„Always on“ pedals

Ask the DudeOn many pedalboards you can find pedals that stay on all the time and occasionally the question comes to your mind, if you might have chosen the wrong equipment to create the sound you actually long for. Continue reading “„Always on“ pedals”

Tips & Tricks: DigiTech SDRUM in sync with the TC Electronic DITTO X4 Part 2

SDRUM DITTOBecause of numerous requests, I would like to illuminate some aspects concerning the synchronization of the SDRUM and the DITTO X4. Continue reading “Tips & Tricks: DigiTech SDRUM in sync with the TC Electronic DITTO X4 Part 2”

„Analog dry thru“ – the new “true bypass”?

Ask the DudeFor a long time, the question if a pedal has true bypass or not, was a decisive aspect concerning the decision to get it or not.
At the moment you can find many discussions about the question if a pedal has got analog dry thru and, if it lacks analog dry thru, if this fact influences the sound and the way you interact with your equipment. Continue reading “„Analog dry thru“ – the new “true bypass”?”

Are there analog delays without white noise?

Ask the DudeBesides spectacular delays every analog delay produces white noise.
Generally, one can say that the proportion of white noise increases in dependency of the delay time.
To some this unintended noise represent an important part of an analog character, others prefer digital delays to produce a signal that is more clear. Continue reading “Are there analog delays without white noise?”

Tips& Tricks: What’s wrong with my pedal – first aid instructions part 2

Tips & tricksThe first part of this continuous series was dedicated to general sources of error concerning effect pedals. In this part I would like to focus on some details. Continue reading “Tips& Tricks: What’s wrong with my pedal – first aid instructions part 2”

Tips & Tricks: EQing Delay Pedals

Tips & tricksOverdrive pedals mostly provide a tone control to adapt the frequencies of the distortion to the amp and the guitar.
Unfortunately, many delays lack this feature or you will at best get a low pass or low cut filter.
Although for delays in particular, it is important to fit into the mix quite well. Continue reading “Tips & Tricks: EQing Delay Pedals”

The first batch Problem

Ask the DudeRight after the advent of first rumors, NAAM news and reviews the pedal addict is longing for the releasing day of the coveted pedal.
Unable to wait, the European guitarists are tempted to order the stompbox in the United States before it is available in Europe. Continue reading “The first batch Problem”

Which pedal should I get: DOD Rubberneck vs. MXR Carbon Copy Deluxe?

The DOD Rubberneck and the MXR Carbon Copy Deluxe are two terrific analog delays with numerous features which have been put on the market recently. Continue reading “Which pedal should I get: DOD Rubberneck vs. MXR Carbon Copy Deluxe?”

Tremolo effects

Effect PedalTo modulate sound signals by rhythmical amplitude fluctuations was a technique that has already been used in the 1950s and became famous again through grunge music.
Besides the first DeArmond tremolo effect, about which I already wrote in this article, there are many other possibilities to produce a tremolo effect. Continue reading “Tremolo effects”

The sound of the TC Electronic 2290 in a stompbox?

TC Electronic 2290The TC Electronic 2290 might the most legendary digital delay ever.
You can find it in countless studios and racks.
But what is it that makes this device legendary? And are there adequate emulation pedals? Continue reading “The sound of the TC Electronic 2290 in a stompbox?”

Flanger

Effect PedalAt the moment flanger pedals are rather unpopular- maybe because they have been used far too often in the 80s or maybe because of their distinctive sound.
But not all flange effects are equal and depending on the way of use a flange effect can sound quite interesting. Continue reading “Flanger”

Tips & Tricks: Tape delay sounds without a tape?

Tips & tricksThe charm of tape delays is unique, and their digital emulations are pretty popular.

But what makes this tape echo sound and is it possible to get this sound without a tape echo emulation? Continue reading “Tips & Tricks: Tape delay sounds without a tape?”

Effect History: Multi Digital Delays – Current developments (Part 3)

Effect PedalIn part 1 and 2 I have dedicated myself to the beginnings of multi digital delays and the second generation of this kind of pedals.
Recently there occurred some new developments concerning delays, so I would like to present the latest multi delays. Continue reading “Effect History: Multi Digital Delays – Current developments (Part 3)”

Effect History: Multi Digital Delays (Part 2)

Effect PedalThe next generation

The first part of this series was about the Boss DD-20 and the Line6 DL4.
Both pedals have been the standard for a long time and still they are pretty popular.
But they have been replaced by technically extensive pedals of the next generation. Continue reading “Effect History: Multi Digital Delays (Part 2)”