Best Step Phase?

bobulibobium · #1 05-24-2009, 04:59 AM

i allready have a small stone, which is a really phaser i must say! however, ive been impressed by the sound of step phasers, and was wondering what people thought were the best, or the best for money?

the PH-3 seemed ok. wasnt too sure on low end loss. i dont really care on amount of swell, i just want some crazy arpeggiated step phasing sounds :P

sound clips/videos would be awesome

thanks

bass-shy · #2 05-24-2009, 08:22 AM

I've only tried a few but I thought the Boss PH-3 was the best by a long shot. The others were a Step patch on an old Zoom BFX-708 Multi and the Digitech Hyper Phase. If you don't really like the Boss, stay far away from the Digitech. The Hyper Phase does have some very useful, traditional settings, though. It's more vocal-like than the PH-3.

4StringsEnough · #3 05-24-2009, 12:49 PM

I've used the Digitech Hyperphase and thought it was great. Nice sounds, very versatile and the step phase worked well. Each to their own...

SoonerMatt · #4 05-24-2009, 12:50 PM

I know Big O did a blind comparison thread with three #-stage phasers a while ago; I'll see if I can dig it up.

That was quick: Phaser Battle Royale

bigchiefbc · #5 05-24-2009, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoonerMatt

I know Big O did a blind comparison thread with three #-stage phasers a while ago; I'll see if I can dig it up.

That was quick: Phaser Battle Royale

None of those have a step-phaser mode.

As for the OP question, I tried both the Boss and the Digitech, and definitely preferred the Boss. I noticed no real low-end loss (except for when the sweep hit the bottom of the wave, obviously), and the Boss has tap-tempo and expression control, which is sweet.

Jared Lash · #6 05-24-2009, 01:21 PM

The BEST step phaser is the Prophecy Sound Infinitphase, but you'd be looking at a $1000 or so price tag if you could even find one. My old guitar player has one and it's the only one I've ever seen. That thing is a beast, both in terms of size/# of knobs and sound.

I believe the ModMax phaser can do step phasing but I haven't tried it myself and it's also a pretty pricey option. fightthepower could probably answer this for sure, but I believe you can do something similar with the Moog phaser in conjunction with the MP-201.

But in terms of affordable options, I think you're limited to the Digitech Hyperphase and Boss PH-3. I actually liked the Digitech's step mode slightly more, it was less smooth which I dug. But as much as I like step phasing, I didn't dig either of them enough as straight phasers to keep them around.

SoonerMatt · #7 05-24-2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigchiefbc

None of those have a step-phaser mode.

As for the OP question, I tried both the Boss and the Digitech, and definitely preferred the Boss. I noticed no real low-end loss (except for when the sweep hit the bottom of the wave, obviously), and the Boss has tap-tempo and expression control, which is sweet.

Oh, STEP phase. Thought the thread said "stage." My bad

SteveMcB · #8 05-24-2009, 02:20 PM

Haven't tried it on bass, but the Marshall regenerator has a step phaser and a bunch of other stuff and can be had for cheap, so try it out if you get a chance.

Steve

Jared Lash · #9 05-24-2009, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveMcB

Haven't tried it on bass, but the Marshall regenerator has a step phaser and a bunch of other stuff and can be had for cheap, so try it out if you get a chance.

Steve

Good catch, I forgot about the Marshall. I've never tried that one though so I can't offer an opinion either way.

bobulibobium · #10 05-25-2009, 04:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveMcB

Haven't tried it on bass, but the Marshall regenerator has a step phaser and a bunch of other stuff and can be had for cheap, so try it out if you get a chance.

Steve

yeh, thats the only other step phaser ive found on youtube. cant find anything but the PH-3 or the marshall. looked pretty allright, not sure how it handles bass though :P

any clips of the step phase in action on the aforementioned pedals?

bobulibobium · #11 05-26-2009, 12:48 AM

still looking

SteveMcB · #12 05-26-2009, 02:50 AM

Sorry, I don't own the regenerator so can't provide clips.

Steve

bobulibobium · #13 05-26-2009, 05:47 AM

has this thread really ended with only mentioning two pedals? are there really that many step phasers out there?

RCCollins · #14 05-26-2009, 05:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobulibobium

has this thread really ended with only mentioning two pedals? are there really that many step phasers out there?

you mean that FEW? Indeed, there aren't many.

bobulibobium · #15 05-27-2009, 01:29 AM

lol, were not talking about grammar here :P

do you know any others?

**TheMutt** · #16 05-27-2009, 03:09 AM

I don't have it yet, but the Eventide ModFactor has a S/H waveform that works in phaser mode. I'll be able to confirm when it arrives later this week if it sounds like what you want. Unless someone who has one would be so kind to do some clips.