Zcat Blender pedal

Bromosapian · #1 10-05-2010, 08:55 AM

I've been thinking about getting a blender/loop pedal for a while and I saw the Zcat one a few days ago on ebay for about 18$+ shipping. http://www.zcatpedals.com/?dir=view&...10290108414IHj Given how cheap this is in comparison to the usual 130+ for blenders that I've seen, I'm slightly apprehensive as to the quality of it. If anyone has had any experience with them please post.

Dark Barn · #2 10-05-2010, 10:13 AM

My math says $78 plus shipping, the Z-cat Hold - Delay - Chorus has gotten some nice reviews around here, I assume their build quality is decent but I have no idea, try using the search function.

Have a look at This1smyne also, they have a similarly priced mini blender with expression jack. I don't own one of these either and am waiting for a secular humanist version to hit the market.

I kid, I kid!

wdinc01 · #3 10-05-2010, 10:14 AM

Did the auction end at $18+shipping? Or was that just the current price with time to spare?

I haven't heard anything bad about Z.cat in regards to quality. It just seems that they're a little elusive to get, being that they're European and he's had some communication issues, although I think he figured out it was stuff going to his spam.

Nevertheless, $18 for a blender pedal isn't much of a gamble. If you can get one, go for it. If not, at the very least you'll have a nice housing to put together an actual blender pedal with (if you know how to solder and such).

Jazz Ad · #4 10-05-2010, 10:32 AM

The price is surprisingly low.
I suspect a lack of buffer in this box. Passive blending isn't your friend.

Bromosapian · #5 10-05-2010, 11:53 AM

18 usd is where the bidding has stopped so far, the auction has about one day left on it. There isn't much stuff on talkbass about zcat, other than the contact issues and how much people seem to like the hold pedal chorusy thingy (very technical here, people).

also: Jazz, what do you mean by buffer. I'm pretty ignorant as to what makes good/bad pedals.

putsia · #6 10-05-2010, 12:11 PM

the 57€ price listed at the site sounds really good but not exactly impossible. I just put together a simple blender more or less like that one. Buffer included and the parts cost me around 30€. Considering he most likely gets everything (except the enclosure) cheaper than i did he actually gets some profit from it. Not enough to feed the kids but maybe it's not his primary profession either :<

bongomania · #7 10-05-2010, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bromosapian

Jazz, what do you mean by buffer. I'm pretty ignorant as to what makes good/bad pedals.

A buffer is an active (powered) device, like in an active bass, that regulates the signal going through it in specific ways. In the context of a blender, its purpose is to isolate signals from interfering with each other. Passive blending (like the pickup blend on a passive bass) means the signals load each other down. This can really suck in some cases, and can even cause a feedback loop. So for blending, you really want an active (powered) mixing circuit.