Where do we even start with a pedal like this? The Goatkeeper 3 has become a pedal of mystery and intrigue, not to mention hard to find and pretty expensive, too. Described as an analog tremolo sequencer, this big white whale is so much more, a giant tone machine just itching to be experimented with, and thanks to the folks at Lightfoot Labs, one that we get to indulge in for you today.
The Goatkeeper is a pedal unlike most, utilizing an all-analog signal path and getting it’s unique sound from a fast response analog VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier), four stage pattern sequencer and customizable waveforms. There are a total of 11 waveforms available, six standard and five more that can be created and saved, for endless experimentation and sonic possibilities. The four step sequencer multiplies the LFO’s rate by 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 or 16, with each one also able to be set as a rest, full amplitude or random, again making the musical possibilities nearly infinite. You can set the LFO rate using the Tap Tempo, the Expression/CV input or the external sync input as well.
The sounds this pedal creates can be both tone enhancer-type sounds, or completely wild and out-of-this-world electronica-type beats, blips, pulses, ebbs and flows. Now, this is a pretty specifically-designed pedal, and will not be for everyone, but those who find it fits their musical styles will be in effects pedal heaven. Within minutes of turning it on, we were ensconced in wave after wave of sheer joy and musical smiles, all brought on by this mystical white box. The tempo here goes up to SIX seconds, if you can believe it, and aside from all it’s quirks and specialties, it makes for one bad-ass tremolo pedal on it’s own, for yet another option to use on stage or in the studio.
This third and final version was limited to just 25 pedals, again upping them on the rarity scale, as well as the price tag enhancement for a used model (if you can find one, they go for about $600). They also offered an optional preset mod, which cycles through four different presets when tapping the preset switch, so finding one with that mod is even rarer! Unfortunately, it appears that Lightfoot Labs is done making pedals, which is a real bummer, as it looked like they were posed to really create a dynasty of innovative and musically-inspired gear. Alas, we’re still left with the incredible Goatkeeper 3 Analog Tremolo/Sequencer, in all it’s versions, to tide us over until the next wave of genius sweeps us all off our feet. Until then, please enjoy the video below, which we made to give you a slight taste of what this powerful pedal can do – thanks!
Specs:
Capable of completely unique sounds as well as standard tremolo
Advanced LFO
Four step sequencer
Skip a step by setting it to “>>”
Set the step to multiply the speed by 2,3,4,6,8,16
Set the step to minimum or maximum amplitude
Set the step to Random, selecting between 1 through 16 ro minimum amplitude
Waveform Recorder function – draw an arbitrary waveform
Six preset waveforms and five slots for user drawn waveforms
Tap tempo
Set tempo duration from approximately 250 msec to 6 seconds
The resulting speed can then be multiplied by up to 16 times using the sequencer knobs
Either the depth knob or expression input can be used to “draw” the waveform when in Waveform Record mode
Configurable expression controlled rate or depth. Expression input also accepts 0-5V control voltage
External sync input – syncs Goatkeeper to an audio click track
100% analog signal path with fast response VCA and voltage doubler for large headroom
Relay bypass with momentary footswitches
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