Subdecay Studios Quasar DLX

It is an analog phaser based BBD chip digitally controlled: the best of both worlds. It is switchable between 4, 6 and 8 poles.

An inlet and an outlet, plus a CV input or expression. Power is negative center between 9 and 18V. I have not tried with more than 9V.

Many settings are fairly traditional: center frequency of phasing, phasing depth, re-injection (feedback) positive or negative mix between the incoming signal and the phase signal, LFO shape and speed of the latter.

Two footswitches complement it all: a tap tempo and bypass. Perhaps they are a bit too close ... nothing discriminant. Besides that, I appreciate its small size allows it to be easily integrated into a pedalboard.

LED oscillates between red and yellow at the rate of the LFO when the effect is activated. It oscillates between red and off when the effect is bypassed. Practice to see the tempo at any time.

UTILIZATION

This is an effect pedal, not rocket science ... but a few peculiarities and other thoughtful tips to make an exception.

The Mix knob allows you to go from 0 to 100%, unlike most other phasers where this setting is fixed at 50%. This can only hear the phase signal, and we obtain ... a nice light vibrato

The tap tempo switch provides access to two modes: manual or tap tempo.
In manual mode, the spleen knob adjusts the speed of the LFO. You go from slowest to fastest and return you to slow down ... but ah? Want? Speed ​​increases further when you return to the left? ... Yes, it achieves very very fast modulations. To return to the slower, simply go again tickle the tab to the right and back. Clever.
In tap tempo mode, the knob spleen is not continuous but can lock onto rhythmic subdivisions of the tapped tempo. Clever there yet.

When an expression pedal is branch, we obtain two other modes. Oh! What a surprise ... A Speed ​​mode that allows you to control the speed of modulation with the expression pedal, and a Sweep mode that modulates the fixed frequency of phasing with the expression pedal.

That is: it completes the picture. Because what is obvious, in fact, it is not all that but a whopping 11 LFO waveforms, all synchronized with the tap tempo. Yes sir, yes ma'am.

SOUND QUALITY

The effect sounds really good. I use it mostly in 6 poles where it seems well balanced; mode 8 pole can be more intense and can achieve effects recalling the vibe or Leslie.

I use it with synths, whether to animate layers or to the experimental improvisation by injecting white noise and choosing a form of LFO a bit exotic.
I did not even bother to try it with a guitar like.

The Quasar DLX can be as extreme it can be discreet. In wildest these settings, feedback is relatively thin, it shines a little, nicely. The negative feedback provides sounds slightly different, more "hollow" and equally interesting.

OVERALL OPINION

The Quasar DLX is in my pedalboard for a little over two years. It is part of my three to four essential.

I have not tried many other phasers. Compared to a EHX Small Stone period, he takes less mediums incoming signal, leaving him a little more meat than the EHX. In terms of flexibility, it surpasses but EHX is a classic heard in years, and thus it is not for nothing.
More recently, I listened to a Moog MF-103. It really amazed me: the sound that spring is round, brand loyal. Moog is a bit less flexible in terms of settings but allows more interactions with other hardware via CV.
That merit further comparison.

It my favorite color also ... This is the analog concept driven digital; it helps to have sound AND functionality.
What I like least? I am looking for ... go, maybe the short distance between the two footswitches, but it's really saying something.

The price of the pedal remains high, but it is a really effective on the pitch. At the price I bought it, it is a quality / price honest in my opinion. It's pretty rare occasion, and manufactured. But we win the test and if it again, I would.

filter lfo varied vintage phaser complete ultra modern.
100% analog sound despite numerical control (hence the versatility of the machine!).
true bypass
energizable in 9 or 18v
(Lighter in 18 but it seems to me a phaser I like the grain ...)

UTILIZATION

Simple is not the word, we must get to know and become boyfriend before filling out a sound you want to demande.30 min / 1 hour grip for familiar and get to know the various mode and impact of four fixed settings above.
simpler than the DLS prometheus anyway!
(Although the scope of the return path speed knob is even qd kek'chose!)
with an expression pedal is very, very, very, very fun!

once this friend for life!

editing is done more quickly thereafter and ergonomics (the end ...) always studied in Subdecay.

SOUND QUALITY

sound simply sprayed the rest of the market,
I'm not sure that the phaser quick and diamond am less good so far (away from) but rehashing less potential ... that mervielle in a compact format and pedalboard friendly

OVERALL OPINION

for 4 days and I'm not back yet
I have tried almost all before choosing ... (At this price it if I can not connected to me in the store I do not take ...)
it is still expensive, but hey, the Puritans of his eyeing the versatility will pay!

PS to purists:
So in fact it is a tour de force to have its pure analog and digital controls!
and controls them only are digital and nothing happens in the sound signal is thus 100% analog ....

blablabla an atomic slaughter
if you have 300 euros for a phaser ...