Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,099

High-end/Boutique

$75

$201+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Mu-Tron Bi-Phase, a masterpiece from the innovative 70s, is more than just a phaser effects pedal. This legendary device, born from the creative minds at Musictronics, offers dual channel phase shifting with a distinct set of two "Sweep Generator" sections. This pedal is available in two variations: the classic two-button design or the slightly more valuable optical pedal, both presenting a unique and immersive sonic experience.

Key Features:

  • Dual-channel phase shifting
  • Two "Sweep Generator" sections
  • Available in two-button or optical pedal
  • Pioneered by Musictronics in the 70s
  • Produced from 1972 to 1981

Product specs

Brand Mu-Tron
Model Bi-Phase
Finish Blue
Year 1970s
Made In United States
Categories Phaser Pedals

FAQs

What makes the Mu-Tron Bi-Phase unique compared to other phaser pedals?

The Mu-Tron Bi-Phase is unique due to its dual phaser circuits, allowing for complex, swirling phase effects. This setup provides a rich, vintage sound that can be customized extensively, making it a favorite for musicians seeking a distinctive phasing experience.

Can the Mu-Tron Bi-Phase be used with instruments other than guitar?

Yes, the Mu-Tron Bi-Phase can be used with various instruments, including keyboards and bass, to achieve lush, modulated sounds. Its versatile design makes it suitable for a wide range of musical applications beyond just guitar.

How does the Mu-Tron Bi-Phase handle live performance settings?

The Mu-Tron Bi-Phase is well-suited for live performances, offering robust build quality and intuitive controls for on-the-fly adjustments. Its dual phaser circuits provide dynamic soundscapes that can enhance live shows with rich, evolving textures.

Does the Mu-Tron Bi-Phase require a specific power supply?

The Mu-Tron Bi-Phase requires a specific power supply, typically a 24-volt adapter, to operate correctly. It's important to use the appropriate power source to ensure optimal performance and avoid potential damage to the pedal.

Is the Mu-Tron Bi-Phase suitable for studio recording?

Yes, the Mu-Tron Bi-Phase is excellent for studio recording, offering a wide range of phase modulation options that can add depth and character to recorded tracks. Its vintage sound quality is particularly valued in professional recording environments.

Reverb

Reverb

Funky Vintage: Mu-Tron Bi-Phase | Reverb Video Demo

Video thumbnail for Funky Vintage: Mu-Tron Bi-Phase | Reverb Video Demo by Reverb

Funky Vintage: Mu-Tron Bi-Phase | Reverb Video Demo

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Mu-Tron Bi-Phase by hiwattbob

Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

hiwattbob

hiwattbob

Video thumbnail for mrfett's Mu-Tron Bi-Phase Review by mrfett

mrfett's Mu-Tron Bi-Phase Review

mrfett

mrfett

Video thumbnail for George Duke - Mu-tron demonstration record 1975. by Adrian Täckman

George Duke - Mu-tron demonstration record 1975.

Adrian Täckman

Adrian Täckman

Video thumbnail for Mu-Tron Bi-Phase by Miguel d'Oliveira

Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Miguel d'Oliveira

Miguel d'Oliveira

Video thumbnail for Mu-Tron Bi-Phase | Rare and Vintage Phaser Pedal! by The Upper Bout

Mu-Tron Bi-Phase | Rare and Vintage Phaser Pedal!

The Upper Bout

The Upper Bout

Reviews

PROS

  • Unlimited phase options in mono or stereo fields

  • Allows for both shallow and deep sweeps

  • Built like a tank, durable for industry use

  • Offers insane phase sweeps for creative sound manipulation

  • Versatility from subtle to intense sounds, fitting various music styles

  • Can use two phasors separately or together for more sound diversity

CONS

  • Requires footswitch for full operation, which can be lost or damaged

  • Takes up significant pedalboard space

  • Can be daunting to use due to its complexity

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mu-Tron Bi-Phase.

Comparisons

  • The Behringer Bi-Phase clone is favored over the Mu-Tron reissue by some users, despite the original Mu-Tron being preferred overall.

    Source
  • Some users compare the Bi-Phase ii's subtlety to classic phase pedals like the MXR Phase 90, noting it provides a more complex and layered sound.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Behringer's Dual Phase has clicking footswitches and a CV input that may not work with all expression pedals, despite being advertised as compatible.

    Source
  • The Behringer Dual Phase was initially sold under the name BiPhase, with a name change following legal issues and parts shortages affecting availability.

    Source
  • The Mu-Tron Bi-Phase ii offers a subtle phasing effect, which some users find less pronounced than expected, suggesting its suitability for more nuanced soundscapes.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Opening the Behringer unit to adjust trim pots can make the phaser rate slower and increase input gain, altering sound resonance and volume.

    Source
  • A PedalPCB Duo-Phase build is a suggested project for DIY enthusiasts, though it's not a perfect clone, unlike the more complex Dead End FX version.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Adjusting the rate trim pot on the Behringer can slow phasing significantly, while the gain trim pot can enhance sound resonance.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The Behringer Bi-Phase clone can be found under $200 if purchased during restocks, but is often resold at higher prices due to demand.

    Source
  • The original Mu-Tron Bi-Phase can fetch over $3,000 on Reverb, with the lowest current listing at $1,600, reflecting high collector demand.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Users often route the Bi-Phase ii in stereo settings, allowing for more expansive soundscapes, particularly in ambient and psychedelic music genres.

    Source
  • Users commonly run the Bi-Phase through electric organs and bass guitars, emphasizing its versatility across different instruments.

    Source
  • It's been noted that the Bi-Phase can be integrated into setups for artists like Billy Corgan and Jerry Garcia, highlighting its iconic status in rock music.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note a learning curve in maximizing the pedal's potential, often requiring experimentation with different settings to achieve desired effects.

    Source
  • Owners advise never selling an original Bi-Phase, considering it a "holy grail" pedal and a lifetime investment.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steve Vai uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Steve Vai

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via Vai

During Vai's time in Alcatrazz, he used a Bi-Phase as part of his offstage effects rack.

See how Trent Reznor uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Trent Reznor

Singer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via nin.wiki

Trent Reznor's use of the Mu-Tron Bi-Phase pedal is confirmed by the Fragility Tour program, which lists it among the equipment used during the recording of "The Fragile." This information is sourced from nin.wiki, which provides a detailed account of the gear used for this project.

See how Billy Corgan uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Billy Corgan

Singer, Guitarist

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via YouTube

At 1:39 in this video taken from documentary about making of Siamese Dream, Butch Vig (album producer) says: "This is one of the secrets to our seret sound - this is the MuTron Bi-Phase. We run everything through it, everything... it's fabulous". (In the same video Vig calls Gish "sad" and Siamese Dream "happy, with a lot of happy songs", so I don't know how much can we trust him about anything else in the video)

See how Prince uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Prince

Singer, Guitarist

Prince

...
Verified via Guitarcloud

Prince used a Mutron Bi-Phase on the Prince tour, and the For You and Prince albums.

See how Josh Klinghoffer uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Josh Klinghoffer

Singer, Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via Photo

On the chair in front of Josh Klinghoffer, in this photo, a Mu-Tron Bi-Phase pedal can be seen.

See how Frank Zappa uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Frank Zappa

Singer, Guitarist

The Plastic Ono Band

...
Verified via Pedales de guitarra

Dweezil Zappa explain fathers Rig https://youtu.be/jRXnPcIK1V8

See how Lee Ranaldo uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Lee Ranaldo

Singer, Guitarist

Sonic Youth

...
Verified via Photo

According to the Sonic Youth Website, Lee Ranaldo used the Mu-Tron Bi-Phase during 1998 and 1999.

Full article here

See how Adam Hann uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Adam Hann

Guitarist

The 1975

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Adam Hann of The 1975 discusses the use of a Mu-Tron Bi-Phase phaser pedal in creating layered, organic sounds. Although he does not own the pedal himself, it is utilized by producer Mike Crossey. The Mu-Tron Bi-Phase is noted for its classic status and high demand. This information is detailed in Premier Guitar's article, "The 1975: Adam Hann’s Sonic Obsession."

See how Brian Welch uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Brian Welch

Singer, Guitarist

Korn

...
Verified via Angelfire

Used by Head on "Porno Creep".

See how Jerry Garcia uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Jerry Garcia

Singer, Guitarist

Grateful Dead

...
Verified via Sotheby's

Garcia’s Bi-Phase, preserved by Grateful Dead and Jerry Garcia Band roadie Steve Parish, was sold on October 14, 2021 as Lot #98 of Sotheby’s “From the Vault: Property from the Grateful Dead and Friends” auction. The listing quotes Parish saying that Garcia used the Bi-Phase for a couple of Jerry Garcia Band shows in the early 70s, while the listing itself claims that the Bi-Phase was used in the studio for drums.

Property of Steve Parish

Mu-Tron

Bi-Phase pedal, ca. 1970s

Effects board (4 x 13.75 x 10.25’’) with panels 2 phasor panels, 2 sweep generator panels, A and B inputs. [With]: Foot pedal (1.5 x 5 x 3.5’’) with 2 switches.

One of the rarest and most unique of 70’s effects pedals

“The Mu-Tron Bi-Phase consists of two independent 6-stage phasor circuits, two sweep generators (oscillators), and a number of unique additional controls to allow maximum flexibility in generating a variety of phasing effects. The Mu-Tron Bi-Phase also offers several convenience features including LED indicators on each phasor, mike stand socket on bottom of housing for above-the-floor mounting, and AC cord storage on back panel. The unit is furnished with a dual foot switch and has an optical photoelectric foot pedal and provision for synthesizer interface for external control of sweep. And, like all Mu-Tron products, the Mu-Tron Bi-Phase and its accessories are solidly constructed to withstand the most severe professional use” (from an original Bi-Phase advertisement, ca. 1970s).

Throughout the 1970s, Mu-Tron products were of the highest quality and innovative in their designs. Jerry had them in his racks and they became a part of his signature sound on songs such as “Fire on the Mountain” and “Estimated Profit.” The Bi-Phase was also of great use in the recording studio for a “Dub” effect on drums.

“Big” Steve Parish: “Jerry loved his Mu-Tron pedals. We bought this one together and he tried it in a couple of shows with the JGB in the early ‘70s. He eventually replaced it with the Mu-Tron Octave Divider.”

See how Chromeo uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Chromeo

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

"One of my newest acquisitions…which we still haven’t put on a record. It shouldn't be too long."

See how Kraftwerk uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Kraftwerk

Composer, Music Producer

Kraftwerk

...
Verified via Kraftwerkfaq

Kraftwerk has utilized the Mu-Tron Bi-Phase, as documented in the Kraftwerk FAQ.

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 Mu-Tron Bi-Phase, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

4 alternative and related items for Mu-Tron Bi-Phase, curated by the Equipboard community.

Behringer Bi-Phase Dual Phase Shifter

$119.00 - $131.14

Vintage or Discontinued newer similar sound

Behringer has re-issued the famous Mu-Tron Bi-Phase.

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