The new Big Shot on the block is the “Double-Shot” from MXR!
Written: Apr 01 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: One of the best distortion pedals out on the market right now!
Cons: Requires an 18-Volt Power Supply and you can’t footswitch the Focus feature ON/OFF.
The Bottom Line: If you are looking for vintage overdrive tones with modern rage capabilities, then the Double-Shot is really all you need to add between your guitar and your amp.
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| vanwarp's Full Review: Dunlop M151 Mxr Doubleshot Distortion Pedal |
The MXR M-151 Double-Shot Distortion is a two channel stomp box with two separate rows of fully independent control knobs, including a 3-band EQ (bass/mid/treble), Output level and Gain controls. The "left toggle" switches the stomp box ON/OFF while the "right toggle" switch allows the user to select the channel in use - the upper row or bottom row settings. There are LED channel indicators and each channel is also equipped with a Focus switch. More about the Focus switch a little later...
Now, the M-151 simply blows the Dime Distortion pedal away. For a little more money, you get so much more flexibility. For instance, the Double-Shot’s split personality is where the money is well spent. You can set it for two very different rhythm sounds or two very unique solo tones, or maybe you prefer one rhythm and one solo channel. Whatever you want! You can also use the output level on one of the Double-Shot’s channels to get screaming overdrive from your tube amp. :)
The product manual includes sample settings to help get you started. I always recommend first time users start with those suggested factory settings and to experiment from there. Remember, that the factory settings were dialed in going “through a clean, moderately loud amplifier.” You will get a better feel for the effects box sonic capabilities by starting this way. To fully appreciate the Double-Shots usefulness, it will take you a good 10 to 15 minutes of toying around with the different settings.
Also, maxing out the Gain and all EQ controls is not recommended. It is important to understand that with the Double-Shots huge level of Gain on hand, that the more extreme higher GAIN settings will often result in more feedback for you to deal with.
My Findings:
Experimented with a Fender Stage 160, my Line 6 DuoVerb, a Mexican Strat and a Godin loaded with P-90's.
Let me first say that the Double-Shot performs great. It is a fine piece of gear that will provide you with a Marshall Plexi sound when going through Fender clean channel and/or similar amp type tones. Engage the second channel and you are taken into the world of modern metal (Mesa Boogie and Randall comes to mind as does Marshall’s modern high gain sounds from Mode 4). In any event, here are my findings:
- Set Output level as suggested, at the mid point mark (12:00), but between 10:00 & 14:00 is OK.
- For ROCK, set Gain below the mid point mark (12:00).
- For METAL, set Gain above the mid point mark (13:00).
- Set EQ controls to taste...but for best results set them all somewhere between 11:00 and 15:00
The Focus Switches:
The upper row Focus switch notches the mids emphasising a slightly lower end sound and tone. While on the bottom channel, the Focus switch tightens the low-end response considerably for better definition. This modern heavy metal sound will intimidate even the most unsuspecting metal head!
Final Remarks:
I got some excellent sounds and tone out of two powerful combo amps. I can only imagine what the Double-Shot would sound like going through a half stack or full stack, but I’m sure that it would sound huge and killer. When not activated, the pedal is in true bypass mode and it does NOT affect or change the tone of your amp. Oh yeah, be careful with the Bass setting when you activate the Focus switch on channel two... ;)
Professionals that are using the MXR M-151:
Quinn Allman - The Used
Matt Scannell - Vertical Horizon
Lyle Workman
Ben Harper
Rob Arnold - Chimaira
Michael Bienhorn - Producer- Marilyn Manson, Fuel
Don Gilmore - Producer - Trust Company, Linkin Park
Greg Nori - Producer - Sum 41
Evan Taubenfeld - Avril Lavigne
Natalia Bolans - Halo Friendlies
Dave Baksh - Sum 41
~Vanwarp~
Recommended:
Yes
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vanwarp
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"Only sick music makes money today." Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher (1844 - 1900)
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