Pigtronix EP2 Envelop Filter
What a beautiful sound. I love my Phase90, but when this thing has both the envelope filter and phaser engaged I'm in swirly acid induced hallucination freak out heaven. I love this thing!
The Pigtronix EP2 Envelope Phaser is more than just an EP1 in a smaller box. The EP2 has been redesigned in collaboration with Howard Davis to provide the most top-notch envelope based phaser on the planet. The Pigtronix EP2 Envelope Phaser features tons of control, full frequency response, and versatility that is heretofore unmatched in the effects pedal industry. The Sensitivity knob controls the amount of signal needed to open the envelope follower while the Depth knob controls the amount of LFO modulation. The Center knob adjusts where in the audio spectrum the LFO is sweeping.
The Pigtronix EP2 Envelope Phaser features a Blend switch that blends between LFO and EF modulation as well. The usual Speed and Depth controls are present as well as a Resonance control that adjusts the amount of the effected signal that is fed back into the phaser creating deep, swooshing effects. The Pigtronix EP2 Envelope Phaser functions as both an LFO based phase effect as well as an envelope follower and can be switched back and forth with a footswitch.
The EF has switches to choose between up and down waves as well as a Staccato switch that enables the EF to track super fast notes and open on every one. The Pigtronix EP2 Envelope Phaser has more features than a new Lexus but dont let that stop you. There are more sweet sounding effects hidden in this box that you could dream of.
T-Rex Tremonti Phase Shifter
I've mentioned previously how much I like Mark Tremonti as a guitarist. We all look back and snigger at Creed, but they were a very good band, and Alter Bridge are brilliant. So when I saw that T-Rex were releasing a signature phaser it got my attention. Why? i already knew Tremonti used T-Rex, but I also knew that he currently uses an MXR Phase90, a pedal I own and adore, for his phasing needs. Could the new T-Rex pedal top the Phase90.
Amazingly, the answer is yes.
The Tremonti Phaser delivers everything you expect in a phaser and then some. The Stage switch lets you choose between a raw, vintage-sounding effect and a richer, more modern swirl. And the ingenious Bite knob adds a sexy overdrive edge to any setting. Very nice indeed.
After being presented with the pedal he instantly replaced his Phase90 on his pedal board. That's a sign of a quality product. Check out the sound of this awesome pedal below.
More Behringer Pedals
It's hard to fathom that in the short time since they entered the effect pedal market, Behringer have knocked up more than 80 models. The latest is more bass heavy, but one pedal got my attention, the PHASER PH9.
I love my old trust MXR Phase-90. It is one of my favourite toys. It is also very expensive. For those who have not had the pleasure of playing with a 90 degree phaser you are missing out. From Behringer:
The PH9 features amazing 90° phase shifting with spacey warbles and mind-blowing, hypnotic swirls. The dedicated Rate control determines the speed of the phase-shifting effect while the Swirl switch changes the phasing character from modern to vintage. A status LED for effect On/Off and battery check is included, plus there is a true hard-wire bypass for ultimate signal integrity. The PH9 runs on a 9 V battery or a DC power supply (not included).
Think EVH, - even has his own Phase-90 model - think Lenny Kravitz "Are You Gonna Go My Way" breakdown pre solo. Thats what we are talking about here. Gotta love it.
And while I was at the Behringer site I came across something else I am after, a noise suppressor. The INTELLIGATE IG9 may be an affordable solution to the issue of signal noise from long chains of effects. Most good units cost a pretty penny, but like all the other Behringer pedals this thing won't break the bank.
This clever stomp box is specifically designed to achieve super-effective noise suppression without any guitar signal deterioration. It ensures high signal integrity through very fast attack time, program-adaptive release time and frequency-selective noise suppression. A status LED for effect On/Off and battery check is included, plus there is a true hard-wire bypass for ultimate signal integrity. The IG9 runs on a 9 V battery or a DC power supply (not included).
I am a fan of these pedals, not just for the fact i think the bang for the buck is amazing. These pedals are of good a quality to be much more in price, but more for what Behringer is doing. They are enabling musicians. The let us get quality hardware (not just guitar stuff) at affordable prices to do what we do best, make music. I have several Behringer mics, preamps, monitor speakers, all of which stack up to their more expensive counterparts. This is turn increases the competition for the big boys, making them cut prices and innovate more to keep up with this new level of freedom of choice in the market. As musicians we should all thank Behringer for making our lives that bit easier.
