The MXR/Custom Audio Electronics MC401 Boost/Line Driver is a straightforward, professional-grade clean boost pedal designed to increase signal level without substantially colouring your core guitar tone.

Developed in collaboration with Custom Audio Electronics, the MC401 provides up to +20dB of clean boost, making it equally useful as a solo boost, signal conditioner or line driver in larger pedalboard systems.

Its simple one-knob layout makes it extremely easy to use, while the low-output-impedance design helps drive longer cable runs and more complex signal chains with greater consistency.

This Pre-Owned example is in Very Good condition.

AT A GLANCE

Detail	Specification
Brand	MXR / Custom Audio Electronics
Model	MC401
Type	Boost / Line Driver
Boost Range	0 to +20dB
Bypass	True Hardwire
Power	9V DC / 9V Battery
Condition	Very Good / Pre-Owned

PRE-OWNED CONDITION REPORT

This is a Pre-Owned MXR/Custom Audio Electronics MC401 Boost/Line Driver in Very Good condition.

The Very Good condition grade reflects a pedal that has been well looked after overall while showing the light signs of previous use expected from Pre-Owned effects equipment.

KEY FEATURES

• MXR / Custom Audio Electronics collaboration

• MC401 Boost/Line Driver

• Up to +20dB clean boost

• Single Boost control

• Designed for transparent level increase

• Useful as a solo boost

• Useful as a pedalboard line driver

• Helps compensate for signal loss

• True hardwire bypass

• 1MΩ input impedance

• 150Ω output impedance

• Very low current draw

• 9V battery operation

• 9V DC adaptor compatible

• Compact MXR enclosure

• Very Good Pre-Owned condition

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT

The MC401 is a good example of a pedal doing one job exceptionally well.

Rather than adding distortion or heavy EQ coloration, it is designed to increase signal level cleanly. This makes it useful for pushing an amplifier harder, lifting solos above a band mix or restoring level lost through long cables and larger pedalboards.

With up to +20dB of boost available, there is also plenty of range on tap for more dramatic level increases.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

Up to +20dB Clean Boost

The Boost control provides an adjustable range from unity level through to approximately +20dB.

At lower settings it can provide a subtle level lift, while higher settings can push the input of an amplifier or another effect considerably harder.

Transparent Signal Character

The MC401 is designed to boost the existing signal rather than impose a strong tonal signature.

That makes it particularly useful when you already like the sound of your guitar, pedals and amplifier and simply want more level.

Solo Boost

Placed towards the end of a pedal chain, the MC401 can be used to increase overall volume for solos and featured parts.

The amount of actual volume increase will depend on available headroom in the amplifier and other pedals.

Line Driver Function

The pedal also works as a line driver, helping strengthen the signal through more complicated pedalboards and longer cable runs.

Its low output impedance makes it effective at driving the next device in the chain.

Push an Amplifier Harder

Placed before an amplifier, the MC401 can increase the signal hitting the amp's input.

With a clean amplifier this may create additional volume, while an already driven valve amp may respond with more saturation and compression.

Simple One-Knob Control

The single Boost control keeps operation extremely straightforward.

There are no EQ or gain controls to balance, making it quick to adjust on stage or in rehearsal.

True Hardwire Bypass

When switched off, the pedal uses true hardwire bypass, removing the active boost circuit from the signal path.

Low Output Impedance

The MC401's approximately 150Ω output impedance makes it particularly effective as a line-driving device.

Compact MXR Format

Its familiar compact MXR enclosure takes up relatively little pedalboard space while retaining a robust metal construction suitable for regular live use.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The MXR/CAE MC401 is particularly well suited to guitarists who want a clean solo boost, amplifier push or signal-strength solution for a larger pedalboard.

It is also useful for players who prefer a simple dedicated boost rather than a more complicated overdrive or EQ pedal.

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The MC401 can work across virtually any style, including rock, blues, pop, metal, country, indie, funk and session work.

Its function depends more on where it is positioned in the signal chain than on a particular musical genre.

Before overdrive, it can push gain stages harder.

After overdrive, it can often provide a more direct level increase.

HOW IT COMPARES

Clean Boost vs Overdrive

An overdrive pedal adds clipping and tonal coloration.

The MC401 is designed primarily to raise signal level cleanly, making it better suited to players who want to retain the basic character of their existing tone.

Boost vs Volume Pedal

A volume pedal allows continuous control and is generally used to reduce or swell volume.

The MC401 provides a fixed footswitchable level increase determined by the Boost knob.

Boost vs Buffer

A conventional buffer generally operates at or around unity gain and converts the signal to a lower output impedance.

The MC401 can perform a similar line-driving role while also providing a substantial adjustable boost.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
Product Type	Boost / Line Driver Pedal
Brand	MXR / Custom Audio Electronics
Model	MC401
Boost Range	0 to +20dB
Controls	Boost
Input Impedance	1MΩ
Output Impedance	150Ω
Bypass	True Hardwire
Current Draw	Approx. 1.5mA
Power Supply	9V DC
Battery Operation	9V Battery
Electronics	Analogue
Condition	Very Good / Pre-Owned

POWER REQUIREMENTS

The MXR/CAE MC401 can be powered by a 9V battery or a compatible 9V DC power supply.

The pedal draws approximately 1.5mA.

No power supply has been specified as included with this Pre-Owned example.

FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Players who want a transparent, straightforward clean boost or a reliable line driver for larger pedalboards.

Customers usually upgrade from: Basic booster pedals, passive signal chains and setups suffering from level loss across multiple pedals or long cables.

Most commonly paired with: Valve amplifiers, overdrive pedals, distortion pedals, large pedalboards and long cable runs.

Our tip: Placement makes a big difference. Put it before an overdrive to increase saturation, or later in the chain when you want a more straightforward level lift.

Showroom feedback: The MC401 is one of those utility pedals that can solve several different problems without overcomplicating the rig. The single control also makes it very difficult to get lost in settings.

WHY BUY PRE-OWNED FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

Buying a Pre-Owned MXR/Custom Audio Electronics MC401 Boost/Line Driver can provide excellent value for players looking for a professional-quality clean boost.

This example is in Very Good condition.

Fair Deal Music has decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging effects pedals, amplifiers, guitars and other musical equipment.

WHY BUY FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music combines a large Birmingham showroom with nationwide ecommerce and knowledgeable musician-led advice.

Customers benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

• Birmingham's largest independent music store

• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

• Knowledgeable musician-led advice

• Extensive experience with new and Pre-Owned effects

• Large Birmingham showroom

• Secure online ordering

• Fast UK delivery

• Friendly customer support

• Part-exchange and trade-in service

TRADE IN. TRADE UP. SAVE MORE.

Your current pedals, guitar or other musical equipment could help towards the cost of your next purchase.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges effects, guitars, basses, amplifiers, keyboards and a wide range of other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

If you already own pedals or other musical equipment you are considering replacing, Fair Deal Music can assess it for part exchange.

Trading in can remove the inconvenience of selling privately while allowing the value of your current equipment to go directly towards your next purchase.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this MXR/CAE MC401 used?

Yes. This is a Pre-Owned MXR/Custom Audio Electronics MC401 in Very Good condition.

What does the MC401 do?

It provides an adjustable clean signal boost of up to +20dB.

Is it an overdrive pedal?

No. It is designed primarily as a clean boost and line driver.

How much boost does it provide?

Up to +20dB.

Can I use it for solos?

Yes. It can be used as a footswitchable solo boost.

Can it push a valve amp harder?

Yes. Increasing the signal into the amplifier can create additional drive and saturation depending on the amp settings.

Can it be used as a line driver?

Yes. That is one of its intended applications.

Why use a line driver?

A line driver can help maintain signal strength through longer cables or larger effects setups.

Does it colour the sound heavily?

No. The MC401 is designed to provide a relatively clean and uncoloured level increase.

How many controls does it have?

One: Boost.

Is it true bypass?

Yes. It uses true hardwire bypass.

What is the input impedance?

Approximately 1MΩ.

What is the output impedance?

Approximately 150Ω.

Does it run on a battery?

Yes. It can operate from a standard 9V battery.

Can it use a pedal power supply?

Yes. It can be powered from a compatible 9V DC supply.

Is a power supply included?

No power supply has been specified as included.

What condition is it in?

This example is in Very Good condition.

Can I part-exchange other pedals against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers pedals and a wide range of other musical equipment for part exchange.