Xploration • Curation • Recommendation
SolidGoldFX releases a brand new take on VibraPhase - the Aurras 2-Stage Optical Phase-Shifter
Key Points
SolidGoldFX's Aurras 2-Stage Optical Phase-Shifter is a new, expanded take on their 2-stage VibraPhase (follow-up to the Athena, 2019). The write-up compares it to Zvex's VibroPhase, noting Zvex was subtle and Aurras offers more intensity.
Key features: 100% analog audio path; 2-stage asymmetric phase shifter using two selected, individually controlled opto-isolators; Dry Mix; dual LFOs driven by a microprocessor; Frequency Offset and Phase Offset modes; on-board tap tempo, speed ramping, expression input; soft-touch relay true bypass; hand-made in Montreal; powered by 9V DC (centre‑, 2.1 mm, 25 mA).
Controls include Speed, Offset Adjust/Mode, Level, Depth, Frequency/Phase, Dry Mix, Tap (hold for ramp up), and Bypass (hold for ramp down). As of now, the price was £209; available from the SolidGoldFX Webstore.
Interestingly this is SolidGoldFX’s second take on a 2-Stage VibraPhase pedal - where it originally had the Athena VibraPhase out back in 2019 - which seems to have been discontinued for a while now. I’m not sure how much overlap there is between the two - while the new Aurras seems to be more of a carte blanche re-development than a straight-up evolution or iteration.
The text for the Athena does not mention the Optical components / Opto-Isolators - while both are described as being sort of Uni-Vibey VibraPhase Phase-Shifter type modulations. The Athena variety had knobs for Speed, Depth, and Level, and Toggle-switches for Mode and Color. The brand new Aurras seems a lot more specialist / expansive with a few more uniquely labelled controls.
Aurras Controls - Speed, Offset Adjust, Level, Depth, Offset Mode, Frequency / Phase, Dry Mix, Tap Tempo Footswitch / Hold for Ramp Up, Bypass Footswitch / Hold for Ramp Down.
The Aurras certainly seems improved in every area vs the Athena, while it still has an ’arch’ motif to its artwork - but the Aurras seems a lot more imposing and flavoursome than its predecessor.
Another interesting tangent is Zvex’s VibroPhase - which I already have - i.e. Vibro rather than Vibra but essentially the same component word, and conceivably a similar concept. I always found the Zvex VibroPhase a little subtle - still pretty classic, but could have done with a little more intensity. That part seems to be taken care of by the Aurras.
There’s so much to like here - especially the classic Analog Heart / Digital Brain approach. And readers will already know how much I like dual-footswitch compacts! This sits very much within the Uni-Vibe family, and for sure goes straight in on the wishlist for me!
It’s very reasonably priced at $209 - and available for order right now from the SolidGoldFX Webstore. Hopefully imminently at International dealers too! I think I like everything about this pedal - its output, form factor and artwork!
KEY FEATURES :
- Optical Phase-Shifter effects pedal
- 100% analog audio path from input to output
- 2-stage asymmetric phase shifter built around a pair of selected and individually controlled opto-isolators
- Dry Mix for tones and textures ranging from soft Vibrato to lush Uni-Vibe like sounds
- Dual LFO setup powered by a microprocessor, providing limitless sonic flexibility
- 2 modes for increased versatility
- Frequency Offset - adds rhythmic patterns by slowing down the second LFO
- Phase Offset - fine-tunes the throb by introducing asymmetry between the LFOs
- On-board tap tempo, speed ramping and expression pedal input
- Soft-touch relay-based True bypass switching
- Hand-made in Montreal, Canada
- Powered by a regular 9V DC PSU (centre -, 2,1 mm, 25 mA current draw at 9V)
- MAP / RRP : $209
Demos
