Effects Pedals

Effects Pedals.

You have the choice to use a bank of effects pedals or one or two multi-effects boxes. Individual pedals can be interlinked and are mostly designed to do so with interconnecting jacks or leads. There is a certain clarity when individual effects pedals are used, since there are no layered menus and the foot switch generally just turns the box on and off with the pre-sets being adjusted prior to a performance. The down side of this individual effects box solution is multiple cables and connections, with the accompanying set-up and pull down time. This said fitting the whole set in a pedal box can cut the complication somewhat.

Choosing a multi-effects pedal will generally cut your foot controls down to one or two units and maybe a foot pedal for swell and other effects. Many of the foot control switches will be multi  function, or multi layer, bringing you different effects or groups of effects after multi clicking the switch. This style of control takes a little time to get used to, but can offer some stunning effects combinations.

Overdrive and various forms of distortion pedal are the most popular types, with those that bring traditional and vintage sounds the top sellers. Sample loops that you can record and replay at will are also popular and a really useful aid to solo performers. This means you can play and record your own backing track or part of it and introduce it as part of your set.

Most of the effects pedals will work with a 9 volt battery, generally the PP3/Block type, but for stage use there are external sockets so a remote power supply can be used. You can also consider the bank style power supply, which cuts down on power supply and cabling.