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Step Phaser effect?

Discussion in 'Effects [BG]' started by Lockout, Oct 12, 2003.


  1. Oct 12, 2003 #1
    Lockout

    Lockout

    Dec 24, 2002
    Illinois
    Over the past few days, I've been thinking about selling my Boss VF-1 rack multi-effects processor. After doing quite a bit of experimenting with it, I've noticed that it's only really got one sound effect that I like and actually have a use for, which, in my opinion, makes it not worth keeping.

    This effect is the guitar effect preset entitled "Step Phaser." I really like the way it sounds on bass, but I'd like to find an analog pedal that could make the same effect so I could part with my VF-1 more easily. :)

    I've heard that the Boss PH-3 can do this effect, which obviously makes sense considering they're both Boss effect units. :)

    But I've also heard that the PH-3 takes out quite a bit of low end, so I was wondering, could anyone suggest any other pedals that can create this sound while keeping the lows? Or should the PH-3 be fine?

    Note: For those of you who don't know what the "Step Phaser" effect sounds like, I've included a short clip below. Please excuse the bad recording. ;)
     
  4. Oct 12, 2003 #2
    Jazz Ad

    Jazz Ad Mi la ré sol Gold Supporting Member Supporting Member

    Mar 16, 2002
    Reims, Champagne, France
    Sounds more like a ring modulator or a seek wah than a phaser for me.
     
  8. Oct 12, 2003 #3
    RAM

    RAM

    May 10, 2000
    Chicago, IL
    I have a PH-3 and think it sounds good. I wouldn't say it robs my tone of lows. Oddly, mine is a little noisy, though a friend of mine says his is dead quiet.

    I recommend the Boss PH-3, though you should try it before you buy it.
     
  11. Oct 13, 2003 #4
    larrytron

    larrytron

    May 21, 2003
    Bretagne, France
    You could try the Studio Electronics Modmax Phaser
    there are about 10 knobs on the pedal.
    I don't know if you can do the effect you're looking for with it, but it looks worthy!
    Check it out!
     
  14. Oct 13, 2003 #5
    Tecx

    Tecx Radio Rock Leads To Sterility

    Jun 9, 2002
    Halifax, NS, Canada
    mine is a bit noisy also... :meh:

    Alex

     
  17. Oct 13, 2003 #6
    Lockout

    Lockout

    Dec 24, 2002
    Illinois
    Thanks guys.

    I just noticed that the Step Phaser effect on the VF-1 adds a hint of distortion, so for the effect I want, imagine the above recording but without that bit of distortion. It still retains that same type of sound, just clearer.

    Looks like I'll need to find a place where I can try out the PH-3, I wish Mars was still open so I could try it out there. :(

    btw, about the Modmax phaser... that's a crazy-lookin' pedal, but it's quite a bit out of my pricerange. :p
     
  20. Oct 13, 2003 #7
    Josh Ryan

    Josh Ryan - that dog won't hunt, Monsignor. Supporting Member

    Mar 24, 2001
    Mines dead quiet too.