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2021 Best of new Modulation, Pitch and Utility (Modutility) Pedals for the Year

3 Degrees AudioAlexander PedalsAll-PedalAmp and Cab IR SimArpeggiatorAWOL PedalsBeat MachineBest in ClassBitcrushing and Lo-FiBossChase Bliss AudioChorus and VibratoCompressorCooper FXCrazy Tube CircuitsDemedash EffectsDrunk BeaverDryBell EffectsElectro-HarmonixEnvelope Filter and Auto WahExpressionFlangerFlower PedalsFree The ToneFuzzrociousGamechanger AudioGlitchGuitar Synth and SequencerHarmonizerMagnetic EffectsMattoverse ElectronicsModulationModulation WorkstationMulti-FXMXROctaverOddball ModulationPhaserPitchPitch-ShiftingRainger FXRed Panda LabRing ModulationRotary SpeakerSitek Guitar ElectronicsSlicer and StutterSpaceman EffectsStrymonSuproSwellThorpyFXTremoloUAFXUniversal AudioUni-Vibe and VibeUtilityWah and Fixed WahWalrus Audio+-
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2021GPXBestNewModutilityYear700.jpg

And here is the turn of the combined Modulation, Pitch and Utility category - which I affectionately label ’Modutility’. Obviously as frequently mentioned -  2021 was ’Year of the Phaser’ - so 8 favourites of those here, alongside 4 choruses, 3 flangers and a couple of stand-out Amp and Cab sims. 

 

Some genuinely innovative pedals here - and particularly handy new expression controllers in the guise of the Chase Bliss Audio Expression Roller, and Cooper FX Expression Generator. Free the Tone also following Chase Bliss Audio’s Mood lead - with its intriguing Motion Loop micro-looper example of its own. All-in-all a pretty great selection even if slightly biased towards phasing. 34 pedals featured here all-told from a longlist of over 50 :

  • 3 Degrees Bygones Nostalgic Multi-Effect - $325
  • Alexander Pedals Sugarcube Stereo Chorus, Vibrato and Rotary - $199
  • Alexander Pedals Syntax Error 2 Enhanced Audio Computer System - $299
  • All-Pedal Macrodose Envelope Filter - $325
  • AWOL Pedals Flow Envelope Filter - $120
  • Boss IR-200 Amp & IR Cabinet - $399
  • Boss SY-200 Synthesizer - $349
  • Chase Bliss Audio Expression Roller - $199
  • Cooper FX Generation Loss VHS Tape Lo-Fi Modulator - $300
  • Cooper FX Expression Generator - $189
  • Crazy Tube Circuits Phi Golden Ratio V2 3-Circuit Analog Compressor - €229
  • Demedash Effects T-60 Analog Modulator - $325
  • Drunk Beaver Jellyfish MN3007 Analog BBD Chorus - $200
  • DryBell Vibe Machine V3 - $352 with F-1L Footswitch
  • Electro-Harmonix’s Intelligent Harmony Machine / Pitch-Shifter - $230
  • Flower Pedals Castilleja 4-Stage Optical Phaser / Vibe - $249
  • Free The Tone Motion Loop Stereo Sample-Repeater-Shifter - $350
  • Fuzzrocious Electric Ocean OTA Fuzz-Phaser - $189
  • Gamechanger Audio Bigsby Polyphonic Pitch-Shifter - €313
  • Magnetic Effects Eye to Eye 4-Stage OTA Phaser - £139
  • Mattoverse Electronics Just a Phase Analog Phaser - $209
  • MXR Deep Phase 4/8 Stage Mini Phaser- $130
  • Rainger FX Snare Trap Dynamic Beat Box - £275
  • Red Panda Bitmap V2 Bitcrusher - $299
  • Sitek Phasia 4/5/6 Stage OTA Phase Shifter - €220
  • Spaceman Effects Aurora Analog Flanger - $319
  • Spaceman Effects Delta II Harmonic Tremolo - $229
  • Strymon Zelzah Dual Channel 4 + 6 Stage Multidimensional Phaser - $350
  • Supro Analog Stereo Chorus - $249
  • Supro Analog Stereo Flanger - $249
  • ThorpyFX Pulse Doppler 4-Stage Multi-Mode Analog Phase Shifter - £265
  • UAFX Astra Modulation Machine - $399
  • Walrus Audio Mako Series ACS1 Amp + Cab Simulator - $399
  • Walrus Audio Polychrome Analog Flanger - $199

I have still to get a number of these with probably the Macrodose and Expression pedals at the head of that list, and then the new Bitmap bitcrusher :

  • 3 Degrees Bygones Nostalgic Multi-Effect - $325
  • Alexander Pedals Syntax Error 2 Enhanced Audio Computer System - $299
  • All-Pedal Macrodose Envelope Filter - $325
  • AWOL Pedals Flow Envelope Filter - $120
  • Cooper FX Generation Loss VHS Tape Lo-Fi Modulator - $300
  • Cooper FX Expression Generator - $189
  • Crazy Tube Circuits Phi Golden Ratio V2 3-Circuit Analog Compressor - €229
  • Electro-Harmonix’s Intelligent Harmony Machine / Pitch-Shifter - $230
  • Free The Tone Motion Loop Stereo Sample-Repeater-Shifter - $350
  • Gamechanger Audio Bigsby Polyphonic Pitch-Shifter - €313
  • Rainger FX Snare Trap Dynamic Beat Box - £275
  • Red Panda Bitmap V2 Bitcrusher - $299
  • Supro Analog Stereo Chorus - $249
  • Supro Analog Stereo Flanger - $249
  • UAFX Astra Modulation Machine - $399
  • Walrus Audio Mako Series ACS1 Amp + Cab Simulator - $399
  • Walrus Audio Polychrome Analog Flanger - $199

Also a few more interesting targets from the Longlist - mostly phasers - where my current 15 should really be ample already! The GFI Rossie is undeniably cool too! :

  • GFI System Rossie Dynamic Multi-Filter Pedal - $199
  • PastFX Foot 6/10-Stage Phaser Deluxe - $249AUD
  • Pigtronix Moon Pool Tremvelope-Phaser Mini - $179

Here follow the usual details on each featured pedal - and as mentioned - I was very impressed with quite a number of these! :


3 Degrees Bygones Nostalgic Multi-Effect - $325

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3 Degrees Audio Bygones - Hands On with Mikey Famiglietti

Controls - A | B | C : Twist / Push Knobs :  Blend / Delay / Regen / LoCut / HiCut / Reson / Pops / Hiss / Stutter / Warp / Jitter / Scrape, Select Footswitch, Enable Footswitch.

 

I believe this is iteration 2 of the Bygones - there has since been one with 12 individual knobs, or one per effect - rather than the smart 3-knob control system we see here. This is a really unique quirky Lo-Fi Modulator with Delay - which allows you to deconstruct and scramble your signal in all kinds of interesting ways - I really like the idea of this - while I'm still considering if I really need it, and if I would use it that much if I did have it! Really cool multi-FX unit though!


Alexander Pedals Sugarcube Stereo Chorus, Vibrato and Rotary - $199

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Writing Songs With the Alexander Pedals: Sugarcube Stereo Chorus, Vibrato, and Rotary (STEREO DEMO)

Controls - Rate/Stereo, Depth/RampRate, Mix/Volume, Tweak/Clock, Left Footswitch : Ramp/MOM, Right Footswitch : Bypass/Preset.

 

A really cool multi-modulator consisting of Chorus, Dimension (Boss), Rotary, and Ice - a sort of pitch-shifting chorus - all delivered in stereo via TRS output. This is a really capable pedal all-round - while I have preferred alternatives for each effect - bar 'Ice' which is unique to this pedal. Has all the clever Alexander NEO features - with stereo added to compact enclosure here for the very first time - as I said  really cool to have all that in the one pedal - all 4 voicings are decent, while I have other more specialist pedals which do more for most of those voicings.


Alexander Pedals Syntax Error 2 Enhanced Audio Computer System - $299

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Alexander Syntax Error V2: How to Be Advanced

Controls - A | B | X | Y : Parameter knobs, Mix (Data), <<>> / Shift, Bypass/Preset Footswitch, Control Footswitch.

 

The Syntax Error 2 significantly ramps up the feature set of the original compact edition and adds an intuitive screen - with similarly smart visualisation comparable to the Cooper FX Arcades - where you can tweak 4 onscreen Parameters at a time via 4 top knobs - A | B | X | Y. Contains 2 new modes 'Air' and 'Wave' in addition to original 4 - Stretch / Ring / Cube / Freq. Also has a 4-Step Mini-Sequencer onboard. Significant improvements all round - while I will still probably rather go with the original compact Syntax Error - and pair that with the compact 8-Step Colour Theory Sequencer. The No. 2 iteration is undeniably cool though!


All-Pedal Macrodose Envelope Filter - $325

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All-Pedal Macrodose Envelope Filter | Tone Report Demo

Controls - Warp, Frequency, Resonance, Depth, Blend, Volume, Shape and Mode - where Shape and Mode have multiple options as detailed below. Then Filter Options : Low Pass, Band Pass, High Pass. You also have dual-footswitches - including Tap-Tempo and Hold/Freeze!

 

Essentially a custom Subdecay Prometheus DLX with 2 additional controls - Blend and Volume - engineered by Mr Subdecay - Brian Marshall himself. And combined with a gorgeous artwork - for a really appealing all-round package. All-Pedal have promised me a coupon for early next year when the rush settles down a touch - so I can finally snag one for the collection - for sure one of the best looking pedals launched this year - and a proper full-featured / extended range Envelop Filter / Auto Wah etc. - really impressive!


WOL Pedals Flow Micro Envelope Filter - $120

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AWOL PEDALS FLOW ENVELOPE FILTER

Controls - Single Knob : << Low Pass Filter | Auto-Wah >>.

 

Aaron Wahl is master of the one-knob micro pedals, and his latest Envelope Filter is as cool and effective as his Virus Silicon Fuzz Face, and Nano Transistor Boost - he also has the really cool tiny Opamp Buffer. I keep meaning to get some of these in - I tend to prefer a few more controls - while these are the ultimate in space-savers - if you have little or no space on your board to accommodate an effect - really smartly engineered high quality micro devices!


Boss IR-200 Amp & IR Cabinet - $399

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Introducing BOSS IR-200 Amp & IR Cabinet

Controls - Memory / Select, Amp (Amp Type), Cabinet (Output Type), Ambience (Room Size / Dynamics), Menu, Exit / Write / Hold to Lock Panel controls, Gain, Level, Bass, Middle, and Treble.

 

Essentially Boss's challenger to the Strymon Iridium - with much more onboard in every direction - and really smart and intuitive screen and control topology - for the class-leading Amp and Cab sim currently available. It doesn't quite work how I expected and I can't simply take my pedal-chain stereo-out and load it into the IR-200. I need to rather split off the drives - in fact split the signal chain at the EQ-200 - send one branch through the modulations and stereo effects, and the other direct to the IR-200 single input. The Modulation + Stereo branch then gets inserted into the FX Loop of the IR-200 which is Stereo! Fortunately the EQ-200 allows you to split the signal in two and send to two separate sources - so a smart workaround for me. I've only really scratched the surface with the IR-200 so far, and it's not been in the chain for particularly long periods yet as its use will be solely for recording purposes - which I don't tend to do too much of as yet! A really innovative device though that properly raises the bar for that category.


Boss SY-200 Synthesizer - $349

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Boss SY-200 Guitar Synthesizer Pedal Demo

Controls - Memory/Select, Smart Param 1, Smart Param 2, Smart Param 3, Menu, Exit / Write / Hold to lock Panel controls, Dry Level, Effect Level, Variation, Mode : Lead / Pad / String / Bell / Organ / Bass / Dual / Sweep / Noise / SFX / Seq / Arpeggio, On/Off Footswitch, CTL 1 / Memory / Tap Tempo / Pitch Bend / Sound Hold Footswitch.

 

The SY-200 is pretty much all the updates I recommended to Boss for the SY-1 - with a better interface / screen - and some extra bells and whistles I did not foresee. Overall a significant step up - 128 Presets, Midi, On-screen Parameters - just beautiful really. Most of the Presets though are not great by default and need you finessing / fine-tuning a little  - and it would have been nice to have been able to page down as well as up through the presets - those are the only two quibbles really - overall though - exactly the right kind of Guitar Synth Pedal for me - it is absolutely perfect for my requirements and preferences - and there are several pads, stabs, parps and bleeps here that I love already. Some of the organs are a little hit and miss - but overall a superb cornucopia of synthy sounds!


Chase Bliss Audio Expression Roller - $199

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NEW PRODUCT: "EXP" Expression Roller Overview

Controls - Roller : 1>10!

 

As touched on several times - a revived and improved take on Classic Audio's Expression Roller - this time with two Outputs, and a properly numbered / indexed roller. I much prefer this sort of thing to a traditional treadle see-saw controller - will undoubtedly get one of these when they get into wider distribution! I really like this format and was really close to getting one of the original Classic Audio ones back in the day! The Chase Bliss Audio version carries much the same format and footprint - but is better in every way! Also there are internal dip-switches to select heel/toe direction for each output.


Cooper FX Generation Loss VHS Tape Lo-Fi Modulator - $300

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Cooper FX: Generation Loss V2 (Presets, Aux Functions, and More!) (No Talking Demo)

Controls - Wow, Flutter, LP, HP, Wet, Dry, Gen, Noise, Function button : Tape Stop Effect / Garbled Tape Effect / Spectral Freeze Drone, Preset button, Aux Footswitch, Bypass/On Footswitch.

 

Tom Majeski's final V2 edition Cooper FX Generation Loss was the best version yet with a whole load more granularity and added functions than either the V1 or Chase Bliss Audio Edition. These obviously sold like hot-cakes in the few batches that were released. For me the CBA version is the perfect form factor for me - while I admit that the V2 here is a better version overall which most will prefer. Will be interesting to see what the next Chase Bliss Audio version ends up like - as obviously CBA really only does Compact or large Automatone formats - perhaps Tom will be instrumental in introducing a mid-size variant into their range - apparently we will know sometime around the middle of next year!


Cooper FX Expression Generator - $189

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Cooper FX Exp Gen: Overview and Demo

Controls : Start (Rise), Stop (Fall), Mode/Alt Switch : Trigger (Hold and Release), Latch (Dual Press Start/Stop), Auto (Cycling), Tap (Tap-Tempo), Footswitch triggers various actions / Modes, and Hold that to set Tap Divisions.

 

Many moons ago I had the idea to do a Momentary / Latching Micro pedal - simply a single footswitch - which kind of covered the Trigger and Latch Modes here - this has a lot more to it obviously - Midi compatibility, and 4 - A | B | C | D outputs where you can set and sync the time of the onset / decay / rise / fall etc. Essentially you use the Start and Stop knobs to set the end points of the Heel/Toe positions - which you can then dial back and manipulate with the other controls - hit Alt/Hold button to set speeds etc. Really clever and a smart automated way versus the entirely manual approach of the Expression Roller - which is passive though and requires no power supply - both of these are essential utility pedals for me, and I will be looking to acquire both in the new year - I really hope Tom's sidekick makes more of these!


Crazy Tube Circuits Phi Golden Ratio V2 3-Circuit Analog Compressor - €229

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Crazy Tube Circuits Golden Ratio

Controls - Volume, Blend, Ratio, Mode / Circuit : FET / OTA / OPTO, Release, Attack, Threshold (Signal Input).

 

Christos's superb re-engineered Phi Golden Ratio Compressor in smaller compact enclosure and with added third OTA analog compression circuit. Even though the 3-in-1 JA Bloom is my current go-to Compressor - I still want to get this to sub in for a rotation or two. For me this is totally genius - having the 3 core analog compression circuits all in the same enclosure  - this is right up there with the Becos FX CompIQ Pro Stella and Origin Effects Cali76 Compact Deluxe as the best compact Compressor. A wonderful technical achievement for sure.


Demedash Effects T-60 Analog Modulator - $325

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Demedash Effects T-60

Controls - Depth / Regen / Ramp Mode, Rate / Divisions / Ramp Rate, Mix, Chop / Random / Ramp Target, Lag, EQ, Tap / Ramp / Tap Target Footswitch, Engage / Alt / Dry EQ Mode Footswitch. Stereo out via TRS Cable.

 

Steve Demedash's T-60 Modulator is a thing of wonder - so capable of delivering both Classic and Quirky tones. The Modulation on here in combination with the Sample & Hold Chop effect is just genius - some amazing tones in here that you can't find anywhere else. The Stereo didn't work particularly brilliantly for me for whatever reason - while the Mono output is just superb - stellar even. A future classic in the making no doubt ...


Drunk Beaver Jellyfish MN3007 Analog BBD Chorus - $200

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JellyFish (Analog BBD Chorus MN3007) Quick Demo

Controls - Rate, Depth, Color (Dark>Bright), Range / Mode : Clone / Leslie / Blur, and Mix / Clean Blend.

 

A sparkling bright and beautifully elegant Analog MN3007 BBD Chorus / Vibrato with 5 smart controls - including 3 classic Modes / Voicings which emulate EHX Small Clone, Leslie Rotary Speaker style flutter, and Detune and Warbly Blur. This was in the chain for several months this year - it really sounds fantastic and has a little more about it than most equivalents. I wasn't sure about the colour scheme at first - but I've come to quite like it!


DryBell Vibe Machine V3 - $352 with F-1L Footswitch

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DryBell Sonic Experience - Featuring brand new Vibe Machine V-3 (official demo)

Surface Controls - Intensity, Speed / Options, Mode : Chorus / Vibrato, Input Impedance : Custom / Bright / Original. 

 

Side Trimmers - Custom Brightness, Chorus Depth, Presence / Grit, Throb Adjust } Symmetry + Range, Volume / Output.

 

I can't say why it took me so long to get to the Vibe Machine - but it's absolutely my perfect Uni-Vibe device - in terms of tones, format and function. Having the F-1L footswitch allows me to ramp up and down the speed in the most elegant Leslie style fashion - it also has hidden depths - with multiple smart options available via the Speed dial's secondary Menu Options - just an incredible device all-round which puts most others to shame. I don't understand why some people feel the need to go for those enormous hefty sized 'Vintage' style units - when they can get their hands on one of these - just superb in every way really!

 


Electro-Harmonix's Intelligent Harmony Machine / Pitch-Shifter - $230

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Electro-Harmonix Intelligent Harmony Machine

Controls - Key Knob : C|D|E|F|G|A|B, #Sharp Key Switch, Minor/Major Switch, Poly-Override Button, Interval Rotary Selector: Harmony Intervals / Pitch Override Intervals, Mix, Volume, Momentary button.

 

A really smart compact devices which combines a Pitchfork and Harmonizer in the same compact enclosure. Obviously a Boss PS-6 alternative - where EHX's pitch-shifting is often particularly impressive and fairly natural sounding. Down on the nice-to-have list!


Flower Pedals Castilleja 4-Stage Optical Phaser / Vibe - $249

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Flower Pedals - Castilleja Analog Phaser with Digital Control

Controls : Intensity, Voice : Phaser/Vibe, Waveform : Ramp Up/Triangle/Sine/Square | Secondary : Ramp Up Speed/Depth of Drift, Ramp : Momentary/Latching/Drift, Level, Feedback : High/Medium/None, and Speed | Secondary : Destination Speed/Speed of Drift, Right Footswitch for On/Hold Secondary Functions, Left Footswitch is Tap Tempo / Ramp.

 

One of the first phasers I acquired in this year of phasers - really smartly combines 4-Stage Optical Phase with Uni-Vibe voicing - some very smart controls here and secondary functions - easily adapted to - especially as the Flower Pedals Hosta is my current go-to Auto Wah and has very similar control topology. A great compact phaser for sure.


Free The Tone Motion Loop Stereo Sample-Repeater-Shifter - $350

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Free The Tone MOTION LOOP / ML-1L - PITCH SHIFTABLE SHORT LOOPER

Controls - Rate, Effect Level, Filter, Save, Home, Back, Forward, Parameter : Pitch ±1|2 Oct / Loop Signal ± / Waveform ± / Soft Clipping / Delay/ 128 Presets, Preset 1|2 Footswitch, On/Off Footswitch.

 

A cool sample-repeater-shifter as I call it - a sort of looper / micro-looper / pitch-shifter / soft-clipper / delay - all in the one smartly controlled unit. A proper multi-use multi-fx and utility pedal - I really like the look of this - but would wait for the price to drop a touch before I considered adding it to the collection - sits somewhere alongside the CBA Mood to a certain degree - adjacent at the very least!


Fuzzrocious Electric Ocean OTA Fuzz-Phaser - $189

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Fuzzrocious Electric Ocean Fuzz Phaser | Tone Report Demo

Controls - Phaser } Phase Volume, Phase Rate 1, Phase Rate 2, Fuzz } Fuzz Volume, Fuzz Tone, Switches } Effect Order, Fuzz On/Off, On / Rate 1 Footswitch (Right), Rate 2 Footswitch (Left).

 

As I said at the time - inspired by but not based on the Roland AP-7 Jet Phaser - this is an incredibly cool fuzz-phaser confection - where you get quite a different sounding effect when you flip the order. Quite a simple OTA Phaser really with just 3 controls - but a really beautiful sonic combination with the onboard fuzz - which is of course optional. Also this vies for the best artwork this year - with the All-Pedal Macrodose - in some ways I most liked the original blue stock version - but in the end I preferred the Axe and You Shall Receive special purple sparkle one in the end!


Gamechanger Audio Bigsby Polyphonic Pitch-Shifter - €313

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BIGSBY Pedal | Gamechanger Audio

Controls Top - Rate / Detune, Blend / Tone, Depth Down / Up, Alt Button

 

Controls Rear - EXP Range / Low, EXP Offset / Hi, EXP Invert / MIDI Sync, Invert Impact of Treadle

 

An intriguing device which specializes in reproducing mechanical-style string-bending and vibrato effects - that you would typically achieve with a whammy or tremolo bar on the appropriate guitar bridge. So this really designed for hard-tail guitar users to replace the lack of whammy/tremolo - and add some further complementary effects - with somewhat extended range. Of course the real magic here is the form of the pedal - which perfectly mimics the Bigsby style of tremolo bridge. I feel it's amazing engineering as is always the case with Gamechanger - while I'm not sure this is something I would use. It's of course slightly over-sized and not particularly pedalboard-friendly - in fact the only pedalboard-friendly pedals from Gamechanger have been the two Plasma distortions - everything else is slightly over-sized and therefore impractical to my preferences. Beautifully engineered devices though - proper mechanical works of art!


Magnetic Effects Eye to Eye 4-Stage OTA Phaser - £139

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In Record Time

Controls - Regen/Resonance, Speed RATE / Range : Higher / LFO Off / Lower, Speed, Level, Dry>Wet Mix, Frequency Sweep.

 

I really loved the new The Datsuns album - 'Eye to Eye' and just had to get the Phaser of the same name. A relatively simple OTA Phaser - but with some tricks up its sleeve in how you can turn the LFO off and just use it as a filter / tone-shaper. Still no official demos have been released, while I believe it's used on a number of the album tracks - including 'In Record Time' as featured here!


Mattoverse Electronics Just a Phase Analog Phaser - $209

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Introducing - Just A Phase - The Analog Phaser from Mattoverse Electronics

Controls - Waveforms : 8 Digitally Controlled Waveforms, Depth/Character, Rate/Speed.

 

A really elegantly designed Analog phaser which drew me in by its distinct plexi-front look and simple controls. There are scant details available even about the different waveforms or underlying phaser type - 4-Stage? All we know is that it's an analog phaser with 8 controls - with ramping, square and sine wave varieties but also some other quirky ones - including one that approximates Harmonic Tremolo. So this is an effect where your eyes draw you in, but your ears make you stay! I'm hoping Matt makes an Air Trash to match - so I can complete the set!


MXR Deep Phase 4/8 Stage Mini Phaser- $130

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MXR Deep Phase & James Deprato

Controls - Speed, Mode I / II (4 / 8 Stage), Feedback.

 

Simple companion pedal to the Phase 95 - which doubles down on the Stages - with 4 / 8 available in place of 2 / 4, and additional Feedback knob for more resonance and character. A thicker, richer and chewier phaser all round than the more classic Phase 95.


Rainger FX Snare Trap Dynamic Beat Box - £275

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Writing Songs With the Rainger FX: Snare Trap (Drum Machine Pedal)

Controls : Snare : Shape | Dry | Hi-Hat 4s : On/Off, Bass Drum 2 : Late, Snare Delay : Send, Rate, Feedback, Volume, Instrument Side Chain, Beats On LED, 4s LED, LFO LED, Mix : Beats > Instrument, Pad : Tap Tempo / Fill, LFO Rate Level | On/Off, Cut OFF (Low Pass Filter) : Lo > Hi, Drum Pad. You also have CV input triggers for each of Bass Drum, Snare Drum and Hi-Hat.

 

Another ingenious David Rainger device which combines manual and automated beats - in the classic snare / kick / hi-hat mold but with a few more percussive sounds and effects beside. I really love everything about this bar the size - which makes it somewhat tricky for me to fit into the rig, and the fact that it's not stereo - so I can't stick it in the RC-10R slot where I would really want it. I'm still pretty keen on getting this - while I need to decide first where exactly I would put it - and if indeed it's viable for my needs and setup! I really like it either way - currently down more as a nice-to-have than essential for me.


Red Panda Bitmap V2 Bitcrusher - $299

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Red Panda Bitmap 2

Controls - Mix, Crush, Frequency, Filter (4-Pole LPF), Rate (LFO Modulation), Depth (LFO Intensity), Drive (Line Level), Preset (Save / Select), Envelope:Destruction Destination,Waveform : Triangle / Square / Random + Waveshaping / Wavefolding, Envelope Modulation, Aux/Tap/Preset Left Footswitch, On/Bypass Right Footswitch.

 

A fantastic fully loaded bitcrusher with some really smart controls and functions. I'm in two minds as to whether to get this or the WMD Geigercounter as my flagship bitcrusher - both are excellent extended-range examples - I really like the look of both - maybeI I need both eventually! Now just to decide which to get first!


Sitek Phasia 4/5/6 Stage OTA Phase Shifter - €220

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Sitek Phasia Analog OTA Phaser w/ Tap Tempo

Controls - Rate (LFO Speed), Depth (of LFO Sweep), Feedback / Resonance, Symmetry (Full Symmetry at Noon, CCW  is longer Rising, shorter Falling, and CW is the opposite), LFO Shape : Hypertriangular / Sine / Triangular, Stages : 4/5/6, Right On/Bypass Footswitch, Left Tap Tempo Footswitch.

 

Andy Sitek's phaser is an incredibly deftly engineered Multi-Stage OTA Phase-Shifter - with some superb, unique burbly and aquatic tones. Perfectly monikered as 'Phasia Queen of the Waves' this has some real hidden depths - particularly at the extremes of Symmetry with Hypertriangular Waveform and 6 Stages settings applied. This is for sure one of the very finest Analog Phasers you can get your hands on and is capable of subtle, classic and quirky tones. There is a real depth of detail here in everything about this pedal. And it's supremely easy to dial-in too!


Spaceman Effects Aurora Analog Flanger - $319

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Spaceman Effects: Aurora Flanger (No Talking Demo)

Controls - Volume, Mix, Regen, Mode : LFO 1, Tape 1, LFO 2, Tape 2, Comb (Filter), Width (Depth), Rate • ↑, Range  • ↓, Trigger Left Footswitch, Bypass/On Right Footswitch.

 

Quite a different sort of flanger to my favourite Pristine Vintage type ThorpyFX Camoflange variety - the Aurora is a little more modern and experimental with some strong and unusual flavours - actually a huge variety of tones and textures onboard - very much its own thing really. This has enjoyed an extended rotation in the chain this year - will probably switch back in the Camoflange at some stage, but currently really enjoying the Aurora - I dare say it will be in circulation a few months longer. 


Spaceman Effects Delta II Harmonic Tremolo - $229

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Writing With the Spaceman Effects: Delta II Harmonic Tremolo

Controls - Depth, Voice : High & Dry (Brightness / Clarity / Sparkle), High & Low (Liquid / Phasey), and Low & Dry (Dark / Throbby / Bassy), Freq, Rate, Lag, Resonance.

 

A really cool harmonic tremolo - although not quite as rich and thick as the JAM Pedals Harmonious Monk - but it does its own thing really - and gives you lots more variations in and around Harmonic Tremolo. It is distinctly different to the Monk - while I really like both. The Monk obviously has both Harmonic and Classic Amplitude Tremolo - whlle the Delta rather does lots of variations on the Harmonic side of things. It's still rich and expressive in what it delivers - and really has its own voice. Much like with the Aurora I thought I would have swapped back in my classic favourites earlier - but both of these will probably have a further extended run into next year as I'm really enjoying deploying them both.


Strymon Zelzah Dual Channel 4 + 6 Stage Multidimensional Phaser - $350

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Strymon Zelzah – Audio Examples – Demo

Controls - 4 Stage} Speed / Barber Fall or Rise, Sweep : Classic / Barber / Envelope, Depth / 4 Stereo Spread, Mix / Midi Expression, Left 4-Stage Engage Footswitch, 6 Stage} Resonance : Off / Mild / Strong, Speed / Midi Sync, Voice / Stacking - Phasing / Flanging / Chorus, Depth / 6 Stereo Spread, Right 6-Stage Engage Footswitch.

 

In a year of Phasers, in fact a year of Great Phasers the Zelzah really stood out - which is somewhat odd - as I typically prefer Analog Modulations. While Peter Celi and his squad of Strymon engineers have done a brilliant job on the Zelzah - such that it really is a credible Multi-Modulator with Flange, Chorus, Rotary, Envelope Filter, and Vibe flavours onboard - this has all kinds of hidden depths - which can be really cleverly creatively combined across the two channels. This really sounds amazing every which way and has the most incredible range of tones onboard - it doesn't do those cool and quirky bubbles that the Thorpy Pulse Doppler does, or those aqueous burbles of the Phasia - while it's supremely easy to dial in and just a joy to deploy - you can discover new flavours onboard every day for a month or more. Strymon most definitely hit it out of the park with their phaser - just some incredibly smart choices made here - props all-round!


Supro Analog Stereo Chorus - $249

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Supro Chorus: The best Chorus/Vibrato I've played.

Controls - Speed, Mode : Chorus / Vibrato, Depth, Time (Delay on one of the Stereo Channels), Dimension (Mix one Stereo Channel into the other).

 

A rare full stereo L+R In/Out chorus with simple but nuanced controls that deliver really rich and well-balanced chorusing tones. Supro's pedals have always had an elegance about their output, and their Harmonic Tremolo is particularly well regarded - where the Chorus delivers similarly appealing tones. I'm on the lookout for another stereo chorus - and this is certainly one of the frontrunners for me!


Supro Analog Stereo Flanger - $249

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Supro Flanger Demo with Zach Comtois | Supro

Controls : Speed, Width / Depth, Sweep (Flanger Delay Time), Dimension (Dual Crossover Flanging), Feedback / Resonance.

 

Supro's Flanger comes hot on the heels of its Chorus - and carries a similarly rich modulation - with full L+R Stereo Ins and Outs. I had intended to cover this on the site already - in fact had done the visual already, but a busy schedule meant that I did not quite manage to fit it in - still deserves a place in this selection, and will no doubt be a target for me next year when I try to make that into a year of Flangers. Obviously I already have several of the best flangers - including the Camoflange and Aurora, and there may well be another killer edition winging its way toward me - while it's not clear as to whether is will arrive in time for me - before my Christmas break. The Supro Flanger sounds amazing and is definitely a contender!


ThorpyFX Pulse Doppler 4-Stage Multi-Mode Analog Phase Shifter - £265

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ThorpyFX Pulse Doppler - Phaser/Vibrato/Tremolo

Controls - Enhance (Feedback/Resonance), Manual (Phase Shift Notch Filter Frequency), Depth (LFO Intensity), Blend (Dry>Wet Mix), Bi-Directional / Dual Phase Mode, Inverted Phase / HPF Tremolo / Additive Phase, Rate (LFO Speed / Frequency), Vibe/Phase Footswitch (Wet/Dry flip), Engage Footswitch.

 

Readers will know that I've often stated that Thorpy's Camoflange is my favourite Flanger of all time, and I thought that the Pulse Doppler would for sure be the reigning King of the Phasers by year end - so impressed was I with it when I first encountered it. And in many ways it still is King - if you're all about Analog - this has to be the most impressive Analog Phaser out there to date - with such a variety of beautifully textured tones - as I detailed in that smart selection of presets during the original feature. Contrary to what many lesser guitar magazines say too - this is not a complicated pedal to use - I pretty much figured it out without a manual - you just follow the tones really. It is for sure a worthy successor to the Lovetone Doppelgänger - while it's really its own thing - and where the Camoflange is obviously very largely vintage inspired - the Pulse Doppler is a great mix of Vintage and Modern - there's some excellent throbby tremolo onboard and a really cool  sort of filtered bubbles type of output too. I really thought the Pulse Doppler would be permanently anchored to the board for all perpetuity - while there were just too many great phasers released this year for it to hog all the limelight for itself.


UAFX Astra Modulation Machine - $399

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UAFX Astra Modulation Machine

Controls - Speed, Depth, Intensity, Mode : Chorus Brigade / Flanger Doubler / Tremolo 65 / X90 Phaser / Dharma Tremolo '71, Store, Variation : A|B, Shade, Shape, Mode, Preset Footswitch (1), On/Bypass Footswitch.

 

Universal Audio's UAFX Pedals were a touch of an oddity for me - where I loved the style of enclosure, and the output tones were solid, but not really enough variation onboard, and only 1 available Preset!. Quite obviously targeting the Medium Strymon offerings - for $100 more essentially - this seemed a somewhat slightly underwhelming proposition to me - certainly versus one of the more expansive Multi-Modulation pedals - and in particular up against something like the GFI Synaesthesia. The joy of Studio Workstation pedals is the ability to scroll through a number of presets - at least 1 per algorithm / effect - which is quite evidently not the case here. No MIDI connectivity either - makes this seem something not quite complete against what else is out there currently. There's much to like here - but practically and usability-wise this does not meet by preferences! You can't argue with the quality of output really though - those algorithms are for sure pristine!


Walrus Audio Mako Series ACS1 Amp + Cab Simulator - $399

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Pedal Battle: Walrus Audio ACS1 vs. Strymon Iridium

Controls - Bass, Mid, Treb, Vol, Gain, Room, Cab : A|B|C, L+R, Amp : Fullterton | London | Dartford, Boost Footswitch, Bypass/On Footswitch, Press both for Presets.

 

An amazing stereo compact Amp + Cab Simulator with some extra functions to the Strymon Iridium - which it is evidently inspired by. The 'London' Amp Emulation is not as good as the Marshall 'Punch' on the Strymon - or 'British Stack' of Boss IR-200. IR's sound like they need a little more refinement too - especially up against the Iridium and IR-200. While for me it's for sure the go-to option in compact enclosure - and a really cool technical achievement therefore. Somewhat overshadowed by all the extra functionality the IR-200 delivers - but that is in a sort of BB-size enclosure which is quite a bit larger. The ACS1 is still very compelling for me - they obviously need to improve the IR's, and they need to do something about their core Marshall voicing which seems a touch underwhelming.


Walrus Audio Polychrome Analog Flanger - $199

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Walrus Audio Polychrome Analog Flanger

Controls : Rate, Depth, Sweep (Manual), Feedback, Shape : Sine/Triangle/Random, Voice : Full Frequency/Notched, D-F-V / Dry>Wet : Dry/Flange/Vibrato.

 

A compelling compact analog flanger - with really cool Random waveform option and a few distinct differences to typical flangers, but slightly underwhelming after I just acquired the Spaceman Aurora at the time which has quite a bit more about it. I always like to see secondary footswitches on these kinds of devices - for triggering, ramping and tap-tempo - where Walrus seems to be a little hit and miss with that - with some of its modulations properly versatile and dual-footswitch (Julianna and Monument) - while others are rather more basic. There are still some compelling tones to be found here - and I really like the artwork - so this is a likely addition during next year's '2022 Year of the Flanger' while it's not a dead cert yet. Still kind of weighing up its merits in my head - up against the Aurora, Supro, and Retro-Sonic Flanger. As mentioned I also have a very intriguing compact flanger inbound - which I will reveal soon enough! Decisions decisions!


The Longlist

  • 3 Degrees Bygones Nostalgic Multi-Effect - $325
  • Alexander Pedals Sugarcube Stereo Chorus, Vibrato and Rotary - $199
  • Alexander Pedals Syntax Error 2 Enhanced Audio Computer System - $299
  • All-Pedal Macrodose Envelope Filter - $325
  • AmpliTube X-Vibe Modulation Workstation - $300
  • AWOL Pedals Flow Envelope Filter - $120
  • Bananana Effects Tararira Arpeggiator 8-Step Pitch-Shifter Sequencer - $299
  • Boss IR-200 Amp & IR Cabinet - $399
  • Boss RC-600 Loop Station - $600
  • Boss SY-200 Synthesizer - $349
  • Chase Bliss Audio Expression Roller - $199
  • Cooper FX Arcades Satellite Card (XP-300 Space Station) - $50
  • Cooper FX Generation Loss VHS Tape Lo-Fi Modulator - $300
  • Cooper FX Expression Generator - $189
  • Cooper FX Signal Path Selector - $199
  • Crazy Tube Circuits Phi Golden Ratio V2 3-Circuit Analog Compressor - €229
  • Death By Audio w/ Levitation Speed Tripper Feedback Phasing Delay -$269
  • Demedash Effects T-60 Analog Modulator - $325
  • Dreadbox FX Lethargy 8-Stage OTA Phase Shifter - €160
  • Drunk Beaver Jellyfish MN3007 Analog BBD Chorus - $200
  • DryBell Vibe Machine V3 - $352 with F-1L Footswitch
  • Electro-Harmonix's Intelligent Harmony Machine / Pitch-Shifter - $230
  • Eventide Tricerachorus Pedal Stereo Chorus - $299
  • Flower Pedals Castilleja 4-Stage Optical Phaser / Vibe - $249
  • Free The Tone Motion Loop Stereo Sample-Repeater-Shifter - $350
  • Fuzzrocious Electric Ocean OTA Fuzz-Phaser - $189
  • Gamechanger Audio Bigsby Polyphonic Pitch-Shifter - €313
  • GFI System Rossie Dynamic Multi-Filter Pedal - $199
  • Horrothia Berkeley Uni-Vibe - £370
  • Ibanez PHMINI Analog Phaser Mini - $120
  • JHS Pedals 3 Series 6-Stage Phaser - $99
  • LPD Pedals Tidal Chorus - $225
  • Magnetic Effects Eye to Eye 4-Stage OTA Phaser - £139
  • Mattoverse Electronics Just a Phase Analog Phaser - $209
  • Mojo Hand FX Mr-O / Mister-O 6-Stage Phaser - $159
  • MXR Deep Phase 4/8 Stage Mini Phaser- $130
  • Paradox Effects Carmesí Sample & Hold Envelope-Follower 4/8 Stage Phaser - $200
  • PastFX Foot 6/10-Stage Phaser Deluxe - $249AUD
  • Pigtronix Moon Pool Tremvelope-Phaser Mini - $179
  • Pigtronix Space Rip Analog Phaser Mini - $179
  • Rainger FX Snare Trap Dynamic Beat Box - £275
  • Red Panda Bitmap V2 Bitcrusher - $299
  • Shift Line Prism II Stereo Filter Pad - $299
  • Sitek Phasia 4/5/6 Stage OTA Phase Shifter - €220
  • Spaceman Effects Aurora Analog Flanger - $319
  • Spaceman Effects Delta II Harmonic Tremolo - $229
  • Strymon Zelzah Dual Channel 4 + 6 Stage Multidimensional Phaser - $350
  • Supro Analog Stereo Chorus - $249
  • Supro Analog Stereo Flanger - $249
  • ThorpyFX Pulse Doppler 4-Stage Multi-Mode Analog Phase Shifter - £265
  • UAFX Astra Modulation Machine - $399
  • Walrus Audio Mako Series ACS1 Amp + Cab Simulator - $399
  • Walrus Audio Polychrome Analog Flanger - $199
  • Zander Circuitry Junipero V2 8-Mode Stereo Aqueous Modulator - £299

Final Thoughts

2021GPXBestNewModutilityYear700.jpg

I feel this is a pretty solid selection overall - even if somewhat skewed towards phasers - some incredibly innovative modulation, pitch-shifting and utility pedals here - with several on my wish / acquisitions list. I will probably be targeting flangers and choruses next year to some degree - so that will impact my focus and exploration.

 

While I'm really impressed with the recent Expression devices we've seen on the market - really neat compact solutions - both manual and automated! Top of my wishlist is probably the All-Pedal Macrodose, I'm also still intrigued by the Snare Trap - but not sure how / where I would accommodate it in the chain. And of course I really like the look of the new Bitmap V2 - but am still not sure whether to get that over and above the similarly sized WMD Geiger Counter.

 

I hope I've touched on some of your favourites here too - I was particularly impressed with the two new Boss's here and some of the extended-range phasers - Phasia, Pulse Doppler and Zelzah among them - Boss has definitely raised the bar further - while there are still a couple of quirks there to iron out - but hugely impressive overall.

 

It's always interesting to see which ones I go on to add in the following year/s, and which I never quite get around to - that is an entirely organic and opportunistic process for sure - oh - and the new CTC Phi Golden Ratio Compressor is right up there. I would imagine a cool half dozen of those I don't have here will be added - we will do another check in 12 months to see what actually landed!

 

As always - do let me know if you think I've overlooked anything! Always happy to hear your recommendations - even though they won't necessarily all match up to my own preferences!

Stefan Karlsson
Posted by Stefan Karlsson
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Stefan Karlsson
Stefan Karlsson
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