TC Electronic Magus Pro High-Gain Distortion Effects Pedal, (Used)

The TC Electronic Magus Pro is a versatile analogue distortion pedal designed to deliver classic high-gain guitar tones, powerful midrange, rich harmonic saturation and exceptional sustain.

Inspired by the unmistakable character of vintage hard-clipping distortion circuits, the Magus Pro combines traditional analogue sound with three selectable clipping modes, making it suitable for everything from classic rock crunch and blues-rock leads to aggressive hard rock and punk.

At the heart of the pedal is a specially designed slow-slew analogue circuit, developed to recreate the response associated with the legendary LM308 operational amplifier used in classic distortion designs.

This circuitry contributes to the pedal's smooth, harmonically rich sound, helping reduce excessive high-frequency harshness while maintaining the attack and character required for powerful rock guitar.

The Magus Pro features three distinct operating modes: Classic, Fat and Turbo.

Classic mode delivers traditional high-gain distortion with punchy mids and tight bass response.

Fat mode adds low-frequency fullness and reshapes the upper midrange for a thicker, more powerful sound.

Turbo mode uses LED clipping diodes to provide increased headroom, higher output and a more open response with less saturation.

Three dedicated controls — Gain, Filter and Volume — allow players to fine-tune their sound.

The Gain control adjusts distortion intensity, while the Filter control reduces high frequencies as it is turned clockwise, making it particularly useful for taming harshness and creating smoother lead tones.

The Volume control adjusts the overall output level, allowing the Magus Pro to be balanced against the clean guitar signal or used to push an amplifier harder.

Its true bypass switching preserves the direct signal path when the effect is disengaged, while its compact metal enclosure provides excellent durability for regular pedalboard use.

Top-mounted audio and power connections help conserve space, making the Magus Pro particularly attractive for crowded pedalboards.

This particular TC Electronic Magus Pro is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, showing some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

No power supply is included. The pedal requires a suitable 9V DC centre-negative adaptor and does not support battery operation.

For guitarists seeking vintage-inspired high-gain distortion with three distinctive clipping options and practical modern construction, the TC Electronic Magus Pro is an excellent choice.

At A Glance

Detail	Information
Brand	TC Electronic
Model	Magus Pro
Effect Type	Analogue Distortion
Modes	Classic, Fat, Turbo
Controls	Gain, Filter, Volume
Bypass	True Bypass
Power	9V DC Centre-Negative
Condition	Very Good – Pre-Owned
Power Supply	Not Included

Pre-Owned Condition Report

Very Good Condition

This TC Electronic Magus Pro High-Gain Distortion Pedal is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

The pedal features its compact metal enclosure, traditional three-control layout and dedicated three-position clipping mode selector.

Please study the accompanying product photographs carefully for an accurate assessment of its individual cosmetic condition, including the enclosure, control knobs, mode switch, footswitch and connection sockets.

Power Supply Not Included

This pedal is supplied without a power supply.

The Magus Pro requires a suitable regulated 9V DC centre-negative power supply, capable of providing at least 40mA.

Unlike some conventional effects pedals, the Magus Pro does not accept a battery, so an external power supply is required for operation.

What's Included

• TC Electronic Magus Pro High-Gain Distortion Effects Pedal

Not Included: Power Supply.

Key Features

• Classic Analogue Distortion: Rich, powerful high-gain guitar sound.

• Three Selectable Clipping Modes: Classic, Fat and Turbo.

• Classic Mode: Traditional high-gain distortion with punchy mids.

• Fat Mode: Enhanced low frequencies and reshaped upper midrange.

• Turbo Mode: LED clipping with increased output and headroom.

• Slow-Slew Circuit Design: Inspired by the response of classic LM308-based distortion circuits.

• Gain Control: Adjusts the amount of distortion and saturation.

• Filter Control: Smoothly reduces high frequencies.

• Volume Control: Adjusts the overall output level.

• Rich Harmonic Sustain: Ideal for expressive rock lead guitar.

• Tight Rhythm Response: Particularly effective for power chords and riffs.

• Excellent for Classic Rock: Vintage-inspired distortion character.

• Ideal for Hard Rock & Punk: Powerful, aggressive drive sounds.

• True Bypass Switching: Preserves the unaffected signal when disengaged.

• Top-Mounted Connections: Saves valuable pedalboard space.

• Compact Metal Enclosure: Durable construction for regular use.

• Status LED: Clear indication when the effect is engaged.

• 9V DC Centre-Negative Operation: Compatible with suitable pedalboard power supplies.

• Very Good Pre-Owned Condition: An affordable alternative to purchasing new.

Why You'll Love It

The TC Electronic Magus Pro offers a wonderfully flexible interpretation of the classic high-gain distortion pedal.

Its sound is rooted in traditional analogue circuitry, producing the aggressive midrange, rich harmonics and sustaining character that guitarists associate with some of the most influential distortion pedals ever made.

However, the Magus Pro goes further by providing three distinct clipping modes.

The Classic setting produces a familiar, saturated distortion sound that works particularly well for classic rock riffs, punk rhythms and expressive lead guitar.

Switching to Fat mode introduces additional low-frequency body, creating a fuller sound that complements single-coil guitars and leaner amplifier settings.

Turbo mode opens up the response with greater output and headroom, making it particularly useful for players who want a more dynamic distortion sound or a powerful boost into an already driven amplifier.

The Filter control is another major attraction.

Rather than operating like a conventional tone control that boosts or cuts around a central position, it progressively reduces high frequencies as it is turned clockwise.

This makes it particularly effective for taming bright pickups and creating smooth lead tones.

Its compact enclosure and top-mounted connections also make it easy to integrate into an existing pedalboard.

For guitarists who appreciate classic distortion sounds but want greater flexibility than a conventional single-mode pedal, the Magus Pro offers an excellent combination of tone and practicality.

Detailed Features & Benefits

Classic Analogue High-Gain Distortion

The Magus Pro uses an analogue distortion circuit designed to deliver the thick, harmonically rich character associated with traditional high-gain stompboxes. Its response provides strong midrange presence and musical sustain, making it particularly effective for rock guitar. The circuit can produce both aggressive rhythm sounds and expressive lead tones while retaining the direct feel of an analogue effects pedal.

Slow-Slew Circuitry

TC Electronic developed the Magus Pro's circuit to recreate the slow-slew behaviour associated with the legendary LM308 operational amplifier. This design helps shape the high-frequency character of the distortion, reducing harsh upper harmonics while retaining a smooth, saturated response. As Gain increases, the circuit develops a darker character, helping create a warm and controlled high-gain sound.

Classic Clipping Mode

Classic mode delivers the traditional high-gain distortion character at the heart of the Magus Pro. Its combination of pronounced midrange, tight bass and rich saturation makes it particularly suitable for classic rock, punk and alternative guitar. This mode is an excellent starting point for players seeking a familiar vintage-inspired distortion sound.

Fat Clipping Mode

Fat mode enhances the low-frequency response while reshaping the upper midrange, creating a thicker and more substantial distortion sound. This setting is particularly useful for guitars with single-coil pickups or amplifiers that benefit from additional body. It also works well for powerful rhythm parts and heavier rock riffs.

Turbo Clipping Mode

Turbo mode engages LED clipping diodes, producing increased headroom and a higher output level with less saturation than the other modes. Its more open response can provide excellent articulation for rhythm playing and a stronger signal for driving an amplifier. This makes it particularly appealing for guitarists who want additional volume and dynamic range.

Gain Control

The Gain control determines the amount of distortion and saturation produced by the pedal. Lower settings provide a more restrained, crunchy response, while higher settings create thicker distortion and increased sustain. The slow-slew circuit contributes to the pedal's characteristic tonal response as the gain is increased.

Treble Filter Control

The Filter control is a defining feature of the Magus Pro. Turning it clockwise progressively removes high frequencies, reducing brightness and helping produce smoother, warmer distortion sounds. This makes it especially useful when matching the pedal to bright single-coil guitars, high-presence amplifiers or different performance environments.

Volume Control

The Volume control adjusts the overall output level when the pedal is engaged. It can be used to match the distorted signal to the bypassed guitar volume or provide additional output for lead passages. In Turbo mode, its higher available output makes it particularly useful for pushing an amplifier into additional overdrive.

Rich Sustain for Lead Guitar

The Magus Pro produces musical compression and harmonic saturation that help notes sustain more evenly. This is particularly beneficial for expressive rock solos, melodic lead playing and sustained single-note phrases. Higher Gain settings produce smooth distortion, while the Filter control allows the upper frequencies to be adjusted for a more comfortable lead sound.

Powerful Rhythm Guitar

The pedal's punchy midrange and controlled low-frequency response make it particularly effective for rock rhythm playing. Classic mode delivers tight, articulate power chords, while Fat mode adds extra weight for thicker riffs. Turbo mode provides a more open response that can help preserve picking definition.

Excellent with Single-Coil Pickups

The Magus Pro's adjustable Filter and Fat mode make it particularly useful with Stratocasters, Telecasters and other single-coil guitars. Fat mode can add low-frequency substance, while the Filter control helps tame excessive brightness. This allows players to explore powerful distortion without losing the character of their instrument.

Great with Humbuckers

Humbucker-equipped guitars benefit from the Magus Pro's strong midrange and rich saturation. Classic mode delivers aggressive rock distortion, while Turbo mode can provide additional headroom and clarity. The Filter control offers useful tonal adjustment when pairing the pedal with higher-output pickups.

True Bypass Switching

The Magus Pro features true bypass switching, allowing the guitar signal to pass through the pedal without active processing when the effect is disengaged. This is particularly appealing to musicians who prefer a straightforward signal path within their pedalboard.

Compact, Durable Metal Enclosure

The Magus Pro is housed in a sturdy metal enclosure designed for regular performance use. Its compact dimensions make it particularly convenient for smaller pedalboards, while the top-mounted input, output and power connections help conserve space between neighbouring pedals.

Who Is It For?

Classic Rock Guitarists: Vintage-inspired high-gain distortion.

Hard Rock Musicians: Thick riffs, powerful midrange and rich sustain.

Punk Guitarists: Aggressive rhythm sounds and straightforward operation.

Alternative & Indie Players: Distinctive analogue distortion textures.

Lead Guitarists: Smooth saturation and expressive sustain.

Pedalboard Enthusiasts: Three clipping modes in a compact enclosure.

Single-Coil Players: Fat mode and Filter control for tonal adjustment.

Humbucker Users: Powerful distortion with excellent articulation.

Playing Styles & Applications

The TC Electronic Magus Pro is particularly well suited to classic rock, hard rock, punk, grunge, alternative, indie and contemporary guitar music.

Classic mode provides saturated distortion for traditional rock rhythms and lead playing.

Fat mode offers additional low-frequency weight, making it useful for thicker riffs and powerful rhythm guitar.

Turbo mode produces greater output and headroom, providing an alternative response that can work particularly well with driven amplifiers.

The Gain and Filter controls allow the sound to be adapted to different guitars, pickups and musical styles.

The Magus Pro can also be combined with delay, reverb and modulation pedals to create more expansive guitar sounds.

How It Compares

TC Electronic Magus Pro vs ProCo RAT 2

The ProCo RAT 2 is one of the most influential distortion pedals ever produced, known for its aggressive midrange, versatile gain range and distinctive Filter control.

The Magus Pro draws inspiration from this style of analogue distortion while adding three selectable clipping modes.

Players seeking additional tonal flexibility may particularly appreciate the Magus Pro's Classic, Fat and Turbo settings.

TC Electronic Magus Pro vs Boss DS-1 Distortion

The Boss DS-1 offers a familiar distortion sound using conventional Tone, Level and Distortion controls.

The Magus Pro provides a different response through its slow-slew circuit, treble-cut Filter control and selectable clipping modes.

Both are useful for rock guitar, but the Magus Pro is particularly appealing for players seeking a vintage-inspired distortion sound with multiple clipping options.

TC Electronic Magus Pro vs TC Electronic Dark Matter

The TC Electronic Dark Matter focuses on dynamic, amplifier-inspired distortion with flexible EQ controls.

The Magus Pro offers a more aggressive, classic hard-clipping character and three selectable distortion modes.

Players seeking a smoother, amplifier-like response may prefer the Dark Matter, while those interested in punchy vintage-style distortion may favour the Magus Pro.

TC Electronic Magus Pro vs TC Electronic Fangs

The TC Electronic Fangs is designed for modern, high-gain metal distortion, with an emphasis on aggressive saturation and heavy rhythm playing.

The Magus Pro offers a more traditional analogue distortion character, covering classic rock, punk, grunge and hard rock.

The two pedals provide different approaches to high-gain guitar tone.

TC Electronic Distortion Heritage

TC Electronic has been developing professional audio and guitar effects since its founding in Denmark in 1976.

The company became internationally recognised for its studio processing, digital delay, modulation and guitar effects technology.

Alongside its digital processors, TC Electronic developed an extensive range of analogue-inspired guitar pedals, offering musicians access to traditional overdrive and distortion sounds in practical formats.

The Magus Pro, introduced in 2021, continues this approach by combining classic high-gain distortion circuitry with additional modern flexibility.

Its slow-slew design and three clipping modes provide a distinctive interpretation of vintage analogue distortion, while the compact metal enclosure and true bypass switching make it a practical pedalboard addition.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Guitar Effects Pedal
Brand	TC Electronic
Model	Magus Pro
Effect Type	High-Gain Distortion
Circuit Type	Analogue
Clipping Modes	Classic, Fat, Turbo
Classic Mode	Traditional High-Gain Distortion
Fat Mode	Enhanced Low Frequencies
Turbo Mode	LED Clipping, Increased Output & Headroom
Controls	Gain, Filter, Volume
Mode Selector	Three-Way Toggle
Bypass	True Bypass
Switching	On/Off Footswitch
Status Indicator	LED
Input	¼" TS Mono Jack
Input Impedance	1MΩ
Output	¼" TS Mono Jack
Power Requirements	9V DC
DC Polarity	Centre-Negative
Current Consumption	40mA
Battery Operation	Not Supported
Connection Layout	Top-Mounted
Dimensions	99 × 57 × 56mm
Manufacturer Weight	Approx. 290g
Enclosure	Metal
Condition	Very Good – Pre-Owned
Power Supply	Not Included

Power Requirements

The TC Electronic Magus Pro requires a regulated 9V DC centre-negative power supply.

Current Consumption: 40mA.

A suitable isolated pedalboard power supply or compatible regulated 9V adaptor can be used, provided it has the correct connector and sufficient current capacity.

The Magus Pro does not support battery operation.

No power supply is included with this pedal, so a compatible external power source will be required.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict

The TC Electronic Magus Pro is an excellent analogue distortion pedal that combines classic high-gain character with genuinely useful modern flexibility.

Its slow-slew circuitry produces smooth, harmonically rich distortion, while the dedicated Filter control offers particularly effective control over high-frequency harshness.

The three selectable modes are its greatest advantage.

Classic mode delivers the familiar punch and saturation associated with traditional hard-clipping distortion.

Fat mode provides a thicker response with additional low-frequency weight.

Turbo mode offers increased output and headroom, making it useful for more open distortion sounds and pushing an amplifier harder.

The compact metal enclosure, true bypass switching and top-mounted connections complete a practical design suited to regular pedalboard use.

This particular example is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition and is supplied without a power supply.

Best Suited For: Classic rock, hard rock, punk, grunge, alternative and guitarists seeking versatile analogue distortion.

Customers Usually Upgrade From: Basic distortion pedals, entry-level multi-effects units and simple amplifier-only gain setups.

Most Commonly Paired With: Marshall, Orange, Fender and Blackstar amplifiers, noise gates, delay and reverb.

Our Tip: Start in Classic mode with Gain around halfway and Filter fully anticlockwise. Gradually increase Filter to remove excessive treble, then experiment with Fat and Turbo to explore different levels of low-end weight and headroom.

Showroom Advice: The Filter control works in the opposite direction to many conventional tone controls. Turning it clockwise removes treble rather than adding brightness. Understanding this makes it much easier to dial in the Magus Pro's warm, classic distortion sounds.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a pre-owned TC Electronic Magus Pro from Fair Deal Music offers an affordable way to add versatile, vintage-inspired analogue distortion to your pedalboard.

Our experienced team understands the importance of clear condition descriptions, accurate technical information and transparent details about included accessories.

This particular pedal is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition and is supplied without a power supply.

Warranty, Returns & Delivery

This is a pre-owned guitar effects pedal, with its condition and included accessories detailed above.

Applicable warranty and returns arrangements are governed by Fair Deal Music's current terms, with available UK delivery and showroom collection options provided at checkout.

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.

Based in Birmingham, Fair Deal Music specialises in new, used, vintage and collectable guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects pedals, keyboards and professional audio equipment.

Our experienced team of musicians provides knowledgeable advice and personal service, helping customers find equipment suited to their musical requirements.

Customers benefit from competitive pricing, UK delivery options, our Birmingham showroom and part-exchange services.

Part Exchange – Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of musical equipment, including TC Electronic pedals, distortion and overdrive effects, electric guitars, basses, amplifiers and professional audio equipment.

Your existing equipment could help towards the cost of this TC Electronic Magus Pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this TC Electronic Magus Pro in?

It is presented in Very Good Pre-Owned Condition, indicating some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership.

Does it come with a power supply?

No. A power supply is not included.

What power supply does it require?

A regulated 9V DC centre-negative adaptor with a suitable connector.

How much current does it draw?

40mA.

Can it run on a battery?

No. The Magus Pro requires an external 9V DC power supply.

Is the Magus Pro analogue or digital?

It is an analogue distortion pedal.

How many distortion modes does it have?

Three: Classic, Fat and Turbo.

What does Classic mode do?

It produces traditional high-gain distortion with strong midrange and tight bass.

What does Fat mode do?

It adds low-frequency fullness and reshapes the upper midrange.

What does Turbo mode do?

It uses LED clipping diodes for greater output and headroom with less saturation.

What controls does it have?

Gain, Filter and Volume, plus a three-way mode selector.

What does the Gain control do?

It adjusts the amount of distortion and saturation.

What does the Filter control do?

It reduces high frequencies as it is turned clockwise.

Does turning Filter clockwise make the sound brighter?

No. Turning it clockwise removes treble and creates a darker sound.

What does the Volume control do?

It adjusts the output level when the pedal is engaged.

Is the Magus Pro inspired by the RAT distortion sound?

Yes. Its classic hard-clipping character and slow-slew circuitry draw inspiration from that style of analogue distortion.

Does it use an original LM308 chip?

TC Electronic designed circuitry to recreate the classic slow-slew behaviour associated with the LM308 rather than specifying an original LM308 chip.

Is it suitable for classic rock?

Yes. Classic mode is particularly effective for traditional rock distortion.

Can it be used for punk?

Yes. Its aggressive midrange and saturated sound work very well for punk and alternative music.

Is it suitable for heavier music?

Yes. Fat mode provides additional low-frequency weight, while Turbo offers greater headroom and output.

Does it work with single-coil pickups?

Yes. The Filter control and Fat mode provide useful adjustment for brighter guitars.

Can it be used with humbuckers?

Yes. It works well with humbucker-equipped guitars and higher-output pickups.

Does it have true bypass?

Yes.

Are the input and output connections on the top?

Yes. The top-mounted connections help save pedalboard space.

Can it be combined with overdrive pedals?

Yes. It can be stacked with other gain pedals to create different distortion textures.

Can it be used with a valve amplifier?

Yes. It is suitable for valve and solid-state guitar amplifiers.

Can I power it from an isolated pedalboard supply?

Yes, provided the supply offers regulated 9V DC centre-negative power and at least 40mA.

Does it have a status LED?

Yes. The LED indicates when the effect is active.

Can I part-exchange another pedal towards this TC Electronic Magus Pro?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers selected effects pedals and other musical equipment for part exchange.