What's The Difference? MXR Phase 90 Script Logo and MXR Phase 90 Block Logo
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- čas přidán 4. 07. 2024
- If you are like me you would have often wondered what the difference is between certain models of various gear. In this case I have often wondered if the MXR Phase 90 script was just a normal phase 90 just with the original 1974 graphics. I bought a Phase 90 Script reissue in mint condition to find out. Both pedals are running through the Strymon Iridium on the Fender setting.
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Product info:
MXR Custom Shop Script Phase 90
Often imitated but never duplicated, the elusive vintage “script” Phase 90 is at the top of the list for pedal collector’s world-wide. The original version-available from the company’s inception to the late 70’s - practically defined the classic phase shifter sound, and was heard on everything from hard rock, jazz-fusion, to funk hits. The MXR Custom Shop Script Phase 90 brings back the headroom and clarity of the original, along with its ultra warm and smooth phasing and reduced midrange swell. And it comes dressed in the original smooth orange paint job and script logo with an LED, direct from the MXR Custom Shop.
MXR Phase 90 (Block)
This device has found its way into many of Eddie Van Halen's recordings, adding a shimmery velocity to lead passages or a more dramatic swoosh to muted strumming. Not just for guitars; it works well with bass, keyboards and even vocals. Vary the speed from a subtle, long cycle to a fast, watery warble...and myriad vintage vibrations in between. - Hudba
You are right. A script logo did come out with the led and adapter feature. I bought one and love it.
I have both, and settled on the script for my sound. I come back to the block version every so often, but quickly realize why I don't use it.
Now THATs how you do a comparison. Well done sir
Great shootout and opinions on the two pedals!
I loved your riff with the pedals at 12. Great demo, you showed the differences very well.
That’s “Just a Phase” 😂 by Incubus.
Great to see you’re using an iridium! That’s my setup as well, so that’s just extra useful! My new script pedal is arriving today! Thanks for a cool demo mate! Subscribed.
Great comparison, playing and explanations! I agree with everything you mentioned about the differences
Great comparison. What impressed me was how the Script kept it's chime even on the fastest speed while the Block turned into a rubber band-like twang with not much usable tone.
I think 4:00 is totally usable. Great for trippy underwater passages. To each their own.
I agree on that note I am picking up the signature….
There are two primary differences between them. The Script has a bit less feedback used and sweeps slightly less wide, making it more optimized for medium to faster sweeps. The Block has more feedback used and sweeps a bit wider, making it more optimized for slower more dramatic sweeps. That's it.
A *good* phaser will come with controls for adjusting amount of feedback and sweep width, so that it can be tailored for faster *and* slower sweeps. MXR aimed for the simplest pedal, from a user standpoint, and adopted fixed "compromise" settings for feedback and sweep width, as well as initial/offset.
That was a really great explanation, and you’re right: MXR pedals like the phase 90 and the dyna comp have simplistic control layouts and fixed-value parameters on their pedals. They sacrifice tweakability for simplicity of use and best-case approximate values for things that other pedals let you adjust. That being said, they have started to update all of these pedals into modern miniature versions with the missing knobs added in. The dyna comp mini now exists and the deep phase just came out… it has a feedback knob as well as a modern switch.
@@nurk_barry Thanks. Keep in mind that the pots and stompswitches MXR used during the '70s and '80s were larger, and didn't really allow much space inside for additional controls. I take the view that MXR's use of tantalum capacitors and ceramic disc caps was more based on their ability to be bent over flat, such that the board could fit in the enclosure, On top of that, players were more naive about how to use and set modulation pedals. Even EHX pretty much stuck with one knob and one slide switch, well into the '80s. I doubt any manufacturer wanted to have to deal with players who might set the pedals in a manner to produce annoying sounds, and then blame the manufacturer.
@@markhammer643To be fair, most effects pedals then weren’t as heavy handed in the control department as they are now. My green block MXR delay is a testament to that
@@STP_Fantasma Absolutely. Consider how many EHX pedals from that era had one knob and one slide switch. I imagine that, if one was able to gather the data and graph it over time, we'd see a linear increase in number of controls, with an average of about 1.5 in the late 70s, to around 2.3-3 in the early to mid-80s, to close to 4 in the late 80s and early 90s, and so on. Part of that is because of increased knowledge on the part of designers and end-users. (Don't provide controls that will allow ill-informed users to get "bad" sounds seemed to be the motive during the 70s.) Part is because of the availability of smaller potentiometers and knobs that allow for stuffing more into the enclosure (MXR's pots during the 70s were easily 3-4x as big as contemporary pots). Part is because of the need for the explosion of pedalmakers to differentiate themselves from competitors via their feature set. And other factors, as well, I'm sure.
@@markhammer643 Yeah I opened that thing up and I got lucky, according to the pots I have a really early one. MX118 I believe. It’s a little noisy though, I wish I knew someone who could work on it
Excellent video that answered the question perfectly. Thank you! I'll get the script version.
This was a great side-by-side comparison vid, thanks for posting.
BTW, I’m a script owner.
Great comparisson! Thanks for doing that! I have the block logo model.. And I barely use it... watching your video I want to have the script one..
Glad it was helpful. I wasn't expecting much of a difference, I was wrong.
Just picked up a Script yesterday and ran it at rehearsal last night. Really nice phase without being overbearing. The perceived slight boost is nice also. Great 70s vibe. I sold my Boss PH-3 recently, the volume drop drove me crazy. This sounds SO much better, glad I purchased
I got rid of my PH-3 when I got the block, I got rid of the block when I got the script. I wasn't expecting much difference between them, but I was wrong.
thats a trip :) i just dumped my boss ph3 n got a p90 :). same thing
that first riff is gorgeous 🧡
Just grabbed a used 74 and was hoping id like it - after watching this I think I made the right call
Nice touch on that Incubus. Mike would be proud.
Love me some Incubus!
I may be in the minority but I love the churning, pronounced effect of the block logo. The slight boost it gives when engaged helps you cut through a mix in a live setting.
I would say that neither is 'better' it's about what flavour you prefer.
@@JasonAyalaSpare yea, that's kinda how I feel about it. Neither opinion is wrong. It's strictly Just a matter of preference! Sorta like the answer to, which wine, is good wine"?
@@carolinawestern3875 great analogy 🍷
One of the coolest things about the Phase 90 (I have the script version) is how it self oscillates when you rip unisons or high frequency chords into it. It has this mid range point that just ‘sings’ in a unique way. Really adds some extra excitement/frenetic energy to solos/leads. I can see why this has become a classic pedal.
You should be able to run power to the script logo through the Jack, the input jack. If you use a tip ring sleeve stereo Jack, run power to the middle ring, and Bridge the internal battery connector positive and negative together, like with another clip with a positive and negative bridged and taped off.
You could also look into the battery defeat that mxr used to offer... They had a new base plate with a little U shape taken out of it that fit a cord that flipped into the battery connector internally. It started out with a quarter inch Mono Jack that plug into a power supply that had 4_ 9 volt outputs, easy enough to just cut off the quarter inch end splice it on to what we use nowadays. There's also bases that light up... These are all offered up so you don't have to alter a old original pedal.
Glad to hear some Incubus
Great video brutha... helped me choose for sure.
Which one did ya go for?
@@purpled4864 Script. I run it in front of the amp just behind my original crybaby wah. Nice creamy leads that way. :)
@@eddiekross2130 good choice 👌
The block’s output sounds wetter (mostly effect) & the script is dryer (more original tone blended in). I feel they work better w clean or crunchy tones than w high gain distortion. Good demo! Thanks
Nice demo
Had both. Couldn't deal with the volume jump off the block version. Settled for the script and couldn't be happier. A buffer would have been cool, but you can't have it all. Very good riffs señor!
Gracias
Nice video mate! Subbed
With these two as with many other pedal comparisons I feel like it's more about how the unit treats the guitar signal going through, how intact, full or present it comes across in the general wash. To my ears it seems slightly thinner or more distant on the newer unit. I am borrowing one from a friend right now and this kinda echoes my impression of it ...
Always thought it was ironic that "Just a Phase" used a phaser in the intro riff. I used to play that riff a lot when I was demoing gear/guitars cause you've got that great opening riff then the B5 followed by the Emaj chord in the open position. Hell even the arpeggiated chords for the verse are great for demoing. Just a solid song in general.
I have the 74 Script Phase 90. It’s the best phaser I’ve heard, especially at about 11:00.
Yeah thats when I get out of bed as well ...
@Bloom Tik Bloom Elevensies! INcidentally the best Phaser I’ve heard is the Foxxx Foot Phaser, by Pastfx, it’s effing brilliant, especially at around 12.30 when I’ve had my shower and a coffee and just sat around pointlessly for a bit …
I bought a block logo for cheapi in 2007 , I noticed that when the phase would reach it's peak/apex there was a audible tick , very slight but it was there ... I called MXR and complained - they told me to perform the R28 script mod which I didn't want to do ... still complained , so they had me mail it to MXR and they did the mod ... the script reissue has that "mod" - the only difference in sound could be some different brand of caps maybe ...
I was surprised at how different they sounded. I sold the block logo not long after making this video.
It's not JUST a matter of taste. For me it was kind of a necessity to go for the more subtle script logo version. I'm in a band with two guitar players. The other guitar player sets his sound to be warm and mid focused, while I fill up the space in the higher mid frequencies. The phaser (any phaser) will push the mid frequencies quite a bit in every cycle, again and again and again. It annoys the hell out of everyone, unless the effect is less in your face.
Off course, if you play with warm and clean sound, this will be another story. But if you're like me and you're in that higher frequency range, you'll want to use the effect quieter. I like the Walrus Audio Julia for that reason, because it has a blend control and so much more. But for that classic phaser sound I use the MXR script logo version.
Useless without a mod unless you have some expensive amp. Really almost no good(74 reissue) unless into a really clean amp, even then too bass swirly. Frothy too. NO THANKS
A feedback resistor in the circuit of the block logo is one difference besides looks and l.e.d.
I like the more pronounced sound of the block logo model.
The Black Logo sounds a bit like having kind of a doubling effect, and at highest speed it really sounds horrible, whereas the Script Logo still has pleasance in its tone. I would be interested in a comparison to the MXR EVH Phase 90 which seems to have a knob to cover both pedals.
Both of the logos are Black tho
Eddies is the same as block logo. The script sound doesn't have the magic tone of a vintage script period. Custom shop makes a script logo that is closer to vintage. When our ears get fatigued the differences start vanishing though lol! ( at the slow to medium slow speed I mainly use ).
Thanks for the video, I'll go for the script logo pedal with the led and the AC adapter socket (Custom Shop Phase 90 LED). It's more convenient and cheaper than the 1974 original script logo reissue. The block logo sound is too much for me.
The Script is far more musical to my ears and doesn’t have the grit/distortion that the Block adds. Nice comparison
Unless there is a new version of the script logo with led and dc input, that one is closer to the current block logo not the reissue. You lift one resistor from run of the mill block logo and you get the scritp with led. The reissue is different, sounds different too. Like you also pointed out, block is more pronouced and mid focused. A nice pedal, especially after modifying the feedback by lifting the one resistor. Reissue is, again like you pointed out less obstrusive but i'd add more watery and airy regardless of the speed settting. What i especially like about the reissue is that it sounds like those classic tunes, think have a cigar, but it readily available and fairly priced. All of them are useable.
I would use a virtual battery from the gig rig to power the script phase 90. It basically allows you to power it with whatever power supply you’re using
all you need is a cable that connects the battery clip to your power supply. Just file a notch in the enclosure to let the cable out. Or solder in a DC jack. It's very simple.
In my opinion both models, although different from each other, in a chain of pedals should be put before each overdrive / distortion ; I had the block logo but I sold it because it was too pronounced, and I purchased the script logo which I find much more versatile. I like it very much, the script can also simulate a leslie well
I agree, phaser before drive. I always liked my block logo, until I tried the script...
Hi! Great review. So clear. I have a doubt. I thought that modulation pedal go just at the end of the chain, before the amp and after distortion or overdrive.
Do you always put the phaser before the distortion?
ERROR debe ir después de las distorsiones, antes suena bastante mal, pónganlo después de overDrive o distorsiones
This melody is haunting
Reading 'Middle Aged' ahead of 'Gear Junkie' I was in anyway - but glad I hung around for the comparison. Like many others I preferred the Script, especially as the dial was pushed, or rather, I liked the Block somewhat less (though I wouldn't kick it outta bed, y'know?)
I wonder, prior to filming, did you do your comparison using a different guitar - Gibson (solid or hollow), or a Tele? If so, it'd be great if you could bung up a comment reflecting on that.
Great video mate, and always nice to see some Australian content on CZcams.
To be totally honest I hadn't played them back to back before I recorded this. I didn't expect there'd be much, if any difference, but I was wrong. Thanks mate 🍻
MRX introduced a feedback loop in the block logo. This introduces a harshness in mids when using distortion. A very easy mod to do (Which I will be showing at some point) is the R28 mod with SPDT toggle switch which allows you to use the block logo & script logo with the Phase 90 block logo pedal. No need to buy the EVH or pick one over the other. For the price of a mini toggle switch some heat shrink & your time you'll have the same thing.
The Block logo is also much faster.
Indeed. I just picked up a Block logo Phase 90. Ended up snipping R28 (did not like the feedback circuit whatsoever). Has anyone performed the 'R7 mod'. Apparently, R7 can be changed from a 150 k ohm resister to a 100 k ohm resister to ensure unity gain when turning the pedal on.
@@paulyC I haven't heard of that mod. I heard of the C1 and C3 which is the univibe mod. Maybe check diystompboxes.
The script w/led and power jack is just the block version in a different box. Also there is more going on than just the one resistor. The chip set is different in the 74 custom shop.
I've heard that, I got mine modded to have the power jack.
No, the script w/led and power jack is not the block version in a different box. He's somewhere between the 74 script and the block version.
Nice demo.
I play 12-string. It's Script all the way for me, except possibly on the slowest setting. Then there's the 45 to consider. The 95 covers the 45/90, Block/Script bases so it has to be a strong contender.
🤣 Love the name of your channel...I can relate
I thought long and hard about it 🎸
I have always wanted the Phase 90 (...but really I think the Phase 45?). I think I would have go for the modern Phase 95 that has both?
Have you ever tried stacking them, with one set around “9 O’clock” and the other around “1 O’clock”?
I have the Block Logo and alone, I find it a bit too pronounced and would have loved a depth control. But maybe with a band it cuts through better.
I see I'm not the only one who automatically thinks of "Just A Phase" whenever phase pedals come up.
The script logo just sounds way more musical to me in all your examples. 😮 bad news for me, i really liked the block logo‘s price. 😅 2:01 is a very cool riff!
I’ve also heard the regular mxr phase 90 adds distortion to the amp while the script does not.
I wouldn't say that, it definitely accentuates the midrange though.
I have the Block Logo and it was modified to sound warm and not as pronounced. We A/B'd the script and mine and it was really close.
Okay, you go ahead and plug that script reissue into your amp with moderate heavy gain(EVH). They should sell it as the "In Your Face" model 90(Script). Its mud city and I bought it to do one song. It should be able to be dialed wayyy back and the bass almost removed. Oh sure, its okay through a clean amp, still mid bass heavy but at least its useable then.
Nice video. My block logo pedal breaks the sound , like crunch, that It s really annoying for me..
No volume boost or lose?
IMO...script sounds WAY BETTER....much more pleasing tone to my ears..
How would these compare to the Phase 100? Years ago I had both, a phase 90 and a 100. Both were the block style.
The phase 100 has 4 different intensity options where the 90 has set intensity.
Hotel California was played through a Leslie speaker, not a phase 90
This is what i like!!!
A vs B comparising; very very clear!!!!!!
Question for you;
I love to play “Black” from the Pearl-Jam, I think the blocklogo would be the solution together with the MXR CE 404 wah.
I am curious about your opinion
I'll have to try it.
@@JasonAyalaSpare I would love to hear it!!!
Grtz from the Netherlands, André
Leuk je te ontmoeten Andre, go Verstappen!
I actually have both of these on my board in a sense, cause I have the EVH MXR Phase 90 and it has both circuits built into it, so if you like the block logo version but prefer the script version there's a button on it that switches between block and script, I'm definitely stickin' with my EVH Phase 90.
A few people have told me about this, I might have to get my hands on the EVH.
The Phase 95 mini pedal has a "script" switch as well, and another to choose abetween a 45 or a 90 circuit.
@@tagadabrothersband I see that in the thumbnail for the Phase 90 vs.95 review, I swapped my EVH Phaser for the new MXR Deep Phase, cause the EVH was havin' some problems with the sound cause I hadn't used it in forever, now I can get some killer UniVibe sounds with it in conjunction with my MXR Analog Chorus pedal.
Unfortunately the “script” mode on the EVH (and the 95) don’t really capture the original script sound that EVH used.
It’s a shame because that little Phase 95 could be a really versatile and handy sized addition on a pedal board.
@@andrewmaher8409 Well there's always some wise ass who thinks he's smarter than everyone else who says "It just don't capture the sound of blah blah blah blah whatever." Eddie personally oversaw the production of the EVH Phase 90, tested it and gave his stamp of approval, Eddie's hearin' was way more attuned than mine or everyone else's and he knew when something didn't sound right, so quite frankly I have heard demoes of the EVH Phase 90 (both block and script) and the script definitely sounds like what I heard on VH 1-2.
Have you tried the phase 95? It has a switch for script/block and also contains the phase 45 circuit. How close is it?
Let me try to answer this. 😁
I haven't tried it myself, but I've heard nothing but good comments about it. Pete Thorn prefers the 95 over the others and it's on his board, in the middle of a whole bunch of crazy good (and expensive) pedals. And he's not the only one. I just love fact that you have all these options. I'd love a Phase 45 script logo, but I'm not going to use two phasers on my board. The 95 is a great sollution.
I own the pedal and its fantastic sounding in every mode. But its tiny and can be a bit difficult to dial in.
@@dnews9519 It's at the same price than the script with led, an I hesitate. To have several sound is cool, but a tiny pedal on a pedal board isn't that ergonomic when you have big feet and a bad view :p I guess most of the time I'd use the script sound.
The original or the '74 reissue sounds the best
Oddly enough, the Script LED and the Script handwired 74 Reissue, despite being "script reissues", sound completely different. I use the 74 reissue like the one you have there, it is just that classic 90 sound. Mine is modded with a power jack though
That's what I should have done. I sold it after doing this video.
@@JasonAyalaSpare ah damn, that's too bad
@@davidjameschamberlain 😖
I have all three, and here's what I found.
The LED script and block version have about the same depth, but the script led has the clarity of the '74. I find the the led script to be the one that sits in my chain the most - and my '74 is modded as well.
The 74 script does sound better, and Info for the 9volt power supply mod and true bypass mods can be found on the internets.
The difference is: You pay more for the script logo and you don't even get a status LED with it.
I thought that too until I did this video.
You seriously don't hear the difference?
@@roysusanto6062 ) No, I don't hear any difference.
I heard the mxr guy say a difference is a myth I dunno let u be the judge
The new block logo model can go higher in speed.
The block logo is brighter on all settings.
The Block LOGO has a feed back resistor in the circuit and the Script LOGO doesn't......thats the only difference. What you are hearing is the FET's in them as they have to be matched in performance in the circuitry......and they all have a variance. SO one pedal might have a set measuring higher than the other pushing it just a touch more......and the feedback resistor makes the effect a bit more for the swirly & tonality when its not in the circuitry. I have an original I acquired years ago and also a version from when they were reissued....mine is a revision E which was still through hole technology. The latest ones are surface mount except to the hand wired 74 script reissues.
I just removed that feedback resistor from my block logo phase 90, love the pedal now, much more transparent like the script logo
Which would be best for a Fleetwood Mac gold dust woman? Maybe some Led Zeppelin Kashmir or No Quarter?
What do you think would be better for getting a Waylon Jennings tone?
An old Peavey amp with the built-in phaser is what Waylon used
Use the script version with the LED. It is a mix of the two and like a carbon copy of the Peavey phaser. It has the depth of the block script pedal but with the clarity and control of the '74 reissue.
Strum slower. The "wish wash", effect is what our brain's want. Fast setting's, sound like a Wah Wah pedal. There is a sweet spot, somewhere, in the middle.
How long does the battery last in Script??
About 3-6 months. Longer if you unplug it after using it.
The difference is HUGE! Tone deaf inexperienced ears say differently. I run two Super Leads, and the script gives a BIG reinforcement to their overdriven tube sound! ( All chords and leads sound twice as big, with deep bass that is perfect ) The newer phase does not have that magic a bit.....! It is all about the electrical components used to make them. Capacitors, resistors, etc.
I agree 👍
The script lowered volume while the block didn't
It may sound that way because the block logo pedal emphasises the highs a bit. Unfortunately this is also what takes away some clarity.
Yea it sucked the tone alittle bit.
props on the incubus riff. I associate the phase 90 with pretty much only David gilmour and incubus exclusively
Truth be told Mike from Incubus mainly uses the Boss PH-2
@@JasonAyalaSpare guy doesn't get enough coverage, underrated beast of a player.
I bought my script years ago and it has an adapter input. Why the hell would you buy one that is only battery powered?
I didn't realize at the time. I got it modded to take 9v power.
Have script, block, and a 50$ mosky p90 clone pedal from amazon.
The script sounds best.
Block is alright but I'm gonna sell it because the clone pedals "block" setting sounds exactly the same as this one.
The mosky clone has a higher rate when you crank the speed knob. I think it's twice as fast as the script.
But the script sounds best.
I'd sell the script too but the clone pedal doesn't exactly replicate the smoothness.
Is clear
I have the block logo and it sounds like it adds gain which I didn't like
Block logo juicer.
Script logo more subtle.
Block logo is my preference and my go to phaser in a club work environment.
where is the light bulb on the script? am i hi?
They didn't originally have one.
Intensity.
The box block has separation and the flow is not as clean as the script. I like the script. Now i know. TY.
One is using a power supply the other a battery
Block is more pronounced, and artificial. I prefer the script, but I like the EHX bad stone more than the MXR script logo Phase 90 that I own.
I have the block logo phase 90 in my effects loop, and when I turn it on, it just takes over. It jumps the volume way up and it becomes so pronounced that it's hard to hear other pedals. I tried running it straight from the guitar into the amp, and you can't even hear the effect. I wish it had a volume control rigged into it... Any ideas why it is so loud when compared to the off position??
Interesting, I use phaser before drive and don't have an issue. I'd maybe see if you could borrow one from someone else and see if you're still having the same issue.
You can get any 70s phaser sound with the 74 Script
I will take the script unit, you can keep the other one. The script sounds class whilst the other sounds crass.
Splitting hairs mate... they both sound really close.
Are you Aussie just wondering with the accent because I’m a fellow Aussie muso
Aussie as a barbecued lamington on Straya day!
How big of a deal is it that the script isn't true bypass? I have one on the way, but realized after ordering that it's not true bypass.
It doesn't bother me. I use plenty of buffered and true bypass pedals.
Block is more chewy, but it's subtle.
The block logo manipulates the tone to a harsh edgy almost digital type of tone..sounds bad.. the speed turned all the way up the Script sounds actually usable.. not that l can think of anything that would use it that fast but it still sounds nice.. not so at all for the block.. good use and comparison of the two. Personally ld never buy a block logo.. Analogman offers a modded version to increase or decrease the phase (extra knob!) to have the best of both..spend the coin and go that route! Thanks!
Block Logo sounds better🤔😃
Script seems way more usable. The block logo has too much depth to the effect, imo.
Jaha, phase 100 has it all & further...😏
Just a “Phaser” at 12 hahaha
I like the “Script” pedal better, but this version seems more aimed at collectors. Who else would buy a Phase 90 that *only* ran on a battery? C’mon, man.
add the script mod and have both!
@@4stringz. the Van Halen version has both
The vintage is smoother
Script logo! ;)
planet dolan
Hey I have a vintage script logo phase 100. Any idea of the value of it?
Look it up on Reverb, ebay and vintage gear sites. That should give you an idea of what it's worth.
Block has better tone
it
Stay away from catalinbread many worlds phaser! At all costs!! I got one tried it for 2 weeks n sent it back well I could before the 30 return period. Now I’m here researching these two phasers and they already sound better and they are cheaper! Catalinbread was $199 + tax