Today, we’re going to look at not only a classic effect in its own right, but a couple of modification to said pedal that make it even radder…the Boss PH-2 SUPER Phaser has been a staple in the phase shifting community since its release in 1984, bringing every phaser tone for mellow and light to deep and pulsing, as would be expected. This particular specimen, however, features some mods done by ShredShack Repair, which...
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The award for “Pedal You Never Knew You Needed” over the last year has got to go to the Believable Audio / 29 Pedals EUNA, the Elite UNity Amplifier that took the pedal world by storm. Today’s pedal features the next creation from these guys, and simply amazes just like it’s older sibling did. The OAMP is an Output AMPlifier that replaces your conventional buffers, line drivers and preamps, and will change how...
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The sound of a vintage tape delay is one that has been heard on countless recordings over the last 5+ decades, and is sought-after by musicians the world over. Today’s pedal, the NUX Tape Core Deluxe Tape Echo Delay, brings us this particular delay sound, in compact form, with a slew of sonic options to choose from. Boasting 7 repro tape head combinations, plus a Sound-on-Sound feature, there’s plenty to explore with this...
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For many players, a simple setup with an Overdrive, a Delay and a Reverb pedal is all you need to rock and roll. But what if you could get all three of those in ONE miraculous effect? That’s what the crew at Southampton Pedals has done with today’s pedal, the Indie Dream Drive Delay Reverb. Combining three of our favorites into one easy to use but full-featured enclosure, this might be the only pedal you’ll ever need...
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We’ve found that when companies who build amplifiers venture into the pedal world, it usually works out pretty well. Such is the case with today’s pedal, the Delay Hi-Fi Analog Echo from Supro, a small but powerful delay unit offering vintage echo sounds of the ’60s and ’70s. Small, bold, warm and inviting, this little red machine will transform your sound and blast you back to the past with a quickness…...
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A good boost pedal will bring your clean tone up in volume, a perhaps even add in a bit of grit when it’s really pushed, too. But what if there was a boost pedal that was specific to what one kind of TUBE sounded like? That’s today’s effect, the Rift Amplification EL34 EQ Boost, a powerful three-knob machine that aims to be the secret weapon in your rig… The EL34 EQ Boost helps emulate the tone and harmonics of...
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If you’ve ever had the opportunity to utilize a Dispatch Master Delay/Reverb combo pedal from EarthQuaker Devices, then you know how powerful it is, and what a useful tool it can be in your sonic arsenal. Somehow managing to improve upon this rad design, the EarthQuaker Devices crew created the Avalanche Run, taking the original design to the next level, without making it too complicated or busy. With fantastic features and a...
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The effects coming from our Norwegian friends at Fjord Fuzz focus on, well, FUZZ, of course, but each unit has its own unique set of skills. After the BJØRN, BIFROST and ODIN V2, we didn’t know what to expect from today’s fuzz-filled pedal. Well, the BERSERK Fuzz (unsurprisingly) delivers once again, combining two vintage fuzz circuits with some modern updates, for a powerful and wide-ranging wall of fuzz… Taking...
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Love ’em or hate ’em, compressors have a place in the musical world – on vocal/instrument microphones, recording/studio gear, interface plugins and, of course, pedalboards. Today’s squishy treat comes to us by way of our friends at Crazy Tube Circuits, improving on one of their existing creations. The φ (Phi) Golden Ratio Compressor is an all-analog unit that’s been ungraded to include 3 separate...
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The crew at Discomfort Designs just keeps bringing the thunder with each new release, and while today’s pedal from them isn’t as loud and heavy as some of the others, it’s a force nonetheless. The Passage Through the Hollow Earth Reverb features a simple control section, but in these few knobs lies otherworldly ambient tone, spreading far and wide with each note you pluck. Get ready for a ride, ’cause...
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Ever since we had the privilege to play the first DiscumBOBulator Envelope Filter, we’ve loved all things EMMA Electronic. Today, that tradition continues with the stellar Navigator Delay, a pinnacle of elegant simplicity, offering everything you need in a delay pedal, and nothing you don’t. With tap-tempo, modulation, beat-splits, trails, wet/dry outputs and more, this one is sure to get your creativity stirring… The...
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How much fun are looper pedals, seriously? We’ve had many, many of them come through the shop over the years, but today’s might just be the hands-down, end-all, be-all Looper pedal in existence today. The Pigtronix Infinity 3 Deluxe Stereo Looper utilizes state-of-the-art technology to achieve previously unheard audio fidelity out of a foot pedal looper. Jam-packed with features, Infinity 3 allows for every looping...
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We love it when a new pedal company comes our way, and we’re happy to introduce you all to yet another one today. The Dogman Devices Go Fly A Kite Delay seems simple at first, but as we dug in, we discovered there’s a lot more going on with this bright yellow beauty. Stunning in aesthetics and sonic prowess, this is a delay we can ALL have a great time experimenting with… Formed around a PT2399 chip, Go Fly A Kite...
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We have had the pleasure of reviewing every iteration of the Ampero Series of effects units from Hotone Audio thus far, and we’re going to keep that streak alive today. Presenting the new Ampero II Stomp, and amp modeler and effects processor that takes everything from the previous versions and pushes them to their limits. Ampero II Stomp implements brand new tri-core digital platform and independent AD/DA from ESS® Sabre®...
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It isn’t often that we review and demo 4 pedals all on the same day, but when the opportunity presented itself, we jumped at it. The first 4 pedals in this particular series from Dreadbox each bring a different flavor to the mix, and you could argue that they’re all some players would need for an entire pedalboard. Full of modulated weirdness with a wild reverb at the end, the Kinematic, Lethargy, Komorebi and Darkness...
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If there’s anything we love around here, it’s when a pedal goes beyond all the usually, normal boundaries. Today’s featured effect, the Intensive Care Audio VENA CAVA FILTER Distortion v.1 takes this concept to new heights, combining filter, distortion and ring modulation into one out-of-this-world machine. Lots of options and lots to discover – you all ready? Let’s Get Weird. The VENA CAVA FILTER is a...
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Turning the effects pedal world upside down, thinking outside the box and creating something brand new is harder and harder to do these days. Luckily, we’ve become pals with a company who is doing just that, with an effects unit that’s gonna be a game changer. The Modal Effects Disruption Modular Gain pedal utilizes individual effect modules, or “Mods”, that are easily swappable, to create an entire customized...
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The first two pedals we saw from Radio Mule, the Red Petal Fuzz and the Electric Beard Fuzz were, well, awesome, to say the least. Eagerly anticipating their next release, we were recently rewarded with today’s pedal, the HIGH Overdrive Preamp. A low-to-mid gain dirt pedal, this one has some excellent add-ons for really digging in and sculpting your sound – let’s dig in, too! The HIGH Overdrive Preamp is inspired by...
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The G-Series of pedals gets progressively heavier and dirtier as they evolve – starting with the G2 Overdrive, then the G3 Overdrive Distortion, we conclude today with the G4 High Gain Distortion. This red monster brings with it a new level of thick, sustained amplifier tone to compliment the other G-Series pedals, or any pedals you might have on your board. Let’s dig into this one and see what it’s all about…...
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Our Benson Amps Monarch has been a staple of our studio for years now, and one of our favorite amplifiers we’ve ever played. The Benson crew occasionally dives into the effects pedal pool as well, and we’ve got their latest for you today. The Germanium Fuzz is, well, a germanium fuzz, but one like no other you’ve seen. This pedal is set up in the ubiquitous 60’s circular fuzz topology, tuned for good sound, and...
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The fabulous crew at Free The Tone have been supporting Pedal of the Day for years, and we’re always excited when they send us new gear to review and demo. Today is no exception, except that there are TWO new effects we’re bringing to you, instead of just one. The SG-1C Silky Groove Compressor + CC-1B Crunchy Chime Booster are both excellent additions to the beginning of any pedalboard, providing enhanced, equalization and...
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Flashy graphics and newly-shaped enclosures have their place in the effects pedal world, for sure, but sometimes, simplicity can be welcome. That seems to be the goal with the lineup from our pals at Kenny B Pedals, and we’re taking a look at our 4th effect from them today. The Double Double has an easy-to-figure-out control section, complete with multiple sonic options, housed in an unassuming, minimalistic case. That’s...
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The Univibe has produced a unique and classic sound for 5 decades now, and while the original units are expensive and require a lot of maintenance, we’re lucky enough to know some folks who build killer modern versions. The one we’ve got for you today is the RFO Electronics Real Vibe Chorus Vibrato, a great-looking and gorgeous-sounding vibrato and chorus pedal that gives you all the goods from the vintage units, and more....
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The final pedal in the Dept. 10 Series of valve pedals from Blackstar Amplification is the Dual Distortion, a bold, black beauty that takes high gain action up a notch. A formidable-sounding valve distortion and world-class recording preamp, this one features 3 Crunch/Overdrive voices alongside the clean channel, Blackstar’s patented ISF control, low latency USB, XLR out and Dept. 10’s proprietary Cab Rig simulator technology....
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Our journey through the Dept. 10 Series of valve pedals from Blackstar Amplification continues today, as we take a gander at the Dual Drive. This one is touted as “the best valve drive pedal you will ever own and a world-class valve recording preamp”, and they’re not too far off. Featuring 3 Crunch/Overdrive voices alongside the clean channel, Blackstar’s patented ISF control, low latency USB, XLR out and Dept....
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Our friends at Blackstar Amplification recently released a group of three valve-powered effects known as the Dept. 10 Series. We’re bringing you in-depth coverage and demos over the next three days, starting with today’s pedal, the aptly-titled Boost. Referred to as the “ultimate high voltage valve boost pedal”, this one sports not only signal boosting abilities, but a wonderful EQ section as well. And...
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The Valco Five-O is a multi 3-in-1 pedal, containing independent Drive, Tremolo, and Reverb sections, all housed in a bombproof enclosure. Conceived originally for giving “surf in a box” tones (Dick Dale/Ventures), it has become more than this through the development process…it’s a pedal that can easily give you a one-pedal setup at a gig or session (maybe add a tuner…), or it can add a whole host of extra sounds and versatility...
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HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! Well, almost, but it’s close enough, right? Today’s spooky, end-of-October-themed pedal comes in the form of a vintage circuit, modernized for today’s differing climates. The Vaderin Pedals HP-X Harmonic Percolator takes after the original unit from Interfax, but with a couple differences to ensure years, maybe decades, of wonderful, fuzzy playability… The HP-X has been designed to capture the...
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]With a super unique look and a ton of unique sounds, it’s safe to say that Fjord Fuzz doesn’t conform to normal pedal-building standards. And we love it. After checking out their BJØRN and BIFROST pedals, we couldn’t wait to see what was next. Well, the ODIN V2 Octave Fuzz has arrived, and has exceeded our expectations once again… Taking one of the best octave-up fuzz circuit designs of all time, the ODIN V2...
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We really loved the Echosex Baby Delay from FoxGear we reviewed a couple months back, and thought we should probably test out its sibling as well. The Echoes Delay provides a bucket brigade of analog delay tones that will enrich your sound instantly. Three-dimensional, ambient, lush echo tones mixed with precise repeats make this simple -looking device on you’re gonna want to stick on your board permanently… The Echoes...
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We’ve always loved a good flanger effect – some find it overbearing and useless, but what the hell do they know? Today’s pedal takes flanging to new and exploratory heights, adding in a ton of different modulated aspects and options. The SolidGoldFX Oblivion Quad Flange(r) will unlock mind-melting tones in an instant – an otherworldly, vast sonic sea awaits… The Oblivion brings the past, present and...
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The Harmonic Percolator. Is it a fuzz? Is it a distortion? Is it its own entity entirely? We’ve had the pleasure to check out a couple pedals based on the revered Interfax model, and we’ve got another for you today. The Malaise Forever Clubber Lang is a love letter to the original unit, with a couple of changes and additions to bring it into the modern world…let’s check it out! The Clubber Lang features a...
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Ending Flamma Fridays where we began, we’ve got the FC03 Delay’s big brother, the FS03 Delay Looper, on tap for you all today. This stereo-equipped gem brings you 6 traditional delay effects, inspiring creation around every corner. A true “experimentation station”, this one features Delay, a Looper, Presets and more… First, let’s check out the Delay modes – these 6 modes can basically cover...
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When a dirt pedal can do more than one thing, that’s never a bad option. Today’s pedal, Berch Audio’s The Golden Axe, combines aspects of Fuzz, Overdrive and Boost into one medieval enclosure, sparking ancient imagery and conjuring up vintage tones with a quickness. The wide-ranging control panel ensures you’ll be able to get virtually any dirty sounds you want out of this beauty… The Golden Axe features...
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A one-knob pedal can be a perfect compliment to an otherwise crazy board, or a simple solution to upping your tone or adding some flavor to your sound. The Dirty Haggard Audio Fiddy for an Ounce Fuzz, along with having an incredible moniker, does just that – find your sound and let it be. Complex gear is fun with a ton of knobs and switches are fun, for sure, but sometimes, all you need is ONE… The Fiddy for an Ounce Fuzz...
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Glitchy and granular types of synth delay pedals have really made a name for themselves over the last couple years, and we’ve got one of the best yet for you today. No strangers to the weird and unconventional, Pladask Elektrisk has come up with the third pedal in an odd trilogy of effects – the Baklengs Granular Synth Glitch Delay. Taking after its brothers Bakvendt and Bakfram, this glorious noise machine has modulation,...
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The gear coming from the NativeAudio camp has always intrigued us, especially ever since we got our mitts on their Wilderness Delay a while back. Their latest release has had a ton of coverage, and we’re gonna join in the fun today as well. The Kiaayo Overdrive is a streamlined drive pedal that focuses on a less-is-more kind of philosophy – not to worry, there’s plenty to explore with this one… With just a...
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Well, it’s the end of another week, and (surprise surprise) we’ve got another installment of Flamma Fridays for you!! Today’s mini rocker from Flamma Innovation is the FC06 Distortion, a pedal that’s small in size but looms large over your tone. Simple controls, easy to fit anywhere, great tones and an incredible price point – let’s see what this one’s all about… As with many...
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Binson Echorec. Space Echo. Echoplex. These are a few of the incredible tape delay machines that came out of the 1960’s and 70’s, to create some of the most unique and fantastic sounds we’ve ever heard. Today’s pedal combines aspects of many of these machines into one glorious, options-laden unit, fit for modern use and harkening back to vintage sounds. The Gecko Pedals Geckoplex EP-5 Tape Delay is...
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All of the pedal from Eventide’s dot9 Series have, so far, been nothing short of mind-blowing. The BlackHole Reverb, MicroPitch Delay and UltraTap Delay have sent us down many a sonic rabbit hole, ones we almost wished we couldn’t get out of. Today’s pedal, the newly released Eventide TriceraChorus Stereo Tri-Chorus, continues this impressive run of gorgeous Stereo effects pedals, continuing to impress and delight at...
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We just loved the Unicorn Blood II Octave Fuzz we recently reviewed from KHDK Electronics, and couldn’t wait to get our hands on some more of their gear. Today’s pedal pairs down the controls and shrinks the enclosure a bit, but brings the same intensity and distortive prowess KHDK is known for right to the forefront. The Scuzz Box Fuzz is powerfully crunchy, ripping and screaming, but clear and present, for a ton of...
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Much like its older brother, the Warspit Distortion, today’s Pedal of the Day boasts a bunch of knobs and switches, and we can’t get enough of it all. The Olsen Interface MudWedge Fuzz is capable of deep and fuzzy tones, as well as very loud and intense distortion – what’s not to like here? We’ve got more knobs and switches to discover, so let’s get right to it! The MudWedge features 2 Fuzz...
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We continue forward with our Flamma Friday series, shifting once again in the realm of the Dirt Pedal. The Flamma Innovation FC07 Drive is a simple overdrive pedal, one that seeks to reproduce precise tones from classic tube overdriven amplifiers. With two separate modes and three simple controls, this one is a no-brainer to pump up your rig… As with many overdrives, the FC07 Drive features Volume, Tone and Overdrive parameters,...
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Last month, we began our journey through the G-Series of effects pedals from Revv Amplification, starting with the G2 Overdrive. We continue down this glorious path today withe the G3 Overdrive Distortion, a true amp-in-a-box effect with voicing based on the signature Revv Purple Channel from their Generator 120 and 100P amplifiers. Clear, sustaining and crunchy, this purple gem brings the thunder to your rig… Volume and Gain...
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We first encountered KMA Machines way back in 2014, and we’ve really enjoyed watching them grow to be the powerhouse effects company they are today. They’ve been supportive of us as well, and we love every time they release a new pedal for us to check out. Today, we’ve got possibly the end-all be-all dirt pedal for you – the Guardian of the Wurm Distortion / Noise Gate. Combining on of KMA’s best pieces...
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Boost pedals have slowly become an essential part of every pedalboard we build, and when they’re combined with an excellent Overdrive, it’s a hard combo to beat. The RFO Electronics Tone Star Custom Overdrive/Boost Combo is a dual workhorse, smashing a wicked drive circuit into an enclosure with a powerful, tasty boost, along with some fun switching options and overall tonal bliss. Fasten those seatbelts, here we go…...
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We should ALL practice playing more often, I think we can all agree on that, right? Sometimes, though, it can be tricky to get really motivated, and that’s where today’s Flamma Fridays pedal comes into play. The Flamma Innovation FC01 Drum Loop is another in their small pedal series, housing both a drum machine and a looper. Open up your mind and your creativity with ease here…. The FC01 Drum Loop features 16 drum...
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We reviewed a couple of effects from Kenny B Pedals a few years ago, and are excited to jump back in and check out some more of his gear today. The William Overdrive is a seemingly simple 3-knob, 1-toggle affair, but beneath the surface lies a powerhouse boost overdrive distortion that’s just waiting to unleash itself on the world. Let’s see what’s in store for us, shall we? Inspired by the Prince of Tone, the...
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Single knob pedals aren’t always the flashiest, but usually bring something to the sonic table you didn’t know you needed. Today’s pedal follows that to a T, providing gorgeous boost and tone-shaping with ease. The Xtonebox Carbon Booster Signal Boost is an essential tool for guitarists and bass players alike, both raising your volume and improving your overall sound. The circuit inside the Carbon Booster consists of...
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Admittedly, MIDI is not one of the things that comes easy to us. The way the messages work, the CCs and the PCs and the whatnot, have always been a bit confusing. Today’s pedal features a user-friendly interface, along with a straightforward phone app, to take all the guess work out of the complexity that is MIDI. The Hotone Audio Ampero Control MIDI Commander is a fully programmable Bluetooth MIDI controller, one that took only...
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