pedal-review

Very diverse slate of tones. Capable of great focus and power. Potentially killer studio tool.

Sculpting tones in a reliably reproducible way can be challenging. Midrange emphasis may be a deal breaker for some.

$195 street

4.5
4.5
3.5
4.5

Bold-voiced, super-tunable distortion that excels in contexts from filtered boost to total belligerence.

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Vox’s Valvenergy Tone Sculptor

Two new pedals from the Valvenergy series use a Nutube valve to generate unique dynamics and tone ranges that can be used to radical ends.

When tracking in a studio or DAW, you’re likely to use compression and EQ on most things. Many enduringly amazing and powerful records were made using little else. And though many musicians regard both effects as a bit unglamorous and utilitarian, EQs and comps are as capable of radical sounds as more overtly “weird” effects—particularly when they are used in tandem.

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A deep, intuitive, time-mangling, modulating powerhouse that spans whole galaxies of sound color.

Intuitive interface. Several very excellent “organic” presets. Deep tweakability within each preset voice. Fun.

Some more overtly digital tones could benefit from a little more depth.

$599

Meris LVX Modular Delay System
meris.us

4.5
4.5
4.5
4

Because I am a music fan first and foremost, I think it’s cool to see how many artists are using stompboxes beyond the guitar sphere. A lot of musical cross-pollination and happy accidents come from these less-constrained methods. And it’s a good way to make cool sounds on the cheap.

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