MXR Phase 90 vs. Phase 100

snogaws · #1 08-01-2010, 10:08 AM

I'm considering getting either the MXR Phase 90 or the Phase 100 for my setup, but I was wondering if anyone can tell me what the main differences are between the two, and recommend to me which one to get. Thanks!

Kromwarp · #2 08-01-2010, 10:34 AM

The Phase 100 will allow you to tailor your phase shifting more, wheras on the Phase 90, you can only change the speed of the phasing

RickenBoogie · #3 08-01-2010, 12:04 PM

The 90 is a true classic, and although it has limited tweakability, it does that classic phase sound as well as any. An Ehx Small Stone is another great choice, but also very limited tweakability. I like it better, seems more warm and natural. The 100 takes up more space, for not that much added options. Between the 2, I'd still go with a Small Stone, even the nano.

Thunderscreech · #4 08-01-2010, 12:23 PM

100 is a bigger number than 90, therefore the Phase 100 is the clear choice

rr5025 · #5 08-01-2010, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thunderscreech

100 is a bigger number than 90, therefore the Phase 100 is the clear choice

Sound logic.

mhduffl · #6 08-04-2010, 10:27 PM

I have phase 90 but never tried 100, 90 is my favourite.....

Mark Olson · #7 08-04-2010, 10:50 PM

The Phase 90 is a four stage phaser, which is the classic phaser sound. The Phase 100 is either six or ten stage, I can't remember which, but what that means is it does a completely different range of sounds. I like them both, but personally for me I'd probably go for a Phase 45.

JimmyM · #8 08-04-2010, 11:27 PM

phase 90 just sounds better to my ears. this is a rare time where a bigger number doesn't mean a better product.

and put me down for the nano small stone as well. always favored the small stone anyway (no color switch on the phase 90), and the nano is a lot less crappily bypassed than the original.

N.F.A. · #9 08-04-2010, 11:35 PM

+1 to Jimmy. The 100 just sounds thinner to my ears. Get the hand wired 90 if you are going to get one. Lush..

NickInMesa · #10 08-05-2010, 12:05 AM

Not so sure about the difference between the old 74 "script" version and the 77 "block" version, except that the older ones apparently have a smoother sound.

The Eddie Van Halen edition has a "script" button to emulate the 74 sound.

The Phaser 90 is indispensable if you want to emulate the sound of the bass on Stranglehold or Turn To Stone ("So What" album version).

I call it my Stranglehold pedal because as soon as I turn it on and play the riff, they get it.

NineSpine · #11 08-05-2010, 12:09 AM

I find the sound of the 100 to be all at once thinner and more obtrusive, if that makes any sense. The 90 really wets up the sound perfectly.

ZBbass · #12 08-05-2010, 12:11 AM

I agree with Jimmy, phase 90 just sounds better to my ear. I don't need the extra "tweakability" the 100 offers as I get the sound I want out of the 90 and why give up the extra space. I've been using this box for several years now and it has withstood all kinds of abuse. Great box.

open_space · #13 08-05-2010, 03:33 AM

I have an old MXR Phase 100 from the 80's. I have recently compared it to the new MXR Phase 90.

They are quite different but I much prefer the Phase 100. It's more subtle and works better for me, because I don't need a very deep sounding phase unit. You can't really control Phase 90 and after 12 o'clock on the rate knob it's useless on bass, at least IMHO.

Phase 100 has four settings that let you control the depth and width of the effect. For me it's a plus, because I use a setting with bigger depth and smaller width and it sound's really good.

Also if you want a MXR phaser, I would look for older units. When I compared my old MXR vs. new MXR Phase 90, there was a huge difference, because MXR 90 really sucks in bypass. Trust me, when you comparing two pedals side by side you can tell the difference immediately.

mhduffl · #14 08-05-2010, 03:49 AM

Any fellows tried/owned phase 45?? Seems another interesting pedal.....

open_space · #15 08-05-2010, 03:59 AM

From what I have heard Phase 45 seems really subtle.

syciprider · #16 08-05-2010, 03:22 PM

+ 1 to Small Stone. It is warmer and more importantly, funkier!

thudstaff23 · #17 08-05-2010, 03:29 PM

FWIW, I have used the same MXR Phase 90 for about 15 years. This is one of the few pedals that I put in the "indispensable" category. That goes for on guitar as well.

andvari7 · #18 08-05-2010, 04:34 PM

I've always wanted to try the 100, but I do like my script reissue 90 quite a lot. The problem with the 90 is that it's too pedestrian; anyone can get a Phase 90. But the 100 is a rarer bird; I can name only three people who use(d) the Phase 100: Joe Strummer, Mick Jones and Steve Hackett, all three of whom are/were guitarists.