Idiotbox Dark Waves

Ok, basic overview is this thing, despite its mean looks, is really a rather tame and subtle note thickener. This is not to be read as a dig on the pedal. Quite the opposite. The controls all have a very fine-tuning feel to them rather than all out sonic destruction. It's very easy to dial in exactly what you need because of this.

There are no major extreme seasick tones in this thing, and it shines best when used as it is intended, which is a simple chorus with an 80's vibe.

The only thing I would have to say that might be construed as negative is that the echo knob is simply a volume and feedback control. You have no control over delay time. Luckily it can be turned off because the lack of adjusting delay times is somewhat limiting.

But overall, the sound is there, the feel is there and it looks amazing. I had to send mine back for a replacement because of a slight oversight on Idiotbox's part, but he's got it taken care of and a new one is in the mail.

So to sum up....buy this if:

1) You want a mojo filled chorus to satisfy your 80's jones.

2) You like your choruses with extremely fine tune controls rather than extreme sweeps on each knob.

3) You like a darker more evil chorus sound than a bright chimey one.

4) You don't care if the delay is unadjustable other than volume and feedback.
 
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Ok, basic overview is this thing, despite its mean looks, is really a rather tame and subtle note thickener. This is not to be read as a dig on the pedal. Quite the opposite. The controls all have a very fine-tuning feel to them rather than all out sonic destruction. It's very easy to dial in exactly what you need because of this.

There are no major extreme seasick tones in this thing, and it shines best when used as it is intended, which is a simple chorus with an 80's vibe.

The only thing I would have to say that might be construed as negative is that the echo knob is simply a volume and feedback control. You have no control over delay time. Luckily it can be turned off because the lack of adjusting delay times is somewhat limiting.

But overall, the sound is there, the feel is there and it looks amazing. I had to send mine back for a replacement because of a slight oversight on Idiotbox's part, but he's got it taken care of and a new one is in the mail.

So to sum up....buy this if:

1) You want a mojo filled chorus to satisfy your 80's jones.

2) You like your choruses with extremely fine tune controls rather than extreme sweeps on each knob.

3) You like a darker more evil chorus sound than a bright chimey one.

4) You don't care if the delay is unadjustable other than volume and feedback.
This sounds like what I want out of a chorus pedal, the echo/feedback part is an added bonus! Looking forward to getting mine. Thanks for the review!
I will add that Matt is fixing a blowerbox for me right now that I got in a trade. It got stolen out of my mailbox and I found it thrown on the side of my road and broken. He had no problem with me sending it in for him to fix even tho I didn't buy it from him. That's pretty alright in my book!
 
Ok, basic overview is this thing, despite its mean looks, is really a rather tame and subtle note thickener. This is not to be read as a dig on the pedal. Quite the opposite. The controls all have a very fine-tuning feel to them rather than all out sonic destruction. It's very easy to dial in exactly what you need because of this.

There are no major extreme seasick tones in this thing, and it shines best when used as it is intended, which is a simple chorus with an 80's vibe.

The only thing I would have to say that might be construed as negative is that the echo knob is simply a volume and feedback control. You have no control over delay time. Luckily it can be turned off because the lack of adjusting delay times is somewhat limiting.

But overall, the sound is there, the feel is there and it looks amazing. I had to send mine back for a replacement because of a slight oversight on Idiotbox's part, but he's got it taken care of and a new one is in the mail.

So to sum up....buy this if:

1) You want a mojo filled chorus to satisfy your 80's jones.

2) You like your choruses with extremely fine tune controls rather than extreme sweeps on each knob.

3) You like a darker more evil chorus sound than a bright chimey one.

4) You don't care if the delay is unadjustable other than volume and feedback.

That's a relief to hear! I was a bit worried there for a while.
And I will probably be okay with the delay, I'm usually lazy with delay times.
 
I will add that Matt is fixing a blowerbox for me right now that I got in a trade. It got stolen out of my mailbox and I found it thrown on the side of my road and broken. He had no problem with me sending it in for him to fix even tho I didn't buy it from him. That's pretty alright in my book!

Matt fixed my Blower Box for free :thumbsup: after I damaged it by using the wrong power supply (18v center positive :facepalm:).

Because of Matt's awesomeness I'm considering this Dark Waves pedal even though I only ever use dirt as an effect. I do love the idea of a chorus/echo pedal that focuses on a certain vibe rather than trying to do everything, and it seems to be my kind of vibe.
 
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Matt fixed my Blower Box for free :thumbsup: after I damaged it by using the wrong power supply (18v center positive :facepalm:).

Because of Matt's awesomeness I'm considering this Dark Waves pedal even though I only ever use dirt as an effect. I do love the idea of a chorus/echo pedal that focuses on a certain vibe rather than trying to do everything, and it seems to be my kind of vibe.
Matt is a class act for sure. I think you should go for the Dark Waves. It's a very mojo filled chorus that really nails the 80's sound and vibe. I was initially underwhelmed by it, but after an hour with it I realized how incredibly useful its feature set is. I'm not sold on the echo portion, but it can be completely shut off. I had to send mine back for a cap replacement (he revised the design after he built mine and neglected to replace the old cap in mine before it shipped), but man I really miss it. I just love the sound and truth be told, the looks. Just a perfect look for what it is. And what it is is the 80's chorus sound personified.
 
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Just got my replacement Dark Waves in. Matt fixed the capacitor issue on the echo side so it's much quieter. This thing still blows me away. Super fine tuned controls and a very thick and dark sound. Instant 80's New Wave bass.
 
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