The synthesizer is, hands-down, one of the coolest instruments in the world simply due to the versatility of timbre and the virtually unlimited nature of creating audio with analog or digital electronics. Because there’s so much that can be done with audio synthesis (and so many different types of audio synthesis), the market is full…
When it comes to tone and loudness, a guitar amplifier is arguably even more important than the guitar! As a guitarist, an amplifier is likely one of the biggest purchases (second only to the guitar itself) you’ll have to make. The size, character and functionality of guitar amplifiers varies greatly across the huge market. With…
To really get the most out of a bass guitar, we’ll need a solid amplifier capable of reproducing the low-end frequencies with power and integrity. When it comes to the overall tone, and actually getting heard, a bass guitar amp is key! For bassists, an amplifier is likely the biggest purchase (besides the bass itself)…
This article is a full directory of modular synth module brands and manufacturers, covering the formats of: There are many different types of synth modules, and not all brands will have everything you’re looking for. However, regardless of your modular goals, these brands will definitely have something for your modular synth! Note that part of…
Ring modulation is one of the weirdest effects a guitarist could add to their pedalboard. The intriguingly odd sounds we can get out of a ring mod pedal have likely sparked your interest and inspired you to check out this article, where you’ll learn how they work. What are ring modulation pedals, and how do…
No effect brings the funk quite as much as the envelope filter. The wah-wah comes close, but its “automatic” cousin reigns supreme. For both guitar and bass, the magic of the envelope filter can easily be found inside small stompbox effects pedals. What are envelope filters, and how do they work? An envelope filter pedal…
Wah is one of the most famous effects for guitar, and wah pedals are among the most expressive to play through. The sound of wah can be heard across many genres and on plenty of records, and wah pedals can be found on pedalboards and jam spaces around the world. What are wah pedals, and…
Flanger is one of the most recognizable effects at a guitarist’s disposal, thanks, in large part, to effects pedals. This “jet swoosh” effect has made its way onto countless records and is worth understanding! What are flanger pedals, and how do they work? Flanger pedals are stompbox-style units that affect audio signals (mainly for guitar…
Chorus is perhaps the most popular of all the modulation effects in terms of guitar (and bass) pedals. A nice chorusing effect can make our instruments sound larger than they are and demand the listener’s attention without being overly obnoxious. What are chorus pedals, and how do they work? Chorus pedals are modulation effects units…
Phaser is one of the most interesting audio effects in terms of its electronic design and effect on audio signals. Guitarists, bassists and other musicians can benefit greatly from a phaser pedal in their rig/pedalboard. What are phaser pedals, and how do they work? Phaser pedals are stompbox units designed for guitar and/or bass. Phasers…
Tremolo is an awesome effect that has the potential to really give a guitar or bass that extra character it deserves in a mix. This modulation/dynamic sort of hybrid effect can be easily accessed via a pedal. What are tremolo guitar effects pedals, and how do they work? Tremolo pedals are stompbox units designed for…
Vibrato is an incredible technique for a guitarist, bassist, vocalist (and many other instrumentalists) to have in their arsenal. This natural technique can be achieved in both natural and unnatural ways via electronics in a vibrato pedal. What are vibrato guitar effects pedals, and how do they work? Vibrato pedals are stompbox-style effects units designed…
