Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter vs MXR Phase 90
The Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter and the MXR Phase 90 are both pedals. The Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter leans crunchy. The MXR Phase 90 leans fuzzy and warm.
cited
Blended 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.46% — somewhat different
cited
Genres both listings are associated with.- Classic Rock
- Rock
MXR Phase 90
MXR · pedal
cited
Citation/mention fame — how often this gear is cited across artist rigs and gear discussion.$89.99via Reverb
The Maestro PS-1A Phase Shifter is a vintage analog phaser introduced in 1971, prized for one of the lushest, warmest phase sounds ever produced. Rather than a sharp modern sweep, it delivers a warm, organic, and often subtle swirl with three speed settings, including a distinctive braking transition between fast and slow that sounds like a jet engine winding down. It defined classic 1970s phasing, heard on the electric piano of Led Zeppelin's No Quarter and on recordings by Steve Howe and Ernie Isley. It suits psychedelic, classic rock, and vintage tone enthusiasts who want immersive, lush movement. Some high-end loss occurs when engaged, easily corrected with a buffer upstream.
The MXR Phase 90 is one of the most iconic phaser pedals ever made, a single-knob, four-stage analog phaser known for its warm, organic, liquid sweep. With just a Speed control, it is effortless to use, producing everything from a slow, gentle swirl to a fast, watery throb that animates both rhythm and lead playing. Its rich, musical phasing has appeared on countless recordings across classic rock, funk, and beyond, and it is famously associated with Eddie Van Halen's early tone. The compact orange enclosure and simple operation make it a pedalboard staple. It sits early in the chain into clean or driven amps, adding three-dimensional movement without thinning the core guitar tone.
cited
Genres this gear is documented as being used in.- Alternative Rock
- Funk
- Blues
- crunchy
- fuzzy
- warm