M101 Phase 90
MXR Phase-90 Phaser. This is the one-knob phaser that has, for all practical purposes, dominated all other phasers that have come before, or since...
Thermionic Studios owns four (4) Phase 90 pedals available for rental:
- Two (2) CSP101SL "Script" Phase 90s,
- One (1) EVH90 EVH-Edition Phase 90, and,
- One (1) EVHSE90 EVH-35th Anniversary Phase 90
IRONY: Despite making the article about the standard "block" Phase 90 phaser, we don't have any standard MXR Block Phase 90 phaser pedals. We have nothing against the standard block phasers, we just don't think they sound AS GOOD as the older script-logo architecture model; we don't think they offer the best sounds - we believe musicians are more partial to the sounds of the script logo pedal.
If you're attached to the block pedal sound, it's possible to use an EVH-Phase 90 with the "script" button not pressed in.
If you're interested in renting one of our Phase-90s, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Controls
- Knob 1 - "Speed":
- Footswitch 1 - "On/Off":
Bypass: Buffered
All versions of the Phase-90 - whether by the original MXR company, or from later Dunlop/MXR, have a buffered signal bypass. There is no exception.
General Information
Unlike the other versions of the M101, the "Block" Phase 90 has a tough textured coating. It maintains the historic orange color that MXR used when they first released (their first product!) the original bud-box script-Phase 90.
Of all the versions of the Phase-90 that are available, the block Phase-90 has the most pronounced phasing effect present in the affected signal. The script-logo Phase-90 has been re-issued by Dunlop, and we believe it's more subtle phase-shifting effect sounds better, or perhaps could better be described as "more musical".
Most "gearheads" tend to like effects or amplifiers with lots of knobs or other controls. The irony is the perennial popularity of the Phase-90 and its single knob control. We're of the opinion that the Phase-90 remains popular for a few reasons:
- It sounds really good
- It's tough
- A single knob makes it easy to control while playing
Pedal Manual
Script Phase 90
This version of the Phase-90 is easily distinguishable from the "block" version in that it has a smooth orange coating on the enclosure and displays the classic script logo.
There are a couple of different versions of the Dunlop/MXR CSP101 "Custom Shop Script" Phase-90:
- A handwired version of the original "script" logo Phase 90 - this version is true to the original with:
- No external AC power supply jack
- No LED indicator to indicate active/bypass
- A standard-built "script" logo Phase 90 that includes AC power jack and LED indicator.
We own two (2) copies of the "standard"-built pedal as we think the AC power and LED indicator are helpful to musicians.
EVH Phase 90
The Script Button
EVH SE Phase 90
The EVH90SE is exactly the same pedal as the EVH90 version of the Phase 90. It's only realy difference is the black-on-white motif of early Eddie Van Halen on the pedal enclosure. It is functionally no different. Despite our protestations of "don't get signature gear", we got this because we were able to get a good deal on it, and because we thought it would be cool and fun to pair with the EVH117 EVH Flanger that also shares the black-on-white style motif.
- Being exactly the same model, except for the different paint job, the Eddie Van Halen 35th Anniversary version also has the "script" button. It functions in exactly the same manner.
Phase Inversion:Yes/No
| Schematic ID | Electronic Part | Action | Phase State |
|---|---|---|---|
| X | X | X | X |
Schematic
Artists
- Eddie Van Halen
- Josh Homme
- Billie Joe Armstrong
- Dave Grohl
- Steve Vai
- Jimmy Page
- Slash
- David Gilmour
- JD Cronise
- Paul Gilbert
- Marty Friedman
- Andreas Kisser
- James Iha
- Tom Morello
- Melissa Auf der Maur
- George Lynch
- Michael Amott
- Matt Pike
- Additional Sources
