What is Phaser Pedal?
A phaser pedal is a type of guitar effects pedal that belongs to the modulation family. It works by splitting the incoming audio signal into two paths: one remains unaltered, while the other is processed through a series of all-pass filters that shift the phase of certain frequencies. When these two signals are combined, the phase differences create characteristic notches and peaks in the sound wave, resulting in a sweeping, whooshing effect that adds movement and texture to the guitar tone.
The number of all-pass filter stages in a phaser pedal often referred to as the “stage phaser” count affects the depth and complexity of the effect. Classic phaser pedals typically have four stages, producing a warm, vintage-style swirl, while more advanced models may have eight, ten, or even twelve stages for richer and more pronounced phaser sounds. More stage phasers offer deeper, more pronounced, and complex effects with wide sweeps, making them ideal for players seeking a dramatic modulation effect.
Phaser pedals have been a staple in guitar rigs since the 1960s, used by legendary players such as Eddie Van Halen, Jimi Hendrix, and David Gilmour. Their unique modulation effect can add subtle movement or dramatic swirl to a guitar’s sound, making them a favorite among musicians in genres ranging from rock and funk to psychedelic and experimental music.
Types of Phaser Pedals
Phaser pedals come in various types, each offering distinct tonal characteristics and features suited to different playing styles and preferences. Understanding these types can help you choose the best phaser pedal for your needs.
Analog Phaser Pedals
Analog phaser pedals use analog circuitry to create their signature sweeping effect. They typically feature fewer all-pass filter stages—commonly four—which contributes to their warm, organic, and vintage-style sound. Many guitarists prefer analog phasers for their natural tone and simplicity. Classic models like the MXR Phase 90 and Crazy Tube Circuits Cyclone exemplify this category, delivering smooth, rich phaser sounds that have been favored by legendary players such as Eddie Van Halen and David Gilmour. Analog phasers produce a warmer, more organic vintage tone and are prized by vintage purists. Analog phasers often have straightforward controls, such as a single speed knob, making them easy to dial in and use on the fly.
Digital Phaser Pedals
Digital phaser pedals utilize digital signal processing (DSP) to emulate analog effects and expand the range of available sounds. They often include more all-pass filter stages—ranging from four up to twelve or more—which allows for more complex and pronounced phaser effects. Digital phasers provide additional features such as preset storage, MIDI control, tap tempo synchronization, and expression pedal inputs for real-time parameter adjustments. While digital phasers may lack some of the warmth of analog units, their flexibility and feature set make them popular among modern guitarists.
Multi-Mode Phaser Pedals
Some phaser pedals offer multiple modes or effects beyond standard phasing. These multi-mode units may include tremolo, chorus, flanger, or Uni-Vibe-style effects, giving players a broader palette of sounds in a single pedal. Such pedals are ideal for musicians seeking versatility and the ability to experiment with different modulation textures without adding multiple pedals to their board.
Compact and Simple Phaser Pedals
For players who prefer simplicity or need to save space on their pedalboard, compact phaser pedals with minimal controls are an excellent choice. Despite their simplicity, these pedals deliver classic phaser sounds and are highly regarded for their tone and reliability.
Tap-Tempo and Expression-Controlled Phaser Pedals
Many modern phaser pedals include tap tempo functionality, allowing players to synchronize the phaser’s modulation speed with the tempo of the song by tapping a footswitch. This feature is especially useful for live performances where timing precision is crucial. Additionally, expression pedal inputs enable dynamic control over parameters like speed, depth, or feedback, providing expressive possibilities that go beyond static settings.
Key Features of Phaser Pedals
Phaser pedals come equipped with a variety of features that allow guitarists to shape and personalize their phaser sound. Understanding these key features can help you choose the best phaser pedal that suits your style and needs.
Speed (Rate) Control
The speed or rate knob adjusts how fast the phaser cycles through its effect. Slower speeds create a subtle, swirling texture that works well for atmospheric or psychedelic sounds, while faster speeds produce more intense, jet-like effects. This control is fundamental to dialing in the desired movement and feel of the phaser effect.
Depth Control
Depth controls the intensity or amount of phase shift applied to the signal. Increasing the depth results in a more pronounced and dramatic phaser effect, while lower settings provide a gentle modulation. This allows for fine-tuning the effect from subtle modulation to a full-on swoosh.
Feedback (Resonance)
Feedback, sometimes labeled as resonance or regeneration, feeds a portion of the output signal back into the input, emphasizing certain frequencies and creating sharper, more resonant peaks in the phaser sweep. Adjusting feedback can add character and complexity to the phaser sound, making it more vibrant and expressive.
Mix Knob
A mix knob blends the dry (unaffected) and wet (effected) signals. This feature provides control over how prominent the phaser effect is in the overall sound. Some pedals allow for a full wet signal or a balanced blend, giving players the flexibility to maintain clarity while adding modulation.
Stage Selection
Phaser pedals vary in the number of all-pass filter stages they use, typically ranging from 2 to 12 stages. More stages generally produce a deeper, richer, and more complex phaser sound, while fewer stages offer a more vintage, subtle swirl. Some pedals include a switch or knob to select between different stage settings, enabling a variety of tonal options.
Mode and Toggle Switches
Many phaser pedals feature toggle switches or mode selectors that allow players to switch between different phaser types or related effects such as tremolo, chorus, or flanger. These switches expand the sonic palette, making the pedal more versatile for different musical contexts.
Tap Tempo and Expression Pedal Inputs
Tap tempo functionality lets players synchronize the phaser’s modulation speed with the tempo of a song by tapping a footswitch, ensuring tight rhythmic integration during live performances. Expression pedal inputs provide real-time control over parameters like speed, depth, or feedback, enabling dynamic and expressive playing.
True Bypass and Buffered Bypass
True bypass switching ensures that the pedal does not alter the guitar’s tone when turned off, maintaining signal clarity. Some pedals use buffered bypass to preserve signal strength over long cable runs, which can be beneficial depending on your rig setup.
Power Options
Most phaser pedals are powered by a 9V battery or an external 9V DC power supply. Some models may also support higher voltage or alternative power sources for enhanced headroom and tone.
Top Phaser Pedals
Walrus Audio Lillian Multi-Stage Analog Phaser
- True bypass, all analog, multi-stage Phaser
- With controls like rate, width, feedback, and d-p-v blend, The Lillian is...
- The “stages” switch allows the user to select 4 or 6 stages which...
The Walrus Audio Lillian is a standout multi-stage analog phaser pedal renowned for its rich tonal palette and expressive controls. It features a unique blend control labeled D-P-V (Dry, Phase, Vibrato), which allows players to seamlessly mix between dry signal, classic phaser effect, and vibrato, offering a wide range of modulation textures from subtle to dramatic.
This pedal provides options to select between four or six stages of phasing, enabling users to tailor the depth and complexity of the effect to their liking. The six-stage mode adds a boost to the sound, delivering a thicker and more pronounced phaser effect, while the four-stage mode offers a smoother, more vintage-style swirl.
Equipped with five control knobs—Rate, Width, Feedback, Blend (D-P-V), and Stage toggle switch—the Lillian offers precise control over the speed, intensity, and character of the phaser sound. The rate control adjusts how quickly the phase cycles, while width determines the sweep range of the effect. Feedback adds resonance, enhancing the sharpness and presence of the phasing.
One of the notable features of the Lillian is its ability to hold down the footswitch for momentary phasing, allowing players to create dynamic, rhythmic bursts of modulation on the fly. Additionally, the pedal includes true bypass switching to maintain signal integrity when the effect is disengaged.
The Lillian’s analog circuitry ensures a warm, organic tone that sits beautifully in a mix, making it suitable for a variety of musical genres including rock, funk, and psychedelic styles. Its versatile controls and high-quality build have made it a favorite among guitarists seeking a phaser pedal that can deliver both classic and modern phaser sounds.
BOSS PH-3 Phase Shifter Guitar Pedal
- Phase Shifter Pedal f Guitar/Bass
- New "Rise" and "Fall" modes create unidirectional phasing
- Realtime control of Rate via optional expression pedal
The BOSS PH-3 Phase Shifter is a versatile digital phaser pedal that offers a wide range of phaser sounds and features, making it suitable for guitarists seeking both classic and modern modulation effects. Unlike many traditional analog phasers, the PH-3 provides multiple phase stage options, including 4, 8, 10, and 12-stage modes, allowing players to explore different textures and depths of phasing. This flexibility enables everything from subtle, vintage-style swirls to more intense, dramatic phase shifts. The PH-3 also features speed, depth, and resonance controls, giving players the ability to fine-tune the character of the phaser effect to their liking.
One of the standout features of the PH-3 is its manual mode, which allows users to freeze the phaser effect at a specific point in the sweep, creating unique, static phase sounds that can add a new dimension to your playing. Additionally, the pedal includes a tap tempo function, enabling precise synchronization of the phaser’s speed with the tempo of your music. This is particularly useful for live performances where timing is critical.
The PH-3 also features controls for rate (speed), depth (intensity), and resonance (feedback), giving players the ability to fine-tune the character of the phaser effect. Its durable construction and true bypass switching ensure reliable performance and signal integrity, whether on stage or in the studio.
Moreover, the BOSS PH-3 supports stereo outputs, allowing guitarists to create wide, immersive modulation effects by sending the signal to two separate amplifiers or channels. This stereo capability enhances the spatial quality of the phaser effect, making it a favorite among players who want to add depth and dimension to their sound.
EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V3
- A 4 stage OTA-based phaser with a diverse feature set that can go from...
- Three-way toggle switch allows you to select between different ranges of...
- Rate 1 is a slow sweep mode, Rate 2 kills the LFO and allows you to use the...
The EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V3 is a versatile and high-quality analog phaser pedal that has earned a strong reputation among guitarists for its rich, lush phaser tones and flexible control options. Building upon the legacy of its predecessors, the V3 version introduces refined circuitry and enhanced features that make it stand out in the crowded field of phaser pedals.
This pedal features four classic control knobs: Sweep, Rate, Depth, and Feedback, allowing players to precisely shape the character and intensity of the phaser effect. The Sweep knob adjusts the center frequency of the phase shift, enabling a wide range of tonal variations from subtle, shimmering textures to deep, resonant sweeps. Rate controls the speed of the modulation, while Depth determines the overall intensity of the effect. Feedback adds resonance and sharpness, enriching the phaser’s sonic presence.
One of the notable aspects of the Grand Orbiter V3 is its ability to switch between phase and vibrato modes, providing additional tonal versatility. This toggle allows players to explore traditional phasing sounds as well as vibrato-style modulation, expanding the palette of effects available from a single pedal.
The Grand Orbiter V3 employs high-quality analog components, ensuring warm, organic tones that sit beautifully in a mix. Its true bypass switching preserves the integrity of the guitar’s signal when the effect is disengaged. The pedal also boasts a rugged, road-ready enclosure designed to withstand the rigors of live performance.
Guitarists appreciate the Grand Orbiter V3 for its smooth, musical phasing effects that can be tailored to suit various genres, from classic rock and funk to psychedelic and experimental music. Its combination of intuitive controls, tonal richness, and build quality make it a favorite choice for those seeking a reliable and expressive analog phaser.
Jim Dunlop MXR Phase 90
- 9V Batteries Required, best with Polaroid 9V Batteries.
- Rich, warm analog tone
- Add shimmery velocity and dramatic swooshing to your tone
The Jim Dunlop MXR Phase 90 is one of the most iconic and enduring analog phaser pedals in the history of guitar effects. Known for its simple design featuring a single speed knob, this pedal delivers a warm, rich tone that has been favored by countless guitarists since its introduction. The Phase 90’s straightforward control layout makes it incredibly easy to use, allowing players to dial in classic phaser sounds quickly without fuss.
Originally released in the 1970s, the MXR Phase 90 has become synonymous with the classic phaser sound heard on many legendary recordings. Its four-stage analog circuitry produces a smooth, swirling effect that adds depth and movement to the guitar tone without overwhelming it. This pedal is particularly famous for its use by Eddie Van Halen, whose distinctive phaser-infused solos helped popularize the effect. David Gilmour of Pink Floyd is another notable user who has incorporated the Phase 90 into his signature sound, showcasing its versatility across different music styles.
The pedal’s true bypass design ensures that when the effect is disengaged, the guitar signal remains pure and uncolored. Powered by a 9V battery or an external power supply, the MXR Phase 90 is compact and durable, making it a staple on pedalboards worldwide. Over the years, several versions have been produced, including the Script and Block logo editions, as well as the Eddie Van Halen signature model, which offers additional tonal options.
Despite its simplicity, the MXR Phase 90 remains a favorite for both beginners and seasoned professionals due to its classic phaser sound and reliable performance. Whether used subtly to add texture or more aggressively to create dramatic swirling effects, this pedal continues to be a go-to choice for guitarists seeking the best phaser pedal experience.
Electro Harmonix Small Stone
- Color switch turns up the feedback for a more pronounced phase shifter...
- Tough and compact die-cast chassis
- 9V battery included
The Electro-Harmonix Small Stone is a classic and highly regarded phaser pedal known for its rich, warm analog tone and straightforward design. It features a single speed knob that controls the rate of the sweeping phaser effect, making it incredibly easy to use while delivering a wide range of sounds from subtle modulation to intense, swirling effects. The Small Stone is particularly favored for its smooth, musical phase sweeps that add depth and movement to guitar tones without overpowering the original signal. Additionally, the Small Stone features a ‘Color’ switch for a richer, more intense effect, allowing players to toggle between distinct phase textures for added versatility.
One of the standout features of the EHX Small Stone is its ‘Color’ switch, which allows players to toggle between two distinct phase textures. The ‘Warm’ setting produces a softer, more vintage-style phasing effect, while the ‘Bright’ setting offers a sharper, more pronounced sweep that cuts through the mix. This versatility makes the pedal suitable for various musical styles, from psychedelic rock to funk and beyond.
Compact and durable, the Small Stone’s robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of live performance and regular use on pedalboards. It also employs true bypass switching, preserving your guitar’s tone when the effect is disengaged.
Notable guitarists such as Jonny Greenwood and Thom Yorke of Radiohead have used the Small Stone to craft their signature sounds, demonstrating its appeal to both experimental and mainstream players alike. Whether you are a beginner looking for a simple yet effective phaser or an experienced musician seeking a reliable analog phaser with character, the Electro-Harmonix Small Stone remains a top choice in the world of modulation effects.
Conclusion
Phaser pedals open up a world of sonic possibilities, adding dynamic movement and rich texture to your guitar tone. Whether you’re chasing subtle swirls or bold, sweeping effects, these versatile tools can transform your sound and inspire creativity. Dive into the depths of modulation and let your music shimmer with vibrant, swirling waves that captivate and elevate every note you play.
FAQ
What are the differences between analog and digital phaser pedals?
Analog phaser pedals use analog circuitry and typically have fewer stages, resulting in a warm, organic, and vintage-style sound. Digital phasers use digital signal processing (DSP) to emulate analog effects and offer more stages and features such as presets, tap tempo, and MIDI control. While analog phasers are prized for their classic tones, digital phasers provide greater versatility and control.
What controls are commonly found on phaser pedals?
Most phaser pedals include controls for speed (rate), depth (intensity), feedback (resonance), and a mix knob to blend the dry and effected signals. Some pedals also feature toggle switches or mode selectors to switch between different phaser types or related effects like tremolo and chorus.
Where should I place a phaser pedal in my signal chain?
Phaser pedals are commonly placed before distortion or overdrive pedals to maintain clarity in the effect. However, experimentation is encouraged, as placement can affect the overall sound and feel. Some players prefer phasers after distortion for a more pronounced effect.
What is tap tempo and why is it useful?
Tap tempo allows you to set the phaser’s modulation speed by tapping a footswitch in time with the music. This feature helps synchronize the effect with the song’s tempo, especially during live performances.
Are there phaser pedals with stereo outputs?
Yes, some phaser pedals include stereo outputs, allowing you to create wide, immersive modulation effects by sending the signal to two separate amplifiers or channels.