Creative, innovative products are often sparked by thoughts that began with, “Wouldn’t it be cool if…?”
Such is the case with the new Keeley Phaser, a design that provides the unique ability to switch between two phaser speeds by way of a ramp function. It works like a rotating Leslie speaker cabinet where the phase rate gradually changes from fast to slow or vice versa with the footswitch – except you now have control over the transition time from the two speeds you select. You can choose between an immediate phase speed change or a gradual ramp which can take up to about a half a minute to fully transition.
Hammond organ users have used this Leslie ramping feature to great effect in some of the world’s best classic rock and blues music. Changing from slow dreamy swirls to fast, fat swells. And now it’s available for guitarists to explore in this great portable phasing unit.
But the innovation doesn’t stop with the ramp feature. The Keeley Phaser was built from the ground up with the concept of making improvements over other phasers of the past or
present. First, it begins with a design platform that uses analog OTA ICs within a design built on 6-stages of phase. Translation? A more dramatic, fuller-sounding phase effect is produced.
And if ramp functionality between two phase rates isn’t what your particular song needs, you can also switch the Keeley Phaser into Tap tempo mode and phase to the beat. On-board LEDs signify the phase rates and modes in use.
The Keeley Phaser is a great unit for those interested in a full-range phase effect unit when used with both clean and distorted sounds. Its great dynamic range also means it is well suited for keyboards or bass as well since low-end frequencies are not lost.
The Keeley Phaser can also be placed in front of/before a distorted amp or pedal (rather than the traditional placement post-distortion or in an effects loop) and will deliver a more subdued and random phase effect in this position – while emphasizing harmonics. At slower rates, regardless of where it is placed in the signal path, the Keeley Phaser’s multiple stage circuitry brings out a chorus-like effect, which combined with the natural phase circuitry, brings out a Univibe-character. This is perfect for those after the Hendrix, Trower, Gilmour tones, but with a contemporary twist.
ToneFactor.com created a nice demo video of the Keeley Phaser at the link below. Check it out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scCNMMZWSgk&feature=youtu.be
More audio samples and information about the Keeley Phaser can be found at www.robertkeeley.com. The handcrafted, made-in-U.S.A. Keeley Phaser is available now at an introductory price of $249.