Ritual Devices Cauldron is a Single Mono FX Loop Parallel Blender which allows you to cleverly combine and build up effects in parallel

This Cauldron Parallel Blender device really could not be simpler - it’s something that Wub has always wanted for his own needs - and provides a simple single Mono Parallel Channel solution at an affordable level - of £120.

The Cauldron has just 2 Knobs - Loop Boost and Dry / Loop Mix - alongside the regular TS Ins and Outs - and also of course that FX Send-Return / Insert Loop - which interestingly connects to the top mounted jacks! It’s often the other way around - with the dry signal up top, and the loop in the middle!

The idea simply is to combine typically just 2 effects in parallel, while you can blend more evolved chains - but parts of those would be in series - as per the illustration too.

Modulations and spatial effects often sound great in the loop and in parallel - and you often usually get a more open soundstage - as series stacking always leads to excess compression. Stacking in  parallel gives you a little more play and flexibility.

This works pretty well as it of course would - being a very simple device. I already have several more expansive parallel blenders - where my GigRig Wetter Box, and Cosmic Loop FX Parallelarator can blend several channels in stereo - and even output to Wet-Dry-Wet. My Great Eastern XO Variable Crossover Blender has an added EQ targeting component - and there you essentially have two loops on the pedal. While the Cualdron simply provide a single mono effects loop. Which should suit the majority. Those more evolved devices obviously have a significantly higher price point!

The Cauldron typically comes in black, while I got one of the early prototype versions in white - which are very attractive. It’s a useful utility for most to have in reserve - white you’re not necessarily always going to use it - unless you have some very spedific applications - for instance running a Phaser in Parallel.

The Cauldron is available right now on the Ritual Devices Webstore - where it goes for £120 as mentioned. This is an ideal utility for mono boards in particular - with myriad well-known applications!