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Strymon EC-1 Single Head dTape Echo: the metallic gray box has cream dials, an LED that lights up blue and/or red, and is photographed here against a wooden background.
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  1. Guitars
  2. Guitar Pedals

Six of the best: modulation pedals

News
By Guitarist ( Guitarist ) published 2 February 2015

Recent review favourites

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DLS RotoSIM

DLS RotoSIM

This USA-made boutique rotary speaker simulator may have a boutique price tag, but it also has a beautifully simple, uncluttered design and offers lots of adjustment options, including seven inside the chassis. Authentic voicing and flexibility make this a great pro choice.

We said: “A charmingly uncluttered user interface, cool sound and smooth operation from a great boutique US pedal.”

Read our DLS RotoSIM review

For more information visit the official DLS website.

Page 1 of 6
Page 1 of 6
Strymon Mobius

Strymon Mobius

Strymon makes some of the classiest effects available, and the Mobius tackles a wide range of classic modulations from the last five decades, while extending their versatility. There are 200 presets based on 12 different effects types, which are all easily accessible and tweakable during a performance.

We said: “Vintage sounds in a practical package, the Mobius is a class act.”

Read our Strymon Mobius review

BUY: Strymon Mobius currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | DV247

For more information visit the official Strymon website.

Page 2 of 6
Page 2 of 6
Z.Vex Vexter Super Seek Trem

Z.Vex Vexter Super Seek Trem

Quirky is Z.Vex’s core business, and the Super Seek Trem is definitely way out there. It’s best understood seen as a step sequencer with 16 separate volume pots, which creates complex rhythmic patterns. It may not be one for the blues jam, but the results can be spectacular, and your experiments can be stored for future use.

We said: “Tremolo taken an awful lot further than your standard box can go.”

Read our Z.Vex Vexter Super Seek Trem review

BUY: Z.Vex Vexter Super Seek Trem currently available from:
UK: Thomann

For more information visit the official Z.Vex website.

Page 3 of 6
Page 3 of 6
Source Audio SoundBlox 2 Orbital Modulator

Source Audio SoundBlox 2 Orbital Modulator

This pedalboard-friendly modulation machine offers access to two modulation effects via two footswitches, with the effects chosen from a range of choruses, phasers and flangers. You can mix tremolo in with any effect, and you can even control parameters using Hot Hand motion-sensor rings.

We said: “Compact, affordable and with access to two effects, this is also a highly practical space saver.”

Read our Source Audio SoundBlox 2 Orbital Modulator review

For more information visit the official Source Audio website.

Page 4 of 6
Page 4 of 6
Amptweaker SwirlPool

Amptweaker SwirlPool

Taking its cue from sycnhronised tremolo and vibrato circuits from vintage 60s amp designs, the SwirlPool offers both effects in controllable combinations. Its very musical sounds range from swirly vibes to choppy or throbby trem, and plenty more besides.

We said: “Fantastic vintage trem and vibrato sounds. An inspired deviation from standard pedals.”

Read our Amptweaker SwirlPool review

For more information visit the official Amptweaker website.

Page 5 of 6
Page 5 of 6
Blackstar HT-Modulation

Blackstar HT-Modulation

Blackstar’s HT range of effects all feature a valve in their circuitry, to add a measure of saturation to their output. You have no fewer than eight modulation effects to choose from here, with adjustable speed, additional effects-specific functions and footswitchable control.

We said: “Offers an easy-to-dial-in range of modulations, with the bonus of added valve warmth.”

Read our Blackstar HT-Modulation review

BUY: Blackstar HT-Modulation currently available from:
UK: Thomann
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass

For more information visit the official Blackstar website.

Page 6 of 6
Page 6 of 6
Guitarist
Guitarist
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Strymon EC-1 Single Head dTape Echo: the metallic gray box has cream dials, an LED that lights up blue and/or red, and is photographed here against a wooden background.
“A perfect melding of vintage sound with modern practicality”: Strymon EC-1 review
EarthQuaker Devices Rancho de la Luna Dirt Transmitter
“Simply a killer fuzz pedal”: EarthQuaker Devices Dirt Transmitter – Rancho de la Luna Ltd Ed review
Chase Bliss Lost + Found: the new compact offering from the boutique stompbox company is the brand's first multi-effects, and comes in a cool green enclosure with a range of dip-switches for more tweakability.
Chase Bliss invites you to rummage around the Lost + Found – a compact multi-FX pedal with 12 modes
MXR MB301 Bass Synth: the six-knob pedal is pictured in use against a petrol-blue background.
“Thunderous sub-octave, expressive envelope, and lush modulation effects with killer tracking and sustain”: MXR unveils the MB301 Bass Synth – instant funk for your pedalboard
API
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Neural DSP Nano Cortex
"The 2.0 firmware update has expanded its multi-effects versatility significantly": Neural DSP Nano Cortex review
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Boss PX-1 Plugout FX: the white compact series pedal has blue knobs, digital display, and is a platform for 16 digitally modelled Boss effects, one of which is available at a time.
A compact series stompbox you can turn into any one of 16 classic Boss effects? Meet the Plugout FX
Third Man Hardware x Black Mountain Roto-Echo: the roller wheel equipped delay pedal is a compact and performance-friendly stompbox that's available in black or limited edition white. Jack White has used it onstage and in the studio during the sessions for No Name.
Jack White’s Third Man teams up with Black Mountain for the Roto-Echo, a delay controllable by foot
Chase Bliss Lost + Found: the new compact offering from the boutique stompbox company is the brand's first multi-effects, and comes in a cool green enclosure with a range of dip-switches for more tweakability.
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