The first time we ever heard about the Black Cat Vibe, it was doing research on the rig of Trey Anastasio, who used to keep the original half unit in his on-stage rack (known then as the Custom Audio Electronics Black Cat Vibe). Since those particular units were pretty rare and pretty expensive, we never got to fully appreciate and play with the sound we came to know and love. Recently, however, we acquired the newer pedal version of this beast, and haven’t been able to put it down.
This pedalboard-friendly version offers up all the same circuitry as the original units did, but having it right at your feet is an easier option for most players. Volume adjusts the overall output of the Vibe, Intensity controls the depth or amount of the effect in your signal, and Speed adjusts the rate as well. This parameter can also be controlled by an external Expression pedal, such as a Roland EV-5 or Moog EP-2, through the Exp jack on top of the unit. When plugged in, the Speed knob is disengaged, and the expression pedal becomes the only source to control the Rate.
If you aren’t sold on the pedal and still want a rack unit, Black Cat just reissued those as well, but the pedal version suits us just fine. If you’re on the fence about this effect for some reason, just ask Steve Lukather, Michael Landau, Lenny Kravitz, Dave Schools, Elliott Randall or Chris Poland – they all use and love it, so why wouldn’t you? This is another fantastic machine in the long list of effects from Black Cat‘s current lineup – we want to see and hear more of what they’ve come up with, and plan on having more reviews and demos of their gear coming oyur way in the very near future. In the meantime, head over to their website and see what possibilities await you and your tone…
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