MXR launched the Phase 90 in 1974, and this simple, one-knob orange pedal quickly became the ubiquitous phase shifter across the industry. Only manufactured for a short time, the Custom Shop Phase 99 combines two Phase 90 circuits in one box. Each circuit can be used independently or together, allowing for a wide range of phasing effects—from subtle to intense.
The controls are straightforward—a Speed control for each phaser and three buttons to open up further experimentation. "P/S" allows you to alternate between running the two phaser circuits in Parallel or Series. "Vintage" toggles between the modern Phase 90 voicing and a vintage voicing inspired by the sought-after Phase 45. And "Sync" allows you to synchronize the rate of each phaser. These controls allow you to dial in a wide range of thick, chewy modulation sounds. But don't forget there are also stereo outs! When you experiment with different amps and different amp settings, you can create huge, wide phasing sounds that quickly dive into strange and disorienting territory. Through all the settings, the Phase 99 does not sacrifice musical nuance, dynamics, or sensitivity.
This Phase 99 shows some minor cosmetic signs of play and use, but it is fairly clean all around. There is some faint wear to the underside from use on a pedalboard, but that's the worst of it. It functions 100% as it should, and it sounds fantastic.
One note—the flashing rate indicators for each phase are extremely helpful! These visual cues make it easier to understand how the two phasers interact. It's nice touch, and—combined with the heavy duty construction—definitely on par with the MXR Custom Shop level of pedals.