Voodoo Vibe +
*Comments provided by Roger Mayer.
The Voodoo-Vibe+ is the latest evolution of the Univibe as used by Jimi Hendrix and Robin Trower. The Voodoo-Vibe+ will faithfully reproduce all the old retro sounds and incorporates the modifications I personally developed for Jimi. The Supervibe was my next evolution of the Univibe and many leading performers including Stevie Ray Vaughan and Robin Trower used this unit. The Voodoo-Vibe followed the Supervibe and is accepted as the industry leader and used by many top performers. The Voodoo-Vibe + also has a Tremolo circuit plus the usual Chorus and Vibrato functions and the control of the sound parameters has been greatly expanded. The addition of Pulse Square waveforms to the normal Classic waveforms is a valuable and useful addition to the sweep capabilities. The Speed of the sweep generator has also been expanded together with the Symmetry Range and these features greatly increase the options of producing many new and unheard effects and the Voodoo-Vibe+ is a modern and worthy successor to our very successful Voodoo-Vibe. The art of analogue processing has moved forward.
Technical:
The Voodoo-Vibe is completely analogue in operation and exhibits a very transparent and full sound quality that is lacking in digital products that simulate chorus and flanging effects The digital zipper noise and graininess is eliminated and the guitar tone is maintained throughout the full dynamic range. Class A discrete circuitry is used in all audio stages and results in ultra high audio quality and very low noise. The signal to noise ratio of the unit is 102dB, which is about 12dB better than a CD. Extensive internal power supply filtering is used so that the low noise performance is maintained when using even the most basic commercial mains adapter or battery eliminator.
Front Panel Controls:
Function:
The unit can be set to operate in Chorus, Vibrato or Tremolo modes by the front panel switch.
Speed Range:
The Voodoo-Vibe+ enables a selection of three speed ranges of either
Classic or Pulse waveform. These two different types of sweep waveform
when used in conjunction with the Symmetry control will allow
completely different types of sweep effects to be produced. The maximum
speed has been greatly increased to provide a blurred effect with
sub-harmonic undertones being produced as the frequency reaches
maximum. The maximum speed capacity should be investigated in any of
the three operational modes together with the various intensity and
symmetery parameters.
Speed: This control allows the fine setting of the speed range as selected by the Speed Range switch.
Symmetry:
This controls the linearity of the Classic and ON/OFF ratio of the
Pulse waves, which are used to sweep the filter sections or modulate
the tremolo section. When the ratio of the rise and fall time of the
Classic wave is varied from the usual symmetrical 50% to other values
it has the audible effect of altering the way the filter sweeps as the
symmetry is adjusted away from the norm. It is now possible to have a
fast rise and a slow decay or the reverse by manipulation of this
control. The ON/OFF ration of the pulse wave can be varied in a similar
manner to provide variable switching waveforms for the modulation
filters or tremolo section. The intensity ,bias and symmetery controls
work together providing a wide range of effects.
Wild pulse tremolo sounds are easily created as well as outrageous modulation effects.
Bias:
This control enables the unit to be tuned to produce different sweep
effects in the chorus and vibrato modes and will change the centre
sweep frequency. In the tremolo mode the bias sets the depth of effect
as well as the offset. This control is one of the most important sweep
parameters to get right and it pays to only make small changes and
carefully evaluate them.
Intensity:
The level of depth of effect can be set by this control and is used in
conjunction with the other controls to set up the effect required.
Output:
This controls sets the Output Level required.
Rear Panel Jack Sockets:
Input Jack:
The unit is powered on by inserting a lead into this socket when using
the internal 9V battery. Keep the plug out of this socket when not in
use.
HW Out:
This is a hard wire or true bypass output. The dual buffered outputs are disconnected when this output is selected.
Buffered Out:
These are identical dual low impedance Class A buffered outputs and are
provided to act as a splitter both in the bypass and effect modes thus
enabling long cable lengths to be driven with no high frequency loss or
to facilitate parallel path signal processing.
To / From:
These two jack sockets are for connection to an external foot volume
pedal (not supplied) for the external control of speed. Please consult
website/manuals to download wiring diagrams to allow the use of
commercial volume pedals.
DC Power Jack:
An external AC adapter (not supplied) can be used and access is through
a standard DC power jack situated next to the jack sockets. It uses the
standard negative centre pin connection protocol used by many leading
manufacturers. Internal onboard filtering ensures that optimum low
noise performance is maintained and diode protection provides peace of
mind in case of polarity setting mistakes.
Internal Battery:
Access to the internal battery is made by loosing the 4 screws on the
bottom to allow the cover to open and it is recommended to use a
premium alkaline type battery for the longest life.
LED Indicator:
The LED indicator shows the status of the unit.
* batteries not included
Sound Clips
Listen to examples of this pedal in action.
Sound Clip 1
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Sound Clip 2
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Manual
Testimonials
"...subtle, deep and rich chorus that doesn't detract from the guitar's signal. It is beatifully guiet, there's no sea-sick swooshing in the background and the coloration added to your signal chain - apart from what's intended - is minimal. Experimenting with the speed ranges and other parameters, you enter a world of chorus tones you may well not have heard before. The tremolo tones sound remarkably rich too.." "...the richness of this unit's chorus - not to mention the depth and range of tones available - is beyond what I've previously encountered. Add to that the vibrato effect, and for many players who've never encounter vibrato on an amp, you'll again be entering some new, yet strangely familiar-sounding territory. The quiet operation and very musical sound is a refreshing change, too. This really is a pro-sounding device, ideal for studio use..." "As it stands though, the VOODOO-VIBE is a powerful device allowing you to enter a decidedly new Twilight Zone world of modulated effects."
The Guitar Magazine Vol.5 issue1 Jan /-95
"it's tremolo and vibrato modes are utterly amazing. Here the bias and symmetry controls unlock a universe of wave and pulse manipulation that must be heard to be believed. Add to this the ability to bring these controls to bear on triangle waveforms, and you've got the fuel dragster of modulators. It would be hard to imagine a trem sound that the Voodoo-Vibe can't clone, and if you're into the more mutant side of trem and vibrato effects, this box will do it to ya like no other."
Guitar Player Apr /-96
"We are most definitely not talking Boss CE-2 chorus pedal here..." " Background noise is virtually nonexistent and the chorus itself is much, much different from anything previously encountered from any modern unit. The type of chorus effects one can obtain from the Voodoo-Vibe ranges from an unobtrusive wash through to a spookily authentic Hendrixian burble - and virtually any point in between." " on this unit, the trem effects are very impressive. Although the trem mode can be quite violent at extreme triangle wave settings, the overall impression is one of great warmth, especially with the smoother, friendlier sine wave configuration." " The slight pitch modulation (Vibrato) recalls the similar sound one can obtain from a Vox vibrato system, it has much of that kind of sweetness.." " The Voodoo-Vibe is a smashing unit, but I sincerely hope that its amazing potential will help it find favour beyond the current retro fad. As its rapid adoption by the likes of Jimmy Page has proved, the Voodoo-Vibe has a distincly professional edge." "This unit simply renders most previous chorus units watery and ineffectual while opening out whole new areas of sonic possibilities never previously imagined."
Guitarist April / -95
"I try working with effects and making effects work for me. "When I Was a Child" just came out of using this Roger Mayer Voodoo-Vibe pedal. I set it up and just started playing around with it. Before long, I had the first part of the verse, and then I though up the chorus afterwards. But it was really dictated by the effect and being inspired.
Jimmy Page interview Guitar World June 1998