MXR Joshua Ambient Echo review – a delay pedal that gives you the Edge, with a range extending from the traditional to the experimental

A new delay pedal from MXR is a rare event, but this fully featured, U2-themed soundscape generator is worth the wait

MXR M309 Joshua Ambient Echo
(Image: © Future / Phil Barker)

Guitar World Verdict

The M309 Joshua Ambient Echo is a feature-packed pedal that belies its compact size. Use it as a traditional delay or as a soundscape generator. It excels as both.

Pros

  • +

    Compact size.

  • +

    Great range of straight and esoteric delay sounds.

  • +

    Practical feature set.

  • +

    Tap tempo.

  • +

    Expression pedal capability.

  • +

    Optional stereo output.

Cons

  • -

    While welcome, a range of 12 secondary functions accessed via pressing and holding buttons can be a bit fiddly.

You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Tuned by Jeorge Tripps to deliver the sort of iconic soundscapes created by vintage rack-style processing, so says MXR, the Joshua Ambient Echo features rhythmic delays with an optional second echo, modulation, octave voicing on the repeats and tap tempo.

Its name, of course, is a not-so-subtle nod to U2 classic The Joshua Tree, so Edge-esque ambience is very much on the cards.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**

Join now for unlimited access

US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year

UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year 

Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Prices from £2.99/$3.99/€3.49