Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or a budding musician, the flanger pedal is an essential tool for adding depth and dimension to your sound. Known for its ability to produce everything from subtle, swirling modulations to dramatic, jet-like sweeps, the flanger pedal has been a staple in the pedalboards of iconic guitarists like Eddie Van Halen and David Gilmour.
As we step into 2024, the market is brimming with exceptional flanger pedals that cater to a variety of musical styles and preferences. From the classic tones of the Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress to the modern versatility of the TC Electronic Vortex Flanger, there’s a pedal for every guitarist looking to explore the rich frequency spectrum of flanger effects. These pedals not only offer stereo outputs and true bypass for pristine signal integrity but also provide a range of controls to fine-tune your flange sounds to perfection.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into some of the best flanger pedals available in 2024, exploring their features, sounds, and what makes them stand out in a crowded market. Whether you’re seeking a versatile flanger pedal for experimental soundscapes or a classic flanger for that vintage vibe, this guide will help you find the perfect addition to your pedal chain. Prepare to embark on a sonic journey that will elevate your music to new heights with the best flanger pedals of 2024.
Table of Contents
Electro-Harmonix Stereo Electric Mistress Chorus/Flanger Pedal
- Individual flanger
- Individual chorus
- Chorus and flanger may be used together
The Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress is a classic pedal from the legendary company. In fact, the initial model, launched in 1975, was the first stompbox flanger unit ever made. In addition to an updated design, the Stereo Electric Mistress has a stereo output.
The Electric Mistress is a current version of EHX’s ultimate classic flanger, offering a basic, well tuned combo of flanger and chorus effects. On those 1980s Police songs, Andy Summers is famous for using one of these, though most people assumed it was just a typical chorus. This pedal combines two popular modulation effects: flanger and chorus. Find the ideal mix, plug into a mono or stereo output, and enjoy a sumptuous experience with fantastic effects.
The Electro Harmonix Electric Mistress is a wonderful modulation pedal with twin outputs for signal splitting, full bypass switching for signal integrity, three rotary knobs for altering the characteristics of the effects, and the inclusion of chorus alongside the flanger.
One of the most remarkable features of the Electro-Harmonix Stereo Electric Mistress is its durable construction; it’s arguably the best flanger pedal if you’re on the road. Its user-friendly solutions, on the other hand, are as excellent. When flanging signals or freezing modulated sounds, this is one of the greatest flanger pedals available, with greater levels of manual control. This model, like the rest of the E-H range, has a slew of mixing capabilities, including adjustable flanger and chorus depth, as well as rate.
Users may use both the flanger and chorus settings at the same time, allowing them to produce some very unique modulations. Even when playing in low-light conditions, an LED indicator will provide clear readouts. This is the Best Flanger Pedal in 2023.
Strymon Deco Tape Saturation & Doubletracker Pedal
- Tape Saturation Double-tracking Emulation Pedal with Flanger/Chus/Delay...
The Strymon Deco is a “tape saturation and double-tracker” that produces flanging effects by imitating old school tape setups. It is not a pure flanger pedal like the other entries on our list. If you’re looking for classic studio warble and flange, this is an excellent choice.
Rather than being a flanger pedal, the Strymon Deco is a tape machine emulator that emulates everything from simple saturation to double-tracking to flanging on ancient tape machines. As a result, the flange sounds on offer here are warmer and frequently more subtle than those offered by competitors, including those that provide ‘tape flange’ patches or modes. There’s also a brief mode that sounds remarkably similar to vintage studio flanging’s ‘finger on the tape’ sound.
Finally, it goes beyond the 25ms flanging limit, with chorus and even slapback tape delay, making the Deco extremely versatile for various creative effects. This is the Best Flanger Pedals in 2023.
MXR M152 Micro Flanger w/ 9V Power Supply
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The MXR M152 Micro Flanger is our “Best Budget Pick.” MXR managed to remove several controls and other features that aren’t strictly necessary without harming the high-quality flanging effect in order to keep the price down for the rest of us who can’t afford to spend a lot of money on a single pedal or simply don’t care about a million controls. The Micro Flanger is an exact replica of their popular 1980s original. It’s still totally analogue, with bucket brigade circuitry, and it still produces an authentic, warm tone.
Even with just the Rate and Regen knobs (to regulate the LFO’s speed and feedback), you can achieve all of the necessary sounds, such as jet plane sweeps and wild outer space sounds. I’m glad they retained the Regen because they could have easily discarded it.
They did, however, remove the Manual and Depth knobs, relocating those values to the most desirable and frequently used locations. For the adventurous guitarist who doesn’t like distractions, this keeps things simple while yet providing a lot of adaptability and customizability.
You won’t find a competitor with comparable quality at this pricing. There are some less expensive options that aren’t horrible, but they don’t provide the same value. You simply cannot find a poor setting on this pedal, whereas lesser pedals with more features allow you to completely ruin your sound. You’ve found it if you’re looking for a low-cost solution that will get the job done without driving you crazy. This is the Best Flanger Pedal for Guitars in 2023.
Boss BF-3 Flanger Guitar Effects Pedal
- Flanger Pedal f Guitar Bass with Momentary Mode
- Ultra Gain/Pan Modes
- Tap Tempo
The Boss BF-3 Flanger is easily the most versatile of all the pedals on this list, as are all Boss pedals. It’s a more advanced version of the BF-2, with a large following. Thanks to the upgrades, this one will as well. For one thing, there’s a separate Bass guitar input for lower-frequency instruments. You’ll also note the Mode knob, which has four options: Momentary, Gate / Pan, Standard, and Ultra.
Though many people tend to look down on Boss pedals in this daring new boutique era, the truth is that many of their designs are really well-engineered and thought out, with plenty of surprises hiding beneath the surface. The BF-3 is a great example of this: the standard and ultra modes are as you’d expect, but there are also two brilliant secondary modes: a momentary function for those Ain’t Talking ‘Bout Love-style sweeps, and a gate/pan mode, which is similar to the classic Boss PN-2 tremolo pan pedal but with flanging.
Two of these are completely new. The pedal is only on when you hold down the footswitch in momentary mode. In mono, Gate / Pan mode functions as a noise gate and sounds somewhat like a tremolo; in stereo, it sweeps the flanger across the stereo field, panning back and forth. Standard mode is what you’d expect, while Ultra mode amps up the intensity and adds extra depth.
They also included a very useful tap tempo, which you can activate by pressing and holding the massive footswitch for two seconds. Of course, it comes in the same sturdy Boss case as the rest of their pedals. A Resonance, Manual, Depth, and Rate knob is found here, with the Manual knob resting beneath the Resonance one.
Boss stompboxes are wonderful since you don’t need a lot of knowledge with effects pedals to utilise them. The BF-3’s robustness and strong construction make it an excellent choice for a touring musician who will be using the pedal frequently.
The BF-3 is a fantastic modulation pedal, with its iconic and unique Boss design, four revolutionary rotary settings, and the ability to generate a variety of flanger-inspired tones. It also features two inputs for bass or electric guitar, as well as a pair of signal splitting outputs. After putting dozens of flanger pedals through their paces, I’ve come to the conclusion that the Boss BF-3 is the best flanger pedal money can buy.
MXR M117R Flanger
- Create wild sounds from jet plane takeoffs, vibrato, cool space effects and...
- A staple of '70s rock and funk
- Use with guitar, bass, keyboards or vocals
The MXR M177R Flanger Pedal was always in high demand, so MXR took the desired effect, addressed any issues with volume dips when engaged, and reintroduced it to the market at a low price so that we could all enjoy a piece of the action. It’s still constructed like a tank and sounds exactly as wonderful as it did when it first came out.
This pedal’s versatility is what makes it our “Best Bang for the Buck” pick. You can get sounds like a sweeping jet plane taking off, a subtle chorus, or even a static wah pedal tone where you set a frequency and leave it alone. You may add delays and vibrato to your sound. It can handle both complicated signals, such as distorted guitar or multi-voice synth, and simple single note melodies.
The knob controls are simple to use, and as you explore them further, you’ll see how versatile they are. The Manual knob selects the frequency spectrum to be flanged, while the Width knob controls the delay sweep’s spread, also known as ‘intensity.’ You may regulate how much feedback you want with the Regen knob, which loops the output back into the flanger. The Speed parameter controls how fast or slow you want the low frequency oscillation rate to be.
You won’t find a more traditional, classic, and dependable alternative. This one is made to last, exactly like the ones from the 1970s, which are still going strong! The MXR M117R’s adaptability is one of its best features. As a result, it is appropriate for all guitarists, regardless of their level of skill or style. It’s easy to use but also capable of producing sophisticated flanger tones, making it a perfect choice for both experts and beginners.
In terms of sound quality, the M117R Flanger pedal is unparalleled. You may construct unique modulation blends and discover a tone to suit any genre or style using the four parameters.
MXR EVH117 Flanger Guitar Effects Pedal
- Original bucket-brigade design
- Model Number: EVH117
- Use the EVH switch for instant "Unchained" tone
MXR EVH117 Flanger Guitar Effects Pedal is a tribute to the legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen, known for his innovative use of effects to create iconic sounds. This pedal is designed to replicate the classic flanger tones that Eddie used on tracks like “Unchained” and “And the Cradle Will Rock.” It features the same bucket brigade technology that MXR is famous for, ensuring that you get the warm, rich tones that are synonymous with vintage flanging effects.
One of the standout features of the MXR EVH117 is its “EVH” switch, which instantly dials in Eddie’s unmistakable sound. This makes it incredibly easy for guitarists to capture that signature Van Halen vibe without spending hours tweaking settings. The pedal includes four control knobs: Manual, Width, Speed, and Regeneration. These allow for precise adjustments to the flanger effect, giving users the ability to create everything from subtle, swirling textures to intense, jet-like sweeps.
The pedal’s construction is robust, featuring a road-ready design that can withstand the rigors of touring. It sports a striking black and white striped finish, reminiscent of Eddie’s famous guitar, adding a touch of visual flair to your pedalboard. The MXR EVH117 is not only a fantastic tool for those looking to emulate Van Halen’s sound but also a versatile flanger pedal that can be used across a variety of genres and styles.
With its combination of classic analog circuitry and modern features, the MXR EVH117 Flanger Guitar Effects Pedal is a must-have for any guitarist seeking to explore the rich frequency spectrum of flanger effects. Whether you’re aiming for the iconic sounds of the past or forging new sonic paths, this pedal offers the tools needed to elevate your music to new heights.
Moreover, the EVH117’s true bypass functionality ensures that your dry signal remains uncolored when the pedal is not engaged, maintaining the integrity of your sound. This is particularly important for guitarists who want to preserve their tone while benefiting from the dramatic effect of flanging. The pedal’s intuitive layout makes it easy to dial in the perfect flange sound, whether you’re performing live or recording in the studio.
The MXR EVH117 is celebrated for its ability to handle a wide range of musical contexts, from rock and metal to more experimental genres. Its adaptability makes it a staple in the pedalboards of guitarists who crave a unique sound that stands out in the mix. The pedal’s ability to produce both classic flange sounds and more contemporary effects ensures its place as a versatile flanger pedal in any musician’s arsenal.
TC Electronic Vortex Flanger Pedal
- Tone print technology Enabled
- Classic flange and tape flange modes
- Intuitive yet deep control set
The TC Electronic Vortex Flanger Pedal is a modern marvel in the world of flanger pedals, offering a blend of classic and contemporary flanging effects. Known for its versatility, this pedal allows guitarists to explore a wide range of flange sounds, from subtle, swirling modulations to intense, jet-like sweeps. The Vortex Flanger is equipped with a range of controls that provide precision over the flanger effect, making it a favorite among musicians seeking to fine-tune their sound.
One of the standout features of the Vortex Flanger is its ability to integrate with TC Electronic’s TonePrint technology. This innovative feature allows users to download custom artist presets or create their own unique flange sounds via a simple USB connection. This level of customization ensures that the Vortex Flanger can adapt to any musical style or preference, making it a highly versatile flanger pedal.
The pedal’s design includes stereo inputs and outputs, enabling expansive stereo soundscapes that can fill any performance space. Additionally, the Vortex Flanger boasts true bypass functionality, ensuring that your dry signal remains uncolored when the pedal is not in use. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your sound, especially in a complex pedal chain.
With its robust construction and intuitive interface, the TC Electronic Vortex Flanger Pedal is built to withstand the demands of both studio and live performances. The pedal’s controls include Depth, Feedback, Speed, and Delay Time, allowing for comprehensive manipulation of the flanger effect. Whether you’re aiming for classic flange sounds or exploring new sonic territories, the Vortex Flanger provides the tools needed to achieve your desired tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Flanger Pedals work?
The flange effect is achieved by simultaneously merging two identical audio signals while significantly delaying one of them. A device known as an LFO, or low-frequency oscillator, is responsible for the delay. Rather of the delayed signal being consistent in time, the LFO changes the delay periods, but only slightly.
The gap between the two signals interacts with one another in a weaving pattern, generating modulation in the frequencies produced. The most stereotypical kind of flanging is the “swooshing” sound, which can be found on all flanger pedals.
Many flanger pedals also include more experimental versions of the effect, as well as the more common “jet engine” sound. Feedback is created by partially feeding the output back into the input. This gives the flanging appearance a whole new layer. The slightly delayed signal is usually 5 to 25 milliseconds late. This is the perfect place for flange production. If the signal is delayed for more than 25 milliseconds, it begins to sound like a chorus and loses its flanging effect.