The MXR Rockman
This pedal requires 9 volts and can be powered by a Dunlop ECB003 9-volt adapter or an MXR® Brick™ Series power supply.
In 1982, Tom Scholz, visionary guitarist and founder of the pioneering hard rock band Boston, designed and marketed the Rockman X100 headphone amp through his electronics company, Scholz Research & Development (SR&D). But it was much more than just a headphone amp: with its recording console connectivity, numerous sound-shaping features, and built-in effects, the X100 became the secret studio weapon that would define the refined, chorus-rich sound of 1980s arena rock.
The MXR Rockman X100 Analog Sound Processor revives the characteristic sonic character of that headphone amp in pedal form. With the help of veteran MXR engineer and SR&D alum Bob Cedro, the MXR design team successfully captured the same crystalline clean tones, crunchy harmonics, and shimmering modulation as the original. Featuring the same four tonal presets, carefully calibrated compression, and bucket-brigade chorus, this all-analog recreation also offers mono and stereo modes, as well as optional external mode switching for an optimized user experience.
RECOMPRESSED
A key element of the original X100 sound was a complex compression circuit, ensuring signal clarity whether clean or distorted. The MXR Rockman X100 Analog Sound Processor is equipped with the same circuit, tuned for a slow release in clean mode and a fast release in distorted mode. The overall compression level is tied to the input gain level: the higher the input gain, the greater the compression.
MODED OUT
Like the original, the Rockman X100 Analog Sound Processor offers four different presets, selectable via the MODE button: two clean modes with different EQ and powerful sustain, and two grittier distorted modes. The default CLN2 mode offers a crystalline clean sound, while CLN1 mode features a mid-focused EQ curve for a precise, punchy sound. On the distortion side, the Edge mode offers moderate clipping, which is very sensitive to input gain settings and cleans up perfectly with lower guitar volume. The Distortion mode offers energetic saturation and sustain, perfect for fluid and easy lead tones.
Level
Adjusting levels is simple thanks to the dedicated Input Gain and Volume sliders. Input Gain settings affect how your incoming signal interacts with the X100 Analog Sound Processor’s four modes, especially the Edge setting, while Volume sets the output level to your amplifier.
THE BUCKET BRIGADE
Equipped with the same classic MN3007 chip as the original headphone amp, the Rockman X100 Analog Sound Processor infuses every riff and lick with a lush, shimmering chorus at the simple press of the Chorus button.
GOING DEEPER
Want a more advanced setup? You can connect an external switch, such as the MXR TRS Split + Tap, to control mode switching by foot. And if you prefer stereo, this stereo pedal allows you to send the signal of the selected mode to L/R channels while varying the chorus between the two sides for a more spacious and dynamic effect.
ARENA ROCK
The MXR Rockman X100 Analog Sound Processor offers the same ready-to-use sounds as the original, but this time, it integrates perfectly into your pedalboard. There has never been a better way to capture the powerful tones and texture of the arena rock era. Get yours now.