Some pedal order observations

[dan the man]

I recently got into using modulation, where before I was pretty much just using delay, and I've had some surprises while figuring out where I like them.

For reference, this is using high gain sounds, not so much clean sounds.

Chorus I can go either way, but I think I prefer it in the loop (after distortion). Flanger, I have a more strong opinion on and land definitely in the loop.

I got a phaser yesterday, and was assuming that it'd go in the loop like the rest, but to my surprise it sounded horrific there, way too extreme. Quickly moved it to the front, and got exactly what I wanted.

I know things like this can vary a lot depending on the genre and player preference, but I'm glad I'm figuring this out now before I put a board together and velcro everything down and wire everything up.

Wanted to know if people have similar experiences, and if they run two or three of these effects and once, which order they like them in (chorus flanger phaser order)

 

[tedtan]

I like phasers, and sometimes flangers, in front of the amp. I actually like analogue delays in front of the amp, too (digital delays go in the loop, IMO).

Play around with it like you are and see what works for you.

 

[Demiurge]

I think the Uni-Vibe is used a lot early in the signal chain.

Analog delays into fuzz, with some additional ambience on the back end, can get some real trippy shit.

 

[nerdywhale]

This is my favourite topic to read about and discuss. Good job, people! It’s where I have the most fun when playing guitar, but perhaps spend too much time experimenting instead of actually playing.

I don’t use phase much any more, but like OP, liked it in front of distortion, close to being first in the signal chain. In my experiences, I thought it was more in line with wah, and I used it like a textural frequency sweep. Chorus and flange were after distortion, which I thought brought movement and thickness to the sound. Of course, phase can certainly do that too, that big whooshy jet sound you get with it after distortion.

I settled on this signal chain about 15 years ago, after a long time of following the “rules” - dirt first, mods and time effects last - and not being able to nail the sounds on my favourite albums.

Tuner > Volume > Reverb > Analog/Modulated Delay > Overdrive > Rat > Muff > Looper > Amp

It might look a little backwards, but it was experimenting that helped achieve those favourite recorded sounds. I always loved that chaotic wall of noise that reverb and delay into distortion makes, but never knew how to do it. And swelling into it with a volume pedal is how I like to spend lazy Saturdays.

 

[wheresthefbomb]

I like a tremolo at the very end of my pedal chain, bonus points if its stereo.

A long, shallow flange after fuzz sounds absolutely fucking huge, really plays up the "bouncing off the sides of an imaginary box" compression artifacts that make fuzz so exciting.

@nerdywhale reverb into distortion is the best sound in the entire universe. It tickles my brain just right. Also RAT>muff is the dirt sound, I haven't been able to replace it for years and it's not for lack of trying. Even the mighty Longsword couldn't unseat the humble rodent.

 

[Deadpool_25]

I like flanger, chorus, phaser in front. Delays and reverbs in the loop.

 

[nerdywhale]

Also RAT>muff is the dirt sound, I haven't been able to replace it for years and it's not for lack of trying.

What Rat > Muff combo is your go-to? Mine is currently Iron Horse v3 > Hail Satan Deluxe.

I like flanger, chorus, phaser in front. Delays and reverbs in the loop.

Do you use flange, chorus AND phaser or just one or two? Do you set them at different speeds or try to sync them and use them as increasing levels of effect intensity?

 

[wheresthefbomb]

What Rat > Muff combo is your go-to? Mine is currently Iron Horse v3 > Hail Satan Deluxe.

My buddy is ordering an Iron Horse, I'm excited to hear it in action.

I use Big Box Reissue OP07 RAT>BAT Pharaoh

I've been through a few LM308 RATs including two Fuzzrocious Rat Kings, this one sounds the best to me. I originally had planned to swap the chip but if it ain't broke.... That said, I am planning to replace it with Life Pedal V3 this spring.

Pharaoh has been the cornerstone of my dirt sound since I bought it about 10 years ago, I'd likely only ever replace it with the BAT Coven. I've tried a Fuzzrocious Grey Stache, Behringer Superfuzz clone, MXR El Grande, and a slew of EHX muff varietes including Metal, Pi, Tone wicker, Bass, etc etc, nothing has touched the mighty Pharaoh.

The one thing I wish it had is a mid control to get a little more punch on its own, but once the RAT hits it I have no more complaints.

 

[Deadpool_25]

What Rat > Muff combo is your go-to? Mine is currently Iron Horse v3 > Hail Satan Deluxe.

Do you use flange, chorus AND phaser or just one or two? Do you set them at different speeds or try to sync them and use them as increasing levels of effect intensity?

I'll use them all but not at the same time. Phaser I use by far the least of the three. Chorus and flanger I use a lot more because...well...Adam Jones.