MXR Layers Sustain Effect Pedal

Ambient soundscapers and tonal experimenters rejoice, the MXR Layers lands to offer new angles on classic sustain effect formulas. Cool and compact, this pedal matches thoughtful MXR design with exceptional tonality to result in outstanding sustain effect equations.

At its most basic, the MXR Layers deals in sustain effects with many dimensions of control. Your classic trigger-and-hold sustain effect is present here on Layers to easily tap into and deliver a reliable sustain experience. However, it does not take long to recognize the exciting functionality designed into this pedal that uses the single sustain effect mode as a great point of departure.

Layers bases its main experience off a threefold sustain effect that deals in, its namesake, layers. Three onboard sustain layers play concurrently to one another to fashion complex and interesting weaves of notes, as triggered by a variety of methods. By utilizing the dedicated footswitch, Layers can be played manually to sustain notes or remotely by playing dynamics. The pedal’s Trigger knob control can be used to adjust the sensitivity of the automatic trigger sustain function or disable it altogether to offer early insight into this pedal’s options of interactivity.

The sustaining experience Layers provides goes only deeper from there. Dedicated controls for effect mix, attack and decay compound on the design for closer customization of sustain note character. With these dials, one can decide the presence of the sustained layers in a mix, as well as the rate at which they fade in and out. An additional function given to this experience is the Sub Octave switch that can be used to lower the tone of one or more of your layers down an octave. With these easily accessible and accurate functions, Layers adds distinct customization and on-the-fly interactivity to the sustain effect experience, making it a great addition to boards for ambient tinkering and experimentation. Deeper customization exists within Layers to include hidden functionalities like stereo routing, dry/wet signal split, modulation effect control and tap tempo, to name a few.

MXR touches down with Layers to bring new modes of playing and customization to the harmonic, ambient and experimental sustain effect experiences of the world. Reaching new sustained heights (and lengths), Layers is a love letter to those who want that one special sound to last just a little bit longer.