Let’s face the facts: a lot of pedals, aside perhaps from the graphics, look really, really similar. They’re usually in some form of rectangle, either vertical or horizontal, with slightly varying sizes, but all in the same general layout category. So when we get an effects unit in that is completely different, original and unique, and sounds incredible as well, we get pretty damn excited. Let us present to you the Neon Egg Planetarium 2 Stereo Reverb Echo Compressor, a vintage looking-and-sounding machine with loads of options and a ton of tone waiting to be released. Stuff like this really gets the creative juices flowing, let’s dive right in…
As you can see, the Planetarium 2 features a kind of throwback, vintage, synthesizer, arcade game type of vibe, perfect for housing these effects. The Compressor portion is incredible, with Attack, Release and Ratio controls. The Level knob lets you boost your overall output, needed depending on how you set the compression. There’s a Sidechain control, too, which lets you set the volume for an external sidechain signal. In our demo below, we used a Korg Monotribe to “duck” the incoming signal, for an unexpected and most welcomed twist. A Speed switch affects the Attack and Release speed of the compressor, and the Threshold is set at a fixed level internally.
The Reverb portion can go from subtle to never-ending and cavernous in an instant, boasting a simple Reverb Mix control to blend the signals. A toggle switch allows you to choose from 3 different algorithms: Reverb 1, Reverb 2 and Chorus. The Size knob controls the reverb size for algorithms 1 & 2, and adds in a hall reverb for algorithm 3. The Effect knob comes into play as well, offering Predelay, Dampening and Chorus Intensity options, again depending on the current algorithm. There’s also an Input Trim knob that helps set the signal strength that enters the unit.
The Echo section is full of fun and options. Mix, Time and Feedback are the norm, but then we get into the modulation part, and that’s where this thing really shines. You can choose your modulation shape, either Sine or Square wave, and control the Flutter Rate and Instability as well. The latter of these gives you control of the depth of the wobble, the former sets its speed. Easily switch back and forth between these modulated delays and cleaner ones, as well as either Brighter or Heavily Filtered echoes, via toggle switches.
You gotta run this one in Stereo, too, as it opens everything up and fills the room with wide-ranging, mind-engulfing sonic wonders that we have all been searching for. You can use the Planetarium 2 on keys, vocals, bass and more, so while it sounds great with a guitar, its uses don’t just stop there. The echoes get a bit dirty and degraded at longer times, which brings a real analog feel into the mix, and with the compression being just spot on, you can really dial this one in to fit any rig or recording setup. Cheers to Neon Egg on the incredible Planetarium 2 Stereo Reverb Echo Compressor – we have a feeling you’ll be hearing a lot more from these guys further on down the road….
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