28, c11, and c12, making it more to my liking without the wierd midrange boost sounds.

The knob determines the phase rate. The "script" switch allows you to change from a "regular" phase 90 sound (although it sounds better) to the "script" mode which is supposed to recreate the sound of the original phase 90's from the 70's.

As of now, the EVH Phase 90 is the best sounding phaser I've used (not that I've used many: regular phase 90, R-28 modded phase 90, Boss PH-1). I use it with Peavey Wolfgangs and a Line 6 DuoVerb combo. It does add a very slight amount of noise to the signal when bypassed - not enough to worry about since most pedals do. It's not as trebly sounding as the regular Phase 90, even in the "regular" mode. On clean settings there is no noticeable noise to your sound. However, on distorted settings the pedal is fairly noisy but you won't notice if you're playing. It has a nice mild phase to it. Here's my usual setting: first, I rolled back on the internal trim pot just a tad counter-clockwise to reduce the depth of the phase. I keep it in script mode and set the knob at about 9 o'clock (exactly where the white and black stripes intersect).

Very reliable since it's bolted in my pedal board.

N/A

Overall it's a 9. I'm still waiting for the perfect phaser. I just ordered a Phase 100 to see what that sounds like. The EVH phase 90 adds great mild phasing and allows you to recreate typical rock and pop phaser sounds.

Setting up this baby is as easy as pie, no manual required...one knob, one scripting button and an on/off button....how hard could playing around with this baby be?

I have this in the effects loop of my IBANEZ 100WATT Solid State head. I have this unit setup along with a BOSS Chorus and IBANEZ and a BOSS Compression pedal. It does drop the volume a bit but I love the tone, especially with EVH setting (Script Button engaged and knob at 9 o'clock). Adds warmth to any distorted voicing. I use a BOSS Metal Zone, Boss DS1 and the distortion from the amp. WOW..!!!

I play a lot of classic rock and some blues and metal and this pedal works great. I don't want to sound like VH and think I use this pedal to bring out some interesting charateristics in my playing which defines my tone and style.

Its built like a rock and is really roadworthy. I don't think a backup is really necessary. Its definitely not wimpy in the construction department..!!1

Never had to deal with MXR customer support

I play a lot of classic rock and some blues and metal, have been playing for about 3 years now. If the pedal was stolen I would definitely replace it as its becoming an integral part of my sound. I love the fact that its simple and easy to use. It also looks really cool and I love the blue sparkle diamond LED when the pedal is engaged.

It has 1 knob and a button.....press the button in and set the dial at 3 oclock and you are ready to go.

Set is as follows EVH Wolfgang guitar > Tubescreamer ( mod by Analogman)> Mxr Evh phase 90>Boss Noise Suppresor> Boss Tremolo ( modified by analogman)> Boss Ch1 chorus> to Mesa Boogie dual rectifier . Have Boss DD20 delay pedal in the effects loop.

Here's my gripe : When used in my FX loop the MXR EVH kills my volume and is not usable. When not used in the effects loops the pedal makes a consistant and unacceptable popping sound that corresponds with the " sweep" of the pedal. The pedal sounds great but the popping sound has caused me to put my old MXR Phase 90 pedal back on my pedal board. I have not read about anyone else having this problem so I am wondering if it is a power supply issue . I have tried moving the pedal on my board with no better results.

I love the tone that this pedal offers. It is "the" sound. However, for myself I have to knock the pedal because it is unusable either via volume degradation in the fx loop or by the odd "popping" sound it makes in front of the amp.

These are built for the road, No backup.

Emailed the good people who make this pedal to see if my problem could be resolved and minimized. I never heard back from them.

I have to say again that I love the tone you get when using this pedal. It is the best phaser I have used. I would not buy another one unless I knew the incidental sounds were not going to occur.

Try this pedal out in your rig ( or similar) before you buy it. The tone will suck you in but the noises will make you toss it in your box of " where are they now" pedals that you have not plugged into for 2 years.

It's very easy to use.

Ease of editing patches? 1 knob and 1 button, so I'd say it's pretty simple! LOL

Manual is great. Tells you EXACTLY how to nail Ed's setting. (Man, that sound SMOKES by the way. evh's sound not the only tone I use, but I do have fun using an EVH style tone sometimes WITH NO APOLOGIES THANK YOU VERY MUCH! HAHA)

Setup is a breeze.

Noise is non-existent.

The effect level is changeable by the script button. Push it in and that's the sound of the old "Script logo" MXR Phase 90 (LESS intense....yes, you read that right), which was one of EVH's secret tone weapons back in the day. (Listen to the 1st album...it's all over those tracks.)

Sounds amazing clean or with distortion.

Built like a tank, just like everything else MXR makes.

No backup needed.

Never dealt with them, but they have a great reputation.

Just got it, but the only thing that irritates me is that they have to *receive* the warranty card within 14 days of purchase. Not cool guys. Change this policy so the customer has 30 days from purchase to MAIL it.

I forgot to send mine right away, and it's been 2 weeks since I bought it. So am I screwed now? Hopefully not! For this reason, I'm giving them a 5. You know, I tried to register it online IN TIME but the registration link doesn't work. Then I forgot to send it in...sue me, I have a family to care for! LOL

I play mostly rock and metal.

Been playing for 30 years.

If it were lost or stolen, I'd replace it with exactly the same thing because NOTHING sounds this good....not even close!

I love everything & hate nothing...except the warranty card nonsense.

Yeah, I've tried other phasers, but to me they all sound like crap compared to this.

It's got everything it needs. It gives you the old EVH/MXR script logo sound...BUT WITH INCREASED HEADROOM...WOOHOO! RIGHT ON MXR!

It TOTALLY helps me make music...VERY INSPIRING! Plus, the "Blinding Blue" light ROCKS! HAHA

Set your guitar to the bridge pickup, dial in some good crunch on your amp, add a good amount of reverb. Now, on the EVH 90, push in the script button, set the dial to 9 O'Clock, turn it on, and WELCOME TO VAN HALEN HEAVEN!

NOW THEN, YOU MXR GUYS, WHEN ARE YOU GONNA DO AN EVH FLANGER....YOU KNOW, THE ONE WITH THE CHIP EDDIE USED THAT'S NOT BEING MADE ANYMORE. PLEASE MAKE IT....WE'LL BUY 'EM!

I see some people here complaining about the price of the EVH 90. I think that's ridiculous! Nothing else does this tone, to get an old one, it'll set you back at least $200, and the old one has a lot less headroom to boot! THIS PRODUCT IS A GREAT VALUE FOR THE MONEY! (

I'd give it a 10, but because of the warranty silliness, I drop it to a 9.)

MXR RULES!

very simple, one speed knob and on button to change between wave forms(sinusoid ans square)

hm, good quality sound tho i can hear sum radio interfearence when using with high gain, but sounds very smooth

i would gig it, its very simple to use and it seems reliable, but not owned for very long.

never dealt with company

it does sound nice, and if you want to play van halen, it does it well, but it is quite expensive for wat it does, and as i didnt look at any other phase pedals, i suggest you do, cost money isnt an issue

It doesn't get much easier than this one.

I use it in front of a Hiwatt Custom 100 in script mode. Setup PRS Custom 22->Vox V847->OC-2->Keeley Comp->EVH Phase 90->Keeley TS-9->Analogman BD-2->Keeley DS-1 SEM->TU-2->Hiwatt.

Best phaser I've tried (I haven't used an original script 90). It will dip your mids out a bit and the bass will be a little tubby on the low end of the sweep, but that's part of the tone. 3 o'clock gives a great warm warble that sounds beautiful on single note stuff. 9 o'clock with a good distortion (and amp) will nail the Van Halen tone. It's the perfect subtle effect for soloing because it'll poke out notes on the top of the sweep just like a subtle wah effect.

One odd thing though, I hooked it up through the loop on the Hiwatt and it sounded horrible, big drop in volume and roll-off of high frequencies. I'll chalk that up to an impedance mismatch. I had a tube-buffered loop installed on my Hiwatt cause they just didn't do that in 1977 and I think there's just a mismatch there. All my other effects sound great through the loop though (Supa-Trem->ChoralFlange->DC-2->DD-5->GE-7).

It will also add some hiss when engaged, but sounds pretty good when off (not true bypass).

It's my first MXR, but it feels sturdy and I've had no problems in the 6 months I've had it.

N/A

Super easy to use - In and Out jacks, a Speed knob, Script switch, and a 9 Volt adapter jack. Power's great with my Voodoolab Pedal Power.

I use it with a Mesa Studio Pre/Simul 2:90 power amp, and about 16 pedals, including a Radial Tonebone Classic for distortion. The EVH 90 sounds very liquid and organic! Combined with delay, and it projects a very emotive quality, whether clean or distortion. The tone is very thick and rich - so far I like the "Block" setting, as it seems more aggresive, but the "Script" mode has more of a mellow phasing - but it's fantastic! In Bypass mode the pedal does NOT affect your tone at all. In all, this the BEST phase pedal out there! Forget the "vintage" Phase 90's - this pedal is the BOMB!

No opinion - so far so good. This is my first MXR purchase since the 70's. In those days I had an MXR Phase 45, and had no problems with it. This EVH 90 seems to be built well, but I'm a bit concerned that the pedal switch is soldered directly to the board.

I tried to register the Warranty "On Line", as it states in the Warranty Card, but I couldn't find a Warranty Registration page on the Jim Dunlop website.

I play mainly modern "Worship" in Christian Churches around MN. This pedal works great with modern Worship styles. I would replace it right away if lost or stolen. The Red, White and Black paint job looks great, and the Blue L.E.D. really lights up on a dark stage!

The is simply the BEST pedal phaser on the market today!!

Very easy to get a good sound out of in script mode or modern. Theres only one knob and a button if you cant figure it out I pity you. Oh theres also a trim pot inside but I aint messin with that.

Im using this pedal on a mesa boogie tremoverb combo. My chain goes like this: (Yamaha RGX 612s modded with seymour custom custom in the bridge and a couple seymour single coils> Vintage proco Rat>EVH Phase 90>VOX Distortion booster>tremoverb. With a couple delay pedals and a chorus in the loop.) This pedal gives you a great phase sound. I use it for mostly incubus and Van Halen covers it flat out rocks. It works very well clean or with distortion and doesnt have problems working with my delays or chorus. This phaser is the best sounding Ive ever used and I strongly recommend it if you can afford it.

the case is rugged but the pot has a plastic stem It could pose a problem if you go jumpin on it or throw it around. But that aint my style and I baby this thing as if its my child so it should hold up well. I would definetly gig without a backup as I cannot afford to own two of these fine pedals:(

MXR knows how to make some great stuff and Im sure theyd help a brother out if he had problems with something but I have never dealt with them personally. I might actually give them a call just to tell them how happy I am with this phaser (it changed my life)

overall this is an outstanding product. If you are lookin to get the EVH sound or the Einziger sound this pedal works great. Its the perfect phase in my eyes and I wouldnt change a thing other than get a steel pot shaft. I love the way this works with everything else in my rig. I was very skepticle when I brought it home and once I messed around with it I couldnt believe that the Hype was real and this thing delivers. I didnt bother to compare this to anything else out there, my ears have a problem with boss pedals so I didnt even bother messing with theirs even though my boy Einziger uses them. Go out and try one of these if you can find it. You will not be disappointed.

Very easy. Hey, it's one knob and two switches...

This thing sounds just great. The "bypass" does not noticably color the sound. The effect sounds in all settings are very nice. I can't compare it to an old Phase90 but it sounds certainly better than the regular new Phase90.
Sounds between Hendrix, Floyd and of course EVH are in the range of this little thing.

I probably got one with a bad switch or lose wire. It went in and out after only a week.
It looks sturdy otherwise and I am sure that my new one will live a long time.

Haven't dealt with them.

If you want a good phaser sound, get this one. It sounds way better than the phaser pedal simulation in my expensive effects processor that I otherwise prefer over pedals. But certain things will only work analog. The open, airy phasing of this unit is among those.