EHX Small Stone vs MXR Phase 90
EHX Small Stone wins for lush, deep phasing with more pronounced character — its four-stage analog phaser produces a thicker, wider sweep that is more dramatically audible in a mix. MXR Phase 90 wins for versatility, reliability, and compatibility with a broader range of musical contexts — its more moderate phase character sits better in a band mix without overwhelming other instruments.
EHX Small Stone
The Electro-Harmonix analog phase shifter — a 4-stage OTA-based design with a Color switch that adds resonance feedback for a more dramatic sweep. A different character from the Phase 90: wider, more enveloping, with a deeper sweep range.
Rock, blues, psych — the alternative to the Phase 90, with a wider, more enveloping phase sweep and the Color switch resonance option for dramatic effects
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
Tone Character
EHX Small Stone
- ✓ Rich, warm analog phase character distinct from Phase 90
- ✓ Color switch adds dramatic resonance feedback
- ✓ Very affordable
- ✓ Wide sweep range with smooth, musical movement
- ✗ Output level can drop when engaged on older versions
- ✗ Color switch interaction requires careful level adjustment
- ✗ Larger enclosure than Phase 90
- ✗ Less consistent quality control than MXR
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
When To Choose Each
Players who want a dramatic, pronounced phasing effect for solo playing, psychedelic contexts, or situations where the phaser is the dominant effect — the Small Stone's character is unmissable.
Players who want phasing as a subtle enhancement rather than a primary effect — the Phase 90's moderate character works as a musical texture without occupying the sonic foreground.
Final Verdict — EHX Small Stone vs MXR Phase 90
Best for beginners
EHX Small Stone
EHX Small Stone scores higher on versatility (60/100) 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
| EHX Small Stone | MXR Phase 90 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £79 | £99 |
| Category | Modulation | Modulation |
| Gain | 0/100 | 0/100 |
| Warmth | 58/100 | 55/100 |
| Treble | 50/100 | 50/100 |
| Bass | 52/100 | 50/100 |
| Versatility | 60/100 | 55/100 |
| Best for | Rock, blues, psych | Classic rock, hard rock |
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