The number of pedals that let guitarists emulate, twist, and probe the sounds of space and time can be staggering. But Iowa-based Hungry Robot cuts through the herd with the Starlite, a modulated-reverb stomp with a twist: tap tempo. Within its sturdy enclosure, the Starlite features controls for mix, mod, and decay, along with an input for an external tap tempo switch—essential for crowded pedalboards.
Ambient flavors and textures immediately came to mind when I plugged in. Once I’d dialed in a moderate amount of modulation and decay, I found the mix control most intriguing. It was a total blast to go from strumming a few Andy Summers riffs with hints of chorus-filled reverb to maxing everything out for a tidal wave of madly self-oscillating 'verb. One downside: There’s a fair amount of LFO noise at higher mod settings, though I was able to control it with a tempered touch. If soundscapes are your bag and you want a responsive, tempo-based reverb, Starlite may answer your atmospheric dreams.
Test gear: Fender Stratocaster, Fender Deluxe Reverb
Ratings
Pros:
Wonderfully rich and ambient tones. External tap-tempo jack.
Cons:
A bit noisy.
Street:
$197
Hungry Robot Starlite
hungryrobotpedals.com
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Ease of Use:
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LR Baggs Session DI Acoustic Guitar Preamp / DI
Inspired by the LR Baggs Handcrafted Video Sessions and our experience in some of Nashville’s great studios, the Session Acoustic DI brings our signature studio sound to your live rig. The Session DI enhances your acoustic pickup and imparts the rich sonic character that you’d expect from an experienced audio engineer using some of the world’s finest studio gear. We’ve captured this studio magic and put it into a compact, easy-to-use DI that will transform your live sound.
Building on its brand legacy of innovation and creating many of the world’s finest guitars, the TAG3C TransAcoustic guitar from Yamaha offers an unmatched experience in sound, versatility, and playability to spark creative expression – making it the ideal instrument for the modern guitarist. The guitar features a solid Sitka spruce top and solid mahogany back and sides, available in natural(TAG3 C NT) or sand burst finish (TAG3 C SDB), and includes a convenient magnetic charging port to enhance its functionality and ease of use.
“TAG3 C is the ultimate tool for players looking to push themselves artistically. The ability to dial in custom reverb, delay, and chorus settings without needing any extra equipment is a game changer for creative workflows, and the intuitive looper and Bluetooth audio functions make it easier than ever to write, practice, and perform,” says Brandon Soriano, marketing manager, Yamaha Guitars.“Even with TransAcoustic technology turned off, TAG3 C is a fantastic acoustic instrument built with all solid wood and high-quality craftsmanship. TAG3 C is a no-brainer for the modern guitarist!”
TAG3 C is equipped with powerful built-in tech and effects including but not limited to loop capability with touch sensitivity, a rechargeable battery, Bluetooth capability, new and improved user interface, controls, and indicators. Guitarists can also access the TAG Remote mobile designed for enhanced control and optimization.
TAG3 C Highlights At-a-Glance
- Built-in effects: chorus, delay and reverb
- Built-in looper• Bluetooth connectivity
- On-board tuner
- Solid Sitka spruce top
- Solid mahogany back and sides
- Dreadnought-style cutaway with ebony fingerboard
- Available in natural or sand burst finish
- Superior acoustic sound quality
