(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) Guitar Tricks presents The Benefits of Multi-Effects Pedals By Shawn Leonhardt for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer, the original platform for online guitar lessons. Years ago stand-alone guitar pedals were the gold standard and the way to go if you wanted the right sound. In the past decade though...
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It’s always a special day when our friends at Beetronics release a new creation, and we’re so happy to be a partner for today’s latest release! The Nectar “Tone Sweetener” is an overdrive and fuzz in one, boasting a wide range of sounds and tones you’ll be swarming about. Little, yes – powerful, absolutely. Let’s see what all the buzz it about, shall we? Shop Beetronics pedals at...
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Last year’s LVX Modular Delay System from Meris was a real revelation is where effects pedals are headed, and we were all in on it. Today, we’re taking a peek at their newest creation, the MercuryX Modular Reverb System. The perfect companion to the LVX, this one incorporates reverb algorithms you might already know, adds in some new ones, and gives you a wide range of customization. This is a big one, folks, let’s...
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Well, Chase Bliss has done it once again. In case you’ve been hiding under a rock, they recently released the first unit of their Small Batch series, the Reverse Mode C Multidirectional Delay. This is a collaboration with Empress Effects, as the specific sound that Joel Korte and his crew were after is from the Octave Tap mode of the Empress Superdelay, which was released back in 2008. This is, as usual, one for the...
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Last year, we were privileged to help in the fight against breast cancer by debuting the first run of effects (Fuzz, Overdrive & Delay) from Electric Love Pedals, with proceeds helping to fund cancer research. They’re back again today with another charity-driven unit, the Aquatone Overdrive, teaming up with one of the best in the biz, Brian Wampler, on this unique circuit. Let’s hear what Electric Love has to say...
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Today, we continue our journey of the exploration of the Ampworx Series of preamp pedals from our friends at TC Electronic. We’re looking at all six effects in the series (so far), starting with their three latest releases, and moving through the previous three, over the last several weeks. Let’s keep it going today with the JIMS 45 Preamp, a beast that faithfully recreates the sound of a 1965 Marshall JTM45 tube amp, for...
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The Norris Fuzz was a surprisingly amazing 2-knob fuzz we saw from Alaskan-made MMK Electrics a few months back, and we’re excited to bring you another super-fun and tonally-powerful pedal from them today. The Red Cream Soda is a wide-ranging overdrive and distortion unit, with eye-catching graphics and bold, tone-shaping sound. Sometimes, three knobs is all you need to completely transform your rig, and that is most certainly...
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We really dug the Psychosis Tremolo Overdrive from Humanoid Pedals that they sent us a couple months ago, and we’re proud to bring you all another creation of theirs today! Hand built with two high gain silicon transistors, The Goblin Tone Distorter has intense yet smooth and full-bodied fuzz tone, combining elements of Preamp, Overdrive, Fuzz and Distortion into one versatile effect. Just a couple of controls, but a ton of...
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We’re sooooooo excited to be a part of today’s pedal release, the latest and greatest from our friends at Eventide! This aqua blue beauty, the RipTide Uni-Vibe Overdrive, combines 2 classic effects into one very easy to use and incredible-sounding pedal. With no hidden features or a huge manual to decipher, this one lets you jump right into creating beautiful sounds…let’s see what it’s all about! RipTide...
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We’ve been powering effects pedals in our shop with help from Voodoo Lab for many, many years, as they’ve become a go-to staple in the power game. But what about the actual pedals themselves? Thankfully, they make those, too, and the first one we’re looking at today is the awesome, vintage-tinged Superfuzz. The rare Jordan Electronics Bosstone (circa 1968) is considered by many to be the ultimate vintage fuzz. The...
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When you think of iconic delay pedals, both vintage AND modern, there’s one name that usually jumps to the front of the list: Boss. From 1978’s flagship DM-1 Delay Machine, to the DM-2/3 compact pedals, on into the DD series of digital delays, and coming back full circle to the recently released DM-101, they’ve been a presence in the delay world for almost 50 years. Today’s pedal continues that commitment to...
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We’re always excited to test out new gear from our friends at Universal Audio, and they’ve just sent us their four newest UAFX creations! We’re going to start this run off with the Orion Tape Echo, which takes a vintage sonic dive into the Echoplex EP-III musical pool. Three modes, a ton of control and beautiful echoes surround this pedal, just as it will engulf your sound and your entire rig… Thanks to the...
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We’re super excited for today’s complete PEDAL LINEUP: that’s right, we’re taking a look at ALL 5 newly released ROSS Electronics effects! In collaboration with Josh Scott and JHS Pedals, these five units bring back the flagship pedals (and one brand new creation) from a company responsible for some of the best vintage effects out there. Coming full circle and releasing this new group of effects, ROSS brings...
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A tube screamer is just a tube screamer, right? Well, not if you’re the Maxon Overdrive Pro Plus (OD-9 Pro+)! Today’s pedal takes a dive into that vintage mid-boosted overdrive circuit, and gives it some more options and an extra boost. If you’ve ever really wanted your TS to scream and lit your rig on fire, this just may be the pedal to do so… The Nine Series Overdrive Pro+ takes Maxon’s classic OD-9 circuit...
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Let’s get right to it: we’ve got a completely different sonic animal than usual today, but one that has excited our musical brain for a couple weeks now. The NUX Optima Air Dual-Switch Acoustic Guitar Simulator takes your regular electric guitar signal and changes it into, well, an acoustic sound. With presets, an effects loop, complete customization and more, this is a pedal we never knew we needed… NUX Optima Air...
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We’re always stoked when a mysterious new pedal from our friends at Strymon shows up at the door, and we’re excited to help launch their latest creation today. The Ultraviolet Vintage Vibe provides three wonderful modes, three bias levels, stereo and MIDI connectivity and much, much more. Grab your headphones and get ready for a wild, modulated and unpredictable musical journey, kiddos… Grab an Ultraviolet from...
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There’s a good chance that when a pedal company teams up with a musical artist to create an effect, it’s gonna be a good one. Never has that been truer than today, as we take a look at the Artificial Blonde Vibrato, a collaboration between JHS Pedals and singer, songwriter and guitarist Madison Cunningham. Producing always-on tone-enhancement, or off-the-wall modulated, seasick warbles, this baby blue beauty has something...
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A couple of years ago, I was fortunate enough to get to review and demo the EF-X2 Tape Echo from Echo Fix, and was instantly thrown back into a vintage delay era. Today, let’s take a look at Echo Fix’ latest release, which also sends you back in time: the EF-P2 Spring Reverb. Cramming delicious, classic reverb tones into a modern-looking enclosure with some throwback visuals, this unit takes your reverb game to the next...
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We love a good collaboration pedal release, especially when it’s with two of our favorite effects makers. The brand new Microdose Phaser is a collaboration between All-Pedal and Spaceman Effects, and right off the bat, we knew it would be something special. Based off of Spaceman’s discontinued Explorer Deluxe, the Microdose has some new added features and some wild, psychedelic graphics to go with some warm, vintage...
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We continue today on our journey as we review some new pedals from Caline today, bringing some classic tones to the forefront. The G-003 Orca Chorus and G-006 Timberwolf Vibrato bring modulation to the forefront, allowing you to create both modern and vintage sounds with ease. Let’s get right to it, shall we? Caline’s G-003 Orca Chorus adds a luscious liquid character to your tone, evoking memories of the classic chorus...
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Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of checking out The Hog Overdrive, the flagship pedal from Tallon Electric, and were excited to see what their next release might be. Well, we’ve got it for you today, in the form of the Dual Drive Overdrive, a two-sided beast that rears its sonic head around every corner. Knobs, switches and tones galore adorn this thing, let’s jump in and see what’s in store for us… The...
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The Gladys Overdrive was the very first pedal we ever reviewed for our friends at Summer School Electronics early last year, and it was a great introduction to this great company. Since then, we’ve had the pleasure of checking out EIGHT of their other wonderful creations. Today, we’re revisiting that first effects unit, but in a slightly different capacity: ladies and gents, here is the Gladys Overdrive V2. Gladys V2 is an...
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Today, we continue our journey of the exploration of the Ampworx Series of preamp pedals from our friends at TC Electronic. We’re looking at all six effects in the series (so far), with their three latest releases, and moving through the previous three, over the coming weeks. Let’s keep it going with the JIMS 800 Preamp, a beast that faithfully recreates a modified Marshall JCM800 tube amp, and pays gorgeous tribute to...
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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) Guitar Tricks presents Delay Pedals Do’s and Don’ts By Shawn Leonhardt for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer, the original platform for online guitar lessons. One of the best ways to add depth and space to your guitar signal is by using delay effects pedals. In fact they work great for any...
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After the wild success of their Germanium Fuzz pedal a few years ago, Chris and the crew at Benson Amps decided to take the genre one more step further. Building off of the classic Tone Bender MkI circuit, the Stonk Box attempts to take a classic 1960’s fuzz design, and bring the sound into the modern world, without bringing any along the flaws and inconsistencies of the original. This one’s a beast, let’s get right to it!...
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Recently, we had the privilege of reviewing the gorgeous PAC-9 Pure Analog Chorus from Maxon, and were super-impressed. Today, we dive right back into the Maxon modulation pool, this time with big brother CS-550 Stereo Chorus, a spin on a classic big box from the 1970’s. Grab your headphones and get ready for a ride, this pedal is gonna blow your mind… With a circuit based around the Panasonic MN3207 Bucket Brigade IC, the...
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Sure, you probably have a tone knob on your guitar, and most likely your amp has some sort of EQ capabilities, but what happens when you really need to shape your sound via certain frequencies? Well, you turn to the pros at Source Audio, and their newest tone-shaping masterpiece, the EQ2 Programmable Equalizer (brought to you today by our friends at Sweetwater). EQ’ing, on-board tuning, presets and more: this pedal will sculpt...
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Compression has always been an effect I’ve gravitated towards, and I’m always on the lookout for new versions with differing options and tonal qualities. Today’s pedal is a compression lover’s dream, with five parameter controls and a wide spectrum of sounds from which you can easily create. The All-Pedal Galactavise Compressor not only has a great name, it will improve your overall sound quality, too…...
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After recently exploring the high-gain Fireman Distortion from our friends at NUX, today we’re getting into slightly different territory: Amp Modeling. The NGS-6 Amp Academy feature six legendary amp models, and the iconic TSAC-2K (WHITE-BOX algorithm) Amp Modeling offers you realistic amp feeling and fast playability response. Lots of knobs, switches and tones to get into, let’s go! Amp Academy features 6 legendary amp...
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Today, we continue our journey of the exploration of the Ampworx Series of preamp pedals from our friends at TC Electronic. We’re looking at all six effects in the series (so far), with their three latest releases, and moving through the previous three, over the coming weeks. Let’s keep it going with the V550 Preamp, a monster that emulates the legendary 5150 High-Gain amp, embodying a charismatic sonic profile reminiscent...
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We’re rounding out the run of latest pedal releases from Flamma today, checking out the boomy FS08 Octave. The green gem offers detailed control over this expertly crafted effect, allowing players to punch through with added polyphonic octaves. Players can simultaneously add extra bass frequencies and brighten up their high end with an extra one or two-octave range… This polyphonic octave effect provides individual...
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There are certain pedals that, the moment you plug them in, you know you’ve found a real gem. That was 100% the case with today’s rocker, the MMK Electrics Norris Fuzz, coming at’cha straight from Alaska! This deceptively simple 2-knob fuzz effect has loads of gain and range on tap, blowing out speakers and sparking creativity as it carves a gorgeous auditory warpath wherever it goes. It’s time to rock, kids,...
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We continue today on our journey as we review some new pedals from Caline today, bringing some classic tones to the forefront. The CP-505 Wave Machine conjures up vintage chorus tones, while the CP-506 Multimod gives you access to 7 different modulation modes to explore. All things modulation today, kids, lots to dive into, so let’s go… The Mariana Trench is the deepest part of the Pacific Ocean – a world that has yet to...
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We’re exploring the newest releases from our friends at Flamma today, continuing with the FC13 Analog Phaser. This little gem provides everything a guitarist could want from a Phaser effect pedal, compacted into three simple dials and switches. Let’s jump into these modulated waters and see what all the buzz in about, shall we? The tonal properties of the Analog Phaser can be determined through two control parameters....
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Last month, we covered our first pedal from Elysian Pedals: the awesomely-named It’s Not Brain Surgery Octave Fuzz, and we loved it. Today, we get to delve further into their effects lineup, with the completely different Sick Bacchus Chorus Flanger. This modulation unit features just four controls and one toggle, but the sonic options here are vast and plentiful… The Sick Bacchus is very easy to set and use in any...
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The crew at Flamma is at it again, recently releasing THREE new affordable but powerful pedals, and we’ve got the first one for you today. The FC12 Drum Machine comes from their compact series, but this green machine is big, bold and a whole lotta fun. Providing everything a guitarist needs to maintain a steady rhythm and jam to a backing track without needing external equipment, it’s instant inspiration right at your...
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After the instantly recognizable Fuzz Blender ’77 we reviewed from Supercool Pedals a few months ago, we were excited to see what their next effects unit might be. Well, the day has arrived: presenting The Thneed Overdrive, a low-mid gain drive with nods to a certain super-expensive horsie-esque pedal AND one of the greatest authors of all time. And remember: “A Thneed’s a Fine-Something-That-All-People-Need.” The Thneed is a...
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It’s been a while since we had any gear from Maxon come through the office, but we’re excited today to check out their PAC-9 Pure Analog Chorus. This stereo pedal provides lush, vintage tones, along with some modern amenities to fit into any rig or setup. Modulation fans, rejoice – this is one smooooooth chorus effect… The first thing you’ll notice when you step on the PAC-9 is a beefy, full-bodied chorusing...
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You obviously need to connect your instrument to your amp or interface, right? Sometimes, long cables just get in the way, dampening your creativity and stiffling your workflow. Well, today we’re going to check out a cable-free way to sound amazing in any room or situation – let’s take a look at the NUX C-5RC GHz Guitar Wireless System! C-5RC is designed for wireless connection of electronic musical instruments with...
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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) The History of the Flanger By Shawn Leonhardt for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer, the original platform for online guitar lessons. The Flanger guitar pedal has an interesting background that involves both science and a lot of luck! Like many guitar and music effects it stems from early experiments with...
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Today, we begin our journey of the exploration of the Ampworx Series of preamp pedals from our friends at TC Electronic. We’re going to look at all six effects in the series (so far), starting with their three latest releases, and moving through the previous three, over the coming weeks. Let’s begin with the Dual Wreck Preamp, a monster that emulates the classic Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier amp, utilizing component-based...
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We’ve got one more effect left in the newest releases from JHS Pedals’ Legends of Fuzz collection, and we’re going out with a bang!. Today, we’re taking a look at the Mary-K 1969 Japan, which again features just two simple controls and a Mode switch…PLUS an variable, hands-free control of one of the parameters. Let’s jump into this sonic pool and get the fuzz out, shall we?? Grab a Mary-K 1969 Japan...
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Fuzz pedals can sometimes be finicky, sputtery and strange, and that’s not always what you need…but when it’s EXACTLY what you want, look no further than the ZVEX Effects Fuzz Factory Vexter. One of their most beloved pedals, this classically un-classic fuzz takes you to the breaking point of musical sanity, and then shoves you right over. We’re excited to check this one out, as I’m sure you are,...
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Last month, we had the distinct pleasure of checking out the wonderful and nostalgic Time Traveler Delay from Spürr Audio, a Back to the Future-inspired box that gave us all the feels (and sounded great). When we opened the box for today’s Spürr Audio pedal, the Wild Rat Distortion, we were greeted with a shock and almost dropped the box, as what appeared to be a real rat was lurking inside. After gathering ourselves and...
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We continue today on our journey as we review some new pedals from Caline today, bringing some classic tones to the forefront. The CP-505 Wave Machine conjures up vintage chorus tones, while the CP-506 Multimod gives you access to 7 different modulation modes to explore. All things modulation today, kids, lots to dive into, so let’s go… Based on a classic 1970’s analogue circuit, the CP-505 Wave Machine provides lush, rich...
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The pedals we’ve had the pleasure to peruse from the folks at All-Pedal have ranged in genre quite a bit, but today we’re going with a tried-and-true classic: Overdrive. The Alcmene® Overdrive has one of the most popular and mythical circuits ever created down in its belly, and with a simple control system, it’s a cinch to conjure gorgeous breakup and boost in an instant. Small but mighty, let’s see what this...
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Another weird, noisy, off-the-wall sonic monster comes to us today from our good friends at Industrialectric, in the form of the RM-1N Ambient Chaotic Reverb. Much more than your typical ‘verb, this one is packed with knobs, switches and chaos abound. Flipping the effects pedal world on its ass once again, Industrialectric prove that they are a sonic force to be reckoned with… To best explain the RM-1N, let’s hear...
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Combining Preamp, Overdrive and Boost into one pedal might seem like a lot, but with the Westerlund Audio ONE, everything melds together in sonic perfection. This options-laden mammoth can give your signal a pop, shape your tone, add in some breakup or get downright crunchy – whatever you need, it can handle with ease. So many knobs and swithces, and we’re totally here for it – let’s check it out! The...
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After reviewing and demoing the gorgeous Stageman II Studio Acoustic Amp from NUX earlier this month, we’re excited to get back to checking out some of their effects pedals, starting today with the NDS-5 Fireman Distortion. With 2 channels for rhythm and lead switching, plus a wide-ranging control section, this powerful little beast will bring the heat to any rig or pedalboard. Let’s jump in the fire and see what...
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The crew at Elysian Pedals sent us over a couple of effects to check out, and we’re stoked to bring you the first one today. The cleverly-titled It’s Not Brain Surgery Octave Fuzz combines two classic effects into one versatile pedal, one that sounds killer on both guitar and bass. Basically a 2-In-1, this inventive machine will take your tone to the unknown and beyond… The Octave side features a couple of knobs and...
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