MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz Review: The Ultimate Tool for Sculpting Vintage and Modern Tones

I have spent the better part of two decades chasing “that” sound. You know the one—the elusive, harmonically rich, and slightly unpredictable growl that defined the golden era of rock and roll. For years, I struggled with fuzz pedals that were either too polite or so unruly they became unusable in a live mix. The problem with many traditional fuzz circuits is their lack of flexibility; they often sound great in your bedroom but disappear the moment a drummer starts hitting the cymbals. If you have ever felt the frustration of a pedal that sounds like a “bee in a jar” or one that loses all its definition when you roll back your volume knob, you are not alone. Failing to find a versatile fuzz doesn’t just hurt your tone; it limits your creative expression, forcing you to adapt your playing style to the pedal’s limitations rather than the other way around. This is precisely why I was so eager to put the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz through its paces on my personal board.

Choosing the Right Guitar Distortion & Overdrive Effects: A Detailed Buyer’s Guide

A Guitar Distortion & Overdrive Effects pedal is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for guitarists looking to define their sonic identity. Whether you are aiming for the subtle “edge of breakup” warmth of a vintage tube amp or the saturated, wall-of-sound chaos of stoner rock, your choice of dirt pedal dictates how your instrument interacts with the air in the room. These pedals solve the fundamental problem of needing high-volume saturation at manageable levels, providing consistent harmonic content regardless of whether you are playing a stadium or a small club.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing a lack of versatility in their current setup, perhaps a session player who needs to jump from Eric Johnson-style violin leads to Jack White-inspired grit. It is also perfect for the experimentalist who loves to “tune” their voltage for unique textures. However, it might not be suitable for those who prefer the ultra-clean, pristine tones of jazz or funk without any harmonic coloration. If you are looking for a purely transparent boost that doesn’t change your amp’s character at all, a dedicated clean boost might be a better alternative than a fuzz.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: When building a pedalboard, every square inch is precious. You want a pedal that offers a standard footprint so it can be easily integrated into a crowded board without requiring custom patch cables or awkward positioning. Look for top-mounted or side-mounted jacks that fit your specific layout.
• Capacity & Performance: In the world of fuzz, performance is measured by dynamic range and “cleanup.” A high-quality pedal should respond to your guitar’s volume knob, moving from full saturation to a glassy chime. The ability to handle different voltages—as seen in the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz—is a performance metric that offers unprecedented control over the “sag” and “headroom” of the effect.
• Materials & Durability: Guitar pedals live a hard life. They are stepped on, kicked, and subjected to beer spills in dark clubs. Look for heavy-duty metal housings (like the classic MXR die-cast boxes) and high-quality potentiometers that don’t crackle over time. Plastic enclosures or flimsy switches are a recipe for failure mid-gig.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: While complex features are great, you need to be able to dial in a sound quickly. Clear labeling, tactile knobs, and a bright status LED are essential. Maintenance is usually minimal for analog pedals, but ensure the power requirements are standard (usually 9V DC) to avoid the need for specialized power supplies.

With these considerations in mind, it becomes clear that selecting a pedal is a balance of ruggedness and tonal flexibility. If you’re ready to dive deeper into the world of dirt, let’s see how one of our favorite budget-friendly options compares.

While the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz

When I first pulled the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz out of the box, the first thing that struck me was the finish. It sports a striking, textured purple metallic housing that feels incredibly solid in the hand. MXR has a reputation for “tank-like” builds, and this unit is no exception. It feels significantly more premium than some of the boutique pedals I’ve owned that cost twice as much. Included in the box were four rubber feet, which is a nice touch for those who aren’t immediately slapping it onto a Velcro-covered board.

The layout is intuitive, featuring five knobs: Output, Tone, Gain, and the star of the show, the Variac control. Comparing this to market leaders like the Big Muff or the Fuzz Face, the addition of a dedicated voltage control (Variac) and a Tone knob immediately suggests a level of versatility those classics often lack. The initial look and feel scream “professional tool,” and the bright blue LED ensures you won’t be guessing its status on a dark stage. It’s a compact, “super badass” addition to any rig that promises more than just a one-trick pony experience.

A Deep Dive into the Performance of the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz

The Variac Control: A Masterclass in Voltage Sag

The defining feature of the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz is undoubtedly the Variac knob. In my testing, this wasn’t just a gimmick; it fundamentally changed the architecture of the fuzz. By rotating the knob counter-clockwise toward 5V, I was able to simulate the exact sound of a 9-volt battery on its last legs. For fans of “velcro” fuzz or the “spitty” textures found in garage rock and psychedelic blues, this is a dream come true. At the 5V setting, the notes decay with a satisfyingly ugly gate, cutting off abruptly in a way that feels organic and raw.

Conversely, cranking the Variac up to 15V transformed the pedal into a high-headroom beast. We found that at higher voltages, the fuzz becomes much more “open” and less compressed. It starts to bridge the gap between a fuzz and a high-gain distortion, offering a clear, punchy attack that works exceptionally well for lead lines that need to cut through a dense arrangement. As one user noted, the range of adjustments allows you to get “all different kinds of fuzz,” and my experience confirms that the Variac is the key to that versatility. It allows the player to decide exactly how much “sag” they want the circuit to have, a feature usually reserved for high-end boutique amps or expensive power distributors.

Tone Shaping and Gain Flexibility

While many fuzz pedals offer only a single “Tone” or “Filter” knob that simply rolls off high frequencies, the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz provides a much more interactive experience. The Tone control here seems to sweep through a wide range of frequencies, allowing you to darken the sound for a “doom” metal vibe or brighten it up for a more vintage, 60s-inspired “Satisfaction” bite. In my sessions, I found that the Tone knob was essential when switching between a bright Stratocaster and a darker Les Paul. It allowed me to maintain the core character of the fuzz without it becoming too muddy or too piercing.

The Gain knob is equally impressive. At lower settings, you get a grit that behaves almost like an overdrive, providing harmonic enrichment without completely masking your guitar’s natural tone. As you sweep the Gain toward the right, the saturation builds into a thick, creamy wall of sound. We discovered that the interaction between the Gain and the Variac control is where the real magic happens. A low Gain setting at 15V provides a massive, slightly hairy clean boost, while a high Gain setting at 5V delivers the classic “broken” fuzz tone that many experimental guitarists crave. This level of customization ensures the pedal can serve as your primary dirt source across multiple genres.

Build Quality and Practicality for the Working Musician

MXR has always been a “workhorse” brand, and the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz is a testament to that philosophy. The pedal features true bypass switching, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your signal when the effect is off. I noticed zero tone suck when the pedal was disengaged, even at the end of a long cable run. The 1/4-inch jacks feel sturdy and “click” into place with authority, and the pots have just the right amount of resistance to prevent accidental bumps from changing your settings mid-performance.

One small but significant detail is the ultra-bright blue LED. During an outdoor gig in the afternoon, I had no trouble seeing whether the pedal was active—a common issue with dimmer red or green LEDs. Additionally, the compact size (5.5″L x 4.5″W x 2.5″H) means it fits comfortably on any board. The fact that it only draws 9 milliamps makes it incredibly friendly for multi-pedal power supplies. Whether you’re using a battery or a dedicated power brick, the internal circuitry handles the voltage regulation beautifully, ensuring that the “Variac” effect is consistent regardless of your power source.

Dynamic Response and “Cleanup” Ability

Perhaps the most “pro” feature of the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz is how it responds to the guitar’s volume pot. Many silicon-based fuzzes can be a bit “all or nothing,” but this pedal behaves more like a vintage Germanium circuit in its responsiveness. During my testing, I kept the pedal’s Gain at 3 o’clock and was able to roll my guitar volume back to 5 to get a perfectly usable, slightly overdriven rhythm tone. Bringing the volume back to 10 unleashed the full fury of the fuzz for solos.

This dynamic response makes it a “set and forget” pedal. You don’t need to constantly reach down to adjust knobs if you can control the level of aggression from your instrument. This is a hallmark of a well-designed analog signal path. The pedal doesn’t just sit on top of your sound; it integrates with your playing style. For blues players who want a bit of “hair” on their notes that blooms into a roar when they dig in with the pick, this pedal delivers in spades. It captures the nuance of your touch, which is something many digital emulations still struggle to replicate.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general sentiment among the guitar community regarding the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz is overwhelmingly positive, with many users praising its incredible range. One reviewer highlighted the sheer variety of tones, stating, “I like this a lot! So many adjustments you can get all different kinds of fuzz from broken dead battery to mild to crazy to dark.” This mirrors my own findings regarding the Variac’s utility.

Another user appreciated the practical additions, noting the “bright blue LED” and the inclusion of “four rubber foot pads.” This feedback is relevant because it shows that MXR is paying attention to the small details that matter to gigging musicians. While some users have mentioned that it takes a bit of time to learn how the knobs interact, most agree that the learning curve is well worth the results. A few “purists” have noted that it doesn’t sound exactly like a 1960s Fuzz Face, but as we found, its goal is to be a modern evolution of that sound rather than a direct clone. The consensus is clear: for a mid-priced pedal, it offers boutique-level features and a build that will last for years.

Comparing the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz to Its Top Competitors

While the Variac Fuzz is a standout performer, the world of dirt pedals is vast. Here is how it compares to three other popular options that often find their way onto the same shortlists.

1. Fulltone OCD Overdrive Pedal with HP/LP Switch

The Fulltone OCD is a legendary overdrive, but it serves a very different purpose than the Variac Fuzz. While the Variac Fuzz excels at compression, sag, and “woolly” textures, the OCD is all about transparent, amp-like drive with massive headroom. If you want a pedal that sounds like your amp but “more,” the OCD is a fantastic choice. However, it cannot achieve the “broken battery” splat or the harmonically saturated chaos that makes the MXR so unique. Players looking for classic rock crunch should go for the OCD; those looking for sonic exploration and heavy textures will prefer the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz.

2. JHS Pedals 3 Series Compressor

It might seem odd to compare a fuzz to a compressor, but many players use the “sag” of a fuzz to achieve natural compression. The JHS 3 Series Compressor is a utility tool designed to even out your dynamics and add sustain without adding distortion. If you find the Variac Fuzz too “unruly” and just want more sustain for your clean tones, the JHS is the way to go. But if you want that sustain to come with a side of grit and harmonic fire, the MXR is the superior creative tool. The MXR can actually mimic some of the “squish” of a compressor at lower voltages, making it surprisingly versatile in a way the JHS isn’t.

3. Electro-Harmonix Soul Food Overdrive Pedal

The EHX Soul Food is a “Klon-style” transparent overdrive. It is famous for its mid-hump and its ability to push a tube amp into sweet saturation without masking the guitar’s tone. Compared to the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz, the Soul Food is much more polite. It’s perfect for blues and indie rock where you need a bit of “hair” on your sound. However, the Soul Food lacks the sheer gain and the unique voltage-shaping capabilities of the MXR. If the Soul Food is a scalpel, the MXR Variac Fuzz is a multi-tool that can act as both a scalpel and a sledgehammer depending on where you set that Variac knob.

Final Verdict: Is the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz the Right Choice for You?

After extensive testing, it’s clear that the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz is one of the most versatile dirt pedals on the market today. Its main strengths lie in its unique Variac control, which offers a tonal palette ranging from vintage “dying” circuits to modern, high-headroom distortion. The build quality is top-tier, and the price point is incredibly competitive for a pedal that offers this level of control. While it might be “too much pedal” for someone who only wants a simple, one-knob fuzz, for the guitarist who loves to tweak and refine their sound, it is an absolute must-have.

We recommend this pedal to anyone from garage rock enthusiasts to session pros who need a reliable, flexible fuzz that won’t get lost in the mix. It solves the age-old problem of fuzz rigidity, giving you back the control over your dynamics and headroom. If you are ready to stop settling for “good enough” fuzz and start sculpting the exact tone you’ve been hearing in your head, we highly suggest you check the latest price and availability of the MXR Super Badass Variac Fuzz and add this powerhouse to your pedalboard today. Your tone (and your audience) will thank you.