Morley releases AFX-1 all-analog multi-effects pedal with reissued circuits

November 1, 2022 · 5 sources

Morley announced the release of the AFX-1 Analog Multi FX in November 2022, an all-analog multi-effects pedal built around reissued Morley circuits. The maker said the circuits date back to its pedals of the 1970s¹. MusicRadar reported the pedal as available now at $499 street², and Guitar World said it was available to order at around $499 from most retailers³.

The signal chain runs, in order, a switchless optical wah, the Diamond Distortion, an effects loop, the Crystal Chorus and the Emerald Echo¹². Morley said the wah activates by stepping on the treadle and bypasses when the foot comes off, and that its optical design "won't wear down or break like a traditional potentiometer based Wah pedal"¹. The distortion is based on the company's 1990s circuitry, with high, mid and low EQ controls, pre and post gain, and a Hi Gain footswitch with its own control knob¹. The chorus is based on the 1980s Stereo Chorus Vibrato and uses Panasonic chips Morley said it had stored for decades, with Rate and Depth controls¹. The echo is based on the 1970s Echo Chorus Vibrato and uses new old stock Panasonic bucket brigade chips, with Echo, Repeat and Mix controls¹². Guitar World reported 300ms of delay time³, and Gearnews called that figure low by current standards⁴.

The unit has mono and stereo outputs, a buffer circuit and a 9v DC adaptor, which is included²³. Morley gives dimensions of 12 by 6.85 by 2.75 inches and a weight of 4lbs, in a spun stainless steel enclosure¹. Guitar.com reported each unit is built by hand at the company's Illinois facility⁵.

Gearnews put the MSRP at $499 and questioned the value, writing that it felt "a bit expensive and not as flexible as some of the digital competition"⁴.