When it comes to distortion pedals, MXR has long been a trusted name in the industry. Two of their standout offerings are the MXR M78 Custom Badass '78 Distortion and the MXR Super Badass Distortion. Both deliver powerful, gritty tones, but they cater to slightly different players and musical contexts. If you're considering adding one of these to your pedalboard, this comparison will help you decide which distortion pedal best fits your sound.
Overview: Vintage vs. Modern
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MXR M78 Custom Badass '78 Distortion – This pedal is all about vintage-inspired distortion, replicating the sound of late '70s rock tones. If you're chasing classic rock crunch and soaring lead tones, the M78 delivers with warmth and character.
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MXR Super Badass Distortion – A more modern take on distortion, this pedal offers greater flexibility. From mild overdrive to full-on metal gain, the Super Badass is designed to handle a broader range of genres.
Tone and Gain Range
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M78 Custom Badass '78 Distortion:
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Tone Profile: Warm, vintage, and responsive.
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Gain Structure: The M78 delivers rich saturation, reminiscent of modded tube amps from the '70s.
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Best For: Classic rock, blues, hard rock.
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Super Badass Distortion:
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Tone Profile: Versatile, aggressive, and capable of some serious gain.
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Gain Structure: Features a full-range distortion circuit with a 3-band EQ (Bass, Mid, Treble) that allows for precise tone shaping.
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Best For: Metal, punk, hard rock, and any genre requiring high gain.
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Controls and Usability
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M78: Simple 3-knob layout (Output, Tone, Distortion) for easy dial-ins. It also features a "Crunch" button that boosts harmonic content and adds more bite.
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Super Badass: 5-knob layout (Output, Distortion, Bass, Mid, Treble). The added EQ makes it highly tweakable, allowing players to sculpt their sound precisely.
Build Quality and Design
Both pedals are built like tanks, with MXR's signature rugged metal casing. They are true bypass, ensuring that your signal remains pristine when the pedal is disengaged.
Price and Value
The M78 typically comes in at a slightly lower price point, making it an excellent value for players seeking vintage-inspired tones. The Super Badass, with its expanded tonal range and EQ controls, justifies its slightly higher cost by offering more versatility.
Final Verdict
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Choose the MXR M78 Custom Badass '78 Distortion if you're a fan of vintage rock and need a straightforward, classic distortion pedal.
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Opt for the MXR Super Badass Distortion if you require more tonal flexibility and the ability to cover a wide range of musical styles.
Both pedals hold their own in the world of distortion, and you really can't go wrong with either. It ultimately comes down to the sound you're chasing. Head over to Colemans Music Melbourne and try them out for yourself!
