Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $93
Standard/Professional
$80
$181+
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Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "MXR M115 Distortion III". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your creative prowess with the MXR M115 Distortion III, a pedal that has been meticulously engineered to deliver an array of tonal variations - from a gentle, melodious overdrive to a fierce, roaring distortion. Crafted with the choicest components, this pedal is capable of producing a natural, amp-like distortion that is versatile enough to cater to any playing style and yet transparent enough to let the unique character of your guitar shine through.
Staying true to the MXR legacy of creating durable and robust pedals, the Distortion III boasts a robust, die-cast chassis and a sturdy stomp switch. The large, easy-to-use control knobs make onstage tweaking a breeze, making this pedal a go-to choice for performers and musicians who value quality and reliability.
Key Features:
- Proprietary circuit design that delivers rich harmonic content
- Versatile tone range: from subtle overdrive to heavy distortion
- Durable and robust: heavy-duty footswitch and a die-cast chassis
- Easy-to-use control knobs: Output, Tone, and Distortion controls
- Compact design: ideal for pedalboards
- Reliable: Quality components and a sturdy metal housing
- Indicator light for easy visibility
The MXR M115 Distortion III is more than just a pedal. It's a tool that can transform your tones, create intense solos, drive your amp's input, and even deliver realistic amp tones on its own. It's a modern-day classic that carries the MXR tradition of tough, rugged, and tonally tasty stomp boxes. Experience the power of the MXR Distortion III and take your playing to the next level.
Product specs
| Pedal Type | Distortion |
| Inputs | 1 x Instrument |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply (sold separately) |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Height | 2.5" |
| Width | 4.5" |
| Depth | 5.5" |
| Weight | 0.84 lbs. |
FAQs
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What kind of power supply does the MXR M115 Distortion III require?
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The MXR M115 Distortion III requires a 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately. It can also run on a single 9V battery.
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How does the MXR M115 Distortion III compare to other distortion pedals in terms of tonal character?
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The MXR M115 Distortion III offers a warm, classic distortion tone with a smooth, organic sound that is versatile for various rock and blues styles.
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Is the MXR M115 Distortion III suitable for use with a bass guitar?
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While primarily designed for electric guitars, the MXR M115 Distortion III can be used with bass guitars, though it may color the low-end response differently.
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What are the main controls on the MXR M115 Distortion III pedal?
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The MXR M115 Distortion III features simple controls with knobs for Output and Tone, allowing easy adjustment of volume and tonal characteristics.
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Does the MXR M115 Distortion III pedal have true bypass switching?
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Yes, the MXR M115 Distortion III features true bypass switching to ensure your signal remains uncolored when the pedal is turned off.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
MXR Distortion III Pedal
Reviews
PROS
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British-inspired tone, versatile from 70's rock to metal
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Ideal for adding texture between overdrive and distortion
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True bypass, doesn't compromise signal quality
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Durable construction, "built like a tank"
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Simple three-knob layout is user-friendly
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Excellent for pushing tube amps into saturation
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Provides notable thickness and sustain
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Works well with both single coils and humbuckers
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More of a creamy overdrive than harsh distortion
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Harmonically rich, enhances note definition and clarity
CONS
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Paint chips off easily
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Might not reach modern high-gain levels
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Less appealing to extreme tweakers due to simplicity
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Can be sensitive to wrong power supply, potential for damage
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXR M115 Distortion III.
Features and functionality
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The Distortion III is more akin to an overdrive, requiring the distortion control to be cranked for a true distortion sound on a clean amp.
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Adjusting the output knob to 1-3 o’clock can significantly enhance the pedal's distortion, compensating for lower gain settings.
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When used with a crunchy amp and tone at 1 o'clock, max distortion and output, the pedal can produce a fuzzy wall of sound.
Source
Comparisons
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Users compare the Distortion III's tone to the Boss BD-2, noting the BD-2 supplanted the MXR due to its brighter tone and broader overdrive capabilities.
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Owners suggest alternative pedals like the RAT and DS-1 for those seeking heavier distortion, as the Distortion III excels in low-gain settings.
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The MXR 78 Distortion is likened to a modded DS-1, while the Distortion III is compared to a Blues Driver or Tube Screamer but with more gain.
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Use cases and applications
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When paired with an SG guitar with P90 pickups and run into a Fender Pro Reverb, the Distortion III delivers a crunchy, low-gain overdrive.
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Running the Distortion III into a clean channel with tone at 3 o'clock and distortion maxed creates a massive sound, requiring adjustments on dirty channels.
Source
User experience
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 41 Ratings
514
Shocked and amazed by MXR Distortion III
I've been through all popular tubescreamer type pedals (TS-9, TS-808, SD-1, OD-1 etc.) and each of them in fact was lacking that "something". And just by accident I bought for few bucks this Distortion III. Since this pedal is not that popular and rather sits in 10th row at the show, I really had no big expectations. Guess what? This pedal amazed me. Not only this pedal sounds great while boosting already cranked amp, but also does job perfectly when used as standalone overdrive unit. And do not get fooled by its name, because "Distortion" here means definately too much. It is rather moderate heavy overdrive that can get from subtle and delicate to really hardcore. I think that it will stay for ever on my board.
221
More OD than Dist
Good vintage flavoured overdrive. The addition of a tone control makes it a good bit more versatile than a Distortion+. I have grown to love this pedal.
140
Stacking
This pedal sounds good stacked with a way huge saucy box. I seen a video with it stacked and I played with the knobs and got a good tone. Have fun and explore.
Artist usage
Add artist
In a Sotheby's video, Taylor Hawkins discusses his use of the MXR M115 Distortion III pedal, showcasing its role in his rock and roll style.
Keith Urban's guitar tech, Chris Miller, on Rig Rundown, said that the Dunlop MXR Distortion III is a permanent part of their rack. 'It is an under rated pedal, maybe due to the working man's price, but it works great for them'.
Josh Farro uses the MXR M115 Distortion III as the second stage drive on his pedalboard, as shown in his Instagram post from the studio session captioned "back in the studio! new songs 4 U."
Christian Bland of The Black Angels used the MXR M115 Distortion III pedal on his pedalboard during their live performance at Lollapalooza 2012, as detailed on Pedalmaniacs.
At 22:45 in the video "Umphrey's McGee Rig Rundown: Jake Cinninger & Brendan Bayliss Guitar Gear Tour 2025" by Premier Guitar on YouTube, guitarist Jake Cinninger is clearly seen using the Dunlop M115 MXR Distortion III pedal as part of his pedalboard during a live performance.
In the Vevo DSCVR live performance of "I Want To Be With You," Chloe Moriondo uses the Dunlop M115 MXR Distortion III pedal.
Pustulus Maximus of GWAR (Brent Purgason) incorporates the MXR M115 Distortion III into his setup, driving his signature tone through an overdrive into a JCM 800. This setup is detailed in the "Rigged: Pustulus Maximus of GWAR" video by Trey Xavier on Gear Gods.
Chiemi Ishimoto an Ex Member of the Mass of the Fermenting Dregs, does use the MXR M115 Distortion III, can be seen here in the the Picture here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/adamwill/5084931417/in/photolist-2oixdEb-8KAYJE-2pGh5nt-2pH32Cj-2pH3Gws-5mFWjC-6kCDNz-2pH1Y8y-8KAXFh-8KAUxs-2pHamAj-2pHgETG-6pC2SQ-2pHgETX-2mjcLin-8vcSKg-74X3oz-8vcS3V-8vfUou-8vcSvX-4rfKo9-axr4ri-2oyvX8Z-aw61qC-6uJ8Hb-2pGh5xy-7QpQar-8KkC9i-8KoCwy-8KkAkD-8KoC9S-8Kky6g-8KkAXk-8KkytP-8KkzXe-8KkBmK-8KkAFa-6r8cyb-8KoCSf-8Kkxsv-8Kkcna-8KkxKt-8KoF5y-2nckFpo-4peSau-6o9EUM-2pGiNuW-6Qq4UL-78JUVS-6mRBHH
Album Usage
The MXR M115 Distortion III has been featured on the following albums:
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 MXR M115 Distortion III, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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