Effects Bay

Here is another pedal I wanted to look into from our original ‘Best delay pedal available today?‘ post. The delay pedal is the Pigtronix PHI Echolution Delay/Modulation Guitar Effects Pedal, and it’s pretty mind blowing. The level of options, configurations this pedal offers is incredible. It’ll definitely take some time to find what works for you, or to get that particular delay sound you’re looking for, but it definitely will have it in there. The 6 part multi-tap toggle switches definitely caught my eye, and you can  see where things can get pretty wild.

Here is the official factory description of the pedal:

The Pigtronix Echolution achieves the warmth and ambient saturation of the finest analog echo devices while offering the versatility and features found in high-end digital delays. The Echolution’s independent tap tempo and modulation delay modes allow the musician to switch between different delay sounds on the fly. The Echolution has a maximum delay time of 20 seconds and a minimum delay time of 10ms. Designed in conjunction with effects guru Howard “Mick” Davis, the Echolution is a fusion of cutting edge analog and digital circuit design. Made in New York, USA!

The Modulation delay operates over 3 distinct time ranges, providing easy access to a huge array of delay-based effects.

The short setting (10ms-120ms) provides stereo chorus and rockabilly slapback sounds. The medium setting (100ms-1.2 sec) covers classic echo territory with incredibly lush modulation and rich analog sound. The long setting (1 sec-12 sec) allows for sound on sound, looping, and reverse playback as well as rhythmic multi-tap patterns and pitch bending madness.

Multi-tap toggle switches introduce any combination of 5 additional echoes at musical fractions of the master delay time. The values of these fractions are based on quarter notes and triplets. Engaging the (PHI) switch realigns all of these fractions to values based on the Golden Ratio. The Golden Ratio creates a spiral rhythm that is found throughout the universe. It is observed in the shapes of galaxies, sea shells, DNA, the Egyptian Pyramids as well as in the work of many great visual artists and musicians.

Chorus (pitch) and tremolo (amplitude) modulation of the delay signal are controlled by a single analog LFO. Independent depth controls allow both types of modulation to be blended for rotary speaker sounds and other space age effects. An Expression pedal input for changing the delay time gives the musician even further control of the Echolution’s time and pitch bending capabilities. Thoughtful features include a stereo blend control that mixes the pure analog input signal with the echo signal, a Trails switch that allows echoes to fade gradually after the effect is bypassed and an input Drive control, which can push the echoes into massive saturation. True stereo outputs provide breathtaking 3D sound when used with two amps or direct into a mixer.

The Echolution contains a Loop feature that freezes the content of the delay line and repeats the captured audio. When the loop function is engaged, all of the modulation and multi-tap functions remain active, allowing you to warp and manipulate the sample beyond all recognition and then back again to its original sonic form. The Echolution can also operate its delay line in Reverse for backward sounds that are truly psychedelic. This is old school delay style “hold” looping.

Reverse and Loop Functions are both switchable via a 2-button TRS remote switch.

The key to the remarkably F.A.T. sound of the Echolution is a pair of Howard Davis’s proprietary non-linear filters, which reside at the input and output of our 24-bit digital delay line. This circuitry provides both the low-pass filtering characteristic of analog delays as well as the compression and soft clipping, even-order harmonic distortion that makes tube, tape and 15 volt BBD delays so responsive and pleasing to the ears.

A variable hi-cut filter gives continuous control of the LPF cutoff frequency. Runaway Self-Oscillation can be achieved by cranking up the Feedback control. Once a sample is looped, it can be manipulated and warped by changing the delay time and multi tap settings.

I found this video demo by ProGuitarShopDemos on the Pigtronix PHI Echolution Delay

For quality and options… you need to pay a price. This pedal is no exception. You can currently pick up the Pigtronix PHI Echolution Delay/Modulation pedal for $479.00 at Musician’s Friend. If you’re looking for a high quality delay pedal with plenty of options, this could be the one you’re looking for.

Remember, if you like reading about these pedals and seeing videos reviews from others, please subscribe to the RSS feed and get notified via email when there are new postings!

Popularity: 11%

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So this in response to my “Best delay pedal available today?” In that post, I tweeted a question what people thought was the best delay out there today. I got some variety, but the advantage goes to the MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay. I’ve been personally eye-balling this pedal for a while. I own the Line 6 DL 4 currently, but thinking about picking up something else for some variety.

The MXR Carbon Copy is a analog delay where you can adjust the regeneration, mix, delay and also has a modulation switch. The modulation switch allows your to turn modulation on or off. The modulation is preset, but you can adjust the width and rate of modulation with two internal trim pots.

Here is the official description:

The MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay Pedal features a completely analog audio path for the ultimate in rich, warm delay-made possible only by old-school bucket brigade technology. This design boasts an amazing 600ms of delay time with optional modulation via a top-mounted switch and a simple, three-knob layout that controls Delay time, Mix (dry/wet blend), and Regen (delay repeats)-all in a pedal no bigger than a Phase 90. In addition, the M169 pedal has two internal trim pots that offer user-adjustable width and rate control of the modulation for even more tonal options. The Carbon Copy effect pedal will take you from crisp “bathroom” slap echoes to epic, Gilmour-esque delays with a twist of a knob. True hard-wire bypass, single 9-volt operation, and stage-ready blue LEDs round out the package.

MXR M169 Carbon Copy Analog Delay Guitar Effects Pedal Features:

• Analog audio path
• Extremely compact
• 600ms delay time
• Controls: Mod switch, Delay time, Mix, Regen
• True hard-wire bypass
• 9-volt operation
• Blue LEDs

I found another gearmandude video with this pedal. He’s not a ‘delay-guy’, so it’s slightly limited, but I thought the demo was better than all the other ones I saw. I was hoping for some heavy psychedelia wah + carbon copy delay, but the Johnny Cash slap-back is cool just the same.

You can pickup the MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay pedal at Musician’s Friend for $149.99.

Remember, if you like reading about these pedals and seeing videos reviews from others, please subscribe to the RSS feed and get notified via email when there are new postings!

Popularity: 12%

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Today I dropped the following question at Twitter – “Best delay pedal available today?”. I really like to hear what others have to say about pedals. One cannot play every pedal, and play it to the point of really knowing them all really well. We’re left to everyone’s individual expert opinion of what works and especially what works for them.

That question is a pretty tough, in the sense that different delays offer different features, options, capabilities or tones. We talking analog or digital? We talking tap tempo or modeling? We talking about epic long sample rate or super sweet slap-back? A pedal that does it all or pedal that does one thing very well? Many factors make it ‘best’ for every individual or need depending on the song or the style of guitar play.

But with that said, it was interesting to see the pedals mentioned. Some I expected, some I was surprised  to see mentioned.. or not mentioned. I thought I’d post the list of delays that were brought up and discuss each of them in more detail as the days go on. But I wanted to post the initial list here to see if we can further the discussion via the comments below.

• Boss RE-20 Space Echo
• Line 6 delay modeler
• Eventide TimeFactor Dual Delay
• Electro-Harmonix Memory Man Deluxe
• MXR Carbon Copy
• Empress SuperDelay
• Diamond Memory Lane
• Pigtronix Echolution

If you think a pedal is missing, let’s hear what you have to say below. Let me know what you think!

UPDATE
If you arrived at this post to find the “best delay pedal” available today? You might also be interested in the recent post: “Top 10 Best selling Delay Pedals” post as well!

Popularity: 62%

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So while I was taking a shower yesterday, I thought of something that might be fun for the EffectsBay.com visitors and pedal nerdlings out there.  I’m thinking about creating a special post on Friday’s called ‘Pedal Line Friday‘. If you play guitar (or bass) and have some pedals on the floor, take a photo of the line up and email that to me at ( pedallineeffectsbaycom ).

Along with your photo, include the make/model of the pedals, a brief description of why you have the pedals in that order, any special settings (if you want to disclose those) and a bio.  Please include a link to your band or music project page or blog, etc. My plan is to have a new post every Friday, depending if people are interested.

I think this is a great opportunity to share and learn from others. What pedals people are using, and why. It’ll be interesting to see how people are routing their pedals, and why, etc. So if you’re interested, please take a photo and email me.

hank

Popularity: 2%

On this lazy Sunday afternoon, I was looking at the Fulltone OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Drive) pedal. I’ve heard so many good things about this overdrive pedal over the last few year. I remember looking at this pedal before picking my Audio Crowther Hotcake and it was a hard decision between the two.

Today, however, I came across another set of awesome videos by gearmandude where he does a shoot-out between the 4 versions of the OCD. I actually didn’t know there were versions until today, so it really got my attention. I was quite surprised with the different tones/volume each one had.

This video he is using a Les Paul

This video he is using a Stratocater

Here is a older video where he compares versions 2, 3 and 4 using a Telecaster (sound quality is not as good as the previous videos)

As you can see, each pedal has a different voicing and character.  Now, if you like a particular version, you can find Fulltone OCD at PedalNerd.com which finds pedals at eBay.

Remember, if you like reading about these pedals and seeing videos reviews from others, please subscribe to the RSS feed and get notified via email when there are new postings!

Popularity: 6%

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Today while I was poking around the inter-webbie, I was thinking to myself that I need to look at other distortion tones that I normally do NOT use for the sake of the diverse readership here. One area that I was thinking was ‘metal’. I’m not much of a metal player (I definitely had my share of listening to it in the past, and I do like on occasion some choice metal riffage in my face at a show), but I came across a pretty cool pedal for getting that high gain and ‘tight’ distortion. The pedal I want to present is the Extreme Metal pedal by ModTone.

Here is the official description:

The ModTone Extreme Metal pedal is a true bypass boutique style pedal that delivers insane gain levels that go from subtle to over the top. Our specialized “scoop” knob covers plenty of metal territory while leaving all the articulate definition intact. Adjusting the “Low” knob gives any amp that ground shaking low end thump while the “High” knob lets you dial in just the right amount of top end sweetness. Our proprietary gain stage lets you sprinkle just a touch of dirt or crank it all the way for a molten metal meltdown!

Here is a great video demo of the pedal by gearmandude (I really appreciate this guy’s reviews on pedals. Shows what they can do and has some variety with guitars and amps).

You can pick this pedal up at TunnelVisionMusic.com and it’s currently on sale for $79.95.

Remember, if you like reading about these pedals and seeing videos reviews from others, please subscribe to the RSS feed and get notified via email when there are new postings!

Popularity: 2%

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This envelope filter is rad! I think that is the only way I can start with this. After talking about the Electro-Harmonix Micro POG, I got routed into Electro-Harmonix stuff, yet again. But I ended up at the Riddle: Q-Balls Envelop Filter. I’ve always been slightly intimidated of envelop filters, worried that I would succumb to the dark side of guitar craziness and becoming a noise machine, but holy cats, I came across this video that is AWESOME.

Here are the specifics about the pedal:

The Electro-Harmonix Riddle is a powerful and precise envelope filter fine-tuned for guitar frequency response. Riddle will deliver tight and smooth control over the complete 80 Hz to 5 kHz range, with a consistent and even sweetness. Need some edge? Engage Riddle’s analog distortion and dial in anything from subtle bite to dominating crush. You can even plug in an optional expression pedal to control the filter sweep with your foot. With the ability to adjust Q, sweep range, and filter type, you’ll also wind up with of the most versatile wahs available.

Envelope controlled filters are a unique type of sound modifier where the intensity of the effect is controlled by the user’s playing dynamics. The volume and dynamic of the incoming audio signal is used to control a swept filter. As the volume increases or decreases so does the frequency of the filter. With 3 selectable filter modes, along with START, STOP, ATTACK, DECAY, Q and SENSITIVITY controls, all of the classic Q sounds are available to the user.

Electro-Harmonix Riddle Envelope Filter Guitar Effects Pedal Features:

• 80 Hz to 5 kHz frequency response tailored for guitar
• Optional expression pedal control
• Fully-analog circuit
• Switch selectable analog distortion designed for guitar
• Start and Stop sweep control
• Low Pass, Band Pass, High Pass filter select
• Start and Stop for filter sweep and Q control
• Separate Dry and Effect outputs
• 9.6VDC 200mA power supply included

This pedal is available for $189.00 + shipping at Musician’s Friend. They’re offering ‘We Will Beat Any Price Guaranteed’  for this pedal, and that’s a good thing since it’s currently on sale at Amazon for $168.97 w/Free Shipping.

Remember, if you like reading about these pedals and seeing videos reviews from others, please subscribe to the RSS feed and get notified via email when there are new postings!

Popularity: 3%

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I’ve always been interested in the POG Polyphonic Octave Generator… besides, that’s really fun to say out loud. It gives you that mad-scientist vibe when people ask you after the show, “What is that red pedal?”. I’ve been curious of what this pedal can do besides the obvious craziness, so I figured it would be cool to see what I could dig up on it. While doing so, I found a great price.. which I’ll mention later.

Basically, in a nut shell the POG is a insane octave box. Traditionally, you’re octave pedals preset the low register of the note, but the POG can give you the upper register as well as the lower, and in combination.  With that, it has a pitch volume. The three knobs in the micro POG are basically level controls for pitch, octave up and octave down. You can get some crazy sounds with this box, but you can tame it and get cool ‘keyboard’ under/over tones, or give your guitar a great bass/baritone tone.

Here is the official description:

The Legenday and classic original POG won top awards from every major magazine on every continent for its flawless polyphonic tracking and musical flexibility. The Micro POG delivers the same perfect tracking and smooth polyphony in a simplified design. Now in a small pedalboard-friendly diecast chassis, the Micro POG delivers and will blow you away the first time you use it.

• Polyphonic super fast tracking: play chords, arpeggios or single notes with no glitches
• Adjustable original pitch volume
• Adjustable one octave up volume
• Adjustable one octave down volume
• Amazing 12 string guitar
• Easily turns your guitar into a bass
• Church organ to Hammond like organ sounds
• Dry output jack in addition to the effect output jack
• Tough and compact die-cast chassis
• 96DC-200BI power supply included

Product Description
Make your 6-string ring like a 12. Make your 4-string bass pump like an 8. Convert your guitar into a tight, convincing bass. Generate organ-like harmonic structures. Fast, glitch free polyphonic tracking.Fast trackingGlitch freePolyphonySub octaveS…

All of this is fine and dandy, but a video speaks a million words on what it can do, and I found a very thorough video on the Electroharmonix Micro POG Polyphone Octave Generator:

Normally, this pedal lists for $279.00. At Musician’s Friend, it’s currently available for $209.25 + shipping, but here comes Amazon to the rescue yet again. It’s currently available at Amazon for $180.00 + $4.44 shipping.

If you’re after some unique sounds, I can see this pedal being the pedal for craziness.

Popularity: 9%

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I was just notified of a new coupon code for Guitar Center. Here are the details: Save $50 on Orders $349 or More at GuitarCenter.com (coupon: ROCKTOBER, exp:11/1). Click here for more information.

Popularity: 1%

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Today, I’ve been interested in distortion boxes, and I came across a very cool one. This is the MI Audio Crunch Box. This is a great little distortion box that gives you that cranked British tone (which I’m a big fan of). Lots of punch and crunch, and reacts nicely with your guitar’s volume.  Interesting there is a presence pot inside the unit, which is cool to add some additional sparkle to the top end.

Here is the official description from Musician’s Friend:

The MI Audio Crunch Box Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal brings you high-gain British amp distortion in a stompbox. MI Audio did a careful study of the way that modern British style amps get their overdrive and found that there was a very big concentration of the frequency information in the midrange. The Crunch Box distortion pedal captures the huge crunch of a Marshall amp on steroids and has become one of MI Effects most popular pedals. The Crunch Box is of the fastest selling boutique distortion pedals in the world.Simple and straightforward, with just gain, tone, volume and an internal presence control, the Crunch Box is based on a multiple clipping architecture (the signal is clipped 3 times. In the lower gain range, the pedal’s tone is very punchy and throaty. There are some great classic rock rhythm sounds to be found in there. As the gain is wound up, the Crunch Box develops a beautiful singing lead tone. Pinch harmonics are a breeze. The tone control has a wide sweep with a lot of top end. I have put in there more gain than anyone should need, but due to the way I handled the pre-overdrive tone shaping, the pedal always stays tight and each pickup retains its character, including single coils. The Crunch Box has a lot of volume up its sleeve. You will find though that 12 O’clock is close to ‘neutral’.An Internal Presence Control helps control the ‘shape’ of the pedal. By winding up the presence control, the lows won’t feel as powerful, which some people might find to be a bit too much. Also, this creates the effect of giving the pedal even more top end. So with the new Crunch Box, there is no chance that the pedal will be too dark. The Internal Presence Control is very useful if you wish to match the Crunch Box to your amp because some amps can be a lot brighter/darker than others.

I found a great demo that shows the features of this pedal with a Strat and a Les Paul. I love demos that can switch between these two guitars. I wish the demo featured a gained amp and using this pedal as a overdrive for leads, but rhythm tones sound really good, and the notes are sounding great.

The MI Audio Crunch Box v.3 Distortion pedal is available at Musician’s Friend for $129.95

Popularity: 6%

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