MXR Carpon Copy MINI VS Original (Comparison)
Our pick: MXR Carbon Copy Original (M169)
At the same price, and essentially the same feature set, there's almost nothing to distinguish these two pedals aside from their size. In a situation where you don't need the smaller size, I suppose it makes more sense to go with the Carbon Copy Original (the M169)

What is the difference between the MXR Carbon Copy original and the Carbon Copy MINI?
You'll notice first, that the two delay pedals cost exactly the same.
And, more surprisingly, there's almost zero significant differences between the two pedals aside from the obvious distinction in size.
Use the comparison tool below to see pricing and specs side-by-side. You can also use it to compare the Carbon Copy and Carbon Copy Mini to some other similarly-priced delay pedals.
MXR Carbon Copy Original and MINI Comparison Table
Gear | Title | Rated | Browse |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | MXR M169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay Pedal | n/a | |
![]() | MXR M292 Carbon Copy Deluxe Analog Delay | n/a | |
![]() | MXR Carbon Copy MINI | n/a |

The original MXR Carbon Copy. Flickr Commons image via Roadside Guitars
As you can see there are actually three versions of the Carbon Copy:
- Carbon Copy Mini
- M169 Carbon Copy
- Carbon Copy Deluxe
Aside from the difference in size, the Deluxe is the only version that differs in terms of features.
Still, we'll do a quick assessment of both the original Carbon Copy and the Mini.
Carbon Copy Original (M169) Details

The original version of the MXR Carbon copy has a mod button (for modulation) along with mix, regen, and delay controls. It also has two internal trim pots for controlling rate and width.
Carbon Copy MINI Details
The Carbon Copy Mini has the exact same control scheme and mod switch, plus a bright switch that's located on the side of the pedal casing. There's no mention of internal controls on this model, though it's still listed as an analog delay and retails at the same $150 price point.
We noticed absolutely no difference in the tone or sound quality between the two versions of the Carbon Copy.
Summary of Comparison
The more similar two devices are, the harder they are to compare. In this case, MXR has created two pedals with almost zero distinguishing features, aside from their physical size.
We'd say that's the best variable to hang your hat on.
Do you want the larger or smaller pedal?
We don't really care about the internal trim pots or the bright switch. Instead, we'd say the decision hinges on pedalboard space and how you want to arrange your pedals.
In other words: Choose based on whether you want the bigger or smaller stompbox.
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