volume control . The M108S also has a second output that is handy at the end of your audio chain , splitting the signal to two separate amps . An 18-volt adapter ( included ) powers the updated version and the M109S continues with the more common nine-volt adapter ( not included ).
Perhaps the most significant audio difference between these two EQ pedals is the decibel increments for each slider . The M108s has a ± 12db range versus the M109S with a ± 18db range . That might not sound like that big of a difference , but with a lack of a master volume control on the M109S it turned out to be a bigger factor than I was expecting .
For example , let ’ s say you want to increase the amount of bass with the M109S at 100Hz — the lowest bass setting . Watch out ; it doesn ’ t take much to turn a bass shy signal into a real thumper . The old adage “ less is more ” is indeed the case here . Then , I added a little more top end to the signal . At 3.2k ( the highest setting on the M109S ), the treble can get shrill quickly if you goose it too much . The M108S has bands at 2k , 4k , 8k , and 16k , and with a cut or boost of 12db , you can really finetune your high end a lot more .
Of the two EQ pedals , I preferred the M108S for its added volume control , and the slightly less impact each slider had on the overall tone . With the M109S , I found I didn ’ t move the controls too much past the neutral position , otherwise I found my tone was just too unpredictable to be that useful . I really missed the master volume control too .
All of this leads back to pedal placement . The 109S worked best early in the signal chain , and not in the effects loop – it just made too much of a dramatic effect in this position , unless you plan to always leave it on , and then it might be fine once you dial it in . The M108S works great early in the chain , it worked great in the effects loop too , but its strength might just be after your dirt pedals , which can really accentuate and complement each dirt pedal you might be using , plus the volume slider lends itself to work more like a clean boost pedal too .
PICKUP SAVIOR ?
One of the things I was looking for was the ability improve my guitar ’ s pickups . In this case , it was a Gibson Les Paul , with a Classic ’ 57 humbucker in the neck position . In my experience , I have found the ’ 57 can be muddy or congested in the neck position , especially when playing clean . I tend to like it more with a little bit of gain , but clean tones were just lacking . I have made some adjustments over the years , raised and lowered the pickup , but with no real improvement . When I hooked up the M108S , I was able to reduce the low-end flub that was causing some of that muddy quality and I set the midrange fairly flat . Finally , I slightly boosted the treble , which brought out more clarity , and all together , the mud was gone . The neck pickup still had that nice , warm , smoky flavor of a PAF , but the bloated tone I did not like disappeared . Given the price of some pickups , adding the MXR EQ pedal was a cheaper alternative , and of course useful for many other applications .
WHAT WE LIKE :
Both EQ pedals are super easy to use , and offer a lot of flexibility for tone sculpting abilities , at very modest prices . The updated circuitry is indeed quieter , and the new silver color is sharp . In fact , you might even want two of them , one before any dirt pedals , and a second one after them . One of the great benefits I discovered with these pedals is how you can tweak each guitar ’ s pickups making them better matched to your amp and room conditions . Both the M108S and M109S are handy tools for every guitar player ; I preferred the 10-band for the Volume and Gain controls and the smaller incremental impacts at 12db versus 18db , but both offer tremendous value for the money .
CONCERNS :
As much as I liked both EQ pedals , there is one significant omission : a lack of presets . It would be hugely useful if you could toggle between different pre-programmed settings . Especially when changing guitars , say between a Telecaster and a Les Paul , the ability to adjust settings on the fly would be great .
ToneReport . com 57