Akai Phase Shifter review

  • £59
  • $199
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The Phase Shifter offers a different experience to vintage phasers.

MusicRadar Verdict

If in-your-face phasing is what you're after, look no further.

Pros

  • +

    Four preset levels of intensity.

Cons

  • -

    Bright tonality; we'd prefer a rotary switch to the two-way switches; rate could be faster.

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This is a 10-stage phaser with variable speed and four preset levels of intensity, in the mould of the venerable MXR Phase 100.

However, where the MXR sets the intensity with a four-way rotary switch, the Phase Shifter offers a pair of two-way switches with four possible combinations.

Sounds

This Akai offers a modern, brasher take on phasing, with a brighter tonality than that offered by vintage circuitry. We'd have liked the top speed of the phasing to be faster but this is still very usable phasing for effect with the four intensity options allowing variations from barely perceptible movement to a deep swoosh or wobble.

Trevor Curwen

Trevor Curwen has played guitar for several decades – he's also mimed it on the UK's Top of the Pops. Much of his working life, though, has been spent behind the mixing desk, during which time he has built up a solid collection of the guitars, amps and pedals needed to cover just about any studio session. He writes pedal reviews for Guitarist and has contributed to Total Guitar, MusicRadar and Future Music among others.