The MXR Tap Tempo Switch allows you to change your pedal settings on the fly. If you have pedals with an output for an off-board switch, then you can use this super compact little box to control time-based effects, toggle specific parameters, and more. And it comes in a super compact housing that’s built to take a beating on the road.

With the MXR Tap Tempo Switch at your feet, you won’t need to be fumbling around on your pedalboard in the middle of a song. Here’s a look at just some of the things it can do.

Overdrive, distortion, and fuzz are synonymous with rock ’n’ roll. They add texture and attitude to countless classic songs, and each has its own way of doing so. As a player, how do you distinguish one from the others? The easy answer is to say that overdrive, distortion, and fuzz are on a spectrum with each more intense than the last. That’s alright for listeners who don’t play.

If you’re a player who likes to use dirt boxes, though, you’ll need a deeper understanding of how overdrive, distortion, and fuzz can help you craft the best version of your musical vision. To really dig into the dirt, we need to consider what each effect was designed to do, and how you intend to use them.