The A/DA PBF Flanger is a compact, pedalboard-friendly flanger pedal from A/DA, introduced in 2016. Guitar World's Chris Gill described it as offering "the same features as the full-size classic unit", putting the circuit of A/DA's full-size flanger into a smaller stompbox format1. MusicRadar's announcement of the pedal noted that "the A/DA Flanger is a stone-cold classic - and it just got a whole lot smaller with the introduction of the PBF (PedalBoard Friendly)" version2.
Controls
The PBF Flanger carries a full set of controls on its top panel. MusicRadar listed them as "controls for threshold (to adjust the built-in noise gate), enhance, manual, range, speed and harmonics", plus an output level control2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Threshold | Adjusts the built-in noise gate2 |
| Enhance | Shapes the effect's character2 |
| Manual | Sets the flanger's base delay position2 |
| Range | Sets the sweep range2 |
| Speed | Sets the sweep rate2 |
| Harmonics | Shapes the harmonic content of the effect2 |
| Output level | Sets the pedal's output level2 |
The threshold control is worth singling out: it governs the built-in noise gate, so it determines how the pedal behaves between notes. MusicRadar's announcement pairs it directly with the gate, describing "threshold (to adjust the built-in noise gate)"2.
Expression pedal and power
Two features mark the PBF out as a pedalboard-era design. It is compatible with most expression pedals, so the effect can be swept from a pedal under your foot rather than only from the knobs2. And it runs on standard 9 to 12V DC power supplies, meaning it can share a typical pedalboard supply2.
Where it came from
The PBF is the compact chapter of a longer story. A/DA makes its legendary Flanger stompbox pedalboard friendly with the PBF Flanger, a flanger in a pedalboard-friendly stompbox format2. MusicRadar's announcement listed the pedal as available to preorder from A/DA for $179.952.
What reviewers made of it
The PBF Flanger was featured on That Pedal Show in the flanger comparison segment at 14:05, with further discussion at 33:45, in the episode presented by Daniel Steinhardt and Mick Taylor3.
Videos
ADA Amplification
Brett Kingman
Simon Gotthelf Music
Questions
What does the threshold control do on the A/DA PBF Flanger?
The threshold control adjusts the pedal's built-in noise gate. It sits alongside the enhance, manual, range, speed and harmonics controls, letting you set how the gate responds while the flanger is engaged, which helps keep the effect quiet when you are not playing.
Can you use an expression pedal with the A/DA PBF Flanger?
Yes. A/DA built the PBF Flanger for compatibility with most expression pedals, so you can control the effect dynamically from a pedal rather than only from the front-panel knobs.
What power supply does the A/DA PBF Flanger need?
The PBF Flanger runs on standard 9 to 12V DC power supplies, so it can share a typical pedalboard power supply rather than needing a dedicated adapter.
How is the PBF different from the original A/DA Flanger?
The PBF Flanger, introduced in 2016, is a compact, pedalboard-friendly version that offers the same features as the full-size classic unit. The MusicRadar announcement also notes added conveniences for modern boards, including an output level control and standard 9 to 12V DC power.
Sources (3)
- “It actually goes up to infinity, which is what true tape flanging sounds like”: Beloved by Pat Travers and Adrian Belew, the A/DA Flanger was one of the greatest guitar effects of the '70s, Guitar World, 2024-09-17
- A/DA makes its legendary Flanger stompbox pedalboard friendly, MusicRadar, 2015-11-27
- That Pedal Show, That Pedal Show, 2016-11-25
