Boss PH-3

[whoatherechunk]

Does anybody have experience with this phaser? I just bought one and I'm questioning whether I want to keep it. Maybe it's one of those pedals that sounds awesome on g***tar and not on bass. I do like the Step function and that's probably one of the main reasons I'll end up keeping it. Does anyone have any special settings that they use on theirs? Thanks.

 

[Swimming Bird]

I love mine. A trick I use is to set the depth all the way counter clockwise -- each mode gives its own interesting filter sound (though I think step, rise and fall are a little different).

Otherwise, make sure to play with all of the knobs. It's super versatile, so if you can't find something you like in it, you're probably not trying hard enough

 

[bass-shy]

+1. I usually used the 10-Stage mode for playing bass. The PH-3 is a very under-rated pedal, IMHO.

 

[acleex38]

I was using the "tremolo sound" setting from the manual and it wasn't quite working for me anymore - I kicked up from the 4-stage to the 12-stage mode, left everything else the same, and fell in love with it all over again.

We played a stripped down/low equipment gig this past weekend and the PH-3 is the only effects pedal that went with me.

 

[Vic Winters]

I like the fall mode with all the knobs around noon, especially with some dirt before it.

 

[Happynoj]

+1. I usually used the 10-Stage mode for playing bass. The PH-3 is a very under-rated pedal, IMHO.

+100 to all of that. I use 10 stage. Depth and Res both on max, with Rate around 10-11 o clock. I like a really deep digital sound, so this fits the bill nicely.

 

[RodrigoRamos]

+100.000 to all

and sometimes I put it before my Qtron+ !!! man , it´s awesome
It´s really make qtron better (and with more presence).
Ok, it´s just a matter of taste

 

[Andy V.]

To the OP, the settings on the manual are nice and usefull.
You can start from there and then add your thing.

I put some clips in the wiki some time ago, you may want to check those out.

 

[noirextra]

Christian McBride was using one until he got his ME-50b

 

[EddieG]

I like mine. The rise and fall settings are pretty trippy sounding, but I mostly use it on the "vintage phase" setting; adjustable rate, depth at 3 o'clock, res all the way off, and set on 4 stage phaser.

 

[eARTHLING]

Can anyone explain to me what effect the expression pedal has on the PH 3? I've never been able to find out exactly what its purpose is. Sorry if this is a little OT, thanks in advance.

 

[RodrigoRamos]

you can put an expression pedal or a switch.

With expression, it changes rate control.
With switch , works for tap tempo

 

[whoatherechunk]

I finally had some time to truly have some time one-on-one with this pedal and overall, I think it is awesome. I tried Eddie G's advice and it worked wonderfully. I guess I'll have to download the Boss manual for this pedal to see some other standard settings. The Step feature is also pretty unique and I'm going to try and fool around with just this setting tomorrow to see if I can get some "useable" sounds. I find that this pedal has just a tiny bit of volume suckage. Anyone else notice this or am I just crazy?

 

[Vic Winters]

you can put an expression pedal or a switch.

With expression, it changes rate control.
With switch , works for tap tempo

With the expression pedal, you need the rate set to max.

 

[whoatherechunk]

This pedal is wonderful. With the time I have spent with it, it has easily become one of my favorites. It's versatility is endless and for the average used price it blows many other pedals out of the water.

 

[EddieG]

I finally had some time to truly have some time one-on-one with this pedal and overall, I think it is awesome. I tried Eddie G's advice and it worked wonderfully. I guess I'll have to download the Boss manual for this pedal to see some other standard settings. The Step feature is also pretty unique and I'm going to try and fool around with just this setting tomorrow to see if I can get some "useable" sounds. I find that this pedal has just a tiny bit of volume suckage. Anyone else notice this or am I just crazy?

You're welcome. But you'd have gotten there anyway sooner or later.

 

[Nyarlathotep]

Bump. You find any usable "step" mode settings?

EDIT: Got one. Its awsome. Will post a review in a sec.

 

[whoatherechunk]

For the step option, I like the rate pretty slow. The depth around 11 ish, and the a low res. I find that when you raise the rate and the res too high it just gets to chaotic and undefined.

Bump. You find any usable "step" mode settings?

EDIT: Got one. Its awsome. Will post a review in a sec.

 

[Nyarlathotep]

For the step option, I like the rate pretty slow. The depth around 11 ish, and the a low res. I find that when you raise the rate and the res too high it just gets to chaotic and undefined.

I found the same. I can usually set the res up to 3 o'clock without too much problem, but anything past that and I get random high-pitched squeals. Not good, except if your trying to drive a dog nuts Some interesting computer/chiptuneish sounds tho!

Right now my fave settings are the "Deep Phase" 10-stage settings from the book, and the "Standard Rise/Fall". The only change I make for each is setting the Depth to 9 o'clock instead of 3. I guess I like the phaser to add to my sound rather that totally take it over.

For rate I like 11 o'clock to noon. It just seems right