Need a boost?

[Ecadad]

I've been looking at the MXR Micro-Amp, but I;m not sure exactly what it will do. I know that Jack White uses one. So what does it sound like or do?

[lefty73]

It's a small boost. :)

Basically it's a like a preamp - it bumps up your signal volume, and when really cranked up it can generate it's own overdrive. That said, in my opinion, it's definitely not meant to replace a distortion or overdrive pedal.

There's a couple of uses for them:

You like loud amps but want a little "more" for solos or heavier passages. Stomp on the Micro Amp when you want more grind.

You like to use pedals but want a little "more" at times. Put a Micro Amp in front of an overdrive or distortion pedal and stomp on it to get more gain and sustain. Or, put the Micro Amp after the overdrive/distortion pedals and get a volume boost for solos. Stomp on the MA for a solo, stomp it off to go back to your rhythm tone.

You have a ton of pedals and you're worried about or are definitely hearing a loss of signal strength or volume when you're plugged into your pedal board. Putting a Micro Amp near or at the end of a long pedal chain can help reclaim lost volume and sparkle.

[clayfeat]

Originally Posted by Ecadad

I've been looking at the MXR Micro-Amp, but I;m not sure exactly what it will do. So what does it sound like or do?

Boosts the signal to make your sound hotter. More feedback and volume. Step on mine for solos. Having just the one knob makes it easy to turn up and down with the toe of your shoe. I set my amp to right at the break up point. Use the Micro Amp to push it over the top.

Highly recommend it.

[mrothe]

Originally Posted by lefty73

It's a small boost. :)...

You like to use pedals but want a little "more" at times. Put a Micro Amp in front of an overdrive or distortion pedal and stomp on it to get more gain and sustain. Or, put the Micro Amp after the overdrive/distortion pedals and get a volume boost for solos. Stomp on the MA for a solo, stomp it off to go back to your rhythm tone.

You have a ton of pedals and you're worried about or are definitely hearing a loss of signal strength or volume when you're plugged into your pedal board. Putting a Micro Amp near or at the end of a long pedal chain can help reclaim lost volume and sparkle.

This. I use mine near the end of the chain after everything except reverb and set it just past noon. This setting is a great solo boost without altering your tone much at all. It also works great if you find that you run your dirt pedals are a little hotter than your clean tone, step on the Micro Amp and you get a very nice clean signal boost.