The MXR TBM1 Tom Morello Power 50 Overdrive is the pedal you need if you want to capture the unmistakable, hard-hitting drive tones of one of rock’s most iconic guitarists. For over three decades, Tom Morello has redefined what a guitar can sound like, and at the heart of his legendary sound is a distinctive amp setup now distilled into this powerful, flexible overdrive pedal. Whether you’re running a modest combo or a full-stack rig, the Power 50 Overdrive unlocks Morello’s signature sonic punch for your own setup, with detailed control and a versatile effects loop to shape your sound precisely.
Designed to deliver the raw, dynamic edge that made Morello’s tones so influential, the Power 50 Overdrive combines authentic amp-like response with intuitive controls. Sculpt your tone with dedicated Bass, Middle, Treble, Gain, and Presence dials, integrate your favourite effects via the built-in loop, and enjoy true hardwire bypass for pure, uncoloured signal when the pedal is disengaged. This is the ultimate tool for players chasing the energy and clarity of classic rock drive, with enough flexibility to push into uncharted sonic territory.
Signature Amp-Style Overdrive
Built to emulate Tom Morello’s legendary amp setup, the Power 50 Overdrive recreates the rich, harmonically complex overdrive tones that have powered countless classic tracks. Whether you’re digging into riffs or soaring leads, this pedal brings authoritative punch, clarity, and sustain directly to your pedalboard.
Comprehensive EQ and Presence Control
The Power 50 isn’t just about raw power. With responsive Bass, Middle, and Treble controls, plus a dedicated Presence knob, you can tailor your sound with pinpoint precision. Dial in everything from tight, focused rhythm tones to singing, articulate leads with ease.
Built-In Effects Loop for Maximum Flexibility
One of the Power 50’s standout features is its integrated effects loop. Place your favourite modulation, wah, or time-based effects directly in the loop for the most authentic and interactive sound possible. This makes it easy to replicate Tom’s signature wah sweeps and ensures your effects respond just like they would in a real amp’s loop.
Stage-Ready Construction and True Bypass
Designed to handle the rigours of the road, the TBM1 features robust hardware and true hardwire bypass, preserving your tone when the effect is off. Power options include a standard 9-volt battery or compatible power supply, making it easy to integrate into any pedalboard.
Key Features
- Tom Morello Signature Sound – Developed to authentically recreate Tom Morello’s iconic amp-driven tones, this pedal delivers the raw, articulate overdrive that defined a generation of rock guitar.
- Flexible 3-Band EQ and Presence – Shape your tone with Bass, Middle, Treble, and Presence controls, offering extensive tonal sculpting for any genre or playing style.
- Integrated Effects Loop – Place your favourite pedals in the dedicated send/return loop for advanced signal routing and creative sound combinations, just like Tom uses with his wah and modulation effects.
- True Hardwire Bypass – Ensure your core guitar tone stays pure and uncoloured when the pedal is switched off, perfect for both studio and live performance use.
Specifications
General
- Bypass: True hardwire
- Current Draw: 12 mA
- Power Supply: 9-volt battery or 9V DC adapter (Dunlop ECB003/ECB003EU or MXR Brick Series)
Input/Output
- Input Impedance: 700 kΩ
- Output Impedance: 900 kΩ
- Return Impedance: 1 MΩ
- Send Impedance: 10 kΩ
- Nominal Output Level: -12 dBV
- Maximum Output Level: 0 dBV
- Nominal Send Level: -26 dBV
Controls
- Bass: +4 dB to -21 dB at 50 Hz
- Middle: ±7 dB at 500 Hz
- Treble: ±7 dB at 5 kHz
- Presence: +7 dB at 4 kHz
- Gain: Overdrive intensity
- Volume: Overall effect volume
- Footswitch: Effect on/off (red LED indicator)
Connectivity
- Input: 1/4″ mono
- Output: 1/4″ mono
- Send/Return: 1/4″ mono (for effects loop)
