Red Witch launches Euphemia analog sample hold filter pedal
May 3, 2024 · 2 sources
Red Witch Pedals has released the Euphemia, a 100 per cent analog sample hold filter pedal, priced at $349 and limited to 59 units12. MusicRadar reported the launch on 3 May 2024 and said the pedal was available now1; Guitar World reported it on 7 May 20242.
The pedal draws on two sample hold filter units from the 1970s, the Maestro FSH-1 and the Oberheim VCF-20012. MusicRadar put current prices for those vintage units at over a grand for the Oberheim and over two for the Maestro1. Guitar World described a sample hold pedal as taking snapshots of an input signal, with the signal frozen until the next snapshot, producing a warbling, synthy effect2.
Controls, as described by the two outlets:
| Control | Function |
|---|---|
| Velocity | Sets the rate of the filter shift12 |
| Frequency | Adjusts the filter's frequency spectrum toward lows, mids or highs12 |
| Aggression | Sets how aggressive the filter shifts are, from mellow to full-on1; turning it fully counterclockwise unlocks bandpass filter mode1 |
| Mix | Sets the wet/dry blend12 |
The two outlets differ on how bandpass mode is engaged: MusicRadar says turning Aggression fully counterclockwise unlocks it1, while Guitar World says turning Aggression fully clockwise engages it2.
The build uses all through-hole components, and each unit is numbered and signed by Fulton12. MusicRadar reported that the pedal might have appeared sooner had Fulton been happy with the noise transistors for the unit, with original components from the 1970s long obsolete1.
"This 'notched' guitar tone has been used by legends like Carlos Santana and Brian May. It's a fantastic tone to have at your disposal."
Guitar World also quoted Fulton saying he has "always loved the sound of sample hold filters," and that the only issue is that they are "a bit of a tone trick pony," with little to experiment with other than adjusting the speed; he said the Euphemia's "unique, controllable parameters open the doors to a lot more versatility, creativity, and otherworldly sounds"2.
Sources (2)
- “This 'notched' guitar tone has been used by legends like Carlos Santana and Brian May. It's a fantastic tone to have at your disposal”: Red Witch unveils Euphemia, an analogue sample hold filter with a twist | MusicRadar, musicradar.com
- “Open the doors to versatility, creativity, and otherworldly sounds”: Red Witch aims to harness Frank Zappa and Carlos Santana tones with its new sample hold filter pedal – but it's limited to just 59 units | Guitar World, guitarworld.com