MXR Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor Pedal






zZounds Gear Experts Say...
Craving that '80s arena rock sound? MXR's Rockman X100 revives classic tones with four presets, analog circuitry, and built-in chorus for lush modulation.
Overview
In 1982, Tom Scholz -- visionary guitarist and founder of pioneering hard rock band Boston -- designed and released the Rockman X100 headphone amp through his electronics company Scholz Research & Development (SR&D). But it was more than just a headphone amp -- with recording console connectivity and several tone-tweaking features and built-in effects, the X100 became the secret weapon in the studio that would go on to define the polished, chorus-laden sound of 1980s arena rock.
The MXR Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor revives the signature sonic character of the classic Rockman X100 headphone amp in stompbox form. Aided by veteran MXR engineer and SR&D alum Bob Cedro, the MXR design team captured the same crystalline cleans, crunchy harmonics, and shimmering modulation as the original. With the same four tonal presets, carefully calibrated compression, and bucket-brigade chorusing, this all-analog recreation also features both mono and stereo modes and optional external mode switching for an enhanced user experience.
RE-COMPRESSED
A key component of the original X100's sound was a complex compression circuit for keeping the signal clear whether clean or dirty. The MXR Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor comes equipped with the same circuit, tuned for a slow release on clean modes and a fast release on dirty modes.
MODED OUT
Like the original, the Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor features four different presets, selectable via the MODE button: two differently equalized… read more clean modes with high-power sustain and two distinctively gritty dirty modes. The default setting, CLN2 mode, provides a clean, crystal clear tone, while CLN1 mode offers a mid-focused EQ curve for a tight, punchy sound. On the dirty side, Edge mode boasts moderate clipping that's highly sensitive to Input Gain adjustments and cleans up nicely at low guitar volume levels. Distortion mode delivers high-energy overdrive and sustain that's perfect for easy, fluid lead tones.
ON THE LEVEL
Tailoring your levels is simple with dedicated Input Gain and Volume sliders. Input Gain adjustments affect how your incoming signal interacts with the X100 Analog Tone Processor's four modes especially the Edge setting while Volume sets the level going to your amplifier.
THE BUCKET BRIGADE
Equipped with the same classic MN3007 bucket brigade chip found in the original headphone amp, the Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor will infuse every riff and lick with bucketfuls of expansive, shimmering chorus with a simple push of the Chorus button.
DIG DEEPER
Like a more advanced setup? You can connect an off-board switch such as the MXR TRS Split + Tap for foot control of the Mode switch. And if you're into stereo, this pedal stereo allows you to send the signal of your selected mode to L/R channels while varying the chorus between the two sides for a more spacious and dynamic effect.
ARENA ROCK IN A BOX
The MXR Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor brings the same rig-in-a-box tones that the original did -- but this time, it'll fit right onto your pedalboard. There's never been a better way to capture the big tones and texture of the arena rock era.
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The MXR Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor revives the signature sonic character of the classic Rockman X100 headphone amp in stompbox form. Aided by veteran MXR engineer and SR&D alum Bob Cedro, the MXR design team captured the same crystalline cleans, crunchy harmonics, and shimmering modulation as the original. With the same four tonal presets, carefully calibrated compression, and bucket-brigade chorusing, this all-analog recreation also features both mono and stereo modes and optional external mode switching for an enhanced user experience.
RE-COMPRESSED
A key component of the original X100's sound was a complex compression circuit for keeping the signal clear whether clean or dirty. The MXR Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor comes equipped with the same circuit, tuned for a slow release on clean modes and a fast release on dirty modes.
MODED OUT
Like the original, the Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor features four different presets, selectable via the MODE button: two differently equalized… read more clean modes with high-power sustain and two distinctively gritty dirty modes. The default setting, CLN2 mode, provides a clean, crystal clear tone, while CLN1 mode offers a mid-focused EQ curve for a tight, punchy sound. On the dirty side, Edge mode boasts moderate clipping that's highly sensitive to Input Gain adjustments and cleans up nicely at low guitar volume levels. Distortion mode delivers high-energy overdrive and sustain that's perfect for easy, fluid lead tones.
ON THE LEVEL
Tailoring your levels is simple with dedicated Input Gain and Volume sliders. Input Gain adjustments affect how your incoming signal interacts with the X100 Analog Tone Processor's four modes especially the Edge setting while Volume sets the level going to your amplifier.
THE BUCKET BRIGADE
Equipped with the same classic MN3007 bucket brigade chip found in the original headphone amp, the Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor will infuse every riff and lick with bucketfuls of expansive, shimmering chorus with a simple push of the Chorus button.
DIG DEEPER
Like a more advanced setup? You can connect an off-board switch such as the MXR TRS Split + Tap for foot control of the Mode switch. And if you're into stereo, this pedal stereo allows you to send the signal of your selected mode to L/R channels while varying the chorus between the two sides for a more spacious and dynamic effect.
ARENA ROCK IN A BOX
The MXR Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor brings the same rig-in-a-box tones that the original did -- but this time, it'll fit right onto your pedalboard. There's never been a better way to capture the big tones and texture of the arena rock era.
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.
Specs
- Included Dunlop ECB003US AC Adapter power supply
- Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
- Base Item
- Shipping Weight: 0.91 lbs
- Shipping Dimensions: 6 x 5 x 3 in
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): MX100
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
(2 ratings)
Submitted March 18, 2025 by Kevin
"This is the real deal!"
zZounds Employee
Written by a current zZounds employee or former employee during the time of their employment.
This is perhaps the single most exciting new piece of gear I've ever gotten. I am a HUGE fan of Boston and Tom Scholz and I have always hoped and dreamed of there being a Rockman revival, and it has FINALLY happened. Have no doubts here, this is the real deal. I have an original Rockman from 1987 and I A/B'd it with the MXR version and also played along with my Boston albums and YEP, it's got that bona fide, authentic, iconic Rockman tone. The crystal clear clean tones, that compressed, saturated, mid-focused distortion, that shimmery chorus. It is exactly what it claims to be, an authentic Rockman in pedal form. Now, of course, there are a few pros and cons here. It's not perfect, but darn close. I really like that this still carries on the spirit of the original Rockman by still being able to be used as a DI preamp with the line level capable TRS out and can operate in either stereo or mono mode. It is studio ready. I've already done a bunch of recordings with it and it sounds fantastic just going direct into my interface. That is where I think this pedal really shines and has the most value and flexibility of use.However, where the pedal may fall a little short is in it's implication in a live setting. While its stomp box design makes it pedal-board ready, it is not really easy or practical to make use of the different channels. Even though it has 4 unique tones (Distortion, Edge, Clean 1, & Clean 2) you can't select them individually. The Mode button just scrolls through…
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the settings, you cannot toggle between then, even if you use the external Tap switch. Now, to be fair, the original X100 didn't have the ability to do that either, BUT it was also never intended to be used on stage. The point of this pedal is that it IS a pedal. It's fine if you want to just set it and forget it and just have one channel on all the time, but if you want to go between (for instance) Distortion and Clean 1, it's really not practical. So if you really want to have multiple, easily accessible Rockman tones on your board, you'd have to buy multiple pedals, which is, of course, pricey. So this is my one major gripe about it. My main recommendation to MXR if they want to offer a truly live rig ready version of this would be to offer some type of external 4 button switch that allows you to individually select each channel. If that were implemented, this would be a run away 5 star pedal. But as it is I do have to knock off a few points for live usability and practicality.BUT let me not diminish the value of this pedal. Despite my gripes it is still fantastic and I am SO happy MXR did this. If you want that iconic Rockman tone and don't feel like spending $600-800 for a vintage original one (that you will likely have to get refurbished anyway) the MXR Rockman X100 is the real deal. It is a real Rockman in pedal form. Simple as that!
Musical Background:
Guitar player, singer, songwriter, audio engineer, & music producer
Musical Style:
Indie/Alternative Rock & Metal read less
Musical Background:
Guitar player, singer, songwriter, audio engineer, & music producer
Musical Style:
Indie/Alternative Rock & Metal read less
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