Ahoy! Welcome to your new Depths™ Optical Vibe Machine! The Depths is EarthQuaker's take on the classic optical vibe circuit. Now you can swab the decks with the same lush, pulsating, three-dimensional swirling sound you know and love, with some modern accoutrements for all you land-lubbers out there. The Depths is optimised for use with all kinds of instruments, pickups, and to play well with dirt, so nobody’s left waiting on shore. If it’s got a ¼” output, plug it in and get deep!
In addition to the classic vibe controls, the Depths features unique controls for “Voice” and “Throb.” The “Voice” control adjusts the midrange focus of the Depths, which is perfect for tailoring the effect to your particular instrument. Clockwise, you’ll hear a fuller sound with a low-end focus. Counter-clockwise, you’ll hear a thinner, spikier sound with a forward upper-midrange bite. The “Throb” knob adds a hefty subharmonic low-end pulse to the vibrato signal, which is especially useful on synthesizers and the bass guitar. It sounds great with a little bit of dirt on the neck pickup of a guitar, too! This works best with the “Voice” turned counter-clockwise for a warmer tone.
The Depths’ “Intensity” and “Rate” controls are dialled in to give you the classic optical vibe sound at more modest settings, but dive in deeper and you’ll find anything from a smooth ultra-slow warble to sharp, speedy bursts! Also, the “Level” control has tons of output above unity on tap to combat the perceived volume loss of most vibe pedals, so your tone is always above water. And, if 9v isn’t enough to keep you afloat, the Depths may be powered at 18v for a stiffer tone with more headroom and sparkle.
The Depths is true-bypass, uses rusty all-analog circuitry, and is built one-at-a-time aboard the wreckage of the SS Minnow, currently dry-docked in Akron, Ohio, USA.
Features
- Optical Vibe Machine based on classic circuits
- Optimised for use with all kinds of instruments and pickups
- Intensity and Rate give you nuanced control
- Voice controls midrange focus, great for tailoring to specific instrument
- Throb adds a subharmonic low-end pulse, useful with synths and bass
- Flexi-Switch™ allows you to simultaneously use momentary and latching style switching
- Switching is relay based so requires power to pass signal
- Uses standard 9-18 volt DC power supply with a 2.1mm negative centre barrel
- Hand made in Akron, Ohio
- Current Draw: 50mA
- Input impedance: 1M
- Output impedance: <1K