Tone Hammer vs MXR M81

[FLV]

I'm in the process of rebuilding my pedalboard. So far I had a very minimalistic approach - a tuner, compressor and a preamp, since I often play gigs going direct, without an amp. So far I really enjoyed using my Aguilar Tone Hammer, although it's bulky design and a requirement for a 18v power supply are bit of an issue.

Lately I've read some reviews of the MXR M81 and it seem like a good alternative, although there are no direct comparisons of the two. The only forum thread that I've found contains some info about the TH being marginally better and that the MXR's DI is noisier. Can anyone confirm or deny that? Are there any users that have some experience with both?

 

[mmbongo]

I have both. The M81 is kinda like a stripped down, no frills Tone Hammer. It has no overdrive and no real 'tone' of it's own. And the Tone Hammer definitely has a better/quieter DI.

Basically...if you are limited on size and limited to 9v then go M81. Otherwise, Tone Hammer wins on everything else.

 

[Al Kraft]

I like the Tone Hammer much better, but would agree that that the M81 is a fine pedal. If versatility, headroom and high quality (DI and overall build) top your list and 18 Volts or size aren't an issue, the TH wins in my book. If smaller size, using an existing 9 Volt power supply and having a clean DI pedal with nice EQ are most important, the M81 is worth a serious look. Two different types of winners!

 

[birminghambass]

TH can be used by combining a single 9v and a 9v power supply/One Spot. I did this for a few years with no issues as I didn't want to use a dedicated power supply just for that pedal.

 

[FLV]

Thanks for the answers! I'll probably stay with the TH after all, although I'm tempted to at least try the MXR somewhere sooner or later.

 

[Zoot H Rollo]

i just ordered an M-81.

 

[Ti-Ron]

I am really curious about the comparaison too.
Is the TH handle high gain or high output pickups eell?

 

[Rocksolid]

I've been looking at the M81 also, I have a TH, that isn't going anywhere. The M81 is for a Nano board.

I run the TH via a Diago voltage doubled. Plug 9v in one side, 18v comes out the other.

 

[Zoot H Rollo]

I got the MXR M81 mint/used for $115 shipped online.

The level/gain, EQ, DI, and box design are perfect for my situation.

I didn't want an overdrive pedal. All the bass fuzz demos drive me insane.

I was an Aguilar user for a while.
Pickups too.

 

[waveman]

Never tried the Tonehammer, but recently acquired the MXR M81. I love it for my DI purposes.

 

[Rocksolid]

I've grabbed a demo M81 off evilbay. Should have it next week. I am genuinely excited to try this pedal!

 

[veryvery]

Never tried the Tone Hammer but FWIW I am very happy with my M81.

 

[Zoot H Rollo]

I have the Aguilar OBP3 on my Bacchus 24DX4.

Which, i believe, i a similar circuit to the Tone Hammer.

it's good, but the M81 makes it shine!

 

[Rocksolid]

Had the M81 a few weeks now. Super clean, tasty eq, and enough gain to drive my QSC PLX1804.

Sweepable mids are great. Quite a different beast to the THDI. I'm liking how the M81 plays with the modele B on my board.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I use a modded VT bass as my preamp. It's pretty sick.

 

[Zoot H Rollo]

i'm using the M81 as an (near) END-OF-CHAIN treatment for my guitar signal path.

like the MXR bass compressor was a sleeper for guitarists, i think the M81 is overlooked for other instruments.

 

[Al Kraft]

While they don't seem to get the respect of some other brands (especially the boutique stuff), I think MXR produces some of the best sounding and most reliable stuff out there...and their prices are exceptionally attractive for the quality level.

 

[Zoot H Rollo]

While they don't seem to get the respect of some other brands (especially the boutique stuff), I think MXR produces some of the best sounding and most reliable stuff out there...and their prices are exceptionally attractive for the quality level.

MXR (mis)Perception - when you think you deserve a click up from Boss.

 

[superheavyfunk]

Had the M81 a few weeks now. Super clean, tasty eq, and enough gain to drive my QSC PLX1804.

Sweepable mids are great. Quite a different beast to the THDI. I'm liking how the M81 plays with the modele B on my board.

This is the perfect fly-rig mini board. Beautiful!

 

[impapa22]

I'm in the process of rebuilding my pedalboard. So far I had a very minimalistic approach - a tuner, compressor and a preamp, since I often play gigs going direct, without an amp. So far I really enjoyed using my Aguilar Tone Hammer, although it's bulky design and a requirement for a 18v power supply are bit of an issue.

Lately I've read some reviews of the MXR M81 and it seem like a good alternative, although there are no direct comparisons of the two. The only forum thread that I've found contains some info about the TH being marginally better and that the MXR's DI is noisier. Can anyone confirm or deny that? Are there any users that have some experience with both?

I just bought the Tone Hammer and even though it calls for 2(9v) batteries or the 18V PSU, mine seems to be operating fine on 9V daisy chained with my other pedals on one PSU. Right now I don't how the 9V is impacting the performance of the pedal versus the performance with 18V.