The MXR/Custom Audio Electronics MC402 Boost/Overdrive combines two highly useful effects in one rugged pedal: a responsive overdrive circuit and an independent clean boost capable of delivering up to +20dB of additional level.

Developed in collaboration with Custom Audio Electronics, the MC402 is designed to provide everything from mild blues-style breakup through to heavier crunch, while the separate Boost section can be used independently or alongside the Overdrive.

With dedicated Output, Tone and Gain controls for the overdrive and a separate Boost level control, the MC402 is equally useful as a standalone drive pedal, solo boost or pedalboard signal-conditioning tool.

This Pre-Owned example is in Fair condition, showing heavier cosmetic wear consistent with regular previous use while remaining suitable for continued operation.

AT A GLANCE

Detail	Specification
Brand	MXR / Custom Audio Electronics
Model	MC402
Type	Boost / Overdrive Pedal
Boost	Up to +20dB
Controls	Boost, Output, Tone, Gain
Bypass	True Hardwire
Condition	Fair / Pre-Owned

PRE-OWNED CONDITION REPORT

This is a Pre-Owned MXR/Custom Audio Electronics MC402 Boost/Overdrive in Fair condition.

The Fair condition grade reflects heavier cosmetic wear from previous use, making this a good option for players more concerned with function and sound than pristine appearance.

KEY FEATURES

• MXR / Custom Audio Electronics collaboration

• MC402 Boost/Overdrive

• Independent clean boost and overdrive sections

• Up to +20dB clean boost

• Dynamic overdrive circuit

• Separate Boost footswitch

• Separate Overdrive footswitch

• Boost level control

• Output control

• Tone control

• Gain control

• Responsive to picking dynamics

• Cleans up from the guitar volume

• True hardwire bypass

• 9V DC operation

• 9V battery compatible

• Rugged MXR enclosure

• Fair Pre-Owned condition

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT

The MC402 is particularly useful because the Boost and Overdrive sections operate independently.

That means it can function as a conventional overdrive, a standalone clean boost, or both at once.

The boost section provides up to +20dB of additional level, while the overdrive can move from light breakup through to considerably heavier drive sounds.

This flexibility allows one pedal to cover several roles that might otherwise require two separate stompboxes.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

Independent Overdrive Section

The MC402 features a dedicated overdrive circuit designed to provide a dynamic and responsive driven sound.

It can cover lower-gain blues tones through to substantially heavier crunch by adjusting the Gain control.

+20dB Clean Boost

The independent Boost section provides up to +20dB of clean level increase.

It can be used without the overdrive section, making it suitable for solo boosts, driving an amplifier harder or restoring signal level through a larger pedalboard.

Separate Footswitches

Dedicated footswitches allow the Boost and Overdrive sections to be engaged independently.

This effectively gives you multiple gain stages from a single pedal.

Gain Control

The Gain control determines the amount of distortion produced by the overdrive section.

Lower settings provide mild breakup, while turning it clockwise increases saturation and sustain.

Tone Control

The Tone control adjusts the brightness of the overdrive sound.

Turn it clockwise for additional upper-frequency presence or counter-clockwise for a darker and warmer response.

Output Control

The Output control determines the overall level of the Overdrive section.

This allows the driven sound to be matched to your bypass level or set louder for an additional volume lift.

Responsive Playing Feel

The overdrive circuit is designed to respond to picking dynamics and guitar volume changes.

This makes it possible to move between cleaner and more driven sounds without relying entirely on the pedal controls.

Line-Driving Capability

The Boost circuit is based around the same CAE clean-boost concept used for signal conditioning in larger guitar systems.

Its low output impedance when engaged helps drive long cables and complex pedal chains effectively.

True Hardwire Bypass

The MC402 uses true hardwire bypass, keeping the active circuit out of the signal path when the relevant section is bypassed.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The MXR/CAE MC402 is particularly well suited to rock, blues, hard rock and general-purpose players who want multiple gain stages from one pedal.

It is also useful for players with larger pedalboards who can take advantage of the independent clean boost as a line-driving or solo-level tool.

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The MC402 works especially well for:

• Blues

• Classic rock

• Hard rock

• Alternative

• Indie

• Pop

• Higher-gain rhythm work

• Lead guitar

• Amplifier boosting

• Solo volume boosts

The independent sections also allow it to integrate easily into more complicated gain-stacking setups.

HOW IT COMPARES

MC402 vs MC401 Boost/Line Driver

The MC401 provides only the clean Boost/Line Driver circuit.

The MC402 adds a completely separate overdrive section, allowing it to function as both a drive pedal and clean boost.

MC402 vs Standard Overdrive

A conventional overdrive usually provides a single gain stage.

The MC402 adds an independently switchable +20dB boost, making it much more flexible for rhythm and lead setups.

Boost Before vs Alongside Overdrive

Using additional boost alongside overdrive can increase overall drive, volume or both depending on the rest of the signal chain and amplifier headroom.

Experimentation with level settings is the best way to find the right balance for your rig.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
Product Type	Boost / Overdrive Pedal
Brand	MXR / Custom Audio Electronics
Model	MC402
Effects	Boost / Overdrive
Boost Range	Up to +20dB
Controls	Boost, Output, Tone, Gain
Boost Footswitch	Yes
Overdrive Footswitch	Yes
Boost Output Impedance	Less Than 150 Ohms
Overdrive Output Impedance	Less Than 15k Ohms
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	Greater Than 87dB
Bypass	True Hardwire
Current Draw	Less Than 5.5mA
Power Supply	9V DC
Battery Operation	9V Battery
Condition	Fair / Pre-Owned

POWER REQUIREMENTS

The MXR/CAE MC402 can be powered by a 9V battery or compatible 9V DC power supply.

Current draw is less than approximately 5.5mA.

No power supply has been specified as included with this Pre-Owned example.

FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Players wanting a flexible overdrive with a completely independent clean boost in one compact unit.

Customers usually upgrade from: Basic single-stage overdrives, standalone boost pedals or simple distortion units.

Most commonly paired with: Valve amplifiers, distortion pedals, fuzz, delay and larger pedalboards.

Our tip: Use the Overdrive for your main rhythm gain sound and keep the Boost section available for solos. Alternatively, use the Boost independently to push an already driven amplifier harder.

Showroom feedback: The MC402 is especially useful because neither section depends on the other. It effectively gives you two pedals in one enclosure without making the control layout complicated.

WHY BUY PRE-OWNED FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

Buying a Pre-Owned MXR/Custom Audio Electronics MC402 Boost/Overdrive can provide excellent value for players looking for a versatile dual-function drive pedal.

This example is in Fair condition, showing heavier cosmetic wear from previous use.

Fair Deal Music has decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging effects pedals, amplifiers, guitars and other musical equipment.

WHY BUY FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music combines a large Birmingham showroom with nationwide ecommerce and knowledgeable musician-led advice.

Customers benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

• Birmingham's largest independent music store

• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

• Knowledgeable musician-led advice

• Extensive experience with Pre-Owned effects

• Large Birmingham showroom

• Secure online ordering

• Fast UK delivery

• Friendly customer support

• Part-exchange and trade-in service

TRADE IN. TRADE UP. SAVE MORE.

Your current pedals, guitar or other musical equipment could help towards the cost of your next purchase.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges effects, guitars, basses, amplifiers, keyboards and a wide range of other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

If you already own pedals or other musical equipment you are considering replacing, Fair Deal Music can assess it for part exchange.

Trading in can remove the inconvenience of selling privately while allowing the value of your existing equipment to go directly towards your next purchase.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this MXR/CAE MC402 used?

Yes. This is a Pre-Owned MC402 in Fair condition.

What does Fair condition mean?

It shows heavier cosmetic wear from previous use but remains suitable for continued use.

Does it have both boost and overdrive?

Yes. The MC402 contains separate Boost and Overdrive sections.

Can the boost be used independently?

Yes.

Can the overdrive be used without the boost?

Yes.

How much clean boost is available?

Up to approximately +20dB.

What controls does the overdrive have?

It has Output, Tone and Gain controls.

What control does the boost have?

A dedicated Boost level control.

Does it have separate footswitches?

Yes. Boost and Overdrive each have their own footswitch.

Can it be used for blues?

Yes. Lower Gain settings provide suitable blues and light-breakup sounds.

Can it produce heavier drive?

Yes. Higher Gain settings provide significantly more crunch and saturation.

Does it clean up from the guitar volume?

Yes. The overdrive circuit is designed to respond well when guitar volume is reduced.

Can it push a valve amplifier?

Yes. The Boost section can increase the signal hitting the front of an amplifier.

Can it work as a solo boost?

Yes.

Is it true bypass?

Yes. It uses true hardwire bypass.

Does it run on a battery?

Yes. It accepts a 9V battery.

Can it use a pedal power supply?

Yes. Use a compatible 9V DC supply.

Is a power supply included?

No power supply has been specified as included.

Can I part-exchange other pedals against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers pedals and a wide range of other musical equipment for part exchange.