Detail 01
Boost/line drive
Two jobs: raise level into the next pedal or amp, and buffer the signal so long cables do not dull your highs.
Product detailSKU #1274228082423
MXRMC401 CAE Boost/Line Drive Effects Pedal
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Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
A clean boost and line driver built with Custom Audio Electronics. For pushing an amp harder or driving long cable runs without losing signal.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Kicking an already-driven amp into more gain for solos
- Driving long cable runs or a rack rig without signal loss
- Adding output in front of a fuzz or overdrive
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Players wanting a distortion pedal — this boosts, it does not distort alone
- Anyone needing EQ shaping; there is no tone control
- Players whose amp is already at the edge of unwanted breakup
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
High output on tap
Enough gain to slam an amp input hard. Past a point the amp, not the pedal, is what starts distorting.
Detail 03
CAE design
Built to Custom Audio Electronics rack-rig spec, which is why it is voiced for signal integrity rather than color.
Detail 04
No tone controls
Level is the adjustment. What goes in comes out louder, so your core tone stays intact.
Detail 05
Compact pedal format
Standard MXR footprint. Fits a pedalboard rather than requiring a rack drawer.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01Confirm power requirements and whether an adapter is included before ordering
- 02Boost pedals reveal amp noise; a noisy rig gets noisier
- 03Placement matters — before overdrive adds gain, after it adds volume
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Will this make my amp distort?
It pushes the amp harder, so a tube amp near breakup will distort more. Into a clean solid-state amp, it mostly just gets louder.
02Where should I put it in my chain?
In front of overdrive or the amp input to add gain. At the end of the chain or in a loop to add volume without changing gain.
03What is a line driver for?
It maintains signal strength across long cable runs and multiple pedals, so your high end does not get rolled off before reaching the amp.
04Does it color the tone?
It is designed as a clean boost with no tone controls, so the goal is more level rather than a different voicing.
