Full Breakdown
MXR Flanger/Doubler Pedal Brings Classic Rack Tone to Stompbox Format
8/12/2026, 11:40:27 AM
Core Event – Pedal Launch
MXR announced the Flanger/Doubler pedal on August 11, presenting it as a compact, pedal-board-friendly recreation of the company’s historic M-126 rack unit. The new stompbox retains the original analogue bucket-brigade (BBD) circuitry and full control set while adding modern conveniences such as CV connectivity and a line-level switch.
Background & Context – Origin of the M-126 Rack Unit
The M-126 rack, introduced in the 1970s, became a studio staple for its dual flanger and doubler functions. Heavy-metal guitarist Dimebag Darrell (of Pantera) relied on the unit extensively, using it as an “always-on ‘thickener’” to broaden his tone without sacrificing riff tightness. Its distinctive sound appears on tracks such as “Cowboys from Hell,” “Slaughtered,” and “Hellbound.”
Data & Statistics – Features, Controls, and Pricing
- Control set: Manual, Width, Speed, Regen (feedback), Mix, and an Invert button that reverses wet-signal polarity for “airy” to “bold low-mid punch” tones.
- Mode selection: A dedicated Doubler button toggles between flanger and doubler effects.
- Visual feedback: Two front-panel LEDs display instantaneous delay time.
- Connectivity: CV In/Out jacks for synth or sequencer integration, plus an expression-pedal input; a Line Level switch accommodates hotter signals.
- Pricing: MusicRadar lists the pedal at £339 / $339. Premier Guitar reports a street price of $333 with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $475.71.
Official Statements & Responses – Endorsements from Dimebag’s Team and Pantera Members
- Grady Champion, Dimebag’s longtime guitar tech, confirmed the unit’s prominence in the late guitarist’s rig: “An MXR Flanger/Doubler was used in the main ‘wet’ head loop 100 per cent of the time.” “An MXR Flanger/Doubler was used in the main ‘wet’ head loop 100 per cent of the time,” — Grady Champion
- Justin Perez, guitar tech for Zakk Wylde, posted on Instagram that the launch was real and that he had already employed the pedal in Wylde’s Pantera Celebration shows.
- Rex Brown, Pantera’s bassist, commented on the announcement with a brief endorsement: “That’s all you need.”
These statements underscore the pedal’s perceived authenticity to Dimebag’s signature sound and its immediate adoption by musicians connected to his legacy.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps – Price Discrepancies
Sources differ on the exact retail figure. MusicRadar cites a uniform price of $339, while Premier Guitar lists a lower street price of $333 and a higher MSRP of $475.71. No source provides a definitive explanation for the variance, leaving the precise market price ambiguous.
Verbatim Quotes
- “An MXR Flanger/Doubler was used in the main ‘wet’ head loop 100 per cent of the time,” — Grady Champion
What's Next – Availability
The pedal is listed as “available now” by multiple retailers, including Thomann and Sweetwater, with ordering options announced alongside the August 11 launch. No further release dates or firmware updates have been disclosed.
