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.
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.
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!
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.
I am looking for a step phaser too. I found this pedal from subdecay, quasar which has two step phaser modes. there is also a deluxe version, where you can tap the tempo. I hoped to find those features also in the strymon mobius or boss MD-500 but there is no step phaser option built for whatever reason. hope that helps
Thanks Jimbo! 16 years and it still matters! I got the empress phaser! awesome. analog signal path, digital brain. besides it has my beloved step phaser effect, it has a tap button AND MIDI! still checking out possibilities but I'm pretty happy for now!
On the cheap, the old Digitech Hyper Phase had a good step phaser. The Rise and Fall modes were really cool too.
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