MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion Review: Unleashing Brutal Modern High-Gain Tones

If you have ever plugged into a distortion pedal only to find that your high-gain dreams sound more like a swarm of angry bees trapped in a soda can, you are not alone. For many of us in the metal community, the search for that elusive “tight” distortion—one that offers crushing gain without sacrificing clarity—is a career-long obsession. We have all been there: you crank the gain, hit a low-E palm-muted chug, and instead of a percussive thump that hits you in the chest, you get a muddy, washed-out mess. This lack of definition is the ultimate riff-killer. Without a pedal that can handle the sheer speed and aggression of modern metal, your technical playing becomes a blur, and your solos lose their cutting edge. This is exactly why a specialized tool like the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion exists. We set out to see if this compact silver box could finally solve the problem of “muddy gain” and provide the surgical precision required for contemporary metal styles.

What to Consider Before Buying Guitar Distortion & Overdrive Effects

A Guitar Distortion & Overdrive Effects pedal is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for shaping your identity as a musician. It is the bridge between your fingers and the audience’s ears, transforming a clean signal into a wall of sound. Choosing the right one is about more than just “more volume”—it’s about frequency response, clipping styles, and how the pedal interacts with your specific amplifier. A great distortion pedal can breathe life into a mediocre practice amp or turn a professional tube head into a high-gain monster.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the limitations of their current gear’s built-in gain, specifically guitarists playing thrash, death metal, or djent who require high levels of saturation and a fast-tracking response. It is also perfect for those who need to switch between clean and “brutal” instantly during a live set. However, it might not be suitable for those who are looking for a “blues-breaker” style of subtle break-up or a transparent overdrive; for those players, a low-gain overdrive would be a much better alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: In the world of modern pedalboards, space is premium real estate. You need to consider whether the pedal uses a compact “1590B” style enclosure or something larger. A compact design allows you to fit more tools on your board, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of knob accessibility. We found that the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion manages this balance well, offering a tiny footprint with a surprising number of controls.
• Capacity & Performance: This refers to the gain range and the EQ flexibility. Can the pedal go from a light crunch to a full-on sonic assault? More importantly, does the EQ allow you to “scoop” the mids for that classic thrash sound or “boost” the mids to cut through a dense band mix? Look for pedals with sweepable mid-frequencies for the most surgical control over your tone.
• Materials & Durability: Guitar pedals live a hard life on the floor, often being stepped on with significant force. All-metal housings are the industry standard for a reason. You want to ensure the foot-switch is heavy-duty and the knobs feel robust enough to withstand the rigors of touring and frequent transport in a gig bag.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: High-gain pedals are notorious for introducing noise into your signal chain. Look for features like built-in noise gates which can save you the cost and board space of a separate gate pedal. Also, consider the power requirements—most standard pedals run on 9V, but check the milliamps (mA) draw to ensure your power supply can handle it.

As you evaluate your options, remember that the best pedal is the one that complements your existing rig. To help you make the most informed decision, you can see its full feature set and user reviews to understand how it behaves in different environments.

While the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion 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: The MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion Unboxed

When we first pulled the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion out of its box, the first thing that struck us was the weight. Despite its small size, it feels incredibly dense and “road-ready.” The brushed silver finish gives it a modern, industrial look that sets it apart from the typical colorful stompboxes. It’s clear that Jim Dunlop (the manufacturer) intended this to be a serious tool for serious players. Unlike some boutique pedals that arrive in oversized wooden crates, MXR keeps it professional and functional.

Setting it up was a breeze, though we immediately noticed the sheer number of controls packed onto the faceplate. You have Volume, Gain, Low, Mid, High, and a “Freq” knob for the sweepable mid-range, plus two small buttons for “Scoop” and “Gate.” It’s an intimidating array for a small pedal, but it hints at the massive tonal variety available under the hood. For those who want to jump straight into the fray, you should check the latest price and availability before stocks run low, as this remains a highly sought-after unit for metalheads.

Deep Dive: Putting the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion Through Its Paces

We spent over twenty hours testing the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion through various rigs, ranging from a small solid-state practice amp to a 100-watt tube stack. Our goal was to see if the “Fullbore” name lived up to the hype. Here is our detailed breakdown of how this pedal performs in the real world.

Extreme Gain Architecture and Riff Definition

The core of the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion is its gain stage. Unlike many pedals that “fuzz out” when the gain is turned past 2 o’clock, this pedal maintains a distinct percussive quality. When we dialed in a high-gain setting for some fast alternate picking, every note remained audible. We found that the pedal provides a very “modern” distortion—it’s compressed and aggressive, which is exactly what you want for contemporary metal. It doesn’t have the sag of a vintage tube amp; instead, it reacts with lightning-fast speed.

One thing that really impressed us was how it handled low-tuned guitars. We tested it with a 7-string guitar tuned to Drop A, and the low-end remained tight and punchy. There was no “flub” or unwanted bass resonance. This is a feature that really sets it apart from other high-gain pedals in this price bracket. If you are a fan of technical death metal or any genre that requires high-speed clarity, this pedal is designed with your needs in mind. To see how other users have fared with their specific setups, you can read more user experiences here.

Surgical EQ Control: The Power of Sweepable Mids

The EQ section is where the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion truly shines. Most distortion pedals give you a single “Tone” knob or perhaps a basic “Bass” and “Treble.” MXR has gone much further by including a 3-band EQ with a sweepable mid-frequency knob. In our testing, this proved to be the pedal’s secret weapon. By using the “Freq” knob, you can choose exactly which part of the mid-range you want to boost or cut. Want that nasal, “lo-fi” black metal sound? You can find it. Want a thick, throat-punching low-mid boost for stoner metal? It’s in there too.

The “Scoop” button is another interesting addition. When engaged, it applies a preset EQ curve that pulls out the mids and boosts the lows and highs—the classic “V” shape. While this sounds massive when playing alone in your room, we found that it can make the guitar disappear in a full band rehearsal. However, because you still have the “Freq” and “Mid” knobs active, you can use them to “fine-tune” the scoop. This level of control is something we usually only see on high-end rack gear or expensive digital modelers. It allows you to tailor your sound to the specific acoustics of the room you are playing in, making the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion a powerful ally for the gigging musician.

The Silence of the Gate: Integrated Noise Suppression

High gain inevitably leads to high noise. If you stop playing for a split second, a high-gain signal will usually hiss or howl with feedback. The MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion addresses this head-on with an integrated Noise Gate. Activated by a small button on the faceplate (which glows yellow when active), this gate is surprisingly “smart.” In our tests, it didn’t cut off the sustain of our notes prematurely, but it clamped down instantly the moment we stopped picking.

For those who want even more control, there is an internal “Gate Trigger” adjustment pot inside the pedal. This allows you to set the sensitivity of the gate. We found that out of the box, it was set perfectly for high-output humbuckers. The ability to have a dead-silent signal during the pauses in a syncopated riff is a game-changer for modern metal production. It eliminates the need for a separate noise suppressor pedal, saving you money and simplifying your signal chain. If you’ve been struggling with feedback issues, you might want to investigate this built-in gate feature further.

Build Quality and Power Logistics

Finally, let’s talk about the physical reality of owning the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion. The housing is made of heavy-duty aluminum, and the knobs are recessed enough that you aren’t likely to kick them and change your settings mid-song. The LED indicators (one for the effect, one for the gate) are bright enough to be seen under the harshest stage lights. We did find that the pedal is quite power-hungry for an analog unit, drawing about 9mA. While it can run on a 9V battery, we strongly recommend using a dedicated power supply.

As one user noted, “Es increíble el sonido es muy bueno, es necesario comprar el adaptador de corriente de 9V.” We agree—to get the most headroom and the lowest noise floor, a high-quality power brick is essential. The compact dimensions (4.5″L x 2.5″W x 5.5″H) mean it will sit comfortably on even the most crowded boards. Overall, the construction quality is exactly what we have come to expect from the Jim Dunlop factory: it’s a “tank” that is built to last for decades of abuse on the road. You can check the current pricing for this rugged unit to see how it fits into your budget.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among the community is that the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion is a polarizing but powerful tool. Most users praise its aggressive nature and the utility of the noise gate. One satisfied guitarist mentioned that the sound is “incredible” and highly recommended it for anyone needing a “true metal” sound, though they emphasized the need for a separate power adapter. This is a common sentiment; once you provide it with stable power, the pedal performs flawlessly.

However, no product is without its critics. We did encounter some feedback regarding shipping and quality control from certain sellers. One user reported receiving a unit that appeared used and was not in “new” condition, leading to a return. While this is likely an issue with a specific third-party vendor rather than the product itself, it serves as a reminder to purchase from reputable sources. Overall, the feedback confirms our findings: when you get a genuine MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion, the “devastating metal tones” promised by the manufacturer are very real and highly effective.

Comparing the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion to Top Alternatives

While we are huge fans of the MXR, it is important to see how it compares to other staples in the industry. Depending on your specific needs, one of these alternatives might be a better fit.

1. BOSS MT-2 Metal Zone Distortion Pedal

The BOSS MT-2 is perhaps the most famous (or infamous) metal pedal of all time. Like the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion, it features a sweepable mid-range EQ. However, the BOSS has a slightly “smoother” and more “compressed” character compared to the MXR’s raw aggression. The MT-2 is excellent for lead playing and achieving that classic 90s metal sound. We recommend the MT-2 for players who want a more “liquid” sustain for solos, whereas the MXR is the superior choice for modern, percussive rhythm work and “djent” styles due to its faster response and built-in noise gate.

2. JHS Pedals 3 Series Compressor

This might seem like an odd comparison, but many metal players use a compressor to tighten up their sound before it hits the amp. The JHS 3 Series Compressor is a masterpiece of simplicity. If you already have a high-gain amp that you love but it feels a bit “loose,” adding this compressor can provide that “snappy” response without adding the extra layer of distortion that the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion provides. It’s for the player who wants to enhance their existing tone rather than completely transform it into a high-gain monster.

3. Electro-Harmonix Soul Food Overdrive Pedal

The Soul Food is at the opposite end of the spectrum from the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion. It is a transparent overdrive designed to add “grit” and “sparkle” to your tone. If you find the Fullbore to be too “harsh” or “extreme,” the Soul Food offers a much more subtle, touch-sensitive overdrive. It’s perfect for classic rock, blues, or pushing a tube amp that is already on the edge of breakup. If you aren’t playing extreme metal, the Soul Food is a much more versatile “always-on” pedal for your board.

The Final Verdict: Is the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion Right for You?

After extensive testing, our conclusion is clear: the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion is one of the most capable high-gain pedals ever designed for the price. Its combination of a surgical EQ, a built-in noise gate, and sheer, unadulterated gain makes it a powerhouse for anyone playing modern metal. It solves the “muddy” problem that plagues so many other pedals and offers enough control to fit into almost any rig. While it may be too aggressive for the “blues-rock” crowd, for the metal guitarist, it is a dream come true.

In summary, if you need a pedal that can handle the fastest riffs and the lowest tunings while keeping your signal silent when you’re not playing, this is the one. It is built like a tank, fits on any board, and delivers a tone that can truly be described as “devastating.” Don’t let your riffs get lost in the mud—it’s time to upgrade your sound. We highly recommend that you grab the MXR Fullbore Metal Distortion today and experience the power for yourself.