MXR Phase 90 vs EHX Small Stone
The Phase 90 wins for pure simplicity and the iconic EVH and Gilmour phaser character — one knob, always-on usability. The Small Stone wins for slightly deeper, more dramatic phase sweep with the Color switch option.
MXR Phase 90
The iconic 4-stage FET phase shifter in an orange box. Single Speed knob controls the sweep rate — Eddie Van Halen used it on every Van Halen album. Two internal versions: Script Logo (smoother, vintage) and Block Logo (brighter, more modern).
Classic rock, hard rock — the iconic one-knob phase shifter that defined 1970s and 1980s electric guitar modulation
EHX Small Stone
Electro-Harmonix's 4-stage OTA phaser — a wide, enveloping sweep with a Color switch that adds resonance feedback for a more dramatic effect. A different character from the Phase 90: deeper sweep, more body, and a warmer low-end interaction.
Rock, blues, and psych players who want a wider, more enveloping phase sweep than the Phase 90 — particularly effective for rhythm parts
Tone Character
MXR Phase 90
- ✓ Simple one-knob operation
- ✓ Iconic tone used on countless classic recordings
- ✓ Script switch on modern versions adds vintage character
- ✓ Phase character is smooth and musical across the Speed range
- ✗ No depth, mix, resonance, or other controls
- ✗ Fixed phase character that cannot be extensively shaped
- ✗ Less tweakable than multi-knob phasers
- ✗ Script vs block logo character requires internal inspection to identify
EHX Small Stone
- ✓ Rich, warm analog phase sweep
- ✓ Color switch for resonant, dramatic effect
- ✓ Different character from MXR Phase 90
- ✓ Very affordable
- ✗ Color switch can reduce output level on some units
- ✗ Larger than MXR compact format
- ✗ Less focused than Phase 90 for lead tones
When To Choose Each
Players who want the iconic Van Halen and Pink Floyd phaser character with one-knob simplicity — plug in and play.
Players who want a deeper, more dramatic phase sweep with a slight character variation option.
Final Verdict — MXR Phase 90 vs EHX Small Stone
Best for beginners
EHX Small Stone
EHX Small Stone scores higher on versatility (58/100) and lower on gain (0/100) — a more forgiving starting point than MXR Phase 90.
Best for metal tones
EHX Small Stone
EHX Small Stone leads on gain (0/100) and bass response (52/100) — the two tonal pillars of metal playing.
Best value
EHX Small Stone
At £79 vs £99, EHX Small Stone delivers 20% cost savings. The tonal trade-off is minor.
Specification Summary
| MXR Phase 90 | EHX Small Stone | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £99 | £79 |
| Category | Modulation | Modulation |
| Gain | 0/100 | 0/100 |
| Warmth | 55/100 | 60/100 |
| Treble | 50/100 | 50/100 |
| Bass | 50/100 | 52/100 |
| Versatility | 55/100 | 58/100 |
| Best for | Classic rock, hard rock | Rock, blues, and psych players who want a wider, more enveloping phase sweep than the Phase 90 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
MXR Phase 90 — on the first six Van Halen albums. He later had a signature version (EVH Phase 90) with a script/block switch.
MXR Phase 90 on Shine On You Crazy Diamond. EHX Small Stone appeared in later periods.
Script (original): smoother, more subtle sweep. Block (later): more pronounced and deeper phase effect. The EVH model has both on a switch.
Phase 90 has one Speed knob — completely simple. Small Stone has Color switch and Rate — slightly more option.