Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $196

High-end/Boutique

$50

$176+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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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 Zane Banks uses MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan

Zane Banks

Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

Zane Banks uses the MXR M159 Stereo Tremolo Pan on his pedalboard, as confirmed by a post from Instagram user @therevdoctorz, who shared a photo of his gigging setup with the caption: "GUITAR NERD ALERT After many requests, this is my gigging pedal board."

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.

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Community setups

Show yours
chrystian

chrystian

Gear IQ 104

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