For all the crazy things and innovative effects that EarthQuaker Devices have created over the years, the Chorus effect might be the least wacky of them all. However, in typical EQD fashion, they take a semi-normal modulation pedal and flip is upside down, spin it right ’round and come up with a new version (#3) that is absolutely the best one yet. The Sea Machine is a chorus pedal, yes, but an over-the-top modulating machine when it needs to be, with a ton of settings and options that make it a perfect effect for both live and studio applications.
The Animate knob controls how far the pitch shifted signal swings, with lower levels producing a tighter, more focused shift, à la traditional chorus, and wilder, more animated sounds as it is increased. Dimension adds a slight slap-back at low levels, reverb-like ambiance at mid levels and an echo-resonance and self-oscillation when maxed out. You can use Intensity to adjust the amount of blend for your wet modulated signal and your original dry signal as well.
In control row two of the Sea Machine, Depth starts things off, setting how strongly the LFO modulates the delay time. The Shape knob goes from triangle wave to square wave as you slowly turn it clockwise, and Rate sets the speed of the LFO. The miniature LED will blink to the tempo, too, even when you’re in bypass mode. These six control knobs interact with each other, producing a wide range of seaworthy sounds that lend themselves to many an adventure out on open sonic waters.
Shimmery chorus, wobbly, seasick pitch-bent detuning, classic Leslie, seasick pitch bends, strangled alien sounds and stunted arpeggiations are just some of the treasured sonic marvels you’ll discover when exploring the third version of the Sea Machine. Working as a standard chorus if you need, or so much more if you want, it is also a favorite for bass players, as well as guitarists, achieving out-of-this-world modulation with ease. Another masterpiece from EarthQuaker Devices, as we’ve come to expect, this is no one-trick pony – give out demo below a listen for a run-through of some of the settings and sounds you can conjure up out of this creature. Set your sails for the high seas of tone, the Sea Machine rides again!
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