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First-hand Impressions of the Walrus Audio Mako Series II [M1] High-Fidelity Modulation Machine

Chorus and VibratoEnvelope Filter and Auto WahFlangerModulationModulation WorkstationMulti-FXRotary SpeakerTremoloUni-Vibe and VibeWalrus Audio+-
2024-GPX-Walrus-Audio-Mako-II-M1-Y-700.jpg

When the original version of Walrus Audio’s Mako Series I [M1] emerged back in 2022 I wrote that there was much to like, but I kind of missed the absent Flanger and Dimension algorithms which are core to a couple of my other favourite Multi-Modulators (Terraform & Synesthesia) - and which I use a lot. I also use the 16 Modulations on my Eventide H90 - which has most everything I need, but lacks a Dimension Chorus too.

 

In fact the most expansive pedal in that category is the GFI System ...

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Introduction to the intriguing new and innovative Los Angeles Pedal Brand - Hangman fx

Best of BrandsBoostBoost and OverdriveDigital DelayDistortionDriveDual-DriveFuzzFuzz-Drive and FuzzstortionHangman fxModulationMulti-FXOctave FuzzOddball DelayOverdriveTape DelayTremolo+-
2024-GPX-Hangman-FX-Overview-700.jpg

These Hangman fx pedals have been doing the rounds somewhat of late - both Emily Hopkins and the Superfunawesomehappytime chaps received bumper care package of these fairly recently. And Intheblue’s Shane Diiorio and Mike Hermans have at least one apiece.

 

I do hope Guitar Pedal X can be more involved at the front of these sorts of brand launch events. I mustn’t grumble really - I do get included in many a release schedule, and plenty gets sent my way - but weirdly I still feel like I’m ...

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Line 6 unleashes High Gain Black Edition of its Pod Express Format

BoostBoost and OverdriveDelayDigital DelayDigital ReverbLine 6Metal DistortionModelling AmpModulationMulti-FXOverdrivePreAmpReverb+-
2024-GPX-Line-6-POD-Express-Black-700.jpg

I was quietly impressed by the original Pod Express, which I dubbed the ’My First Fisher-Price’ of Multi-FX - a really neat combination and topology of essential effects - with a supreme ease of use. It was indeed a really handsome device.

 

The new Black Edition looks very similar to the original but there are actually some very significant differences.

The only segment that is exactly the same is the Modulation segment (Chorus / Flanger / Phaser / Tremolo) - but in a different place, we ...

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2024-GPX-Boss-GX-10-V2-700.jpg

So for circa 30% less outlay, and a 38% saving in footprint - you get mostly the same device as the larger GX-100 unit. The obvious differences are the 5 fewer footswitches, and lack of CTL/EXP and In/Out Settings buttons. You also loose the 5-pin MIDI In & Out - where you need to use the USB port for that instead on the GX-10 Unit.

 

Other than those few elements we’re mostly talking about the same device - it has the exact same 4.3" LED Touch Screen, and same high fidelity sound engine as ...

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Fractal Audio's new VP4 Virtual Pedalboard Multi-FX Processor goes head-to-head with Line 6's Helix HX Effects and Eventide's H90

Big Muff Style FuzzBitcrushing and Lo-FiBlues Breaker Style OverdriveBoostBoost and OverdriveChorus and VibratoCompressorDelay WorkstationDigital DelayDigital ReverbDistortionDown-TunerEnvelope Filter and Auto WahEQExpressionFlangerFractal Audio SystemsFuzzFuzz Face Style FuzzFuzz-Drive and FuzzstortionGlitchGuitar Synth and SequencerHarmonizerHot Cake Style OverdriveKlone and Transparent OverdriveModulationModulation WorkstationMulti-FXNoise GateOCD Style OverdriveOctave FuzzOctaverOddball ModulationOverdrivePhaserPitch-ShiftingReverb WorkstationRing ModulationRotary SpeakerSlicer and StutterSwellTimmyTone Bender Style FuzzTremoloTubescreamer Style OverdriveUni-Vibe and VibeWah and Fixed Wah+-
2024-GPX-Fractal-VPX-Multi-FX-Processor-700.jpg

So Fractal Audio Systems has thrown its hat in the ring with its first non-modelling device / unit - the VP4 Virtual Pedalboard Multi-FX Processor - which is quite a departure for the brand.

 

It’s obviously gunning for Line 6 and Eventide in particular, but also looking to knock out Boss and Strymon Workstation pedals. It has several of its own advantages, but with a number of caveats too. Overall it’s well priced for what it delivers - but for my own preferences it’s still somewhat over-...

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The 10 Pedal Challenge - Mini and Large Enclosure Varieties

10 Pedal ChallengeAmbient EffectsAnalog.ManBecos FXBest in ClassBig Muff Style FuzzBoostBoost and OverdriveChase Bliss AudioDecibelicsDelayDelay WorkstationDigital DelayDigital ReverbDistortionDouble TrackingDriveDrive WorkstationDual-DriveElectro-HarmonixEmpress EffectsEventideFeaturedFortin AmpsFuzzFuzz-Drive and FuzzstortionKernomModulationModulation WorkstationMooerMulti-DriveMulti-FXNoise GateOpAmp FuzzOverdrivePigtronixReverbReverb WorkstationStrymonUtility+-
2024-GPX-10-Pedal-Challenge-Mini-Large-V2-700.jpg

So I said I would expand the scope of the 10 Pedal Challenge to Mini and Large Enclosure variants if the original was well received. And in indeed that seems to be the case - with several readers encouraging me in particular to do the Large Pedals Edition.

 

So of course I’ve done the 2 remaining categories - Mini and Large! The Large Pedals were pretty much all obvious choices really and that board largely suggested itself. It was the Mini Pedals version that took the most cogitation!

 

It...

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The 10 Pedal Challenge!

10 Pedal ChallengeAnalog DelayBest in ClassBig Muff Style FuzzBoostBoost and OverdriveBossBYOCChase Bliss AudioDelayDelay WorkstationDigital DelayDistortionDouble TrackingDSM & HumboldtDual-DriveFeaturedFlower PedalsFuzzFuzz Face Style FuzzFuzz-Drive and FuzzstortionJackson AudioModulationModulation WorkstationMooerMulti-DriveMulti-FXNoise GateOctave FuzzOpAmp FuzzOverdriveRat Style FuzzReverbReverb WorkstationSilicon FuzzSinvertekTavysh EffectsTC ElectronicThorpyFXTX PedalsUtilityWalrus AudioWampler+-
2024-GPX-Pedaltrain-Nano-Max-Challenge-700.jpg

So a follower on instagram challenged me to shrink my elaborate pedal-chain down to just 10 pedals. My original plan was just to fill a Pedaltrain Nano Max board with 10 compact pedals. But I then decided I should do a Mid-Size variation too, using the Pedaltrain Classic 2 board or thereabouts. I may do further Mini and Large Format editions as a follow-up - depending on how well this article is received!

 

This was a trickier exercise than you would imagine - as I needed to shuffle through ...

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Walrus Audio's Mako Series really comes of age with its extra features and new MKII screen-based control interface

Ambient EffectsAmp and Cab IR SimChorus and VibratoDelayDelay WorkstationDigital DelayDigital ReverbDouble TrackingEnvelope Filter and Auto WahFlangerGranular DelayModulationModulation WorkstationMulti-FXPhaserPlate ReverbPreAmpRack Style ReverbReverbReverb WorkstationReverse DelayRotary SpeakerShimmer ReverbSlicer and StutterSpacey ReverbSpring ReverbTape DelayTremoloUni-Vibe and VibeUtilityWalrus Audio+-
2024-GPX-Walrus-Audio-Mako-Series-MKII-700.jpg

I have always liked the look of the Walrus Audio Mako Series of MI Multi-Modulator, D1 Delay, R1 Reverb and ASC1 Amp Cab and Sim. And feel that these latest changes have really propelled some of these to the top of their respective categories - particularly in terms of Compact Enclosure Editions!

 

The new control interface is actually remarkably simple and intuitive - the knobs above each of the 3 screen segments allow you to click through different ’pages’ or screen of options - where you ...

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Dr Scientist's most popular pedal - the BitQuest Multi-FX-Fuzz gets a Bonus Pack - which massively expands its capabilities

Ambient EffectsBitcrushing and Lo-FiChorus and VibratoDelayDigital DelayDigital ReverbDr ScientistEnvelope Filter and Auto WahFlangerFuzzModulationModulation WorkstationMulti-FXPitchPitch-ShiftingPlate ReverbRack Style ReverbReverbReverb WorkstationReverse ReverbRing ModulationRotary SpeakerShimmer ReverbSpacey ReverbSpring Reverb+-
2024-GPX-Dr-Scientist-BitQuest-EEPROMS-700.jpg

First launched in 2014 - the BitQuest Multi-FX / Multi-FX-Fuzz / Fuzz-Modulator - quickly became Dr Scientist’s most popular and best-selling pedal - and has held the line ever since - despite fierce competition from my other Frazz Dazzler Fuzz favourite! According to Ryan- there are only 2 core models of this pedal - the one which originated in 2014 - which holds all the way through to 2020 - while there are some circuitboard variations along the way too. Before 2020 you first move the Fuzz/...

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15 Favourite Fjord Fuzz Pedals

Best of BrandsBig Muff Style FuzzDigital DelayEnvelope Filter and Auto WahFjord FuzzFuzzFuzz Face Style FuzzFuzz-Drive and FuzzstortionGated and Velcro FuzzModulated FuzzModulationMulti-FXOctave FuzzOddball FuzzOscillating FuzzRotary SpeakerSilicon FuzzSuper-Fuzz StyleUni-Vibe and Vibe+-
2024-GPX-15-Favourite-Fjord-Fuzz-Pedals-700-V2.jpg

I had become aware of Fjord Fuzz really in mid to late 2018 onwards - it took me a little while to tune into the brand - in terms of its constant prototyping and iteration - and at the time where the only official retailer for that brand was based in Sweden. It wasn’t until 2019 that I was able to get hold of my first Fjord Fuzz Pedal - where I picked up the early version of the Bifrost Fuzz-Delay on UK Reverb.com - where a UK pedal builder had either bought or exchanged a pedal with Daniel, ...

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