Boss DS-1 vs. MXR M69 Prime Distortion

KareemMonzer

Hey guys! 

I'm looking for a well-rounded distortion pedal that can give me a quality distortion. I am mainly looking for a distortion that could help me achieve Metallica tones, as thats what I mostly like to play! But I also enjoy playing ACDC and Iron Maiden - hence the need for a well-rounded distortion pedal. 

I've tried quite a lot of options, including the full range of MXR distortion pedals. The BOSS DS-1 and MXR Prime Distortion stood out as the most versatile, while also achieving a decent Metallica tone. Google searches have shown me that the ProCo RAT and MXR Distortion + seem to be great, but I didn't quite feel them when I tried them. Also, the MXR Fullbore Metal sounded cool, but somewhat fake I guess. I know that Metallica use Mesa Boogie amps for most of their distortion but I can't quite afford one of those just yet - so ill just have to stick to pedals for now. 

I'd greatly appreciate any recommendations you guys have to offer! 

My gear:

- Fender Stratocaster American Deluxe HSS
- Marshall MG15CFR (Open to change as well)

P.S. This is my first thread so I apologise if I posted this in the wrong place!

TTony

I'll move this into the FX section as it's not a review!

simonk

Welcome. What about a Mesa Throttle Box EQ?

ThePrettyDamned

If you want good metal tones, I'd avoid the ds-1. It's a bit too liquidy- better as a lead pedal imo.

Look into a Digitech hardwire metal - they're quite affordable second hand. Or, if you don't mind the power supply, the best metal distortion I've ever used was the blackstar HT metal.

Limehouse_Blues

Try the DS1X. It’s a different beast from the DS1 and very, very good

ICBM

Of those two, the DS-1 without doubt. Boss reliability is legendary, and modern MXR is… not.

But if you're after a really *versatile* distortion, try the Boss Metal Zone. It's much-maligned, but actually an extremely flexible pedal - the EQ is very powerful, and although it's a bit fiddly to dial in you can create some really great sounds with it.

KareemMonzer

@simonk @ThePrettyDamned @Limehouse_Blues @ICBM Hey guys, thanks for all the replies, I really appreciate it! The pedals sound great but I was looking for a distortion that works for everything, not just heavy metal - so options like MXR Fullbore Metal, Digitech Hardwire Metal, Boss Metal Zone are great but too specific for heavy metal. 

I want something that works for Metallica, Guns N Roses, Iron Maiden, ACDC and Pink Floyd. I understand that thats a big ask and that many different types of pedals were used by all these guys. 

Thanks for all the help  

ICBM

KareemMonzer said:

The pedals sound great but I was looking for a distortion that works for everything, not just heavy metal - so options like MXR Fullbore Metal, Digitech Hardwire Metal, Boss Metal Zone are great but too specific for heavy metal.

Ignore the name! You can get some great non-metal sounds from the Metal Zone too - it will go all the way down to clean with the distortion control low. If you want a pedal that works for everything it's genuinely hard to beat unless you go for a more complex modelling pedal with multiple modes.

Fez

Try a Marshall Jackhammer.

ThePrettyDamned

ICBM said:

KareemMonzer said:

The pedals sound great but I was looking for a distortion that works for everything, not just heavy metal - so options like MXR Fullbore Metal, Digitech Hardwire Metal, Boss Metal Zone are great but too specific for heavy metal.

Ignore the name! You can get some great non-metal sounds from the Metal Zone too - it will go all the way down to clean with the distortion control low. If you want a pedal that works for everything it's genuinely hard to beat unless you go for a more complex modelling pedal with multiple modes.

Same for the hardwire metal - cam have a nice loose bottom end and high gain for nu metal, tighten up for thrash and turn the gain down for old school rock. 

Ignore the names! 

Limehouse_Blues

ICBM said:

KareemMonzer said:

The pedals sound great but I was looking for a distortion that works for everything, not just heavy metal - so options like MXR Fullbore Metal, Digitech Hardwire Metal, Boss Metal Zone are great but too specific for heavy metal.

Ignore the name! You can get some great non-metal sounds from the Metal Zone too - it will go all the way down to clean with the distortion control low. If you want a pedal that works for everything it's genuinely hard to beat unless you go for a more complex modelling pedal with multiple modes.

This. And likewise the DS1X which among the various Boss dirt boxes is I think perhaps the most versatile. At low gain settings you can get a very nice plexi like crunch. At the other end of the dial (not that I venture there much) it’s pure filth that makes mid 90s Metallica look like Teletubbies.

Johnnyseven

Try a Boss Mega Distortion, very cheap used and surprisingly versatile. Use the boost control with low distortion for OD tones and turn the distortion up for more metal tones.