Usability is an absolute KEY to creating a successful pedal these days, especially when you start adding more buttons and features and options for the consumer to explore and create with. The Mineshaft Reverb from our friends at Swindler Effects looks fairly basic at first glance, but when you dig in a little bit, you’ll find this pristine-looking pedal has plenty going for it, and is, in all actuality, a tricky 2-in-1 pedal. We know it looks amazing, let’s go discover what soundscapes await us inside this smooth, slick beauty of a pedal…
The real key to the Mineshaft is the ability to seamlessly (and quietly, thanks to the soft switches) flip-flop back and forth between 2 reverb setting of your choosing. Top and bottom control knobs allow you to set the Reverb and Tone for each setting, then use the left footswitch to select which one you want to use at any given moment. They even threw in a multi-colored LED, so you can easily see which mode you’re in: Red is Mode 1, which utilizes the Top knobs, while Blue, or Mode 2, makes use of the Bottom knob settings.
This reverb gets deeeeeep, too, forming spatial, rich, bold and cavernous reverb tones that make you think you’re stuck in a killer sci-fi-infused spelunking movie. The Feedback control knob works with both modes, so you can find a good sound, set it and not have to worry about it again. Or, you can constantly mess around with it, if you’re the experimental type – there’s no wrong way to rock this pedal. If that wasn’t enough, check this out: you can use a secret function for more sonic enjoyment. If you hold down the true-bypass footswitch, the Mineshaft sends itself into wild runaway oscillation, and is based on where the Reverb is set.
Another gorgeous pedal in the Functionalist Series, created by New York designer Matt Kraus, the Mineshaft Reverb is clean and slick, both on the inside and the out. Plus, with the functionality of 2 pedals in one enclosure, your stage and studio options are exponentially expanded, making this an important piece of gear for any pedalboard or audio setup. Thanks again to Drew and the Swindler Effects guys and gals for a glimpse into what kind of gear they’re pumping out – check back soon for more reviews of their pedals, and head over to their website to keep up with all they’re doing as well.
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