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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal, your ultimate solution for a pure, uncompromised tone. This pedal is designed to overcome the challenges posed by a lengthy lineup of effect pedals. If your tone is suffering from the mixed impedance of your effects pedals, worry no more. The MC406 Buffer Pedal got you covered.

This versatile pedal is not just about maintaining your tone. It also allows you to add up to 6dB of gain to your signal. This is particularly handy when using vintage or boutique pedals that tend to cause a volume drop.

The MXR MC406 Buffer Pedal also comes with an additional output. You can use this to connect your tuner or a second amplifier. As if that's not enough, it also features a 9VDC power output jack. This means you can power another pedal using this amazing device.

If you're looking for a reliable, sturdy pedal that will serve you for a long time, the MXR MC406 Buffer Pedal is your best bet. It's built to withstand the rigors of regular use, ensuring that it will be a part of your rig for years to come.

Key Features:

  • Buffer pedal for maintaining instrument signal quality over long cable runs and effects chains
  • Ability to add up to 6dB of gain to make up for volume loss due to long signal paths
  • High- and Low-cut switches for fine-tuning signal recovery
  • Additional unbuffered output for connecting to a tuner, second effects chain, or amplifier
  • 9VDC power output jack for powering another pedal
  • Rugged construction for durability and longevity

Product specs

Brand MXR
Model MC406 Buffer
Finish Black
Year 2011 - 2025
Made In United States
Categories Buffer
Pedal Format Standard

FAQs

What is the purpose of the MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal?

The MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal is designed to preserve your guitar's tone by maintaining signal strength and clarity, especially when using long cables or multiple pedals in your signal chain.

Does the MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal add any gain to the signal?

Yes, the MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal features a +6dB gain slider, allowing you to compensate for any signal loss in your setup.

What power supply is required for the MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal?

The MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal can be powered by a Dunlop ECB003 9-volt adapter, or the DC Brick™, Iso-Brick™, and Mini Iso-Brick™ power supplies, which are not included.

Is the MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal suitable for use with bass guitars?

Yes, the MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal is suitable for both guitar and bass, helping to maintain signal integrity across various instruments.

Can the MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal be used at the beginning of a pedalboard?

Yes, placing the MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal at the beginning of your pedalboard can help ensure a strong, clear signal before it goes through other effects.

Guitar World

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Guitar World

Guitar World

Video thumbnail for MXR CAE Buffer - Recensione e Audio Test by Riccardo Cherubini by Riccardo Cherubini

MXR CAE Buffer - Recensione e Audio Test by Riccardo Cherubini

Riccardo Cherubini

Riccardo Cherubini

Video thumbnail for MXR / CAE Buffer - Audio Test by Riccardo Cherubini by Riccardo Cherubini

MXR / CAE Buffer - Audio Test by Riccardo Cherubini

Riccardo Cherubini

Riccardo Cherubini

Video thumbnail for MXR MC406 CAE Buffer by Murrano

MXR MC406 CAE Buffer

Murrano

Murrano

Video thumbnail for MXR CAE MC406 Buffer by Murrano

MXR CAE MC406 Buffer

Murrano

Murrano

Reviews

PROS

  • Enhances signal without making it sound sterile or artificial

  • Noticeable improvement in sound clarity and high-end restoration

  • Includes gain control for added versatility

  • Features like boost and EQ cuts offer additional sound shaping

  • Effective in both direct recording and through FX loops

  • Pedals interact and stack better when used with this buffer

  • Solves volume drop and treble loss effectively

  • Maintains a natural sound even in large pedal setups

CONS

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 9 Ratings

5 star
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Artist usage

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See how Slash uses MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal

Slash

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Moshcam video, "Behind The Scenes | Slash's guitar tech, Ace | Guns N' Roses," at timestamp 6:34, Slash's guitar tech refers to a splitter. While CAE doesn't produce a splitter, the MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal, which features one input and two outputs, matches his description. This suggests it's the unit being discussed.

See how Jim Root uses MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal

Jim Root

Guitarist

Slipknot

...
Verified via YouTube

On the top, just next to the Carbon Copy is an MXR Buffer.

See how Paul Gilbert uses MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal

Paul Gilbert

Guitarist

Mr. Big

...
Verified via Jimdunlop

According to the product website Paul is currently playing Tortex .60 picks, MXR Script Phase 90 with the LED, MXR Distortion +, and the CAE Buffer.

See how Bill Kelliher uses MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal

Bill Kelliher

Singer, Guitarist

Mastodon

...
Verified via Photo

Bill Kelliher uses the MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo on Imgur.

See how Mikael Akerfeldt uses MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal

Mikael Akerfeldt

Singer, Guitarist

Katatonia

...
Verified via GearGods

Mikael uses this pedal acording to an interview by Gear Gods

See how Dean DeLeo uses MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal

Dean DeLeo

Guitarist

Stone Temple Pilots

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In this MusicRadar article, Dean DeLeo showcases his pedalboard which includes a Custom Audio Electronics buffer.

See how Lzzy Hale uses MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal

Lzzy Hale

Singer, Guitarist

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via YouTube

She uses this mainly to do a lead. You can see this pedal at 1:05

See how Fredrik Åkesson uses MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal

Fredrik Åkesson

Guitarist

Opeth

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Opeth - 'Paragraph One' - Fredrik Åkesson Playthrough Video" by Opeth, Fredrik Åkesson can be seen using the MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal at the 2:25 mark.

See how Audley Freed uses MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal

Audley Freed

Guitarist

The Black Crowes

...
Verified via Photo

Nashville legend Audley Freed (Black Crowes, Sheryl Crow, Cry of Love) shows us his pedalboard at a recent event honoring Joe Walsh at the Experience Music Project in Seattle

See how RAC uses MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal

RAC

Music Producer

RAC

...
Verified via YouTube

In his studio tour in 2018, he mentioned that this pedal is one of the pedals that he doesn't bring on tour with him and just has available for him to mess around with.

See how Niclas Engelin uses MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal

Niclas Engelin

Guitarist

In Flames

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:29 of this video of TC Electronic we can see at the back of the rig the MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal.

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 MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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gary_dizon

gary_dizon

Gear IQ 579

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