Re: Looking into adding a vibe pedal and upgrading my Phaser, need some suggestions
Speaking from what I have used:
Phase 90: several versions, the classic all time best sounding simple 4 stage phaser. Not so sure the buffers in this are very good quality. Sounds good in most applications but have seen tone loss on in/out signifying buffer is more Boss type grade.
Phase 45: MXR classic, this is a 2 stage phaser, more subtle than the 90.
EVH 90 version: Nice update of the 4 stage phase 90 which also contains an on top select of either the more subtle script mode or the more bolder block mode circuit. This is probably the best phaser I have used and I did not notice any issues with the buffer quality.
Dual Phase 90: Basically two modern phase 90s both option (block and script) circuits in one unit, stereo independent, stacked or series options. This was pretty cool and using the two together renders a decent vibe like effect. I liked this unit but on one of my various routing hook up adventures I noticed again the buffer was changing the dry sound when off. It may be that many do not notice this in the grand scope of basic use but I did not notice the buffer thing on the EVH. I do not think any of them are bypass if the EVH is bypass wired then it is the best of the best. The dual was pretty cool and you can use it as just one phase 90 std if you like.
The cool thing about the MXR style I always liked is that puppy works well no matter where you put it, in front or after gain. I think you get less articulation with modulation in front, more blur, but better note definition and bolder sweep headroom after dirt. Have to say I usually end up with Vibe in front only using ODs and Phase after my high gains which gives me better note articulation and noticeable sweep. Phasers after give me more of that Pagey phaser thing while vibe in front of drives more of the Trower blurred note sort of thing.
I have had other phasers like the Hardwire and others but honestly cannot remember them much and do not have any right now. I use the phaser in my modeler when I want a phase but no way that is better than a stand alone pedal. Have to consider despite TC is digital their Helix Phaser and their new Vibe version are nothing to reject off hand. If you can find one the Keeley green phaser is a jewel.
Vibe are a mixed breed and also highly subjective as to where you place them in chain. Used to be the original UNIvibe had a terrible buffer tone sucker and was at the end of chain after any dirt. Hendrix and early Trower did very well with this position. Later Trower with the onset of advice and better tech from Mike Fuller (Full Tone) started running his in front of drives.
I have had several versions of the Vibe and nothing is quite like it but your use for it may not be all that much. Last one I had was the new Deja footpedal blue one. What I can say about Fulltone is his circuit is the real deal, 4 photocell vibe and lamp with NOS parts where he thinks the original had some magic. He has his own photocells made to his specs, a very anal retentive circuit overall of the very mythical but not so great no two alike Univibe of old.
Fulltone versions also tend to work anywhere you put them. His sounded better than others I have used. I think the photocell vibes sound more organic and analog not so processed. I tend to be a photocell vibe guy but have to say some of the newer digital puppies like TC's vibe do pretty damn good. Trower uses nothing but the Deja. Prescription Electronics makes a very Fulltone like true photocell version. DryBell is also a super good one. Phasers are getting almost as numerous as drives and dist pedals, a million of them out there and so many being nearly identical even more so than tubescreamer type drives. I wager to say some of the arguments on phasers will often have pretty much the same exact circuit being preferred over the other.
Depends on your use and what you are after. Benefits of on-line buying is you can try it out and send it back if it does not do the deal with your gear. Chemistry and interaction issues are as infinite as a players hands and technique.
Got to say the best sound I ever got with one was the blue Deja pedal up front, into moderate OD into a tube head set a little darker. Was so Robin Trower to make your head spin, each note if held warbled into feedback. I am not a fan of fast vibe stuff I like the slower pulse coolness, same with phaser, not so fast like a trem fast thing. Depends on what you like and what you are trying to get at. The Vibe cool was for me Hendrix and Trower was and is the vibe god. Best phaser in my memory was the EVH 90.
