Uni-Vibe is the name of a sound effect that you may not realize you require until you hear it! The Uni-genesis Vibe’s was somewhat of a lucky accident. Shin-Ei, a Japanese firm, attempted to recreate the sound of a spinning Leslie speaker cabinet (i.e. the “doppler” sound) in pedal form in 1968. Jimi Hendrix was a big fan of the effect, and he’s perhaps the most famous person who’s used it. David Gilmour of Pink Floyd also heavily used a Uni-Vibe, albeit he used it as a more subtle effect (listen to Gilmour’s swirling guitar tone on Pink Floyd’s song Breathe). Another famous user is English guitarist Robin Trower.
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Dunlop M68 Uni-Vibe Chorus/Vibrato
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MXR/Dunlop holds the trademark for the word “Uni-Vibe,” they are the only pedal manufacturers that can call their pedal by that name. The controls are simple to use and understand, featuring easy-to-move knobs. Depending on what you have, it can be powered by a 9V converter or a battery. The vintage vibe pedal not only features a switch for Chorus/Vibrato modes, but it also has a helpful Volume control so you can match its volume to the rest of your setup. It also has a pulsating LED that reflects the effect’s speed. The M68 is an all-analog, bulb-driven machine.
With the M68’s intuitive interface, you can quickly dial in your preferred original uni-vibe sound. This univibe has only three controls. The modulation’s sweep rate is controlled by the Speed knob. Level adjusts the total master volume, ensuring that you stay at unity gain effects at all times, or even allowing the pedal to function as a boost. The Depth knob adjusts the effect’s intensity, ranging from a modest pulse to a powerful wave-like modulation. A little button at the top of the pedal lets you choose between the Chorus and Vibrato (red light) modes found on most univibe pedals.
The MXR univibe can get very powerful when it comes to tone, and it’s fantastic for creating otherworldly psychedelic sounds or the classic Jimi Hendrix style. The M68’s sole drawback is that the vibe circuit might be a little too powerful at times, especially if you’re aiming for a gentle, washy chorus effect. This feeling, in particular, adds a hint of bass to your mix while cutting some of the mids.
Overall, the MXR M68 Univibe is the best Uni-Vibe Pedals in 2023 is perfect for individuals that perform frequently and want something trippy to add to their pedalboard. It will be less suitable for people who want to duplicate the precise sound of a Vibratone amp, which will necessitate the use of an expression pedal. This is, without doubt, the best univibe pedal in 2023.
JHS Unicorn V2 Analog Univibe
- Uni-vibe Photocell Modulator w/ Tap Tempo
- All-Analog signal path delivers a warm, touch-sensitive tone
- Dry/wet toggle selects between a Uni-Vibe and Vibrato effect
JHS Pedals is a relatively newcomer to the world of guitar effects. Since their inception in 2007, they’ve swiftly established a reputation for producing high-quality effects pedals. Their Uni-Vibe offering is the Unicorn V2. It’s a solidly made pedal with road-ready push buttons and a robust metal shell. To make some delectable noises, the controls are well labeled and simple to use. Volume, Speed, Ratio, and Depth are all controlled by four dials. A toggle switch allows you to alternate between wet and dry sounds for guitar players.
It’s a photocell-based analog pedal with tap tempo and a photocell-based Vibe. It also includes the ability to tap tempo from an external source using an expression pedal. This isn’t included. You can dial in the precise sound you desire with the tap tempo and built-in 4-speed ratios.
The speed control provides 14 and 18 note options. There are also triplets and a dotted eighth note. It’s indented to allow you to fine-tune the pace. The Volume control can be used to add up to 9dB of boost. The speed control is used to control the rate of the effect. As a result, you can create a sluggish swirling sound or a rapid shimmering sound with more assault. This is one of the Best UniVibe Pedals on the market.
Dunlop JD4S Rotovibe
- Vibrato and chorus modes
- Footpedal control of modulation speed
- Model Number: JD4S
Dunlop’s JD4S uses chorus and vibrato effects to give it a Uni-Vibe vibe. Another pedal where size could be an issue is the brake pedal. It appears to be well-made, with an all-metal construction that is meant to withstand some wear and tear. The screws that keep the pedal together, on the other hand, are flimsy and prone to breaking.
There are no MIDI connections on this pedal because it is an analog pedal. It can’t be connected to a computer either. The controls are fairly basic. There is only one unlabeled control. It sticks out a long way from the pedal’s body. As far as we can tell, this puts it in danger of being damaged. The sounds are decent, but not considerably better than pedals that cost much less. The chorus modulation effects is quite faint, which is a key component of the Uni-Vibe sound. After selecting chorus or vibrato, rock the pedal back and forth to adjust the effect’s intensity. This is the best uni-vibe with expression pedal.
EarthQuaker Devices The Depths V2
- Optical Vibe Effects Pedal with Intensity
- Throb Controls
- Flexi Switch
The Depths takes a risk and does something different from the usual univibe offering. There are additional knobs for ‘voice’ and ‘throb,’ in addition to intensity, rate, and level adjustments. The ‘voice’ control functions similarly to tone control, allowing you to emphasize low, mid, or high frequencies. The ‘throb’ control emphasizes the low-end sound’s pulse, which, while minor, may be highly effective and provide you more control.
This device also has Flexi-Switch technology, which is a cool feature. This implies you can switch between momentary and latching modes at the same time. To activate the effect of normal latching, simply tap the footswitch once. Pressing the footswitch down for as long as you’d like to employ the effect activates the momentary operation. When you let off of the switch, the effect fades away. EarthQuaker has also integrated a noiseless relay-based soft-touch circuit, so there won’t be any background hum or interference.
The Depths is a tiny, well-built machine with a robust metal housing when it comes to durability. It runs on a 9V adaptor or a 9V battery and is completely analog. There’s a genuine bypass so it won’t muddy your signal, and a status LED so you can keep track of your sweep speed even if the stage is dark.
The downside is that it’s fairly pricey, so it’ll appeal to the professional performer who wants to get their hands on something unique that they’re willing to put in some effort to master. It will be less suitable for musicians on a tight budget or who have never used a univibe before.
Moen Shaky Jimi Vibe Pedal
- Rotary speaker effect.
- Rate, Depth and Hue frequency control. Vibrato/Chorus mode switch.
- Tough-built metal enclosure with metal stomp switch. True bypass stomp...
The Moen Shaky Vibe is one of the most affordable models on the market, yet it generates a phasing effect sound that is easily similar to the more expensive models on the list. It makes use of photocells, just like the originals, to help eliminate undesirable distortion and provide classic Jimi Hendrix tone.
There are three control knobs: pace, depth, and color, as well as a switch to toggle between chorus and vibe effects. These allow you to fine-tune the sound’s tempo, intensity, and tone to suit your playing style. When it’s turned on, there’s also an LED to let you know. The main drawback is that, unlike some more expensive vibe pedals, this LED does not flash in time with the pace of the effect. It can be powered by a 9V converter, but there is no battery option, so bring your charger with you to the gig.
Overall, the Shakey Vibe offers great value for money and is ideal for individuals on a tight budget who want something simple, strong, and dependable. Guitarists who play in dark rooms or venues and need a flashing LED to track the rate of their vibrato or chorus effects, or those who want to control the expression with their feet, will find it less useful. Despite the low price tag, it is housed in a strong metal casing. This is one of the Best Uni-Vibe Pedal in 2023.
NUX Mini Core Monterey Vibe Guitar Effects Pedal
It’s minuscule! Don’t be deceived by its diminutive stature; this small univibe packs a punch. It’s a simple pedal with only three settings, but with to its 32 Bit DSP, there’s still plenty of flexibility for tone tuning. The pedal has a micro USB connector on the back so you can upgrade the software to make it sound better as it gets older. It also has tap tempo, which allows you to adjust the modulation speed on the fly.
Speed, Volume, and Intensity are the only three controls. They all function similarly to the other pedals on this list, but each individual dial makes a significant difference. The footswitch on the Monterey includes some hidden controls. The mode changes from Chorus to Vibrato after a long hold, providing you plenty of mixing options. You can access the tap tempo with a shorter hold.
Despite the fact that the pedal is digital, I think that it works well with both clean and gritty tones. It sounds more like a Leslie when the pedal is completely maxed out, but it can also be toned down for a delicate vibrato sound. Overall, I’d describe this as a traditional Univibe pedal, although one contained in a smaller chassis and capable of handling any amount of gain.
TC Electronic Viscous Vibe Pedal
- 1: 1 recreation of the legendary shine-ei Uni-Vibe
- Tone print enabled - for a world of signature and customizable effects
- Compact design
The Viscous Vibe is a digital instrument that not only replicates the sound of the original but also focuses on your specific requirements as a musician. The Viscous Vibe also offers stereo and mono inputs and outputs, which is useful for recording and ensuring sound quality during performances. There are controls for speed, intensity, and loudness that allow you to tweak your sound without overcomplicating things. However, there is a helpful ‘hold-on’ option that allows you to raise your swell speed while playing live.
The Viscious Vibe, however, is the most customized gadget in our round-up, with software that allows you to save the sounds of your favorite guitarists on your phone, tablet, or computer and easily fire them into your pedal via the free app. You may also use the app to fine-tune your sound to your preferences. The main drawback is that there is no way to entirely disable the effect; instead, pressing the off button causes the swell rotation to progressively decrease down. If you have to finish a riff at the same time as other instruments in a band, this could be a problem.
In conclusion, we believe the Viscious Vibe is ideal for techies who wish to experiment with sound utilizing the program. Those who expect something more akin to an old-school unit, on the other hand, will be disappointed.
Digitech Ventura Vibe
- Three Unique Rotary/Vibrato Types: Vintage - Inspired by vintage...
- Compact Size with Soft Click, Vacuum-Style Footswitch True Stereo I/O True...
- Includes the following stage accessories: Stomp lock knob guard locks your...
The Digitech Ventura Vibe not only does the classic univibe tones, but it also has a modern voice and even Rotary built in for a whole range of vibe genres. When you have digital power like this, who needs bulbs?
True bypass and stereo In/Out are included in this digital vibe pedal, giving it a whole new level of richness that some univibes simply can’t match. If you’re recording near your amp, the pedal also features a softclick activation option, so you won’t have to worry about clicks. Vintage (Chorus), Modern (Vibrato), and Rotary are the three modes available on the Ventura.
Electro-Harmonix Good Vibes Modulator Pedal
- Simple control set: Volume, Intensity, Speed
- Expression pedal control of Speed or Intensity
- Boosted power rails for extended headroom and definition
The EHX Good Vibes is a low-cost analog unit that is easy to operate and captures a natural tone rather well. The volume, intensity, and speed dials allow you to regulate how loud the effect is, how forceful it is, and how rapid the sweep rate is. There’s also an LED that flashes at the speed of the sweep, allowing you to see how fast it’s going even in dim light. In the spirit of Jimi Hendrix, this uses photocells to create a warm chorus and vibrato.
It contains an extra switch to manage the expression pedal’s functionality, which can be configured to control speed or intensity, making it the most performance-friendly of the devices on our list. Just keep in mind that the expressiveness pedal must be purchased separately. However, the 9v DC power supply is included in the price, saving you some money. The only drawback is that the Good Vibes loses some volume and intensity when used behind a fuzz unit.
Overall, this uni-vibe pedal will appeal to more expressive musicians who like complete control over many aspects of their stage sound. It’s not for those looking for something super-easy to get started with, but it’s not tough to use either.
Sweet Sound Mojo Vibe Pedal
- Volume Control
- Adjust the output to match the input level.
- Intensity Control
The Mojo Vibe by Sweet Sound is the next item on our list, so what exactly do you get for your buck? The pedal’s innovative circuitry, which allows it to play both old 60s riffs and more modern music genres, has to be the best feature.
Sweet Sound has also built the Mojo Vibe so that the 9 volts power input is internally transformed to 18 volts, allowing you to get the most out of your sweep with the correct “throb” or “wobble.” They’ve also integrated an internally switched FET buffer pre-amp, which is much better. You can pick between a warm, vintage sound or a more modern FET buffered input for greater tonal clarity.
The adaptability of the Mojo Vibe is another great feature. There’s also a chorus/ vibrato toggle switch and volume/ speed/ intensity controls, as well as an expression pedal input that enables you control the throb pace with your foot. As a result, you won’t have to program any difficult technologies to be innovative. Sweet Sound has also integrated a true bypass circuit, which means that when you flip the device on, the rest of your tone will not be interrupted.
The Mojo Vibe is perfect for individuals who desire a pedal that can produce both modern and vintage tones well and doesn’t have any complicated features. The only drawback is the cost, which means you’ll need some additional cash to purchase this device.
Fulltone Custom Shop MDV3 Mini DejaVibe 3 Vibe/Chorus Pedal w/Foot Controlled Speed
- Input and output jacks
- Intensity and Volume knob
- True Bypass ON/OFF footswitch
The Fulltone Mini Deja-Vibe pedal is widely regarded as one of the best vibe pedals available today. It won for a reason: it’s a near-exact copy of the circuit found in the original Shin-Ei Uni-Vibe from the 1960s, utilizing custom-made “accurate glass-covered, hermetically sealed photocells.” This Uni-Vibe is very coveted due to its blend of vintage circuitry, modern controls, moderate pricing, and Fulltone reliability.
It comes with a blue metal case and a heel to toe pedal. The pedal is covered in a non-slip rubber. It functions as a turn-on/turn-off switch. It appears to function as a volume control, however this is not the case. The modulation level will be determined only by the pedal. Volume and intensity controls are located on the unit’s side, along with a toggle button for toggling between chorus and vibrato. There’s also a switch to choose between a vintage or modern sound. On each side, there are input and output jack sockets. There is no option for battery power, and it comes with an 18v power source.
Given what Fulltone set out to accomplish with the Mini Deja-Vibe, it’s no surprise that this is a strong contender for the best Uni-Vibe on the market today. With the chorus/vibrato and vintage/modern toggle settings, adding this pedal to the mix will provide a guitarist more tone possibilities than he or she might expect. While it isn’t a cheap pedal, the price is reasonable when you consider the meticulous attention to detail that went into designing it, as well as the Fulltone name and construction quality for the best univibe clone.
Voodoo Lab Micro Vibe Guitar Effect Pedal
- Authentic, pure analog Vibe sounds that swing
- Compact, pedalboard friendly size
- Runs on a 9V battery
The Micro Vibe from Voodoo Lab is a superb vibe pedal for anyone looking for real analog circuitry and a no-frills pedal from a renowned brand. Although Voodoo Lab is most recognized for its Pedal Power 2 Plus power supply, their guitar effects pedals aren’t bad either. They give a very respectable candidate for guitarists looking for a Uni-Vibe clone with the Micro Vibe.
The Micro Vibe is handcrafted in the United States and has a tough, well-made feel about it. Despite the name’s use of the word “micro,” it’s slightly larger than a Boss stompbox but won’t overcrowd your pedalboard. A 9V battery or a regular 9V DC power supply can be used to power it. The input and output jacks are located on either side of the power supply jack at the top of the pedal. In terms of controls, the Micro Vibe is the most straightforward of all the Uni-Vibe clones we tried. The pedal is turned on and off by a genuine bypass footswitch, and Voodoo Lab only provides the two most important knobs INTENSITY and SPEED, both of which you should be familiar with by now.
It’s worth noting that this pedal chooses between the two Uni-Vibe modes, chorus and vibrato, and defaults to chorus, which is the most widely utilized Uni-Vibe mode. Overall, there’s not much to say about a layout like this. The knobs are huge, so you should have no trouble seeing them and manipulating them even in dimly lit environments. An LED that pulsates to show the selected speed is a minor omission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Univibe Pedal?
The Uni-genesis Vibe’s was somewhat of a lucky accident. Shin-Ei, a Japanese firm, attempted to recreate the sound of a spinning Leslie speaker cabinet (i.e. the “doppler” sound) in pedal form in 1968. Although the experiment failed, the result was such a unique effect that guitarists took notice. This page is recommended if you’re interested in the inside circuitry of a Uni-Vibe.
It’s a lovely combination of chorus, flanger, phaser, and vibrato in terms of sound. Those four effects, alone or in combination, can’t quite match what a Uni-Vibe can produce. Jimi Hendrix was a big fan of the effect, and he’s perhaps the most famous person who’s used it. Machine Gun, his song, is a superb demonstration of the original effect in action:
Where to place a Univibe Pedal on my pedalboard?
Of course, you may put your vibe wherever you like on your board, but we recommend starting with it before any overdrive or distortion pedals because the sound can get a little thin if you put it after. The majority of guitarists position it before the overdrive pedals, but the most essential factor is that you like the sound, so play around with it!
What Univibe pedal did Hendrix Use?
Univibes are probably best known because of Jimi Hendrix. So, which of our vibes did he go with? Of course, you want the same one, don’t you? It’s unlikely that you’ll be surprised to learn that Hendrix used the original Shin-ei Univibe. ‘Great, I’ll just get a vintage Shin-ei!’ you could think. We won’t stop you, but the cost could; they’re quite pricey!
What does a Univibe pedal sound like?
The Vibe effect is a one-of-a-kind effect that can’t be duplicated by any other pedal. It’s been called hypnotic, a ‘lo-fi sweep,’ and a ‘mix of chorus, flanger, phaser, and vibrato.’
Adding a vibe effect to your music can help it come to life, and we feel that this effect can make even the most inexperienced guitarists sound like professionals. It’s most commonly heard in rock music, but it’s also a lot of fun to add into other genres.
Try searching for the vibe effect on YouTube to get a better idea of what it sounds like. There are many different pedals on display, and it’s likely that someone will demonstrate one of the vibes from our list so you can hear it in action before making your decision.