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 that 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.
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. The overall amount of compression is tied to the Input Gain level—more input gain means more compression.
Like the original, the Rockman X100 Analog Tone Processor features four different presets, selectable via the MODE button: two differently equalized 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Get yours now.
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