I love good aesthetics when it comes to pedals – visuals are the first things that draws you in, and today’s design sparks immediate and playful interest. The FROG Pedal from FruitFX Pedals and Jordan.Wav is exactly what you think from first glance: a pedal that sounds like a frog. This is no throwaway or child’s toy, however, as it is an instantaneous source of fun and sonic exploration. Sounding great on its own or...
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When pedals are hard to put into any true category or genre, you know you’re in for a real treat. When someone asks you to describe these types of effects, and your mind fills with so many different options, some of which you might not even understand, you know you have a real innovative creation at your fingertips. Such is the case with today’s wild, experimental and thought-provoking pedal, the Dobbo Granular FX from...
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Octave pedals add a whole new dimension to your sound, whether it’s from a guitar, bass, synth or whatever. Big box, old school pedals from Electro-Harmonix are fun to play, hands down. Put both of these things together, and you’ve got the 1970s Octave Multiplexer Analog Sub-Octave Generator, which we will be taking a look at today…(thanks to Anthony from Marla Amps for lending me this beauty) The EHX Octave...
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It’s been a hot minute since anything from TWA (Totally Wycked Audio) and Godlyke Distributing came through our shop, but today’s pedal definitely made the wait worth it. The Wahxidizer™ WX-01 Envelope-Controlled Octave Fuzz Filter Wah punches you right in the face from the moment it’s activated, and the distorted, vintage, wah-flavored tones just keep pouring out. Sporting a plethora of knobs and switches with which...
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After venturing in to see what the DigiTech Whammy II Harmonizer & Pitch Shifter had to offer last week, I was excited to see today’s pedal, and what it was capable of. Coming in a much smaller enclosure, and a quicker, more modern style, the Boss XS-1 Poly Shifter was the wonderful surprise I knew it would be. Bringing the world of pitch bending roaring into 2025, this baby blue gem defies space, time and logic, producing...
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Well, we’re back again today with another gem from the innovative crew at Chase Bliss. Their latest, the Lost + Found Collection of Curiosities, is unlike anything they’ve released before – and, as you may know, that’s saying something. Combining elements of Chorus, Compression, Reverb, Grain Sampling, Harmonizers, Looping, Octaves, Phasing and much more, this green monster will expand your soul and create new...
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Whenever a new pedal from Discomfort Designs shows up, there’s a rarified excitement that builds as I open the box and see what awaits. Today’s pedal, the Riemann’s Grave Octave Bit Crusher Distortion Filter, keeps that tradition in tact, with a wide array of controls, knobs and switches waiting to be poked, prodded and pummeled. Unlike most of the effects that I see come through the shop, this one will keep a smile...
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I love a good multi-effects unit, but many times they’re too big for a neat and tidy pedalboard. Today’s pedal throws all those rules out the window, providing more options than you’ll know what to do with in a package that’s about as small as it can be. The Valeton GP-5 Multi-FX Processor & IR Loader gives you advanced signal routing, a ton of effects, impulse response and much, much. more… Shop...
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After you hear about certain pedals for a while, even years, you start to wonder if, when you actually get a chance to play them, they’ll live up to the hype. Today’s pedal answers that question with a resounding YES, giving me all that I can handle and more, much to my delight. The Elektron Analog Drive Multi-Circuit Distortion brings together all the elements of dirt effects you could want, wide-ranging and expanding...
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The crew at Analog Music Company, based out of Kyiv, Ukraine, have always pushed the sonic and aesthetic boundaries of what is capable in an effects pedal, and I’m happy once again to bring you another of their creations today. While it make look a little more toned-down than some of their other units, the Notorious Rabbit Octave Fuzz is a pedal that’s anything but basic. The range of sounds pouring out of this black...
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Ever get the feeling that *something* is missing in your signal chain? Something that will add *that thing* you need to complete the sound in your head? Today’s pedal, the OC-2 Octave from Boss, has been one of those pedals for over 4 decades, adding depth and beefy low frequencies to thin rigs and signal paths. One of my favorite pedals of all time, come along as we dive in and see what it can do… The OC-2 Octave pedal...
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We’re continuing out look at the Rockready lineup of pedals today, with another mini effect that produces BIG sounds. The OC-1 Octaver gives you three different octave modes to use, which you can blend together at will, creating unique and intriguing sounds with ease. Plug it in, twist some knobs, and you’ve got some wicked good tones at your fingertips in mere seconds… The Octave OC-1, produces 3 octaves AND blends...
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Who doesn’t love a great-sounding portable/practice amp, especially one with built-in FX, a tuner, Bluetooth connectivity and more? Well, if you do, you’re gonna love today’s piece of gear, the Katana-Mini X 10W Battery Powered Guitar Amp from our friends at BOSS. This little guy packs a LOT into a small package, changing the way you might think about small amplifiers, and perhaps changing the way you write and...
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Today, we’re diving into the wild world of synth pedals – the Console 84 Dual Oscillator Guitar Synth is unlike ANY I’ve come across, however, which makes it that much more compelling. Conceived and tested over the course of a 5-year journey, this creation comes to us via Parasit Studio in the northern part of Sweden. Based around the features and the limitations of the AVR32DB48 microcontroller, the main inspiration...
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I’m excited to bring you all yet another collaboration pedal today, this time it’s Eventide and Third Man that are teaming up on a wild and crazy sonic adventure. With guitar god Jack White on board as well, they’ve all created the Knife Drop Sub-Octave Fuzz & Analog Synth, a completely over-the-top-awesome sonic noise machine that channels your favorite fuzzy synthesizer sounds, along with some new ones...
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We recently had a pedal from our old friends at Animals Pedal come through the shop, and when they sent the Push & Pull Distortion over, they also send a couple others, which we continue to check out today. They have always been known for the eclectic and long names for their pedals, and the In Oct,3 Foxes Talking of Dreamy Fuzz keeps that train a-rollin’. Shop Animals Pedal on Amazon – https://amzn.to/4fPEJE9 Reed-like...
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We’re back with another wild, amazing, unconventional effects machine from the crew at Old Blood Noise Endeavors today! Although it has been discontinued, the Mondegreen Modulated Delay is still readily available on the used market, and it is one of the crazier, more inspiring delays I’ve played in quite a while. Feeding delay into modulation, the crazy possibilities of a pedal like this are basically limitless…if...
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We’re back today with the latest incarnation of the amazing Ampero Series of multi-effects units from our friends at Hotone. This latest one, the Ampero II CDCM HD Gen 2 Amp Modeler / Effects Processor, brings familiar layouts, options and connectivity together with some new innovations, upgrades and sonic improvements. If you can’t already tell from the photos, this is a complex machine, with lots to discover…but...
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What a day! After this morning’s release of the new UAFX Enigmatic ’82 Overdrive Special Amp from Universal Audio, this afternoon brings us a release from another one of our favorite companies: Keeley Electronics. Going off the beaten sonic path in a BIG way, they’ve released the Octa Psi Transfigurating Fuzz, which mixes distortion, fuzz, octave and pitch shifting together in some of the most unique ways we’ve...
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Well, it’s time for another sonic adventure as we journey down the wonderful rabbit hole that is Chase Bliss. Their latest offering is the Onward Dynamic Sampler, and it may be one of the most impressive and experimental pedals they’ve done – and that’s saying something. Sampling your input signal and then twisting it, wrenching it, looping it, destroying it and more, this pedal is full of excitement, wonder...
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It’s time for another EHX pedal, kiddos, and this one just happens to be a collaboration with another of our favorite pedal companies. The Electro-Harmonix / JHS Pedals Lizard Queen Octave Fuzz Distortion brings together an original circuit with some vintage tones, for an affordable, amp-crushing effects unit. We love it when pedal companies join together for new creations – let’s dive in and see what they’ve...
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The Octave effect genre adds a layer of sound to your tone that can turn heads and perk up eardrums in any musical situation. Whether it’s an up or down (or mix of both) octave, it will beef up you tone and add dimension to any song, riff or lead part you’ve got. Today, we’re visiting with our friends at Asheville Guitar Pedals once more, to check out their simple but simply rad Analog Octave Up effects unit…...
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When the crew at Lerxst Amps sent us the two pedals they designed with Alex Lifeson of Rush, we were, needless to say, stoked. The By-Tor Overdrive Boost was the first one, and it turned out to be an incredible amp-driving powerhouse. Today’s effect is the complimentary (if you know your Rush songs) Snow Dog Octave Fuzz. A completely different pedal and sound from the first one, the Snow Dog gets really dirty, adding elements to...
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The folks at Stone Deaf have never shied away from intriguing, boundary-busting effects creations, and today might be their most ambitious yet. The Rise & Shine Fuzz Octave Tremolo not only combines those three effects into one box, it changes the way you will forever hear them moving forward (in the best of ways). Big tones, bold sonic creations, unusual pairings – this pedal has go it all… Elevate your musical...
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Today’s pedal is both brand new and not…if that can make any sense. The now-resurrected and much-revered Octave Clang from Death By Audio is BACK, bringing its unique sound along with some new improvements and sonic options to the table. As usual, this DBA unit isn’t for everyone, but it should be, ’cause it is WICKED AWESOME… In the decade since it disappeared, Death By Audio revisited the original Clang...
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The Ampero line of multi effects processors and modelers has always been a joy to review and demo, and we’re stoked to be back at it again today. The latest creation from our friends at Hotone comes in the form of the Ampero II Stage Amp Modeler / Effects Processor, the newest in this series, and I’m pretty sure the most powerful yet. It’s a true wonder how they pack all of the amps, cabs, effects, routing, parameter...
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As many of you may know, the 3 Series of affordable effects from JHS Pedals has been out for a while now…what you might NOT realize is that today we’re taking a look at our FIRST ONE!! The Octave Reverb from this series is based on a well-known and well-loved effect, created by a well-known and well-loved musician and producer (any guesses?), and it sounds amazing. With a minimal design aesthetic and minimal controls,...
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Multi-effects units are always a blast to explore, and when they’re in Stereo, it’s even more fun. The ALABS Audio Orbital Pitch Shifter is a stereo digital pedal, offering a wide range of pitch-shifting effects, including Pitch Shifter, Octave, Micropitch, Harmonizer, Whammy Sound and more. Other features include Differential True Stereo mode, analog dry-through and two selectable Bypass modes, plus momentary operation...
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We’re rounding out the run of latest pedal releases from Flamma today, checking out the boomy FS08 Octave. The green gem offers detailed control over this expertly crafted effect, allowing players to punch through with added polyphonic octaves. Players can simultaneously add extra bass frequencies and brighten up their high end with an extra one or two-octave range… This polyphonic octave effect provides individual...
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The crew at Elysian Pedals sent us over a couple of effects to check out, and we’re stoked to bring you the first one today. The cleverly-titled It’s Not Brain Surgery Octave Fuzz combines two classic effects into one versatile pedal, one that sounds killer on both guitar and bass. Basically a 2-In-1, this inventive machine will take your tone to the unknown and beyond… The Octave side features a couple of knobs and...
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Every version of the Ampero family of Amp Modelers and Effects Processors from our friends at Hotone Audio has come our way, and we’re exctied as always to bring you the latest version today. The Ampero MINI takes everything you know and love about these units and squishes them into a small, compact enclosure, perfect for any pedalboard or tabletop rig. And since there’s no compromise in sound quality or endless IRs,...
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We love it when the crew at Beetronics releases a new effects pedal that we can all buzz around about, and are excited to continue that today. May we present to you the Octahive V2 High Octave Buzz, a fuzz and octave hybrid that conjures up vintage sounds from decades gone past. Let’s jump right in and investigate this new and exciting creation, shall we? The Octahive is one of Beetronics’ most legendary bees, one...
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It’s always a treat when a pedal from EarthQuaker Devices makes its way into the shop here at Pedal of the Day, and today’s effect keeps that streak rolling strong. The Astral Destiny Octave Reverb combines two classic and comparable effects into one pedal, making it easy to experiment and explore just how these two genres interact. Lots of knobs, lots of tone and lots of fun, let’s dive a bit deeper and see what...
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It’s New Release Day from our pals over at Walrus Audio, and by now you know there’s a good chance it’s going to be something special… well, you’re correct. Picking up where the Lore Reverse Soundscape Generator left off, the Fable Granular Soundscape Generator is a sampler/delay pedal spewing forth glitchiness, pitch shifting, time stretching, reverse sounds and much, much more. Step into this wild sonic...
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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) I Have Too Many Pedals, How To Pare Down By Shawn Leonhardt for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer, the original platform for online guitar lessons. There comes a point where every guitar player realizes they have too many effects pedals! It’s true, it happens, but you don’t need to get rid of any, you just...
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Our first journey into the world of Sentimental Bob Electronics in Ukraine was the amazing Tacana Tap Tremolo, and it’s been three long years since. Thankfully, a package arrived a little while ago that contained not one but TWO new devices from these guys, and we’re excited to bring you the first today. The Tephra Distortion looks amazing right out of the box, one of those pedals you can just tell is gonna rock…and...
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A good multi-effects unit is always fun to take a look at, and when it’s focused on modulation, delay and reverb, it makes it that much better. The PLETHORA X3 TonePrint Pedalboard from TC Electronic takes its origin from the larger PLETHORA X5, slimming it down for an easier fit on your board, while still giving you the quality effects you need. We love the versatility in this unit, and can’t wait to dig in with you all...
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Pedals that you can’t really accurately describe with words, or categorize with ease, have always been favorites around here, and today’s effect falls squarely into these boxes. The Great Fantabulizing Whatsitdo (great name, right?) from Whimsy Machines acts as an octave fuzz of sorts, with elements of filtering, pitch shifting and, of course, angry mobs of robotic bees swarming with a vengeance. Yeah, this is a fun one,...
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The fine folks over at Eventide have been big supporters of Pedal of the Day for years now – we’ve reviewed just about every one of their modern pedals, and have been lucky enough to be included in their last several new release days as well. Today, we’re doing it once again, and with possibly their biggest, most grandiose effects unit to date. The H90 Harmonizer® takes everything that we all love about the...
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Happy Halloween, everybody! In keeping with the spookiness, oddities and non-normal activities of this All Hallows’ Eve, we’ve got an effects unit that defies all logic and convention, giving “out-of-the-box” an entirely new meaning. The aptly named Riemann’s Grave Modulated Allfiter from Discomfort Designs is a curate trio of biquad filters paired with a sample rate reducer. If that doesn’t confuse...
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(This article comes from our friends at GuitarTricks.com – check out their site for tons of guitar-related tips and tricks!!) How To Get The Most Out Of Your Pedals By Steven Kendzorski for Guitar Tricks and 30 Day Singer, the original platform for online guitar lessons. I have GAS, and it’s bad. GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) is a common ailment among new guitar players, triggered by tone-envy, causing them to spend every...
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Along with many, many others around the world, we love us some Walrus Audio gear around here. And, as always, a new release from these guys exciting our wonder and curiosity, leading up to the point when today’s pedal was finally delivered to our doorstep. The Lore Reverse Soundscape Generator uses reverse reverbs and delays feeding back into each other, for stretching, warping, pitch-shifting, and time-bending glory....
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Octave pedals don’t tend to get the hype and focus that modulation, overdrive, delay and reverb might, but we’re gonna try to change that. Today’s pedal, the October Audio Junk Lantern Dirty Octave Up Fuzz, provides a unique spin on a genre that you might normally overlook. Easy to dial in while full-ranged and inspiring, this little gem will make you rethink how you approach your next songwriting session…...
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It seems that whenever the word “Engine” is mixed in with the title or description of an effect, it’s guaranteed to be contain elements not thought of before. Today’s pedal, the Thermion Stone Age Fuzz Tone Engine, lives up to that stereotype, providing an options-laden fuzz topped with 2 other signal blends and a slew of controls to fit any rig. Powerful, bold and experimental, we love pedals like this, so...
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Aesthetics are a part of how we all choose pedals, let’s face it. While everyone’s tastes are certainly different, something that POPS out to us individually can sometimes sway our gear choices, which brings us to today’s featured effect. The All-Pedal Love Machine Octave Fuzz doesn’t just look incredible, it also sounds that way, so let’s dive right in and see what’s in store… As soon as you...
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We live in an effects pedal world that can sometimes become saturated with run-of-the-mill 2- and 3-knob units that don’t necessarily stand out from the crowd. Today’s pedal, the VVco Pedals Sports Almanac Theremin, is the exact opposite of this, bringing new and exciting sonic ideas to the table. With just 2 knobs and 1 switch, it isn’t overly complex, but it will leave your head and ears spinning… The Sports...
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We have had the pleasure of reviewing every iteration of the Ampero Series of effects units from Hotone Audio thus far, and we’re going to keep that streak alive today. Presenting the new Ampero II Stomp, and amp modeler and effects processor that takes everything from the previous versions and pushes them to their limits. Ampero II Stomp implements brand new tri-core digital platform and independent AD/DA from ESS® Sabre®...
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]With a super unique look and a ton of unique sounds, it’s safe to say that Fjord Fuzz doesn’t conform to normal pedal-building standards. And we love it. After checking out their BJØRN and BIFROST pedals, we couldn’t wait to see what was next. Well, the ODIN V2 Octave Fuzz has arrived, and has exceeded our expectations once again… Taking one of the best octave-up fuzz circuit designs of all time, the ODIN V2...
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We love to dive in and explore any sort of Multi-Effects units that come our way – they can hold so many effects and combinations, the possibilities to what you can create are endless. Today, we’re checking out the newest unit from Valeton, the GP-100VT Multi-Effects Processor. Crammed full of all your favorite effects, amps, cabs, presets, a looper and more, this little machine has got a lot to offer. The design and...
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After the wild recent successes that were the NU-33 Vinyl Engine and Imperial Fuzz MKII, we couldn’t wait to check out some more pedals from our friends at SolidGoldFX. Today, we’re gonna gaze lovingly into the eyes of the EM-III Multi-Head Octave Echo, which are a bunch of words not commonly heard mashed together. This delay takes us on a crazy sonic adventure, with new and exciting twists and turns around every...
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