Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $196

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

With its warm analog circuitry and lush tremolo sound, the Dunlop TS-1 set the standard for tremolo pedals for over a decade. The MXR M159 Tremolo keeps all the effects and controls of the original—but in a smaller, pedalboard-friendly size. Its 18 volt operation provides rich and vibrant sound with low noise due to its high headroom. With the versatile input/output options the M159 can produce hypnotic, pulsing mono tremolo through a single amp or ping-ponged from one amp to another in stereo mode for a huge, spacious tone.

Product specs

Brand MXR
Model M159 Stereo Tremolo
Finish Red
Year 2010s
Made In United States
Categories Tremolo Pedals
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What type of power supply does the MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan require?

The MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan requires a 9V DC power supply, which is standard for most pedalboards. It can also be powered by a 9V battery for convenience.

Can the MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan be used in a stereo setup?

Yes, the MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan is designed for stereo use, allowing you to connect it to two amplifiers for a wide, immersive sound experience.

Does the MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan work well with bass guitars?

The MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan is versatile and can be used effectively with bass guitars, providing a dynamic tremolo effect that enhances bass tones without losing low-end clarity.

How does the MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan differ from other tremolo pedals?

The MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan offers stereo output and a unique pan feature, which allows the tremolo effect to move between two amplifiers, creating a rich and spacious sound not typically found in mono tremolo pedals.

What control options are available on the MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan?

The MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan features controls for speed, width, and gain, allowing you to customize the intensity and rate of the tremolo effect to suit your playing style.

theperfectguitar

theperfectguitar

MXR Stereo Tremolo Pedal Demo - The Perfect Guitar

Video thumbnail for MXR Stereo Tremolo Pedal Demo - The Perfect Guitar by theperfectguitar

MXR Stereo Tremolo Pedal Demo - The Perfect Guitar

theperfectguitar

theperfectguitar

Video thumbnail for MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pedal Video Demo by tunnelvisionmusic

MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pedal Video Demo

tunnelvisionmusic

tunnelvisionmusic

Video thumbnail for James’ MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo by Marcus Serck

James’ MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo

Marcus Serck

Marcus Serck

Reviews

PROS

  • Nails classic tremolo sounds at a better price

  • Offers both smooth and choppy wave shapes

  • Pristine sound quality with no noise

  • Heavy, stable build quality

  • Versatile speed range on LFO

  • Stereo output for expansive pan effects

CONS

  • Knob quality can be poor, may require replacement

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan.

Features and functionality

  • The MXR M159 stereo tremolo lacks panning effect when used with stereo inputs; it requires a mono input to achieve panning.

    Source
  • The pedal's internal switch settings affect output: set to mono for panning with a mono input, but stereo input results in no panning effect.

    Source
  • The pedal allows connection via a TRS splitter for stereo outputs, but true stereo input does not result in panning, only in-phase modulation.

    Source
  • The 'shape' control on the MXR M159 allows users to transition smoothly from sine wave to square wave tremolo effects.

    Source
  • Stereo pan width is adjustable, but simultaneous volume tremolo and panning is not possible.

    Source
  • The Source Audio Vertigo is noted for its phasery and chorus tremolo effects, adding unique flavors at the end of the signal chain, despite lacking tap tempo.

    Source

Comparisons

  • While the MXR M159 shines for its versatility, alternatives like the EHX Nano Pulsar and Keeley Hydra are recommended for users prioritizing stereo inputs and panning effects.

    Source
  • The MXR M305 is praised for its stereo operation, ramping via expression pedal or envelope mode, and straightforward controls, contrasting with the Source Audio Vertigo's app-based complexity.

    Source
  • The MXR M305 is preferred over the Strymon Flint for its simplicity and effective tremolo, despite the Flint's popularity in the market.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pedal is favored for its bias setting, providing a sine-wave swelling waveform that many users find appealing for subtle tremolo effects.

    Source

User experience

  • An owner reported the pedal's robustness and reliability, as it has endured thousands of shows without issues when used in mono and panning modes.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the Boss PN-2 for its stereo panning capabilities, offering a faux Leslie/univibe effect with dual amps, though its tremolo isn't tube-like.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The pedal fails to power correctly at 18v on CIOKS DC7; however, it functions properly at 9v.

    Source

Build quality

  • When powered by 2x 9v batteries, the LED appears dim, and the sound cuts off, indicating potential power issues.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Despite its limitations and being out of production, the MXR M159 is a sought-after second-hand purchase due to its sound quality and features.

    Source
  • The Swindler Red Mountain v2 is highlighted for its MIDI capability, although it's considered pricey compared to alternatives like the MXR.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
omegaman_jonny

Lots of flavour with this one.

Being a tone chaser that I am (and a effects guy that I am) I always wanted a tremolo because I used it on my BOSS ME70 before and wanted to get the same effect with pedals and got the exact effect I wanted.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Slash uses MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan

Slash

Guitarist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via YouTube

Video at 5:17 Slash's guitar tech shows the gear

See how El Hefe uses MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan

El Hefe

Guitarist, Trumpeter

NOFX

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 10:16 into this video. also a clear shot of the item on the http://uploads.charvel.com/artists/charvel/2509/gallery/12700_xl.jpg photo.

See how Fredrik Åkesson uses MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan

Fredrik Åkesson

Guitarist

Opeth

...
Verified via MusicRadar

Fredrik Åkesson uses the MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan, as showcased in the MusicRadar feature on professional guitarists' pedalboards.

See how Duane Eddy uses MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan

Duane Eddy

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via MusicRadar

'"I like the MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo pedal, like the Dunlop one I used to have. '

See how Oz Noy uses MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan

Oz Noy

Guitarist

...
Verified via Oz Noy

Oz Noy lists all of his current gear, including this one on his website.

See how Rob Cavestany uses MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan

Rob Cavestany

Guitarist

Death Angel

...
Verified via GuitarPlayer.com

Excerpt from Rob's interview: "Most of my stompboxes have stayed the same throughout the years—a Dunlop 535 Q Wah, an MXR Phase 90, an MXR M-159 Stereo Tremolo, and an MXR MC-401 Boost/Line Driver for driving screaming leads."

See how Damon Tutunjian uses MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan

Damon Tutunjian

Singer, Guitarist

Swirlies

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, which comes from The Swirlies' 2019 Boston concert, Tutunjian's pedalboard can be seen. One of the pedals in the pedalboard is MXR Stereo Tremolo Pan.

See how Bruno Major uses MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan

Bruno Major

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram video promoting his song "Old Soul," Bruno Major is seen using the MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan, showcasing its role in his setup.

See how Donna Grantis uses MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan

Donna Grantis

Guitarist

3RDEYEGIRL

...
Verified via Photo

MXR M-159 Stereo Tremolo Pan pedal seen in Donna's Instagram photo.

See how José Manuel Aguilera uses MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan

José Manuel Aguilera

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo from a live performance in Aguascalientes in July 2016, José Manuel Aguilera is seen using the MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan.

See how Paul Malinowski uses MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan

Paul Malinowski

Music Producer

Shiner

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Rig Rundown: Shiner" by Premier Guitar, Paul Malinowski is shown using the MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan. At 27:13, the pedal can be seen on his board in the bottom left corner. Furthermore, at 30:09, Malinowski utilizes this pedal along with a Boss Metal Zone to create the intro sound for the song "Giant's Chair" from Shiner's third album, "Starless."

See how Massimiliano Casacci uses MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan

Massimiliano Casacci

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In a Facebook photo shared by Massimiliano Casacci, the MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan is visible as the second pedal from the left, positioned near the Cry Baby.

Album Usage

The MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan 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 M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Boss DD-3 Digital Delay
Boss DD-3 Digital Delay Delay Effects Pedals
3
MXR M234 Analog Chorus
MXR M234 Analog Chorus Chorus Effects Pedals
2
Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer
Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer Overdrive Effects Pedals
2
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer Overdrive Effects Pedals
2
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 PLUS Effects Pedal Accessories
2
Boss OC-2 Octaver
Boss OC-2 Octaver Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
2
MXR M101 Phase 90
MXR M101 Phase 90 Phaser Effects Pedals
2

Community setups

Show yours
chrystian

chrystian

Gear IQ 104

2 alternative and related items for MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan, curated by the Equipboard community.

More MXR Tremolo Effects Pedals

Accessories & Related Items

Gear Guides