Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (33)
$199.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (24)
$199.99
Amazon
4.6 (348)
$189.99
Amazon Prime
Reverb
5.0 (33)
$185.98 New
$99.00 Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (87)
$199.99
zZounds
4.5 (17)
$189.99
Thomann
4.8 (140)
$211.00 $209.00 $2.00 · All time low

Average Price: $184

Standard/Professional

$70

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "MXR M80 Bass DI+". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the MXR M80 Bass D.I.+, a versatile and powerful preamp and distortion stompbox that offers you unparalleled control over your bass tone. This compact yet fully-loaded pedal is a dynamic music gear essential that is designed to perfectly cater to your varied musical needs, whether you're playing wedding gigs, rock shows, or studio sessions.

Unleash your creativity with the dedicated clean and overdrive channels, allowing you to switch between crystal-clear tone and saturated overdrive with ease. The 3-band EQ provides tight control of lows, mids, and highs, enabling you to craft your ideal sound. The color button further enhances your tonal palette by adding warmth and dimension to both channels.

One of the standout features of this pedal is the built-in noise gate. This handy function effectively mutes hum, buzz, and other interferences when you're not playing, ensuring a clean and focused signal.

The M80 also provides a host of professional-grade routing options with XLR direct out, parallel out, and amp out jacks. This gives you the flexibility to send a balanced, studio-ready signal straight to the board while also driving your amp or cabinet, or mix the M80's signal with other effects or preamps.

Key Features:

  • Dual-channel preamp with dedicated clean and overdrive channels
  • 3-band EQ for tight control of lows, mids, and highs
  • Color button for adding warmth and dimension to both channels
  • Built-in noise gate for muting unwanted noise
  • Professional-grade routing options with XLR direct out, parallel out, and amp out jacks
  • Compact and sturdy housing
  • Controller for clean volume, distorted volume, blend, trigger, gain, bass, mid, and highs
  • Switch for color, phantom power, and gate
  • 1 input and 1 output
  • Status LED, Distortion LED, Gate LED

Owner's manual

MXR M80 Bass DI+ User Manual

Product specs

Pedal Type Preamp, Distortion
Inputs 1 x Instrument
Outputs 2 x 1/4" (Parallel), 1 x XLR
Power Source 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Batteries 1 x 9V
Height 1.5"
Width 4.9"
Depth 3.6"

FAQs

What features does the MXR M80 Bass Direct Input+ offer for bass players?

The MXR M80 Bass Direct Input+ provides a preamp, distortion, and DI capabilities in one pedal. It features a 3-band EQ, color switch for added tonal options, and a distortion channel with blend control, making it versatile for both live and studio settings.

Can the MXR M80 Bass DI+ be used without a power supply?

Yes, the MXR M80 Bass DI+ can be powered by a 9V battery, offering flexibility for use without a power supply. However, a 9V DC power supply can also be used for consistent power.

Is the MXR M80 Bass DI+ suitable for live performances?

Absolutely, the MXR M80 Bass DI+ is designed for live use with its durable construction and easy-to-use controls. The XLR output allows for direct connection to a PA system, making it ideal for gigs.

How does the distortion feature on the MXR M80 Bass DI+ enhance a bass player's sound?

The distortion feature on the MXR M80 Bass DI+ includes a blend control, allowing players to mix clean and distorted signals. This provides a rich, full sound that maintains the clarity of the original bass tone.

What are the connectivity options on the MXR M80 Bass DI+?

The MXR M80 Bass DI+ offers a 1/4" instrument input, two 1/4" parallel outputs, and an XLR output. This range of outputs provides flexibility for connecting to amps, mixers, and recording equipment.

Victor Hugo Targino

Victor Hugo Targino

Bass Pedals Shootout – Darkglass, Tech 21 & MXR

Video thumbnail for Bass Pedals Shootout – Darkglass, Tech 21 & MXR by Victor Hugo Targino

Bass Pedals Shootout – Darkglass, Tech 21 & MXR

Victor Hugo Targino

Victor Hugo Targino

Video thumbnail for Jim Dunlop - MXR M80 Bass D.I. + Review and Demo by Philip Brennan

Jim Dunlop - MXR M80 Bass D.I. + Review and Demo

Philip Brennan

Philip Brennan

Video thumbnail for How I use the MXR Bass DI + by Timo Schmidgall

How I use the MXR Bass DI +

Timo Schmidgall

Timo Schmidgall

Video thumbnail for MXR M80 bass d.i. + by Donnie Distortion

MXR M80 bass d.i. +

Donnie Distortion

Donnie Distortion

Video thumbnail for MXR Bass DI+ (M-80) Review by Hero Bass

MXR Bass DI+ (M-80) Review

Hero Bass

Hero Bass

Reviews

PROS

  • Phantom powerable with pristine bypassed tone

  • Durable, "built like a tank"

  • Provides a wide range of tones, from warm to aggressive

  • Clean channel can be used as a boost

  • Color switch for EQ shaping, despite being extreme

  • Offers a parallel output for additional connectivity

  • Noise gate feature for cleaner sound

  • Versatile EQ, distortion, and channel switching options

  • Improves live sound significantly, eliminating need for amp

  • Compatible and behaves well with other pedals

CONS

  • Battery cover design is flimsy

  • Noise gate only applies to distortion, not overall signal

  • 3-band EQ may feel limiting to some

  • High frequency of treble EQ band may be too high for effective use on bass

  • Distortion difficult to balance with clean sound

  • Color switch may cause bass to get lost in mix

  • Lacks built-in compression found in higher-end preamps

  • Color effect cannot be disabled when distortion is engaged

  • Size may be cumbersome for some pedalboards

  • Some users find the distortion channel lacking

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXR M80 Bass DI+.

Features and functionality

  • The MXR M80 Bass DI+ parallel output acts as a passthrough, allowing a dry signal for re-amping or additional processing in the DAW.

    Source
  • The MXR M80 Bass DI+ outputs at mic level, requiring increased mixer gain for optimal performance, which can be quieter than line or instrument level outputs.

    Source
  • The "color" setting is frequently praised for enhancing tone, adding a sweet texture without overwhelming the sound.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners often record both wet and dry tracks simultaneously to allow flexibility for post-processing with VSTs or cabinet simulations.

    Source
  • The MXR M80 is typically used at home routed through a looper and amp, bypassing the XLR out due to potential issues with sound quality on stage.

    Source
  • The MXR M80 is particularly beneficial for live performances with in-ear monitoring, providing reliable DI functionality.

    Source
  • The distortion is often used as a clean boost for solos, with the gain set to zero and volume slightly higher than clean.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Helix Native, Amplitube, and Neural DSP are commonly recommended for cabinet simulations, while Positive Grid is generally advised against.

    Source

User experience

  • Many users find that the MXR M80 lacks a built-in cabinet simulation, which can make the tone feel "prickly" without additional processing.

    Source
  • Users report that the MXR M80 performs differently in various setups, with some experiencing no issues at home but problems on stage, suggesting environmental factors may affect performance.

    Source
  • Owners report the pedal has been reliable over extended periods, with some using it for 4-5 years without issues.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Integrating a cabinet IR and compression is often suggested to enhance the MXR M80's tone, particularly for distorted or overdriven sounds.

    Source
  • Owners suggest checking for ground loop issues or electrical problems in active basses when encountering low output and hiss from the MXR M80.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners find the MXR M80 quieter than the SansAmp Bass Driver DI (BDDI), offering cleaner sound in various environments.

    Source
  • While the MXR M80's distortion is not as advanced as Darkglass pedals, it remains a budget-friendly alternative for users.

    Source

Critic Reviews

MXR: M-80 Bass D.I. +, Limiter pedal | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The MXR M80 Bass Direct Input+ offers solid performance at a reasonable price. Its clean channel features practical EQ controls and a "color" switch, making it versatile for various bass tones. While the distortion channel isn't groundbreaking, it's functional and better suited for use with an amp. Built to last and loaded with useful output options, the M80 is a viable option for bassists seeking an affordable DI with added features.

positive

Review: MXR M-80 Bass DI+ – Audio Geek Zine

audiogeekzine.com

The MXR M80 Bass Direct Input+ is a versatile tool for bass players, offering a rugged build and a range of tonal possibilities with its clean and distortion channels. Its transparent DI function, combined with a 3-band EQ and a unique color button, allows for quick access to fat bass tones. The distortion channel adds grit without the fuzziness, and the expander feature helps clean up noise. While it doesn't emulate amps like some competitors, its affordability and robust sound make it highly recommended for both stage and studio use.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 15 Reviews and 80 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
chrisdesign

Solid metal tone!

This machine is incredible! Throw a tuner in front and you have a complete bass rig. The EQ works well to shape your tone, the distortion is the perfect kind of grind, and the Colour switch is a great speaker emulator. I love the gate so my signal is tight. While maybe less useful for jazz, funk, pop, or worship, this pedal is perfect for worshiping Satan!

Genres:
perfectcandor

Great distortion

Other than Darkglass stuff, my favorite distortion for bass. Good to have a preamp in a case.

dterrero

The best thing to happen to my bass rig so far

As a bassist in my band, I use a borrowed Fender Rumble combo from the early to mid-aughts. I only used that for nearly a year. I don't really like the preamp sound and having only the onboard aux out to go to the front of the house is pretty limiting in an indoor live setting. This handy tool helped to eliminate these issues. I run a cable from my bass to tuner into the Bass DI+. One 1/4" out goes through the front end of the amp. I have the amp EQ bands tuned all the way down. The XLR out goes to the front of the house. With all of that in mind, I still have one more output jack at my disposal.

cloudtapes

A bit of everything, and it does it well.

When I was looking for a DI, a few things were important. Of course, you want something that is flexible in case your signal is lacking somewhere. This DI towards the end of my chain keeps everything organized, and I can add whatever may be lacking with the EQ.

The pedal itself is dead simple. You have your DI out, an output, and then a parallel out. Use the left foot switch to turn on the EQ, which has treble, mid, and bass knobs. The volume knob can give you a bit of a boost, and the "color" switch gives you an Ampeg sort of tone.

Use the right one to turn on the Distortion, which has very usable tones and a wide spectrum of gain. Use it for a little overdrive to give a bit more bite to your notes, use it as a volume boost, or get tones not unlike the opening bass line in Muse's "Starlight." The noise gate and blend knobs are nice features as well if you have a bit too much noise in your chain or want just a little bit of distortion blended in.

A really versatile little pedal with a small footprint.

zvn777

Very good

Used it around 2007-2009 with my band at the time, great tone and great versatility. Comes out a little too "old" when compared with some newer tecnology as Darkglass or CMOS equivalents.

emuemulator2

It's a good clean DI

It's okay, distortion channel isn't great but it's a good option for a DI to FOH paired with something else for gain.

joe_reichenbach

MUST-HAVE pedal for any bassist

with a 3 band EQ, gate-able distortion channel, adjustable clean volume with a 'color' switch, can be used as a DI, in-line, or both with a phantom and ground switch... a price of 150$ is MORE than reasonable for this pedal.

This has been in my arsenal for 10 years, and has been the most badass pedal I have ever had. Durable as a tank, and full of features, I always tell bassists they need this pedal.

marcelo_carboni

The basics

For about seven years now this pedal has been the base of my bass sound. Excellent tone, very easy to set, nice equalization, lots of different possibilities and great performanace with any amp. Also to gate and distorted channel are very usefull. Nowadays I use the distorted channel only as a clean boost, since I have a dedicated distortion pedal on my board. Must have for any bassist.

From Gear Setup
gff
gff

204

Best Preamp+Dist pedal. The blend control is the key

The preamp also has a balanced output and another one that is not affected by the effect, it also allows to include the distorted channel at its right point thanks to the BLEND control.

This review has been translated automatically into English. See original
From Gear Setup
marcelo_yakko

love this pedal.

There is always a fight between which is the best pre, and without detracting from the rest I choose this MXR m 80, warm and versatile, with the additional of a beautiful distortion for your bass.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Margarette Hiroi uses MXR M80 Bass DI+

Margarette Hiroi

Bassist

...
Verified via Digimart

Margarette Hiroi is shown using the MXR M80 Bass D.I.+ in a Digimart article, which includes a photo of his pedalboard.

See how Jeff Caxide uses MXR M80 Bass DI+

Jeff Caxide

Bassist

Isis

...
Verified via Photo

Difficult to make out the MXR pedal type from the picture but the color, knobs, and footswitches match it perfectly

See how Kello González uses MXR M80 Bass DI+

Kello González

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Overdriven BASS Showdown," Kello González uses the MXR M80 Bass D.I.+ as part of a comparison of bass overdrive/distortion pedals.

See how Jason Loewenstein uses MXR M80 Bass DI+

Jason Loewenstein

Singer, Guitarist

Sebadoh

...
Verified via Photo

In this picture, MXR Bass DI+ pedal can be seen.

See how Felix Martin uses MXR M80 Bass DI+

Felix Martin

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

"They are the legendary company that makes the Cry Baby wah pedal! I’m currently using the Volume Pedal, Analog Chorus, Bass Compressor (yes, it sound great on a guitar!) Also, a bass DI for bass tracking. We’ll be using these for the future recordings, more info coming soon"

See how Zac Sewell uses MXR M80 Bass DI+

Zac Sewell

Bassist

Pianos Become the Teeth

...
Verified via Photo

PBTT pedalboards explained on a Instagram highlights reel called "GEAR"

See how Matthew Marcantonio uses MXR M80 Bass DI+

Matthew Marcantonio

Singer, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Rig - Demob Happy," Matthew Marcantonio's pedalboard is shown to include an MXR M80 Bass Direct Input+, as seen during the discussion with the band about their guitar, bass, and drum setups for their Summer/Winter 2017 tour.

R

Rhydian Dafydd

Composer

The Joy Formidable

...
Verified via BassPlayer.com

Listed among his gear in an interview with Bass Player.

See how Caio Evangelista uses MXR M80 Bass DI+

Caio Evangelista

Bassist

Selvagens à Procura de Lei

...
See how Guillermo Vadala uses MXR M80 Bass DI+

Guillermo Vadala

Guitarist, Bassist

...
Verified via Photo

Vadala fotografiando los pedales de una presentación en vivo junto a Enanitos Verdes en Puerto Rico.

See how Becky Blomfield uses MXR M80 Bass DI+

Becky Blomfield

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Twitter

The MXR bass d.i.+ is shown on Becky's pedalboard placed up top.

See how caloncho uses MXR M80 Bass DI+

caloncho

...
Verified via Instagram

Caloncho is shown using an MXR M80 Bass D.I.+ in a photo shared on Instagram, where he documents sounds with @elesdex.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MXR M80 Bass DI+, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
alex_coma86

alex_coma86

Gear IQ 285

alex_coma86

alex_coma86

Gear IQ 285

alex_coma86

alex_coma86

Gear IQ 285

alex_coma86

alex_coma86

Gear IQ 285

alex_coma86

alex_coma86

Gear IQ 285

bassmeisterjay707

bassmeisterjay707

Gear IQ 220

alex_coma86

alex_coma86

Gear IQ 285

lang_huck

lang_huck

Gear IQ 111

mamukagafrindashvili

mamukagafrindashvili

Gear IQ 279

mamukagafrindashvili

mamukagafrindashvili

Gear IQ 279

T

tfb_sanchez

Gear IQ 116

dan_tuttle

dan_tuttle

Gear IQ 84

marcelo_carboni

marcelo_carboni

Gear IQ 1370

bohol

bohol

Gear IQ 214

adnan_ahmed_feroz

adnan_ahmed_feroz

Gear IQ 195

lang_huck

lang_huck

Gear IQ 111

billvera

billvera

Gear IQ 72

isaacabogatal

isaacabogatal

Gear IQ 76

gff

gff

Gear IQ 204

1 alternative for MXR M80 Bass DI+, curated by the Equipboard community.

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