Used Arion TUBE MANIA Fuzz Pedal

Arion MDI-1 Tube Mania Distortion Pedal

“From Clean to Mean—Tube-Like Tone in a Compact Box”

A Rare 1980s Distortion Pedal with Vintage Character

The Arion MDI-1 Tube Mania is a vintage Japanese distortion pedal designed to emulate the warmth, sustain, and harmonic richness of a tube amplifier. Released in the late 1980s by Prince Tsushinkogyo Co. Ltd., this pedal delivers everything from subtle grit to aggressive distortion, making it a versatile choice for players who want dynamic response and tonal flexibility.

With controls for Level, Tone, and Distortion, the Tube Mania lets you dial in everything from bluesy breakup to searing leads. Though often confused with Arion’s Tubulator, the Tube Mania has a distinct voice—more aggressive, more metallic, and less mid-focused than a typical overdrive. Its unique tone sweep and raw edge make it a favorite among experimental players and collectors.

Highlights

• Tube amp–inspired distortion with wide gain range
• Unique tone sweep for shaping brightness and bite
• Compact, lightweight plastic enclosure typical of 1980s Arion pedals
• Rare and discontinued—highly collectible
• Made in Japan by Prince Tsushinkogyo Co. Ltd

Specifications

• Type: Analog distortion pedal
• Controls: Level, Tone, Distortion
• Power: 9V battery or standard 9V DC adapter
• Bypass: Buffered bypass
• Input Impedance: 800K ohm
• Output Impedance: 10K ohm or more
• Noise Level: -70dB (0dB = 1V input short)
• Enclosure: Plastic stompbox format
• Years Produced: Late 1980s
• Made In: Japan

Artists and Fans of Tube Mania Tone

While the Tube Mania isn’t widely endorsed by mainstream artists, it’s appreciated by:

• Vintage pedal collectors – for its rarity and unique voicing
• Noise and experimental musicians – for its unpredictable tone sweep
• Fans of 1980s MIJ gear – who value Arion’s quirky, affordable designs

A Hidden Gem from the Golden Age of Japanese Pedals

Whether you're chasing tube-like saturation or building a vintage-inspired pedalboard, the Arion Tube Mania delivers gritty, expressive distortion with a character all its own.