The MXR MC402 CAE Boost/Overdrive is the ultimate pedal for guitarists seeking to add versatile drive and pristine boost to their rig. Designed in collaboration with Custom Audio Electronics, this compact pedal combines a dynamic, touch-sensitive overdrive circuit with MXR’s renowned clean boost/line driver, making it a flexible tool for both stage and studio. Whether you want to push your amp into creamy saturation, add a little sparkle to your solos, or simply reinforce your signal without colouration, the MC402 delivers outstanding tonal clarity and response.
With its intuitive controls and rugged build quality, the MC402 is perfect for musicians who demand reliability and sonic excellence. The overdrive section is exceptionally responsive to your playing dynamics, allowing you to shape your sound with your hands as much as with the pedal’s controls. Meanwhile, the boost section offers up to +20dB of clean, uncoloured gain, perfect for cutting through the mix or driving long effects chains without sacrificing tone.
Dynamic Overdrive and Distortion
The MC402’s overdrive section is designed to respond to every nuance of your playing. From subtle breakup to full-on distortion, it captures the expressive dynamics of your touch and picking attack, letting your guitar’s voice shine through while delivering a punchy, musical drive. This makes it an ideal choice for blues, rock, and fusion players who rely on expressive, dynamic playing.
Transparent Clean Boost
One of the MC402’s standout features is its transparent boost circuit. With up to +20dB of additional volume, you can lift your solos or push your amp’s front end without altering your core tone. The boost is uncoloured and highly musical, making it a fantastic tool for driving vintage amps, boosting effects chains, or simply adding more presence to your sound.
Simple, Intuitive Controls
Dialling in your perfect tone is effortless thanks to the simple, straightforward layout. The overdrive section features Output, Tone, and Gain controls, allowing you to fine-tune your sound from warm and smooth to bright and aggressive. The boost section is engaged with a dedicated footswitch and offers a single knob for precise control over your volume lift.
Built for the Stage
MXR pedals are known for their reliability, and the MC402 is no exception. Its rugged construction, true hardwire bypass, and robust footswitches ensure trouble-free performance night after night. Whether you’re gigging, recording, or practising, you can count on the MC402 to deliver consistent, high-quality sound every time.
Key Features
- Dynamic Overdrive Circuit – Sensitive to your touch and picking dynamics, the overdrive section lets you express yourself fully, from smooth bluesy grit to aggressive rock crunch.
- Up to +20dB Clean Boost – The transparent boost allows you to raise your signal without colouring your tone, perfect for solos, driving tube amps, or compensating for pedalboard signal loss.
- True Hardwire Bypass – Maintains the purity of your guitar’s signal when the pedal is not engaged, ensuring zero tonal loss and maximum clarity.
- Rugged MXR Construction – Built for reliability, the MC402 features sturdy hardware and a robust enclosure, making it ideal for demanding live and studio environments.
Specifications
- Boost/Line Driver: Up to +20dB of uncoloured clean boost
- Overdrive/Distortion: Dynamic, touch-sensitive drive circuit
- Input Impedance: 1 kΩ
- Output Impedance: Boost ON: 87 dB
- Bypass: True hardwire
- Controls: Boost Level, Overdrive Output, Tone, Gain
- Current Draw: (manufacturer spec, TBC)
Dimensions & Construction
- Compact, pedalboard-friendly enclosure
- Sturdy footswitches for independent boost and overdrive
- MXR reliability and build quality
