MXR EVH5150 Overdrive Review (March 2025)
$190.42
Description
In this review post, we’re going to be discussing the MXR EVH5150 Overdrive, including an overview of its unique features.
Product Description
The MXR design team has collaborated with Eddie Van Halen to deliver a full range of powerful saturation and hyper-driven tones right at your feet. The resulting EVH 5150 Overdrive joins hand-adjusted multi-stage MOSFETs with a full complement of controls to deliver overdriven tube-like tones and exceptional sonic flexibility through a wide variety of amps and speakers cabinets.
Whether on stage or in the studio, the EVH 5150 Overdrive’s controls dial up the whole spectrum—from Eddie’s groundbreaking early classic tones to the high gain, a super-articulate sound he later used. Output and Gain controls set your volume and distortion levels, while the 3-band passive tone stack EQ section shapes your sound to taste. The Boost switch kicks the 5150 Overdrive into high gear with extra gain and compression, and the Gate control—powered by the Smart Gate circuit—tames unwanted noise.
The EVH 5150 Overdrive features true bypass switching and comes in road-worthy housing emblazoned with custom EVH artwork.
Product Features
- Overdrive
- Status LED
- Weight: 809 g
- Solid metal housing
- Input: 6.3 mm Jack mono
- Output: 6.3 mm Jack mono
- Eddie Van Halen signature model
- Powered via a 9V battery or 9V power supply
- Dimensions (W * D * H): 122 * 91 * 52 mm
- Controls for output, bass, mids, treble, gain, and a gate control that can be activated
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Solid build quality
- Affordable Price
- Extremely dependable
- Positive consumer ratings
- Worth the investment
- Fantastic sound quality
- Best suited for recording and live performances
Cons
- Eddie wasn’t as vintage as we would have wanted
MXR EVH5150 Overdrive Demo
Our Verdict
Eddie Van Halen’s playing has always been about originality, and the 5150 takes a unique approach to the overdrive pedal template. While the moniker 5150 implies that it is a “Brown-Sound-in-a-Box” device, it is far from one-dimensional. With a vengeance, this small box can deliver practically any overdrive/distortion sound.
The 5150 Overdrive’s near-$200 price tag maybe a touch more than what MXR customers are used to. However, the fact that this pedal can outperform many boutique pedals that accomplish considerably less makes it a must-have.
Where to Buy
The best place to buy this product has to be Amazon, due to their competitive pricing and fantastic customer service.
Pricing History
Price History for MXR EVH5150 Overdrive
Statistics
| Current Price | $169.71 | February 26, 2025 |
| Highest Price | $199.99 | November 17, 2023 |
| Lowest Price | $169.71 | December 31, 2023 |
Last price changes
| $169.71 | December 31, 2023 |
| $199.99 | November 17, 2023 |
| $171.64 | November 14, 2023 |
Buyers Guides This Product Is Featured In
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Additional information
| Item Weight | 1.03 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 5.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| Item model number | EVH5150 |
| Batteries | 1 9V batteries required. |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | October 28, 2015 |
| Color Name | MultiColored |
| Battery type | Lithium Ion |
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