MXR M303 Clone Looper Pedal User Manual

1. Introduction

The MXR M303 Clone Looper Pedal is a compact effects unit designed for recording and layering audio loops. It offers up to 6 minutes of recording time with unlimited overdubs, and features such as double-speed, half-speed, and reverse playback. The pedal is equipped with an analog through-path and selectable buffered or true bypass switching to maintain signal integrity. Loops are stored even when the pedal is powered off.

Image 1.1: The MXR M303 Clone Looper Pedal, shown with three MXR patch cables and a 9V power adapter.

2. Package Contents

• MXR M303 Clone Looper Pedal
• Dunlop ECB003 9V Power Adapter
• 3 MXR Premium Patch Cables (6-inch)

3. Controls and Connections

3.1 Top Panel Controls

Image 3.1: Top view of the MXR M303 Clone Looper Pedal, highlighting the footswitches, knob, and indicator LEDs.

• REC/DUB Footswitch & LED (Red): Initiates recording, overdubbing, and undo/redo functions. The red LED indicates recording or overdubbing status.
• PLAY/STOP Footswitch & LED (Green): Controls loop playback and stopping. The green LED indicates playback status.
• VOLUME Knob: Adjusts the output level of the loop.
• SPEED LED (Blue): Indicates when the loop is playing at half-speed or double-speed.
• REVERSE LED (Yellow): Indicates when the loop is playing in reverse.

3.2 Rear Panel Connections

Image 3.2: Rear view of the MXR M303 Clone Looper Pedal, showing the IN, OUT, CTR, EXP, and +9VDC jacks.

• IN Jack: 1/4-inch input for your instrument or other effects pedals.
• OUT Jack: 1/4-inch output to your amplifier or next effects pedal.
• CTR Jack: 1/4-inch input for an external MXR Tap Tempo Switch to control speed, reverse, and other functions.
• EXP Jack: 1/4-inch input for an external expression pedal (e.g., DVP volume pedal) to control loop output level, or an MXR Tap Tempo Switch for 'Play Loop Once' mode.
• +9VDC Jack: Power input for the included Dunlop ECB003 9V adapter.

4. Setup

4.1 Power Connection

1. Connect the Dunlop ECB003 9V power adapter to the +9VDC jack on the rear of the pedal.
2. Plug the power adapter into a suitable AC outlet.

Image 4.1: The Dunlop ECB003 9V power adapter, included with the pedal.

4.2 Audio Connections

1. Connect your instrument (e.g., guitar) or the output of another effects pedal to the IN jack using a 1/4-inch instrument cable.
2. Connect the OUT jack to your amplifier or the input of the next effects pedal in your signal chain using a 1/4-inch instrument cable.

Image 4.2: An MXR premium patch cable, three of which are included for connecting pedals.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Basic Looping Functions

1. Recording a Loop: Press the REC/DUB footswitch once. The red LED will illuminate, and recording will begin immediately. A flashing 4-count LED will precede the loop start to aid timing.
2. Ending the First Loop/Starting Playback: Press the REC/DUB footswitch again to end the initial recording and immediately begin playback. The red LED will turn off, and the green LED will illuminate.
3. Overdubbing: While a loop is playing (green LED on), press the REC/DUB footswitch once. The red LED will illuminate, indicating overdub mode. Play your additional layer. Press REC/DUB again to stop overdubbing and return to playback.
4. Stopping Playback: While a loop is playing (green LED on), press the PLAY/STOP footswitch once. The green LED will turn off, and the loop will stop.
5. Resuming Playback: While the loop is stopped, press the PLAY/STOP footswitch once. The green LED will illuminate, and the loop will resume playback from the beginning.
6. Undoing the Last Overdub: While a loop is playing or stopped, press and hold the REC/DUB footswitch for approximately 2 seconds. The last overdubbed layer will be removed.
7. Redoing the Last Overdub: After undoing an overdub, press and hold the REC/DUB footswitch for approximately 2 seconds again to restore the undone layer.
8. Clearing All Loops: While a loop is playing or stopped, press and hold the PLAY/STOP footswitch for approximately 2 seconds. All recorded loops will be erased.

5.2 Loop Volume Adjustment

The VOLUME knob controls the output level of the recorded loop. Rotate clockwise to increase volume and counter-clockwise to decrease it. This allows you to balance the loop's volume with your live instrument signal.

6. Advanced Functions

6.1 Speed Control (Half-Speed / Double-Speed)

While a loop is playing, quickly double-tap the REC/DUB footswitch. Each double-tap will cycle through normal speed, half-speed (blue SPEED LED on), and double-speed (blue SPEED LED flashing). Half-speed doubles the loop length to 12 minutes, while double-speed halves it to 3 minutes.

6.2 Reverse Function

While a loop is playing, quickly double-tap the PLAY/STOP footswitch. The loop will play in reverse, and the yellow REVERSE LED will illuminate. Double-tap again to return to forward playback.

6.3 External Control (CTR Jack)

Connect an MXR Tap Tempo Switch (sold separately) to the CTR jack for external control over various functions. Consult the Tap Tempo Switch manual for specific operations.

6.4 External Control (EXP Jack)

• Expression Pedal: Connect a DVP volume pedal (sold separately) to the EXP jack to control the loop's output level externally.
• Play Loop Once Mode: Connect an MXR Tap Tempo Switch to the EXP jack. In this configuration, pressing the Tap Tempo Switch will play the loop once and then stop, allowing for stutter effects or precise loop triggering.

7. Maintenance

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your MXR M303 Clone Looper Pedal:

• Keep the pedal clean and free from dust and debris. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning.
• Avoid exposing the pedal to extreme temperatures, humidity, or direct sunlight.
• Always use the specified 9V DC power adapter (Dunlop ECB003) to prevent damage.
• Disconnect power when the pedal is not in use for extended periods.

8. Troubleshooting

• No Sound:
  • Ensure all cables are securely connected to the correct IN and OUT jacks.
  • Verify the power adapter is properly connected and functioning.
  • Check the VOLUME knob position; ensure it is not set to minimum.
  • Test with different cables and a different power source if possible.
• Loop Not Recording/Overdubbing:
  • Ensure the pedal is powered on.
  • Confirm the REC/DUB footswitch is being pressed correctly according to the operating instructions.
• Unexpected Behavior:
  • Disconnect and reconnect power to reset the pedal.
  • Ensure no external controllers are inadvertently connected or sending conflicting signals to the CTR or EXP jacks.

9. Specifications

10. Warranty and Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the official MXR website or contact your authorized MXR dealer. Keep your proof of purchase for warranty claims.