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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

What kind of sound can I expect from the MI Audio Crunch Box?

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.

Is the MI Audio Crunch Box suitable for use with both single-coil and humbucker pickups?

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.

Does the MI Audio Crunch Box have true bypass?

Yes, the MI Audio Crunch Box features true bypass switching, ensuring that your guitar's tone remains unaffected when the pedal is not engaged.

How does the MI Audio Crunch Box compare to other overdrive pedals?

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.

Can the MI Audio Crunch Box be powered by a standard 9V power supply?

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.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

MI Audio Crunch Box Distortion Pedal

Video thumbnail for MI Audio Crunch Box Distortion Pedal by ProGuitarShopDemos

MI Audio Crunch Box Distortion Pedal

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for MI Audio Crunch Box by Brett Kingman

MI Audio Crunch Box

Brett Kingman

Brett Kingman

Video thumbnail for MI Audio Crunch Box Distortion by ProGuitarShopDemos

MI Audio Crunch Box Distortion

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for MI Effects Crunch Box Distortion Demo by Prymaxe

MI Effects Crunch Box Distortion Demo

Prymaxe

Prymaxe

Video thumbnail for Crunch Box MI Audio Effects - V2 x V3 by Gus Fraga

Crunch Box MI Audio Effects - V2 x V3

Gus Fraga

Gus Fraga

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers authentic Marshall JCM and Plexi tones in a compact pedal

  • Versatile with wide range of gain and EQ options

  • Built-in compression enhances tonal layering

  • Perfect for achieving classic rock "brown" sound

  • Sturdy construction for durability

  • Excellent for Slash and Izzy Stradlin tones

  • Stacks well with other pedals for richer sound

  • Affordable alternative to more expensive boutique pedals

  • Minimal excess noise with an easy-to-understand interface

  • Offers a midrange-forward, crispy distortion

CONS

  • Foot switch may require maintenance for optimal performance

  • Presence is low, might need additional EQ to cut through mix

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source
  • It's noted that the Angry Charlie may have design influences from the Super Crunch Box, suggesting a close relationship between their sound profiles.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The Super Crunch Box's presence control isn't particularly useful on an AC30, but its compression switch significantly alters its tonal character.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pedal is highlighted for its compatibility with a clean amp setup, ideal for those seeking a high-gain overdrive/distortion sound.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The Super Crunch Box excels in achieving lower gain/lower compression tones, offering a wider tonal range than the ENO Classic.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Build quality

  • Hidden messages on the circuit board, such as "Hi Charlie and Still Angry," reveal a playful, personalized touch from the designer.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners express difficulty in sourcing this pedal, highlighting its rarity and desirability among enthusiasts.

    Source

Critic Reviews

MI Effects Crunch Box Distortion – review – Lone Phantom

lonephantom.com

The MI Audio Crunch Box Distortion pedal delivers impressive British high-gain tones reminiscent of a Marshall amp, with a broad spectrum of gain from AC/DC crunch to metal-ready shredding. Its compact design belies the versatile tone-shaping capabilities offered by its Volume, Tone, and Gain controls. While initial setup can be tricky, particularly with amps already voiced like a Marshall, the hidden Presence control compensates by allowing tailored adjustments. True-bypass wiring ensures signal integrity, and the pedal remains quiet even at high gain levels. Built with quality components, its robust yet lightweight construction promises durability. Despite some initial setup challenges, especially when paired with certain amps, once dialed in correctly, it rewards users with authentic, dynamic tones. Overall, the Crunch Box is a top choice for those seeking to inject serious British crunch into their rig, though it may require some patience to unlock its full potential.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 12 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
alexander_gabor_szokolyai

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.

dan_dayo_haggerty

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"

jarren

It's actually great

It's not a full amp distortion but that's not what I expected. Perfect for delayed lead tones and rhythm,

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Sean Lennon uses MI Audio Crunch Box

Sean Lennon

Singer, Guitarist

The Plastic Ono Band

...
Verified via Premierguitar

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?"

See how Elliot Easton uses MI Audio Crunch Box

Elliot Easton

Guitarist

The Cars

...
Verified via Premierguitar

" I have this pedal from Australia that I’m really crazy about called the MI Audio Crunch Box"

See how "Captain" Kirk Douglas uses MI Audio Crunch Box

"Captain" Kirk Douglas

Guitarist

The Roots

...
Verified via YouTube

"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..

See how Bobb Bruno uses MI Audio Crunch Box

Bobb Bruno

Guitarist

Best Coast

...
Verified via Premierguitar

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).

See how Pablo Ilabaca uses MI Audio Crunch Box

Pablo Ilabaca

Singer, Guitarist

Chancho en Piedra

...
Verified via Photo

From concert with Hermanos Ilabaca in Bar El Clan, Jan 25 2023

See how John Dinopol uses MI Audio Crunch Box

John Dinopol

Singer, Guitarist

Urbandub

...
Verified via Photo

posted by john dinopol

a playthrough video with this one is in progress!

-

subscribe to my youtube channel to see more videos! https://youtube.com/c/johndinopolPH

- #music #pedal #crunchbox #guitar #playthrough 🎵🎶🔥

See how Mike York uses MI Audio Crunch Box

Mike York

Guitarist

Pianos Become the Teeth

...
Verified via Photo

They explained all their pedalboard on a Instagram Stories "highlights" titled GEAR.

See how Tom Barman uses MI Audio Crunch Box

Tom Barman

Singer, Guitarist

Deus

...
Verified via Photo

In this pic you can spot Tom's pedalboard. A Crunch box is visible

See how The GOASTT uses MI Audio Crunch Box

The GOASTT

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

During the GOASTT performance of "Too Deep" on WNYC's Spinning On Air at 2:45 the MI Audio Crunch Box is shown.

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.

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Community setups

Show yours
hnando

hnando

Gear IQ 133

themilliways

themilliways

Gear IQ 64

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