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Average Price: $99
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$50
$176+
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Description
Unleash the power of British-voiced distortion with the MI Effects Crunch Box, a pedal revered for its ability to deliver a wide range of overdrive tones. This compact powerhouse is engineered to cater to both vintage purists and modern tone chasers alike. With its three-position comp switch, the Crunch Box offers a spectrum of compression options, allowing guitarists to fine-tune their sound from a smooth overdrive to a gritty, high-gain distortion.
The external presence control is a game-changer, offering precise adjustments that let your guitar cut through any mix with clarity and punch. Whether you're aiming for the fuzz-infused sounds reminiscent of '90s grunge or the searing solos of classic rock, this pedal adapts effortlessly. The high and low gain modes further enhance its versatility, making it suitable for both rhythm and lead applications.
Crafted for musicians who demand both quality and adaptability, the MI Effects Crunch Box is your ticket to a world of sonic exploration. Its robust build ensures it will withstand the rigors of touring, while its intuitive layout makes it an essential addition to any pedalboard.
Key Features:
- Three-position comp switch for versatile compression
- High and low gain modes for tonal flexibility
- External presence control for enhanced clarity
- Compact and durable design for easy integration into any setup
- Perfect for achieving both vintage and modern distortion tones
Product specs
| Brand | MI Audio |
| Model | Crunch Box |
| Finish | Red |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | Australia |
| Categories | Distortion Pedals |
FAQs
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What kind of sound can I expect from the MI Audio Crunch Box?
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The MI Audio Crunch Box delivers a high-gain distortion reminiscent of a cranked British stack, offering a rich, full-bodied sound with plenty of sustain and harmonics, ideal for rock and metal genres.
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Is the MI Audio Crunch Box suitable for use with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?
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Yes, the MI Audio Crunch Box works well with both single-coil and humbucker pickups, providing a versatile distortion that complements various guitar types and styles.
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Does the MI Audio Crunch Box have true bypass?
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Yes, the MI Audio Crunch Box features true bypass switching, ensuring that your guitar's tone remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged.
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How does the MI Audio Crunch Box compare to other overdrive pedals?
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The MI Audio Crunch Box is known for its high-gain capabilities and British amp-like tone, distinguishing it from other overdrive pedals that may offer milder or different tonal characteristics.
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Can the MI Audio Crunch Box be powered by a standard 9V power supply?
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Yes, the MI Audio Crunch Box can be powered using a standard 9V DC power supply, making it easy to integrate into most pedalboard setups.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
MI Audio Crunch Box Distortion Pedal
Reviews
PROS
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Delivers authentic Marshall JCM and Plexi tones in a compact pedal
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Versatile with wide range of gain and EQ options
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Built-in compression enhances tonal layering
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Perfect for achieving classic rock "brown" sound
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Sturdy construction for durability
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Excellent for Slash and Izzy Stradlin tones
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Stacks well with other pedals for richer sound
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Affordable alternative to more expensive boutique pedals
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Minimal excess noise with an easy-to-understand interface
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Offers a midrange-forward, crispy distortion
CONS
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Foot switch may require maintenance for optimal performance
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Presence is low, might need additional EQ to cut through mix
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Not suitable for modern high-gain distortion needs
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MI Audio Crunch Box.
Comparisons
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The MI Audio Crunch Box is often compared to the Angry Charlie and the Suhr Riot, all sharing the Guv'nor circuit with unique tonestack modifications.
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It's noted that the Angry Charlie may have design influences from the Super Crunch Box, suggesting a close relationship between their sound profiles.
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The Super Crunch Box is noted for having more bite compared to the Angry Charlie, which is warmer and subtly fatter, making it a better fit for taming AC30 amps.
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The ENO Classic, a Crunch Box V1 clone, is praised for its performance at a lower price, achieving a strong midrange content similar to the original.
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Features and functionality
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The Super Crunch Box version is noted for its versatility, although some prefer the sound of the original Crunch Box for its particular tonal character.
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The presence and treble knobs have distinct yet similar effects, often causing uncertainty when dialing in specific sounds; adjusting the bass knob counters low-end reduction in low gain mode.
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The Super Crunch Box's presence control isn't particularly useful on an AC30, but its compression switch significantly alters its tonal character.
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Use cases and applications
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The pedal is highlighted for its compatibility with a clean amp setup, ideal for those seeking a high-gain overdrive/distortion sound.
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The pedal's open compression setting excels in high-gain applications, making it suitable for Van Halen covers by enhancing the sound's richness and sustain.
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The Super Crunch Box excels in achieving lower gain/lower compression tones, offering a wider tonal range than the ENO Classic.
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The Angry Charlie and ENO Classic are described as one-trick ponies, ideal for Marshall JMP sounds, while the Super Crunch Box handles various gain levels better.
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Build quality
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Hidden messages on the circuit board, such as "Hi Charlie and Still Angry," reveal a playful, personalized touch from the designer.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 12 Ratings
Surprisingly versatile
Surprisingly versatile classic crunch that drives tubes really nicely. Marshall JCM in a stomp and goes all the way from late 60s to 80s plexi sounds. Does not do modern hi-gain and the presence is low in this pedal, so it may not always help[ you cut through a mix without a very trebly guitar or amp settings, additional EQ, or a treble booster. Very high mid-range.
Great for punk or garage rock
I absolutely love this pedal. Minimal excess noise, easy to understand interface, and, for reference to sound, it nailed the tone of the lead guitar in The Strokes "Reptila"
Artist usage
Add artist
He said that he uses it when was asked "With so many sounds on the GOASTT record to reproduce live, I imagine you need a well-stocked pedalboard. What do you have on it?"
" I have this pedal from Australia that I’m really crazy about called the MI Audio Crunch Box"
"Captain" Kirk Douglas uses an MI Audio Crunch Box on his live pedalboard rig for The Tonight Show Staring Jimmy Fallon. It is mentioned [@ 2:39] in the video.
This pedal was also mentioned in the 2019 Premier Guitar interview..
Bruno’s “gnarly” Forever Fuzz was given to him by Nels Cline. Then a Strymon Tap favorite switch triggers the Strymon Deco’s tape chorus simulation, because there are three different effects out of that one pedal: chorus mode, slapback tape delay, and tape saturation. Next is a Mi-Fi Electronics custom effect with two pedals in one housing: the Psych Byke fuzz and Fuzz Wall. Bruno uses a Noise Clamp with those effects. The MI Audio Super Crunch Box is Bruno’s main distortion, which he uses 75 percent of the set. The board is rounded out by a Catalinbread Zero Point, TSVG Hard Stuff, Strymon El Capistan, Catalinbread Talisman, and a Line 6 DL4 (not pictured).
posted by john dinopol
a playthrough video with this one is in progress!
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subscribe to my youtube channel to see more videos! https://youtube.com/c/johndinopolPH
- #music #pedal #crunchbox #guitar #playthrough 🎵🎶🔥
They explained all their pedalboard on a Instagram Stories "highlights" titled GEAR.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MI Audio Crunch Box, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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