Xploration • Curation • Recommendation
Ritual Devices' Rainmaker is an exceptionally versatile and well-named LFO Modulator - which delivers delightful subtle pitter-patter, pulsing tremolo and lively fluttery vibrato tones
I picked up the 4th and final pedal from the Ritual Devices Flagship Quadfecta at the recent Kempton Park Show. Those are all part of the acid etched and enamelled series - which features the EVOL Fuzz, Grimalkin Fuzz, Fay Phase Filter Modulator, and this Rainmaker LFO Modulator.
The MVP control here is the Texture one - which controls the Dry/Wet Mix in such a clever way - taking you from subtle rain-drop like pitter-patter, through pulsing / pulsating tremolo, and onto vibrant fluttery vibrato - which sounds especially good with the Tilt EQ delivering a little more brightness.
It features a fairly simple but potent control topology :
Controls - Depth (Intensity), Freq (Speed / Rate), Level (Output), Tilt (EQ : < darker | brighter >), Texture (Dry/Wet Mix Patter > Tremolo > Vibrato), Engage / On/Off Footswitch, Speed Multiplier Footswitch - Slow/Fast!
The Texture control is so good - that I've recommended Wub include an expression port on the next iteration - so that you can change the nature of the output texture on the fly - ramping up through all those different gears.
Both the core Pulsting Tremolo and Fluttery Vibrato sound gorgeous - Texture is very much the operative word here - as that dial holds so much sway.
It's one of those devices that is instantly satisfying - and a quick tweak across the knobs really reveals its characters clearly. It's a beautifully balanced modulation - which such depth of flavour - much like its 'Fay' sibling - both those modulators are exceptional - and those etched and enamelled finishes - look like they're straight out of the Victorian artisanal era.
I really like each of my Quadfecta Flagship pedals - and it's tricky to pull out a favourite from all of those - each has its own brilliance.
The Rainmaker looks really simple on the surface - but like all of those Quadfecta pedals - it has some hidden depths. Seeing how good Wub is at Modulations - I would really love to seem him attempt a multi-modulator all in the same enclosure - which takes you through all of the major foodgroups. Like a more analog versions of the Kernom Elipse.
This is definitely a 2-in-1, if not 3-in-1 modulator with those 3 key attributes coming into focus as you dial the Textue control across the span of its taper.
And much like the Fay Phase Filter Modulation - this Rainmaker has largely the same impact on me. All of Wub's pedals seem to have hidden depths and 'other sides' of operation. Both modulations are really easy to dial in in too, while the Fuzzes are a little more complex.
I actually think I prefer getting those pedals in one at a time - so each can have its space to shine. If too many pedals from the same brand come in at one time - they tend to overshadow each other, and you're less likely to get the best of them or discover their hidden depths,
These are definitely devices that are worth savouring!
My preferred settings are : Depth @ 2 o'c, Freq @ 3 o'c, Level @ Noon (Yes plenty of everything onboard including Volume), Tilt EQ @ 3 o'c, and the Texture control variously at pitter-patter 9 o'c, Pulsing Tremolo 12 o'c, and Fluttery Vibrato 3 o'c. And I love using the right-hand Speed Multiplier to Slow down and Speed up the LFO - just functions beautifully musically!
The Rainmaker can be yours for a very reasonable £249 on the Ritual Devices Webstore. Which for some may feel on the pricier side - but the level of workmanship here and analog THT nature - and smart engineering - is exceptional.
I often talk about the ownership experience of pedals and brands - and for hose Flagship Quadfecta Riual Devices pedals - they're a real delight to own and deploy!
Demos
