Premier Guitar features affiliate links to help support our content. We may earn a commission on any affiliated purchases.

RPS Effects Unveils the Arcade Machine

A PLL-based analog synth and harmonizer pedal that offers all of the intervals in a 12-tone scale.

Pittsburgh, PA (April 24, 2020) -- Brand new from RPS Effects comes the Arcade Machine, a PLL-based analog synth and harmonizer pedal. It re-synthesizes your instrument as a square wave, which in and of itself produces a rich, rounded synth tone. But that's only the beginning... one and two octaves down, one and two octaves up, plus an interval of your choosing are all at your disposal, essentially resulting in a 6-voice synthesizer that you can control with your instrument.

As far as we know, this is the only analog harmonizer out there that can give all of the intervals in a 12-tone scale. With an expression pedal input that takes over the interval selection, also accepting control voltage (CV), the true potential of having all those notes can be unlocked. A sequencer can be used to run through a series of notes that will automatically follow your playing, allowing you to program in anything from simple trills to arpeggios to full melodies.

Vibrato is also available, which acts on all of the voices. It has controls for Depth and Rate, spanning the range from subtle pitch variation to full-on glitched-out computer sounds.

PLL pedals can sometimes have a maze of tracking controls to navigate, but the Arcade Machine sets out to make things as user-friendly as possible with just a single knob determining the sensitivity.

If you're ready to enter a world of fat bass, sawing mids, and laser beam trebles - welcome to the Machine.

Features:

  • Die-cast aluminum case
  • Soft-click true bypass on/off switch
  • 9-volt operation and standard DC input

The Arcade Machine pedal carries a street price of $265. TheyĆ¢ā‚¬ā„¢re available directly from the RPS Effects online store.

Watch the company's video demo:

For more information:
RPS Effects

This versatile ramping phaser is distinguished by a fat voice, vibrato section, and practical preamp.

Uncommonly thick phaser voice. Useful range of ramping effects. The practical preamp section can be used independently. Nice vibrato mode.

Visually cluttered design. Some ramping effects can be difficult to dial in with precision.

$249

Beetronics FX
beetronicsfx.com

4.5
4.5
4
4.5

The notion behind a ramping phaser predates the phaser pedal by many moonsā€”namely in the form of thetwo-speed Leslie rotating speaker. A Leslie isnā€™t a phaser in the strictest sense, though the physics behind what the listener perceives are not dissimilar, and as any phaser devotee can tell you, there are many audible similarities between the two. At many phase rates and intensities, a phaser stands in convincingly for a Leslie, and the original king of phasers, theUniVibe was conceived as a portable alternative to rotary speakers.

Read MoreShow less
Bohlinger Builds a Stellar Strat and Tests 2 Maple Necks
- YouTube

Follow along as we build a one-of-a-kind Strat featuring top-notch components, modern upgrades, and classic vibes. Plus, see how a vintage neck stacks up against a modern one in our tone test. Watch the demo and enter for your chance to win this custom guitar!


Read MoreShow less

With 350W RMS, AMP TONE control, and custom Celestion speaker, the TONEX is designed to deliver "unmatched realism."

Read MoreShow less

With over 350 effects models, 120 sampling slots, and a Groove Station with a 480-second looper, this pedal offers unparalleled versatility for guitarists worldwide.

Read MoreShow less