The EarthQuaker Devices Arpanoid pedal polyphonic pitch arpeggiator guitar pedal is one of the first guitar effects to give you a clean arpeggiated effect. It’s a very peculiar guitar effect that requires skilled hands and a keen sense of musicianship to properly utilize. But at the same time, it’s a really cool toy suitable for just about anyone to play with.
In case you aren’t familiar with this type of devices, arpeggiators have a key function of automatically flies through a sequence of notes based on the input tone, crafting an arpeggio based on a single tone. To put it as simple as possible, you play a note, and you get an entire scale as an arpeggio played through.
The product comes from EarthQuaker Devices, a group of lads known for crafting quality pedals that deliver a unique sound and feature high-level build quality. It’s certainly not a pedal for everyone, but if you like what you hear, boy will you have some fun.
Controls, Features, Specs
In total, we have five knobs and a single switch here:
Rate – This one adjusts the speed of the sequence, or the pace at which the remainder of the scale will be played following the root note you strum.
Toggle Switch – This one is used to control the direction of the sequence, which is a really neat feature that significantly expands the sonic reach of the pedal. Crank it the way up for continuous ascending repetition, or all the way down for the opposite direction.
Step – This knob is used to adjust the total number of notes in a single sequence
Wet + Dry – These two knobs are used to adjust the effect and dry signal, respectively. In both cases, unity is acquired around the noon position.
Mode – A total of eight positions to choose the octave and key. The following options are available.
- Major: -1 octave to root.
- Major: root to +1 octave.
- Major: -1 octave through +1
- Major: Random pattern
- Minor: -1 octave to root.
- Minor: root to +1 octave.
- Minor: -1 octave through +1
- Minor: Random pattern
You can get more info from Earthquaker Devices or check it out for yourself.
Tones and Sounds
Based on different configurations, there’s a quite a beat of tricks this pony can do. However, they are all carry quite an experimental and unusual vibe. That’s why we have to repeat the notion from the intro – you need to have an open mind for this one and a willingness to experiment. It’s a cool toy to fiddle with in any case, but only the masters know how to utilize it well in a musical environment. What makes the Arpanoid different that the other arpeggiators is a vast array of functions at the musician’s disposal. The tones can significantly vary based on the setup, allowing greater creative freedom and an option to acquire a distinctive sound, rather that that same old vibe from classic arpeggiators.
Needless to say, the pedal puts your guitar at the very forefront of the remaining instruments at most times, although through proper utilization it can be implemented as a neat provider of odd and swirling sonic foundations. Fast or slow, loud or silent, it will always occupy a significant chunk of audio space, so always have that in mind.
Road-Worthiness & Durability
Like just about any EarthQuaker pedal, this model features a solid metal casing and strong inner wiring and components, making it quite sturdy and strong. The pedal is more than capable of taking a minor punch or two during transport and staying in one piece and perfectly functional.
On the same note, you can stomp it a bit harder on the on/off switch and the pedal will remain safe and sound. In a nutshell, the Arpanoid passes the road worthiness test.
Overall Rating
Pedal Rating:
To sum up our thoughts on this device, we’ll simply jot down that if a killer arpeggiator pedal is what you need, the Arpanoid easily earns a spot among potential picks. It’s on the experimental side, and if you want to enrich your sonic signature with a pinch of controllable havoc, it’s a fine choice.
But if you think that this one can be compared to classic guitar pedals, the one that have a very distinct and well-defined purpose and place within a song, you are nothing but plain wrong. Examine and test before you buy to see if it fits, if it does, go for it.