Dunlop MXR M104 Distortion+ vs JHS PackRat 9-Way Rodent Distortion

The Dunlop MXR M104 Distortion+ and the JHS PackRat 9-Way Rodent Distortion are both pedals sharing compressed, dark. The Dunlop MXR M104 Distortion+ leans mid-forward and fuzzy. Current prices: $97.11 vs $249.

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.

49% somewhat different

Shared genres
citedGenres both listings are associated with.
  • Classic Rock
  • Rock
  • Hard Rock
Shared tone character
citedDerived from overlapping tonal signals across both listings.
  • compressed
  • dark
Citation fame
citedCitation/mention fame — how often this gear is cited across artist rigs and gear discussion.
0%
17%
Price

$97.11via Reverb

$249via Reverb

Description

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.

The JHS PackRat is a boutique multi-mode distortion pedal from JHS Pedals based on the ProCo RAT circuit, one of the most influential distortion pedals in rock and alternative music history. The PackRat includes a rotary mode selector that provides access to multiple historically different RAT circuit configurations, including vintage LM308-chip variants, the Turbo RAT, and other notable RAT iterations. Each mode calibrates the clipping character, gain response, and filter behavior according to the specific circuit variant it reproduces. JHS designed the PackRat as a comprehensive RAT-based distortion reference for players who want access to the full range of RAT circuit history in a single pedal. It suits classic rock, alternative, post-punk, grunge, and hard rock where ProCo RAT distortion is central to the sound.

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

Related searches

Dunlop MXR M104 Distortion+ vs JHS PackRat 9-Way Rodent Distortion — Shared Character & Differences — NodeTone