When most people in the music business think of Whirlwind, they generally don’t think of effects pedals. In business since 1976, Whirlwind is highly respected for its audio gear such as direct boxes, patchbays, and other professional music interfacing products. But they’re just not a name you tend to associate with effects pedals, which is unfortunate since Whirlwind founder Michael Laiacona also founded a little company named MXR in 1973. All three of the original MXR founders went on to bigger (if not better) things, but Laiacona hasn’t forgotten his roots, which led to the release of the Whirlwind Rochester Series Effects pedals, modern day incarnations of the original MXR pedals.
Whirlwind Rochester pedals include the “Orange Box” phaser (based on the MXR Phase 90), the “Red Box” compressor (based on the MXR Dyna Comp), and the “Gold Box” distortion (based on the MXR Distortion +). In addition to capturing the original “mojo” of the original, the new pedals have been updated with an on/off LED, true bypass, and 9-volt power input. The result? Classic vintage tone coupled with modern convenience.
Of course, the MXR-inspired pedals aren’t the only models Whirlwind offers. You can find a chromatic tuner as well as bass and guitar 10-band EQ in the company’s current lineup. Also available are classic Whirlwind pedals such as the Selector A/B box, allowing you to use two guitars with one amp or vice versa.
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