So I suddenly have three pedals that can emulate the classic Uni-Vibe, a sound I really do enjoy. Today I figured I'd put them up against each other. This wasn't a contest to see which one would make it onto my board (as all three pedals will serve different functions in my set up), nor was it to see which best emulated the classic Uni-Vibe tone. It was really just to see how they differed. The three in question are the EQD Depths, SA Orbital, and the MXR JHM3EHT Uni-Vibe.
My overall favorite for the Univibe role is the Depths. It has great definition and tons of low end. I feel like there's even some 'always on' potential there. Throbby, swirly goodness.
The MXR is definitely has a more muddy low end than the Depths, really rolling off the highs, too. But it sounds more like the classic Hendrix Uni-Vibe tone to me (as it should, considering his face is on the thing). But the real bonus is the vibrato function. It was a particularly nice surprise. I dialed in a nice, lofi, warped vinyl sound (it's no Chase Bliss however). It became the vibrato pedal that I wasn't even looking for. Score.
The Orbital sounds good in this function, of course, but it isn't as "smooth" as either of the others, and was a touch thin. More definition than the MXR, with a lot more room for adjustment. I could get it close to matching the LFO of the Depths by putting the 'Mod Source' in between sine and square wave. The Orbital was bought to pull phaser duties mostly anyway, but it is no slouch here.
My overall favorite for the Univibe role is the Depths. It has great definition and tons of low end. I feel like there's even some 'always on' potential there. Throbby, swirly goodness.
The MXR is definitely has a more muddy low end than the Depths, really rolling off the highs, too. But it sounds more like the classic Hendrix Uni-Vibe tone to me (as it should, considering his face is on the thing). But the real bonus is the vibrato function. It was a particularly nice surprise. I dialed in a nice, lofi, warped vinyl sound (it's no Chase Bliss however). It became the vibrato pedal that I wasn't even looking for. Score.
The Orbital sounds good in this function, of course, but it isn't as "smooth" as either of the others, and was a touch thin. More definition than the MXR, with a lot more room for adjustment. I could get it close to matching the LFO of the Depths by putting the 'Mod Source' in between sine and square wave. The Orbital was bought to pull phaser duties mostly anyway, but it is no slouch here.
