MXR MC406 CAE Buffer Pedal

£109.00

The MXR Guitar Pedals always come out on top. This is New is in stock and ready to post out to you, with fast, reliable delivery straight to your door. For more New Guitar Pedals options, read on for full specifications, demos, and secure online ordering. The MXR MC406 CAE Buffer is your essential solution for keeping your guitar tone crisp and pure, no matter how complex your pedalboard setup. Designed in collaboration with Custom Audio Electronics, this compact buffer pedal restores and maintains the integrity of your signal, tackling the common issues of signal loss and tone degradation that…

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Description

The MXR Guitar Pedals always come out on top. This is New is in stock and ready to post out to you, with fast, reliable delivery straight to your door. For more New Guitar Pedals options, read on for full specifications, demos, and secure online ordering.

The MXR MC406 CAE Buffer is your essential solution for keeping your guitar tone crisp and pure, no matter how complex your pedalboard setup. Designed in collaboration with Custom Audio Electronics, this compact buffer pedal restores and maintains the integrity of your signal, tackling the common issues of signal loss and tone degradation that can occur with long cable runs and multiple effects. With intuitive controls and rugged construction, the MC406 ensures your sound stays punchy and present from stage to studio.

Modern gigging musicians will appreciate the MC406’s flexible gain and tone-shaping options, including dedicated Hi and Lo Cut switches and an adjustable +6dB gain slider. Its low-noise circuitry guarantees whisper-quiet operation, while the steel housing is built to withstand the rigours of life on the road. Whether you’re looking to compensate for pedalboard signal loss, drive long cable runs, or simply keep your tone pristine, the MC406 delivers professional-grade performance in a pedalboard-friendly package.

Maintain Your Core Tone

With 1 MΩ input impedance and true hardwire relay bypass, the MC406 preserves the natural character of your instrument. It acts as a transparent buffer, so your sound remains consistent and clear, even with extensive pedal chains or long cables. If you’ve ever felt your tone go dull or lifeless, this pedal will bring it back to life.

Flexible Gain & Tone Shaping

The adjustable gain slider lets you boost your signal by up to +6dB, ideal for making up lost volume or pushing your amp just a little more. Hi and Lo Cut switches let you fine-tune your frequency response, cutting harsh highs or taming unwanted low-end rumble as needed. Each switch features an LED indicator for instant visual feedback on your settings.

Smart Pedalboard Integration

The MC406 is designed for easy integration into any setup. It features dual outputs: use OUTPUT 2 for your main effects chain, or OUTPUT 1 as a direct, unbuffered feed for a tuner, second amp, or separate effects loop. A pass-through 9-volt jack even lets you power additional pedals right from the buffer, minimising cable clutter on your board.

Built for the Road

Encased in a rugged steel housing, the MC406 is built to last. Its compact size ensures it fits comfortably on any pedalboard, while its low current draw means it works seamlessly with your existing 9V pedal power supply. No matter where you play, your tone is in safe hands with MXR’s renowned reliability.

Key Features

  • Pristine Signal Preservation – Maintains your guitar’s natural tone and dynamics, even with long cable runs or large pedalboards, so your sound always cuts through the mix.
  • Adjustable Gain & Tone Controls – Fine-tune your output with a +6dB gain slider, Hi Cut, and Lo Cut switches, allowing you to tailor your sound to any venue or rig.
  • Dual Outputs & Power Pass-Through – Flexible routing options for tuners, amps, or separate chains, plus a 9V DC pass-through to power additional pedals and keep your board neat.
  • Durable, Pedalboard-Friendly Design – Compact steel enclosure built to withstand years of gigs, with easy-to-see LED indicators and simple, intuitive controls.

Specifications

General

  • Type: Buffer pedal
  • Bypass: True hardwire relay
  • Housing: Rugged steel
  • LED Indicators: Hi Cut and Lo Cut

Audio

  • Input Impedance: 1 MΩ
  • Output Impedance: 100 Ω
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.1 dB
  • Lo Cut: -6 dB @ 140 Hz
  • Hi Cut: -6 dB @ 7 kHz
  • Gain Control: 0 to +6dB slider

Power

  • Current Draw: 43 mA
  • Power Requirements: 9V DC (Dunlop ECB003 or equivalent, 5.5 x 2.1 mm barrel, minimum 50 mA current capability)
  • Power Pass-Through: 9V jack for additional effects

Connectivity

  • Inputs: 1 x 1/4″ (instrument)
  • Outputs: 2 x 1/4″ (buffered and unbuffered)

Additional information

Weight 0.5 kg

About the manufacturer

MXR

MXR is one of the most respected names in effects pedals, known for its rugged design, simplicity, and legendary tones. Founded in New York in the early 1970s, MXR quickly made its mark with classics like the Phase 90, Dyna Comp, and Distortion+, which became staples on countless pedalboards. Now part of the Dunlop family, MXR continues to innovate while maintaining the straightforward, no-nonsense approach that players love. Whether delivering subtle modulation, rich overdrive, or tight compression, MXR pedals are built to last and designed to perform, offering timeless sounds that have shaped decades of music.

More info about this Product

Guitar Pedals

Guitar pedals are compact effects units that shape and enhance a guitar’s sound, sitting between the instrument and the amplifier. They include gain pedals like overdrive and distortion, modulation effects such as chorus and tremolo, time-based effects like delay and reverb, and essential utilities including tuners, compressors and loopers. Understanding basic things such as pedal type, signal order, power requirements and intended use helps players choose pedals that suit their style, setup and playing environment.

More Gear like this

Buffer

A buffer is a circuit designed to preserve signal strength and clarity as it passes through a signal chain. It converts a high-impedance signal into a low-impedance one, helping prevent tone loss caused by long cable runs or multiple pedals.

Buffers are commonly used at the beginning or end of a pedalboard to maintain high-end detail and consistent response. They are especially useful in complex rigs, ensuring the original character of the instrument remains intact regardless of cable length or pedal count.

Pedal

Pedals are the tools that let you shape, colour and transform your sound, from subtle tone enhancement to bold, creative effects. Whether you are adding grit, space, movement or control, a pedal becomes part of your playing rather than just an add-on. Exploring different pedals is about discovering what responds to your touch and helps your sound feel more like your own.

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