Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $2,099

High-end/Boutique

$75

$201+

Price Tier

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

5 star
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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Derek Sherinian uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Derek Sherinian

Keyboardist

Alice Cooper

...
Verified via Twitter

On his twitter account, he shows this photo of 3 of these pedals.

See how Tim Gane uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Tim Gane

Guitarist, Bassist

Stereolab

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, which shows Gane's pedalboard from Stereolab's 2020 Sydney show, one of the pedals that can be seen in his pedalboard is the Mu-Tron Biphase, although rehoused.

See how Steve Porcaro uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Steve Porcaro

Keyboardist

Toto

...
Verified via reverb.com

This Mu-Tron Bi-Phase, listed on Reverb.com by TONALLY AWESOME in 2023, was reportedly owned by Steve Porcaro of Toto. The stencil on the bottom suggests its provenance, and there are numerous photos online showing Porcaro using a Mu-Tron Bi-Phase. Despite lacking formal documentation, the seller's account and visual evidence support its authenticity. The unit is fully operational, though it is missing one cord holder and the ground peg on the cord.

See how Steve von Till uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Steve von Till

Guitarist

Neurosis

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"After the delay is the Mu-Tron Phasor II. That’s the mother of all phasers - all the others seem one-dimensional to me. It’s the better half of the Mu-Tron Bi-Phase, which is a must for home-studio filter nerds! I’ve got one of those, too. You can hear it all over every record since [2004’s] The Eye Of Every Storm. There are entire parts where I play one note over two minutes using this phaser at a slow speed because I can disappear in it; it’s the perfect sweep. It’s hard to find and really expensive - I’ve got three and only one sounds right. That’s the one that goes out!"

See how Gary Miller uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Gary Miller

Guitarist

Bad Brains

...
Verified via reverb.com

he sold it in his official reverb shop

See how John Foxx uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

John Foxx

Singer, Keyboardist

Ultravox

...
Verified via Discogs

Shatterproof Drum Programming [Simmons SDS5, Roland TR808], Sequencer [Sequencer Programming: Arp Odyssey, Arp Sequencer, Moog Modular], Electronics [Treatments: Ibanez AD80 Delay, EMT Plat Reverb, Mutron BiPhase] – Benge Vocals [MXR Flanger Doubler, Yamaha Rev1 Delay], Synthesizer [Synthesizers: ARP Odyssey, ARP Omni, Korg Monopoly] – John Foxx

See how Matt Lange uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Matt Lange

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Matt Lange posts a photo of a Mu-Tron Bi-Phase on Instagram and captions it with:

For those who know…

When asked how he got it, in the comments he says:

it was at the studio. I wish it were mine.

See how Lee "Scratch" Perry uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Lee "Scratch" Perry

Music Producer

The Upsetters

...
Verified via Photo

Lee "Scratch" Perry is known to use the Mu-Tron Bi-Phase, a classic phaser effects pedal from the 1970s, as part of his distinctive sound. A user-uploaded photo on Gearspace showcases this piece in his studio setup.

See how James Petralli uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

James Petralli

Singer, Guitarist

White Denim

...
Verified via Photo

In this video posted on the White Denim Instagram account on June 26th 2023, James is working with this phaser.

See how Thighpaulsandra uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Thighpaulsandra

Keyboardist, Composer

Coil

...
Verified via Matrixsynth

In the Flickr photo album linked to the post about visiting his studio you can see photos of lots of gear, including the Mu-Tron Bi-Phase.

See how Eric Cannata uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Eric Cannata

Guitarist

Young the Giant

...
Verified via Photo

Used on Home of the Strange, as featured in this September 2, 2015 Instagram post.

Recording guitars. #ytg

See how Chris McQueen uses Mu-Tron Bi-Phase

Chris McQueen

Guitarist

Snarky Puppy

...
Verified via Photo

A Mu-Tron Bi-Phase can be seen in this photo of Chris' pedals.

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 - $144.11

Vintage or Discontinued newer similar sound

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

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