Donner Dark Mouse vs Dunlop MXR M104 Distortion+

The Donner Dark Mouse and the Dunlop MXR M104 Distortion+ are both pedals. The Dunlop MXR M104 Distortion+ leans mid-forward and fuzzy. Current prices: $39.99 vs $97.11.

Similarity
citedBlended from circuit-archetype lineage, dynamic feel, tone-signal overlap and tone-vector distance — the tone vector itself is derived from editorial description text, not a measured acoustic signal, so this reflects how similarly the catalog copy describes the two, not a lab measurement. Shown only within a gear class, and only where there's enough evidence to be meaningful.

44% somewhat different

Shared genres
citedGenres both listings are associated with.
  • Rock
Citation fame
citedCitation/mention fame — how often this gear is cited across artist rigs and gear discussion.
0%
0%
Price

$39.99via Reverb

$97.11via Reverb

Description

The Donner Dark Mouse is a distortion pedal from the Chinese budget effects manufacturer Donner, inspired by the ProCo RAT circuit with a darker voicing. RAT-inspired distortion circuits deliver a distinctive clipping character using an LM308 op-amp and variable filter for bright to dark tone shaping. The Dark Mouse name references the original RAT mouse design while emphasizing a darker, warmer distortion voicing.

The MXR M104 Distortion+ is a classic, simple distortion pedal first introduced in the 1970s, famous for its warm, slightly fuzzy hard clipping distortion and just two controls, Output and Distortion. It produces a smooth, compressed, vintage distortion that ranges from gritty overdrive at lower settings to a singing, saturated lead tone when cranked. Closely associated with players like Randy Rhoads and Dave Murray, it helped define late 1970s and early 1980s hard rock and metal lead tones. Its straightforward, mid friendly voice and easy sustain make it a go to for classic rock, hard rock and players who want a no frills, characterful vintage distortion that pushes an amp into singing leads.

Genres
citedGenres this gear is documented as being used in.
  • Grunge
  • Classic Rock
  • Metal
  • Hard Rock
Tonal lean
  • mid-forward
  • fuzzy

Related searches

Donner Dark Mouse vs Dunlop MXR M104 Distortion+ — Shared Character & Differences — NodeTone