MXR announce Phase 95

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MXR have announced the Phase 95, a new micro phaser that combines the legendary Phase 90 and Phase 45 effects in one mini pedal. 

The onboard 45/90 switch toggles between the Phase 45 mode’s subtle two-stage phasing and the Phase 90 mode’s more pronounced four-stage phasing, while the “Script” switch toggles between two phasing styles. The Phase 95 is set to modern style phasing by default, which relies on feedback to create light harmonic distortion and gives the effect a more accentuated swoosh. Engaging the Script switch removes feedback for a lusher, more subdued sound with higher headroom and greater clarity. As with the rest of the MXR phaser range, the speed control sets the rate of the effect.

The MXR Script Phase 95 Phaser is available from November for £106.99

Source Audio announce the Soleman MIDI controller

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Source Audio has released the Soleman, a versatile and highly configurable hardware and software MIDI controller packaged in a pedalboard-friendly housing. Featuring two 5-pin MIDI DIN outputs, a USB port, four programmable footswitches, three powerful modes of control, complementary editing software, a tap tempo switch, expression input, and a high-contrast LCD display with preset naming capabilities, the Soleman has been in development for two years. 
 
When combined with the Neuro Hub, the Soleman acts as the command center for a highly sophisticated Source Audio Neuro Effects System, supplying simultaneous, one-step control of up to five Source Audio One Series and Soundblox 2 pedals. The Soleman also greatly enhances the power of Source Audio Nemesis Delay, providing external access to its 128 presets, individual parameters, routing options, tap tempo, and expression control.
 
The Soleman's three powerful control modes include "Scene Mode," "Set List Mode," and "Panel Mode." Scene Mode is a simple up/down Program Change (PC) controller. Set List Mode allows users to arrange Program Change messages in up to 64 different running orders, perfect for arranging presets into a custom sequence for a single song or an entire set. In the highly flexible Panel Mode, each of the four footswitches can be fully customized to perform virtually any MIDI function. Each switch can be individually configured with options that include: Switch Action, MIDI Message Types, MIDI Chanel, On/Off Messages, LED state, Tap Tempo, and much more.
 
The Soleman Editor application (Windows/Mac) is available as a free download at sourceaudio.net.  The Soleman Editor provides an easy-to-use interface for editing Scenes, Set Lists, and Panels as well as hardware options, names, setting MIDI Clock BPM, and defining complex MIDI Macros. The Soleman Editor also offers convenient functions for backing up data and exporting settings for sharing with other Soleman users.

See Source Audio's Soleman video here:

Announcing The Reverend Sensei HB 2016

Each Fall, Reverend Guitars releases a Limited Edition model.  This year, the Reverend Sensei HB got the all-star treatment with the addition of a Bigsby and coloured flame maple tops on Reverend’s classic Korina body. Loaded with the company’s Special H pickups, the Reverend Sensei HB LE also features a bound headstock and a 2016 LE Medallion on the back.  Reverend CEO, Ken Haas, calls the guitar “the sexiest Sensei ever built.”  

On all Reverend Guitars, there is a graphite nut and locking tuners, Reverend’s unique and innovative Bass Contour Control, and a dual-action truss rod – all for maximum performance.  You can’t be different if you’re playing what everyone else is.

Visit Reverend Guitars and check out their crazy awesome catalogue of original goodness!

BOSS unveil new Katana amp range

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BOSS have just introduced the Katana amp series, a new lineup of guitar amplifiers born of the development process behind the acclaimed Waza amplifier. Offering class-defying tone, touch response, and presence, Katana amps are designed for gigging guitarists who also need a a quality amp for recording and practice at home.

The Katana lineup consists of three combos and a head. The 50-watt Katana-50 and 100-watt Katana-100 are each equipped with a custom 12-inch speaker. The Katana-100/212 has 100 watts of power and is equipped with two custom 12-inch speakers. The 100-watt Katana-Head is designed for use with an external speaker cabinet but interestingly includes an integrated monitor speaker for tone preview and practice.

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Each Katana amp features five selectable amp characters: Clean, Crunch, Lead, Brown, and Acoustic as well as 55 BOSS effects, which are customizable using the free BOSS Tone Studio editor software. Users can load 15 different effects in the amp at one time, and use up to three effects at once. The Tone Settings feature in the Katana amps allows players to store amp and effects settings to recall tweaked setups instantly. It’s also possible to connect optional footswitches and expression pedals for hands-free control. The Katana-Head supports control via MIDI as well.

While the Katana amps include many advanced features, they offer intuitive interfaces that allow players to dial in sounds quickly. An innovative Power Control function lets users achieve cranked-up tones at low volumes, a great benefit for playing on small stages and practicing at home.

BOSS announce GT-1 Guitar Effects Processor

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BOSS have announced a brand new addition to their effects line up, the GT-1 Guitar Effects Processor, a compact multi-effects unit driven by the flagship GT-series engine. With a huge selection of amps and effects, the GT-1 offers a light, portable package with with a streamlined interface for quick and easy sound creation.

Adopting a sound engine derived from the flagship GT-100, the GT-1 includes staple overdrive/distortions, choruses and delays, and BOSS' own cutting-edge MDP effects. Numerous COSM amps are also included, as well as a looper for enhancing solo playing sessions.

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The modern design of the GT-1 makes it easy to slip in a guitar bag accessory pouch and the option of AC or battery power delivers mobile flexibility for performing and practicing anywhere. Up to seven hours of battery life from four AA-size batteries makes  the GT-1 a serious contender for the most powerful mobile multi-effects ever.

A straightforward interface, means that the GT-1 is simple to use for both beginners and effects enthusiasts alike. The Easy Select function allows users to quickly find patches by genre, distortion, or effect type, while Easy Edit lets them tweak drive, modulation, and echo tones to perfection with little effort. Coupled with the free patch collections available from the BOSS Tone Central website, the GT-1 has all your effects covered.

The GT-1 supports USB connectivity, allowing users to record and re-amp tones with DAW software and interface with BOSS Tone Central and BOSS Tone Studio.

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BOSS GT-1 Features:

• Flagship-class BOSS sound engine squeezed into a light and compact floor unit
• Modern design with no hard edges enables safe transport in a guitar bag
• Easy Select and Easy Edit functions for quickly choosing and tweaking patches
• Four AA batteries provide up to seven hours of playing time for busking and mobile gigs
• Onboard control switch and expression pedal; footswitch/expression pedal jack and USB
• Download ready-to- play pro patches for free at BOSS Tone Central

Italia announced Jeffery Foskett Signature

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Italia guitars have announced a brand new signature model for Beach Boys vocalist/guitarist Jeffery Foskett. Designed in collaboration with the longtime Beach Boy, the ITJF12 features a chambered alder body and ash back, mated to a hard rock maple set neck with 22 fret rosewood fingerboard.

A matched pair of Wilkinson WPM mini double coil pickups are paired with master volume, tone and blend controls, plus individual on/off switches with LED indicators. Furthermore the ‘FosQ’ enhancer switch engages two further controls ‘Jangle’ and ‘Boost’ for even more tonal variation. 

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“I’ve played thousands of shows and hundreds of guitars in search of ‘my’ sound”, says Jeffery “I wanted the jangle of McGuinn’s and the smoothness of Carl Wilson’s tones, along with a few other features I’ve always dreamed about.”

With a Wilkinson VS50K-2 bridge and a set of Italia locking machine heads completing its impressive specification, the ITJF12 is a fantastic addition to the Italia lineup.

Finished in Cobalt Blue the Italia Jeffery Foskett Signature comes with a luxury padded Italia guitar bag.

SUMMER NAMM 2016: Black Cat Monster K-Fuzz

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Veteran pedal builder Black Cat Pedals has announced the Monster K-Fuzz stompbox, the latest edition of their uniquely hotrodded version of the '60s Kay Fuzztone. The new Monster K-Fuzz stompbox boasts all the bells and whistles features of previous version in a pedalboard friendly enclosure at a more affordable price.

The Monster K-Fuzz controls can be set to go anywhere from a vintage Kay to a fire breathing monster fuzz. Expression pedal control of the Fuzz Frequency allows the same functionality as the former treadle based versions. And with a look that pays tribute to the '60s original, the Black Cat Monster K-Fuzz is the ultimate evolution of the Kay Fuzztone.

Features:

• Expression pedal control of the Fuzz Frequency
• 3-way toggle switches for Clipping and Voicing 
• Input Gain adjustment control
• "Pedalboard friendly" stompbox enclosure
• 3PDT true-bypass switch and Switchcraft jacks
• Premium quality through-hole components
• Hand-built in the USA

The Black Cat Monster K-Fuzz stompbox retails for $195. Check out  Black Cat's website for more info.

SUMMER NAMM 2016: Gretsch Tom Petersson Signature Falcon Bass

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Gretsch have announced a brand new signature model Falcon bass for Cheap Trick Bassist, Tom Petersson. The model comes in two formats; the USA Custom shop and the standard line G6136B-TP-AWT.

But these aren't just two different quality versions of the same bass, each instrument brings something completely unique to the table. The USA Custom Shop model offers the most obvious marks of originality, offering the bass playing community a completely new type of instrument.

Featuring 12 strings, the Custom Shop model is based on the guitar Petersson has been playing with cheap trick for some time. Set up in a similar method to a 12 string guitar, but with 2 rather than just 1 octave strings for each of the normal 4 bass strings.

A real work out for your finger tips, but rewarding the player with a tone unmatchable and completely original; the Tom Petersson Signature 12-String Falcon Bass is genuinely a new instrument for the bass playing community to sink its teeth into.

The G6136B-TP-AWT standard line version of this bass offers a more conventional 4 string version of this instrument. The twist for this model comes in the pick up formation. Featuring a massive Rumble’Tron pick up in the neck position, the Petersson Falcon offers all the low end you could ever need. Conventionally this would be paired with a bridge pick up to add the zingy high end clarity, but Petersson had other ideas, instead opting for a Seymour Duncan Super’Tron right in the middle of the body, giving the bass a tight P-Bass'esque quality that coupled with soupy sub of the neck pick-up gives the player a huge vintage tone with added mid punch and clarity; an ultimate rock machine.

Rock Stock Pedals announces the Bright Switch USB pedal board light.

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The Bright Switch pedal board light from Rock Stock is the perfect tool for players with large pedalboards performing in dimly lit venues. The dual USB design let's you light things up and charge your iPhone, iPad or other USB device at the same time. Have a larger pedal board? Use 2 LED lamps and double your coverage. Use your pedal power supply lead from 9-24VDC and it will be converted to proper 5V USB power. For devices requiring more current than your power supply can handle, a higher current power adapter is included.

Features:

• Small footprint

• 2 USB Connections (switched and always on)

• Indicator LED for switched connection

• Will convert 9-24VDC to 5V USB power

• Includes Mighty Bright® USB LED Light

• 9V 2A power supply included

The Bright Switch is available now for $49.00. See more here.

Fredric Effects announce Utility Perkolator MkII

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The Utility Perkolator based the fabled Interfax Harmonic Percolator from the 1970s. The Harmonic Percolator is a simple yet fascinating circuit which readily lends itself to tweaking and improvement. Fredric Effects already build a faithfully vintage correct version of the Harmonic Percolator, however the Utility Perkolator takes this circuit in another direction. Using higher gain, lower leakage Russian Germanium transistors, and a low pass filter which only removes the high-end hisses and glitches associated with the HP, the Utility Perkolator has a considerably lower noise floor. The result is a tighter and more controllable effect which is still capable of producing the classic Harmonic Percolator sound.

The Utility Perkolator MkII is available in attractive 'cold war cream' with two colour black/metallic silver screen printed artwork featuring the Berlin TV Tower for £95 RRP.

Check out Fredric Effects' demo below:

About Fredric Effects

Based in North London, Fredric Effects has grown in the last five years to become one of the best regarded UK effects manufacturers. They build high quality handmade boutique pedals at realistic prices working musicians can afford. Fredric Effects pedals have found their way onto the pedal boards of many well-known and ground-breaking guitarists and bassists around the world.

See more at:
http://www.fredric.co.uk/utility-perkolator

SUMMER NAMM 2016: Jam Pedals Delay Llama Supreme

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Jam pedals have always been a source of interesting, unique and beautifully presented effects, and so it is the case here with their latest addition at Summer NAMM 2016; introducing the Delay Llama Supreme. 

A souped up version of their successful Delay Llama pedal, the supreme adds a load of cool features; a Note-Divide control, two expression in's for delay level and delay time, and a modulation switch.

With such an entourage of wacky features, the Delay Llama could be an essential addition for all players looking for a delay with a twist.

SUMMER NAMM 2016: Supro 1600 Supreme 6V6 amp

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Supro USA has announced the 1600 Supreme, an all-tube tribute to rock guitar icon Keith Richards.  This historic replica sees the return of the Chicago-made 1x10 amplifier used extensively by the Rolling Stones guitarists throughout decades of rock and roll hits.

With ample headroom for use with pedals and plenty of volume on tap for playing live, the new Supro 1600 Supreme carries on this legacy as the the no-frills, grab-and-go amplifier. From warm jazz and clean country twang to dirty blues and hard rock, the Supreme projects loud, clear, punchy tone, with unrivaled clarity, touch dynamics and low noise floor---even when pushed into glorious 6V6 power-tube overdrive.

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The legendary Supro preamp found in the 1600 Supreme features a pair of parallel gain stages fed into a shared tone knob. This versatile, dual-input preamp allows two instruments to share the same combo amplifier, as well as providing the convenient option of plugging a single instrument into IN1+2, for double the gain. The two inputs can also be used with an A/B or A/B/Y switch to accomplish channel switching for both clean and dirty tones with one guitar.

Features:

• 1959 Vintage Supro Cosmetics and Circuitry
• 2 Channels with Parallel Link and shared tone control
• 25 Watts Cathode-Bias "Class-A" Power Amp
• Ample headroom for live performance with pedals
• 1×10" Custom Voiced Supro BD10 speaker
• EXT Speaker jack for matching extension cabinet
• 3x JJ 12AX7 preamp tubes
• 2x JJ 6V6 power tubes
• Gold Faceplate
• Black Rhino Hide Tolex
• 17 5/8" x 7 1/2" x 15 1/2"
• 33.6 lbs / 15.3 kg
• Assembled in NY, USA 

Check out Supro's demo of the new 1600 Supreme below:

SUMMER NAMM 2016: Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone Micro

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Pigtronix have announced a brand new addition to their range of guitar effects pedals, the Philosopher's Tone Micro.

The original Pigtronix Philosopher's Tone is known for its noiseless clean sustain, and the new micro version is no different. Ushering in a new generation of futuristic analog technology, the Philosopher's Tone Micro delivers all of the parallel optical compression and unrivaled sustain of the original award-winning Pigtronix pedal in a micro-size chassis that runs on standard 9V external power. 

In addition to VOLUME and SUSTAIN controls, the Philosopher's Tone Micro features a parallel BLEND knob that allows the musician to mix their instrument's original tone with the compressed sound effect. This technique restores natural pick-attack and allows more extreme sustain settings to remain musical. The TREBLE control provides up to 6db cut or boost at 2KHz for fine-tuning the frequency response of the effect. The Philosopher's Tone Micro features true-bypass switching and 9V operation, with internal 18V power rails for maximum clean headroom, even when used with hot pickups and line-level signals.

Features:

• Noiseless Clean Sustain
• Blend control for Parallel Compression
• Treble EQ for Boost or Cut at 2kHz
• Runs on standard 9V external power
• Internal 18V power for max headroom
• True Bypass switching
• Size = 3.75" x 1.5" x 1.75"

Check out Paul Gilbert's demo of the Philosopher's Tone Micro below:

SUMMER NAMM 2016: Hungry Robot Starlite V2

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Hungry Robot have announced a brand new update to their Starlite reverb.

The original Starlite was  the world's 1st modulated reverb with tap tempo controlled rate. The release of this pedal marked a giant leap forward in the world of time-based effects. Version 2 adds an updated LFO for smoother modulation and quieter operation and a new knob that controls  LFO Ramp Up/Ramp Down.

The Starlite is an offshoot of Hungry Robot's popular Stargazer reverb, known for being an extremely musical reverb, and features an atmospheric, present reverb with the same self-oscillation capabilities. The addition of thick, pulsating modulation makes The Starlite the ultimate ambient experience.

SUMMER NAMM 2016: Boss Waza Craft CE-2w

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Boss have announced a brand new addition to their Waza Craft line, the CE-2w Chorus. With a default sound based on the original 1979 CE-2 Chorus the Waza Craft model adds an expansive new sound field with stereo output, which was unavailable in the mono CE-2.  An additional CE-1 mode fully reproduces the stereo chorus and vibrato sounds of the legendary CE-1, with the addition of variable chorus depth not available in the original pedal. To commemorate the birth of BOSS effects, the CE-2W is made exclusively in Japan, just as the original CE-1 and CE-2 were. 

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Boss Waza Craft CE-w Features:
•    Special edition Waza Craft pedal delivers the ultimate BOSS tone experience
•    Standard mode provides a perfect reproduction of the legendary CE-2 sound
•    CE-1 mode features chorus and vibrato, authentically reproducing the two stereo sound modes in the world’s first chorus pedal
•    Includes new sounds not available in the original pedals, including CE-2 stereo output and variable depth for CE-1 chorus sounds
•    Rate and Depth knobs provide fine sound adjustment in both pedal modes
•    Premium all-analog circuitry with bucket-brigade (BBD) delay line
•    Made in Japan to celebrate the 40th anniversary of BOSS effects
•    BOSS five-year warranty

Check out Boss' demo of the CE-2w:

SUMMER NAMM 2016: Reverend JW-1 Jenn Wasner Signature Model

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Looking for a guitar to help you stand out from the crowd? Then Reverend have the guitar for you at Summer NAMM 2016.

Jenn Wasner, of Wye Oak, Flock of Dimes, and Dungeonesse, has been playing Reverend Guitars since a friend showed her the Charger HB – the dynamo of the line with humbucker power that creates big, clear tones. When Reverend CEO Ken Haas reached out to her about building the Reverend Jenn Wasner Signature JW-1, she suggested something to match her April Camlin designed outfits that she wears on stage and that inform much of the visual aesthetic of her upcoming Flock of Dimes debut LP. Ken, who is always looking for something new and creative, agreed.

April is a Baltimore-based textile artist who designed a pattern called “Optic Interruption.” She adaptedit for the project, and Reverend designer Joe Naylor matched it to the Charger HB-style guitar. The visual effect is as dynamic as the sound.

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Specifications:

• Classic H humbuckers specially designed for a balanced volume and tone when switching.
• 25.5” scale maple neck adds clarity to the tone.
• Body graphic of textile artist April Camlin’s “Optic Interruption,” while the back and sides are Midnight Black to highlight the pattern.
• Korina body
• Graphite nut
• Locking tuners 
• Reverend’s Bass Contour Control
• Dual-action truss rod

See more at www.reverendguitars.com

Summer NAMM 2016: Outlaw Effects introduces four new pedals

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Micro effects pedal company Outlaw Effects has introduced two new power supplies and two new micro pedals.

The Power Supplies

The Kerosene (MSRP: $79.00) micro power supply helps users streamline their pedal boards by eliminating individual power cords/wall adapters.  With eight 9V DC outputs each offering 300mA of current, and 2000mA of overall output, Kerosene has plenty of fuel to burn.

The Iron Horse (MSRP: $89.00) tuner/power supply features eight 9V DC outputs, two of which offer 500mA and the other six providing 100mA. The integrated tuner boasts a large 1 5/8" x 1 1/8" easy-to-read LCD display. Your signal is muted when tuning, and True Bypass switching retains the purity of your signal when the tuner is not in use.

Kerosene and Iron Horse each include eight 550mm DC connector cables, allowing the user to power a wide assortment of pedals and two 200mm polarity converter cables, making it possible to power pedals that require a positive-center.

The Pedals

The Lasso Looper (MSRP: $99.00) is a compact-sized 24 bit, 44kHz looping pedal lets you build multiple layers of guitar sound into rich sonic creations. Lasso Looper features a generous 10 minutes of recording time and unlimited overdubs, and allows users to record, playback, overdub, stop and delete all at the touch of a single, easy-to-use footswitch.
 
The Six Shooter II (MSRP: $45.00), is a new and improved version of the company's popular Six Shooter tuner pedal. This precision, compact-sized chromatic tuner is suitable for a wide range of instruments. The Six Shooter II features a quicker response time and more accuracy than its predecessor, and boasts a larger LCD screen (1 3/16" x 2").

Xvive announce two new Thomas Blug signature pedals

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Xvive's range of compact pedals continues to grow with two new signature pedals from German guitar virtuoso Thomas Blug.

The Sweet Leo overdrive allows the player to blend a cleaner, more elegant overdrive tone with shimmering high end redolent of a iconic Class A valve amplifier. Crank up the Drive and Growl controls you have an instant dirty overdriven ‘tweed’ amp sound. Designer Thomas Blug describes the range of sounds as “clean, transparent vintage tones and anything in between".

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The DynaRock is an open dynamic and warm pedal that comes close to the natural tone of tube amplification. With tons of punch and dynamic expression for classic rock tones, the DynaRock has classic gain with real tubelike dynamics.

Both are available now for £59.99

Empress Effects announce Reverb pedal

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After over 5 years of research and development, Empress Effects has released its new Reverb pedal.

Realistic simulations of spaces, as well as never-before-heard surreal ambiances are represented with stunning sound quality. Sporting stereo ins and outs, a small footprint and all the controls at your finger-tips, it strikes the perfect balance of control and ease of use, avoiding laborious menus. Presets, the versatile control port, and MIDI open up a world of possibilities for live performances. 

FEATURES

• 24 studio quality algorithms and counting - The pedal has 12 algorithm types, some include multiple variations. For example, vintage and studio plate, dark and bright springs. Also, as more algorithms get added you can update your pedal via the SD Card.
• Classic Sounds - pristine sounding classic hall, plate, spring and room sounds.
• Ambient Sounds - A complete palette of tweak-able ambient sounds that offer the creative player so much territory to explore and make their own.
• Tap Functions - many algorithms have infinite hold settings or the ability to tap in delay time.
• Low Noise signal path - Features a signal to noise ratio of >104dB and maintains an analog dry path.
• Up to 35 Presets - Settings can be saved to 35 presets. With three stomp switches, accessing the presets is easy.
• 2 Preset Modes - Bank style or scrolling style preset modes.
• True Bypass and Buffered Bypass - It can be configured to run with true bypass or buffered bypass if you want to hear trails.
• Cabinet Simulator - 3 variations to choose from, perfect for recording, practicing or for gigs without an amp.
• Output Transformer - Get hum-free operation when operating in stereo with two amps. Output 2 is isolated with a transformer to eliminate nasty ground loops

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

The Reverb is available now for $449 (US).

Capture The Songs In Your Head With TC Electronics

Another day, another new arrival from TC Electronics, and not just any arrival, something completely new, innovative, and very modern.

Introducing the TC Electronics Wiretap Riff Recorder! But, what's that you say? Yes, they do already make a looper, this isn't a looper....it's a riff recorder.

Crammed into the same chassis as the now legendary Ditto Looper, the Wiretap is a pedal aimed at songwriters everywhere. Complete with it's own phone app, the pedal can record up to 8 hours of prime jamming into its built in memory, so that 'million dollar' riff will never be lost again.

The App allows you to sync the pedal with your phone and import all your riffs, so you can send them to band mates or recall them later to write along to. TC have really thought this through to the Nth degree - the app even suggests random song titles for your jams to avoid filling your phone with 'untitled 1' 'untitled 2' etc. 

So with a footprint small enough not to sacrifice a pedal space on your board you can now make sure all your parts are professionally recorded for reference, making the distance from conception to polished club banger a little shorter.