ARPANOID. Even the name sounds like something from outer space, and this pedal will create those types of sounds and more. Coming to us from the great folks at EarthQuaker Devices, the Arpanoid is “the first dedicated compact polyphonic pitch arpeggiator effect pedal for electric guitar.” Basically, it takes the signal from your guitar, tweaks it and spits it out in the form of ascending or descending notes, which you can also further manipulate using 8 different modes…and more.
This device is not what you would categorize as a “Normal” guitar effect, which kind of makes it that much cooler. Many times, I felt myself using my guitar as a sort of an afterthought, just something to feed the notes into this tiny, awesome machine so I could manipulate them. The Modes range from major to minor sequences, 8 total, which provide a HUGE soundscape of varying degrees and octave jumps. The Rate knob is great for adjusting the speed, and is extremely useful when paired with the Step control. This knob diversifies the amount of notes being introduced to the sequence, which can vary immensely with a small turn to the left or the right, especially when you have to factor in the Mode and Rate knobs, and where they are positioned. On top of all of that, there’s a 3-way toggle switch right in the middle, which controls which direction the sequence goes (Left=UP, Middle=UP/DOWN, Right=DOWN), which adds a vast amount of possibilities in regards to sound structure and note placement.
This pedal is really difficult to describe in print – you just need to get it and play around with it for a couple of weeks before you figure out how it can add to your tone. Is it for all guitar players? Absolutely not. Will the ones who like it REALLY like it? No question. It’s a fantastic tool for creating ENORMOUS amounts of ear candy, and once you know how to manipulate it, it will become an asset in both live and studio applications. Plus, you’re not going to find anything else that does what the Arpanoid does in this price range, or in this neat and tidy of an enclosure. Special thanks to Julie and everyone over at EarthQuaker Devices for the generous pedal donation, we couldn’t keep doing these reviews without support from companies like yours! Make sure to check out the full lineup of gear from EQD – if you haven’t owned any of their stompboxes, you’re really missing out.
Specs:
Controls
Wet: Level control for the effect signal. Unity is around noon.
Dry: Level control for the dry signal. Unity is around noon.
Rate: Adjusts the speed of the sequence.
Step: Selects how many notes there are in the sequence which determines the overall feel and timing.
Toggle Switch: Controls the direction of the sequence. All the way left is up, the sequence will continually repeat going up. In the middle is up/down, the sequence will continually repeat going up then back down. All the way right is down, the signal will continually repeat going down.
Mode: 8 position selector switch to choose the octave and key:
1: Major: -1 octave to root.
2: Major: root to +1 octave.
3: Major: -1 octave through +1
4: Major: Random pattern
5: Minor: -1 octave to root.
6: Minor: root to +1 octave.
7: Minor: -1 octave through +1
8: Minor: Random pattern
Measures
4 5/8″ x 2 1/2″ x 2.25″ with knobs
Power
A standard 9 volt DC power supply with a negative center 2.1mm barrel, no battery option. We do not recommend using this pedal on a daisy chain. Please use a a dedicated power supply or isolated output from a multiple tap power supply for best performance. Do not run at higher voltages!
Submitted by Mike B, Website
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