Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (6)
$125.99
Guitar Center
5.0 (11)
$125.99
Amazon
4.6 (121)
$125.99 New
$115.91 Used (Like New)
Reverb
5.0 (22)
$123.12 New
$49.99 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (26)
$125.99
Thomann
4.8 (231)
$125.00

Average Price: $115

Standard/Professional

$60

$151+

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Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "MXR MC401 CAE Boost / Line Driver". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash the full potential of your guitar with the MXR MC401 CAE Boost / Line Driver. This pedal is a powerhouse of simplicity and functionality, designed with the discerning guitarist in mind. Featuring a 20dB boost circuit crafted by Bob Bradshaw of Custom Audio Electronics, this pedal ensures a pristine clean boost, delivering clarity and sparkle to your sound. Whether you need to cut through a dense mix or simply want to add some extra warmth and depth to your tone, the MXR MC401 is up to the task.

Housed in a rugged metal casing with high-grade components, this pedal is designed to withstand the rigors of the road while maintaining consistent performance. The single knob design offers intuitive control, making it easy to dial in the perfect amount of boost for any situation. Perfectly suited for busy signal chains, this pedal effortlessly handles mismatched line levels and signal conditioning challenges, restoring your guitar’s natural voice.

For those craving more from their tube amps, the MXR MC401 injects your signal with enough power to push even the tamest pickups into sweet saturation and roaring overdrive. This pedal is a testament to the perfect blend of simplicity and functionality, providing the boost you need without compromising your tone.

Key Features:

  • Provides up to +20dB of clean boost
  • Designed by Bob Bradshaw of Custom Audio Electronics
  • Handles mismatched line levels and signal conditioning
  • Rugged metal housing for durability
  • True bypass construction for crystal-clear tone

Product specs

Pedal Type Boost
Analog/Digital Analog
Controls Boost
Number of Footswitch Buttons 1
Inputs 1 x 1/4"
Outputs 1 x 1/4"
Power Source 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
Batteries 1 x 9V

FAQs

What does the MXR MC401 CAE Boost / Line Driver pedal do for my guitar tone?

The MXR MC401 CAE Boost / Line Driver pedal enhances your guitar signal by providing a clean boost, allowing for more volume and clarity without altering the original tone. It's perfect for pushing your amp into overdrive or maintaining signal strength over long cable runs.

Is the MXR MC401 CAE Boost pedal suitable for live performances?

Yes, the MXR MC401 CAE Boost pedal is ideal for live performances, providing a simple one-button operation to boost your signal for solos or dynamic passages without changing your tone.

Can the MXR MC401 Boost pedal be powered with a standard 9V adapter?

Yes, the MXR MC401 Boost pedal can be powered using a standard 9V DC power supply, which is sold separately, or with a 9V battery for convenience.

How does the MXR MC401 CAE Boost pedal affect my guitar's signal chain?

The MXR MC401 CAE Boost pedal strengthens your guitar's signal, maintaining clarity and volume across long cable runs or through complex pedal setups, ensuring your tone remains consistent and powerful.

Does the MXR MC401 CAE Boost pedal add any distortion to my sound?

No, the MXR MC401 CAE Boost pedal provides a clean boost without adding distortion, making it perfect for enhancing your existing tone without altering it.

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

MXR CAE MC-401 Boost Line Driver Pedal

Video thumbnail for MXR CAE MC-401 Boost Line Driver Pedal by ProGuitarShopDemos

MXR CAE MC-401 Boost Line Driver Pedal

ProGuitarShopDemos

ProGuitarShopDemos

Video thumbnail for MXR CAE Custom Audio Electronics Boost Line Driver by shnobel

MXR CAE Custom Audio Electronics Boost Line Driver

shnobel

shnobel

Video thumbnail for MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-401 Boost Pedal Video Demo by tunnelvisionmusic

MXR Custom Audio Electronics MC-401 Boost Pedal Video Demo

tunnelvisionmusic

tunnelvisionmusic

Video thumbnail for TONE THURSDAY: MXR CAE MC401 - A Classic Transparent Boost Pedal by Music Bliss Malaysia

TONE THURSDAY: MXR CAE MC401 - A Classic Transparent Boost Pedal

Music Bliss Malaysia

Music Bliss Malaysia

Video thumbnail for "MXR Micro Amp M133" vs "MXR CAE MC401 Boost / Line Driver" by Kev_k_ life

"MXR Micro Amp M133" vs "MXR CAE MC401 Boost / Line Driver"

Kev_k_ life

Kev_k_ life

Video thumbnail for MXR MC401 Boost / Line Driver demo by Bax Music UK

MXR MC401 Boost / Line Driver demo

Bax Music UK

Bax Music UK

Reviews

PROS

  • Provides pure, transparent clean boost without altering original tone

  • Extremely low noise floor, even at high boost levels

  • Offers significant headroom, usable with 9V or 18V power

  • Simple, intuitive one-knob operation

  • Built like a tank; durable and reliable construction

  • Highly effective for pushing amps into overdrive or boosting solos

  • Works well in effects loop or in front of the amp

  • Excellent value for the price; affordable yet high quality

  • Suitable for various musical settings and genres

  • Quiet operation maintains clarity in complex pedal setups

CONS

  • Requires a 9V adapter; no room for internal battery power

  • LED light may be excessively bright for some users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MXR MC401 CAE Boost / Line Driver.

Features and functionality

  • Running the MC401 at 18V provides higher clean headroom, allowing it to handle higher input levels without distorting, though differences may be subtle without a gain pedal in front.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Using the MC401 in an effects loop, particularly with an amp like the 6505, can benefit from the higher headroom at 18V for solo volume boosts.

    Source
  • The MC401 is ideal for preserving an amp's tone while adding subtle grit, making it suitable for rhythm and lead without overpowering the original sound.

    Source
  • The MC401 is perceived as more of a buffer than a boost, depending on user expectation and setup.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Consideration for capacitor voltage ratings is crucial when experimenting with 18V power, as the pedal's manual only specifies 9V operation.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The MXR MC401 is noted for its flat EQ compared to the Xotic EP Booster, which adds its own tonal character.

    Source
  • For those seeking a similar function with added tonal coloration, the Keeley Katana is suggested as an alternative to the MC401.

    Source

Critic Reviews

MC401 CAE Boost/Line Driver Review: It's heavy duty, all black (must for guitar players) with a... | MXR | Guitar Effects | Reviews @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com

ultimate-guitar.com

The MXR MC401 CAE Boost/Line Driver is heralded as a robust and straightforward solution for guitarists seeking a clean volume boost without altering their tone. With a simple design, it's easy to use and reliable, making it a staple on many pedalboards. The pedal's durability is praised, described as "built like a tank" and capable of enduring extensive use without issues. While it excels in providing a pure volume boost, some might find its lack of tone-shaping features limiting. Despite this, it stands out for its effectiveness and reliability, making it a favorite among those who want their sound louder without modification.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Emma Proulx uses MXR MC401 CAE Boost / Line Driver

Emma Proulx

Singer, Guitarist

Men I Trust

...
Verified via Photo

Emma Proulx uses the MXR MC401 CAE Boost / Line Driver, as evidenced by a photograph taken by a fan at a Men I Trust gig in Stockholm, Sweden, on June 2, 2022. The image clearly shows the pedal on her pedalboard, positioned on the upper right, next to the Strymon Ola dBucket Chorus & Vibrato and above the Universal Audio OX Stomp Dynamic Speaker Emulator Stereo Pedal.

See how Michael Landau uses MXR MC401 CAE Boost / Line Driver

Michael Landau

Guitarist

Joe Sample and the Soul Committee

...
Verified via Photo

In a Facebook picture from April 10, 2026, taken at the Baked Potato, Michael Landau's pedalboard is shown with the MXR MC401 CAE Boost / Line Driver as the first pedal in line.

See how George Thorogood uses MXR MC401 CAE Boost / Line Driver

George Thorogood

Singer, Guitarist

George Thorogood & The Destroyers

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "George Thorogood Rig Rundown Guitar Gear Tour with Guitarist Jim Suhler" by Premier Guitar, at the timestamp of 29:15, an MXR MC401 Custom Audio Electronics Boost/Line Driver pedal can be clearly seen on George Thorogood's pedalboard, confirming its use in his equipment setup.

See how Josh Smith uses MXR MC401 CAE Boost / Line Driver

Josh Smith

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In a post shared by Josh Smith on Instagram, he mentioned his excitement about gear and included a photo of his rig in progress, which clearly features the MXR MC401 CAE Boost / Line Driver.

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 MC401 CAE Boost / Line Driver, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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