The right pedal for the people hunting for a phase 90.

This pedal checks almost all of the boxes in my wishlist if I wanted to make a better version of the Phase 90. Smaller enclosure, same simplicity (one knob), and have both 2 (45) and 4 stage (90) phasers with their script versions. I’ve always liked both the subtle effect of the Phase 45 and the iconic tone of the Phase 90 so having both in one pedal is amazing. All of this for practically the same price of a regular Phase 90.

The only negative thing I have to say about this pedal are the lights for the type of phaser (45/90 - Script/Block), they’re way too bright and always on. On a side note, the blue light (45/90) pulsates depending on what the rate knob is set at, which serves a little bit like a tap tempo in case you want to synchronize your phaser with whatever tempo you’re playing with.

Overall, a fantastic pedal from MXR that truly deserves 5 stars.

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From Gear Setup

new favorite pedal

before owning this pedal, my favorite pedal to use for solos was my EHX chorus and/or MXR delay. ever since I got this pedal, however, it feels like I have three offspring and I have absolutely chosen a favorite child. I know a lot of people dislike the lack of controls this pedal offers but I think the simplicity is what makes this pedal so good; you only have one control, a Rate knob. but you can go from subtle, literally unnoticeable phasing to the most inaudible warble, and everything in between is that sweet spot that just sounds so unbelievable in a full band setting. the 45/90 switch is where the versatility really shines, and the "script" button only highlights the effect for an even better sound.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

From Gear Setup

Pack's a punch

This is my first dedicated analog phaser pedal, and only recently while trying a phasing effect on a demo version of Bias FX I realised the lot's of fun I've been missing in past jam sessions, so I decided to get one ASAP. For about one week I was searching the internet and listening different demos on different pedals, but there was not one pedal that I necessarily liked much more than other, so it was being complicated to decide... I don't know why but I never really paid much attention to small sized pedals (besides the Ditto Looper and the SP Compressor). One of the main things I look for in a pedal (besides good analog tone) is versatility, so I was not keen on the fact that the most famous phasers only had 1 speed knob. And then I learned about 2 stage phasers, 4 stage phasers, even 6 stage phasers, so wich one is more appropriate to me? That being said, as soon as I learned about the Phase 95 I was pretty much sure that would be it, the small size was not the selling point for me, but the possibility of alternating between 2 stage Phase 45 and 4 stage Phase 90, and then the option of adding or removing feedback via the script button, in an affordable good quality build analog device. But what really made my mind absolutely clear this was it was something that is not even mentioned on it's page. Something simple that I love and all my pedals have that "requirement". The damn blinking led in sync with the speed of the modulation!!! The left led blinks whenever the phase changes direction. Some may find it insignificant, but I find it soooo nice to be able to visualize what you're doing to your sound, being able to eye-sync your effect before kicking it in. My M134 Stereo Chorus also does this. Gotta love the simplicity and straightforward efficiency on these analog circuits... Nice touch MXR!! Although they don't advertise the pedal as being analog I'm pretty sure it is, as the current draw on this one is just 8mA (a digital unit would definitely require more power). I am extremely happy with this purchase, costed me 119€ in Portugal, it sounds absolutely cosmic, and it really is versatile while keeping it's traditional simplicity, from subtle 2 stage script, to full on 4 stage warble, although it lacks the dedicated knobs you CAN adjust its depth and intensity to each style/song. Great job from MXR, instant modern classic and one of my favourite pedals at the moment! Update: having spent more time with the pedal I have two minor things to mention that I dislike a bit (although I still give it 5 stars): The not so slight volume boost that happens when you engage it (typical from MXR phasers); 2 stage mode with script feels a bit too much filtered IMO, like suddenly my guitar is playing on a radio. Here is a spectral frequency test I made: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wp3G5Q9yuIE&t=3s

Does its job

I love gear like this that saves those of us who don’t care about collecting from paying through the nose for basic effects that are just expensive because they’re “vintage.” I especially appreciate it in the case of this pedal which showed me that I would have been really unhappy shelling out for one of the vintage units it contains.

That’s not to talk down a classic. The Phase 90 is my favorite phaser ever, and I would actually give this five stars if it was just a mini version of that pedal. But it also contains the Phase 45 circuit, which I find to be tinny and underwhelming. Having never played the original, I can’t say if that’s it’s natural sound or if this is a bad re-release, but I set this to the Phase 90 Script setting and forget it. And used like that, it’s perfect.

From Gear Setup

Classic pedal in a very friendly format

You've heard MXP phase many times on the radio, on TV and so on. Most guitar players had this little orange box since mid 70's, it's one of the classic pedals. It's not doing many things like most other phasers but it sounds great and it works in music context. Now they've squeezed it into smaller format and added switching to cover all the possible versions of the classic Phase 90 and 45. It sounds just as great as the originals, it's smaller and it's a winner, it will probably stay on my board forever, no need to look for other versions as it features all of them in one package. The knobs affect the sound subtly, I don't even know which setting is my fav - thy're all good.

Probably my favourite Phaser pedal, ever.

I bought this used from a Pawn Shop like I buy many things. Read some reviews on my phone, didn't get much excited until I took it home and put it in my amps effects loop. This thing is SIMPLE. A footswitch, a pair of buttons and a speed knob. I use it for 70s style country (Waylon, Jerry, ect...) and for a suble 70s style Leslie sound some of the jazzcats used back then.

This pedal is small, runs off a power supply only and works just as good as a full sized pedal. It'll do both 45/90 sounds with a matching LED telling you which mode you're in, and a amber LED to let you know if you're in Script mode, which is a mellower more vintage sound. It also has a BRIGHT blue LED that lets you know it's engaged. The LEDs also pulse to the beat of the Phase 95 if the unit is engaged or not. It'll help light up a dark room.

I have some processors like a Boss GT100, GT1000 and Zoom G11 and still prefer the tone of this little MXR Phase 95. I usually use it in the loop my my processor instead of one of the built in phasers they provide.

Cool

Pros: 1) Small. 2) Analog. 3) Supplied with adapter. 4) Cheap for what it offers. 5) Four good sounding phaser voices. It's always convenient to be able change intensity of phaser by pressing the button. Cons: 1) Not exactly replicates classic sounds. Phase 90 Block setting is more scooped and has more range, Phase 90 Script setting filters out treble. It gives you choice between intense and less intense phaser, but neither seem to give you the "sweet spot" phaser, which was original Phase 90 Block. 2) Not true bypass? 3) Volume boost.

Small and effective

I walked into a Guitar Center and demoed this vs. the original Phase 90. Yes the Phase 90 looked nice and had the classic look. The truth is though, it's a one trick pony compared to the mini Phase 95. MXR took the Phase 90 and the old Phase 45, infused them into a single pedal, and then shrunk it down to a mini sized box of fun. I went with the Phase 95 for those reasons pretty much. Saves you space and gives you more options. Hope this helps!

Big tone, small package.

Love this pedal, I haven't had it on my board for a long time but the range of tones that I get from it have quickly made it a favorite of mine. You get everything from the subtle vintage Phase 45 tone to a nice saturated Phase 90 tone. The "script" button also allows you to take the feedback circuit out, making the effect much more subtle and sort of a "sprinkles on top" kind of feature to your tone. I use it for everything from getting that classic rock lead tone, to adding a little bit of phase to an ambient swell to give some texture. I also love how small it is. One thing I will say, it probably has the brightest LED I have ever seen on a pedal when you turn it on. The good news is I never have to wonder whether it's on or not. Great addition to any board!

Small footprint for a great phaser

It does the thing in a small box. Saved already a lot of space and the features of 90/45 & Script/Logo are super useful! Best bang for the buck.