Where to start with this pedal? There are so many options as far as sounds are concerned when using the Harmonic Decoder from Sunsine Audio, it’s a little daunting to know where to begin. A true single oscillating analog synthesizer, this beast can be a fuzz, an octave, a filter, a wah and much, much more. I’ll do my best to describe to you the power that is held within this little black box.
The controls are easy to read, but what they actually do is astonishing. The Freq knob modulates the frequency of the signal coming through this pedal, and makes some out-of-this-world sounds when twisted and turned while notes from your instrument are being played. The Depth control affects how much of the crazy sounds are actually going to come through your amp, and the Volume controls, well, the Volume. There’s also a toggle switch, which goes between an internal Envelope Follower and CV (which stands for Control Voltage), which allows the Harmonic Decoder to accept external modulation via the 1/8 inch jack. Numerous analog synthesizers, both old and new, can provide a variety of signal voltages, everything from external envelopes to Low Frequency Oscillators. The sounds produced by the Harmonic Decoder range from dark and fuzzy, to piercing and sustained, to trapped-in-a-video-game wacky, and lots more as well. Even different notes I played on the guitar reacted differently depending on the settings of the pedal, and it’s responsive as can be, too, depending on your pick attack on the strings.
This Harmonic Decoder is not for the faint of heart, and if you’re looking for a straight fuzz, or a mild filter or octave pedal, you should turn around and run as fast as you can. If you’re a little more adventurous, this guy will be right up your alley. It will make for some fantastic sounds on stage, and could prove to be extremely useful in a studio setting as well. This pedal is all about experimentation, so be prepared to really do some work to figure out how it all works, and how it will fit into your style. Thanks so much to Fletcher and everyone at Sunsine Audio for letting me attempt to tackle this bad boy. Although it left me a little bit shaken and scared, I’m glad to have taken the plunge!
Specs:
Phase Lock Loop (PLL) Device
Analog VCO
Envelope Follower
External Control Voltage Input (1/8 inch)
Accepts any 2.1mm 9 Volt Negative Pin DC Adapter (not included)
High Quality Components
Rugged Aluminium Knobs and Enclosure
All Analog Signal Path
True Bypass
Numbered, Signed, Dated
One Year Electronics Warranty
Hand made in the USA
Submitted by Mike B, Website
