Based on the Jetlyzer JL-70 Phaser from the mid-70’s, the VJR9 Vintage Jet Riser flanger-ish pedal from Maxon faithfully re-creates the jet-like swooshes, swirls and classic tones from that extremely rare and sought-after piece of gear (if you can find one, they go for upwards of $700). Obviously, the cost here is much less, but the JL-70 is also a BIG machine, while the VJR9 is the size of a regular pedal, with all the bells and whistles of its larger counterpart. Oh, and it sounds awesome, too.
The VJR9 produces some classic flanger sounds, everything you’d expect, with wide Sweep and Speed ranges, more than enough to cover your Flanging and Phasing needs. It also does a pretty good Chorus sound, and the sample setting in the manual even give you a Tremolo option. The REAL fun in this pedal, and what sets it apart form the others, is the Jet knob. Adding this function into the mix can produce an array of sounds, from a subtle swooshing noise to add to your flange, to a full-on, jet-fueled, in-flight, falling-through-space sonic adventure. Deep textures come barreling at you from 30,000 feet, transforming your guitar’s signal into a Kennedy Center launch vehicle, destined for the stratosphere.
As an added bonus, there’s an external switch jack that allows you to tap the Jet sound sound in as you wish, perfect for certain sections of songs, or a great way to add the effect onto a drawn-out intro or outro as well. The VJR9 is a sort-of 5-in-one pedal, plus the Jet feature that adds another layer to your tone. Considering it’s a third of the price of a vintage Jetlyzer JL-70, it’s a great recording and live tool to add to your arsenal. Kevin and Godlyke have done it again, thanks to them for being so generous in allowing this review to happen. Cheers!
Specs:
Input Impedance: 500K Ohms
Output Impedance: 10K Ohms or less
Maximum Output Range: +12 dBu (400 Hz)
Controls: RANGE, JET, SENSITIVITY, SPEED, WIDTH
Switch: BYPASS/EFFECT (mechanical TBS)
External Foot Switch Jack: Jet Sound on/off
Delay Time: 1.0 mSec – 30.0 mSe
Speed Frequency: 0.04 Hz – 12 Hz
Residual Noise: -90 dBu or less (IHF-A)
Indicator: Bypass / Effect LED
Internal Circuit Voltage: 13 VDC (DC to DC Converter)
Power Supply: 9 volt battery of Maxon AC adaptor
Power Consumption: appox. 60 mA / 9 VDC
Dimensions: 74 (W) x 124 (D) x 54 (H) mm
Standard Accessory: AC adaptor AC2009, user’s guide
Weight: approx. 630 g (including battery, excluding adaptor)
Battery: 9V battery (6LR61 or 6F22) x 1 or Maxon AC adaptor
Option: Maxon AC adaptor
Submitted by Mike B, Website
