Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
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Price
Average Price: $115
Standard/Professional
$60
$151+
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Budget
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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
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What does the MXR MC401 CAE Boost / Line Driver pedal do for my guitar tone?
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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.
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Is the MXR MC401 CAE Boost pedal suitable for live performances?
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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.
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Can the MXR MC401 Boost pedal be powered with a standard 9V adapter?
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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.
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How does the MXR MC401 CAE Boost pedal affect my guitar's signal chain?
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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.
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Does the MXR MC401 CAE Boost pedal add any distortion to my sound?
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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.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
MXR CAE MC-401 Boost Line Driver Pedal
Reviews
PROS
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Provides pure, transparent clean boost without altering original tone
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Extremely low noise floor, even at high boost levels
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Offers significant headroom, usable with 9V or 18V power
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Simple, intuitive one-knob operation
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Built like a tank; durable and reliable construction
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Highly effective for pushing amps into overdrive or boosting solos
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Works well in effects loop or in front of the amp
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Excellent value for the price; affordable yet high quality
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Suitable for various musical settings and genres
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Quiet operation maintains clarity in complex pedal setups
CONS
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Requires a 9V adapter; no room for internal battery power
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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
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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.
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Use cases and applications
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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.
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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.
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The MC401 is perceived as more of a buffer than a boost, depending on user expectation and setup.
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Setup and maintenance
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Consideration for capacitor voltage ratings is crucial when experimenting with 18V power, as the pedal's manual only specifies 9V operation.
Source
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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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.
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.
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.
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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