The Alexander Pedals Sugarcube is a stereo chorus and rotary pedal, and the first stereo pedal in the company's Neo Series. It runs four modes: Standard, Dimension, Rotary and Ice, with Ice adding pitch shifting to the chorus. Like the rest of the Neo Series it carries modern features including presets, MIDI compatibility, momentary effects and expression pedal support, all in a compact case format pedal.1
Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio described the intent behind the sound this way1:
"We captured the essence of all our favourite chorus pedals from the 80s, added in a dash of rotary whirl and some"
He also summed up its range: "Some like their chorus tones toothache sweet. Others just want a hint of syrupy swirl. And no matter where you fall on that spectrum, the Sugarcube delivers."1
Modes
| Mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| Standard | Chorus |
| Dimension | Chorus without the LFO effect, inspired by the BOSS DC series |
| Rotary | Rotary speaker swirl |
| Ice | Chorus + Pitch Shifting |
The four modes cover chorus, rotary and pitch shifting in one box, which places the Sugarcube among chorus pedals that reach beyond a single effect.1
Controls and the Alt button
The four knobs control 8 parameters with the help of the Alt button, with Tweak being a wild card affecting different settings depending on the mode.1
- Four knobs: control 8 parameters in total, using the Alt button to reach the second set1
- Tweak knob: a wild card, affecting different settings depending on the mode1
- Alt button: unlocks the extra control functions on the knobs1
Neo Series features
As a Neo Series pedal, the Sugarcube includes a host of modern features: multi-modes, presets, MIDI compatibility, momentary effects, ramping between presets, and the Alt button for extra control functions. Delicious Audio notes that "you get the MIDI, preset and expression pedal support you've come to expect from Alexander Pedals."1
The Sugarcube is MIDI compatible and supports presets with ramping between them, so it fits into a larger MIDI-controlled rig as well as a simple pedalboard.
Availability
The first batch of the Sugarcube sold out, as of February 2021, with buyers directed to dealers. A limited Saccharine Pink version was available exclusively through Rock'N'Roll Vintage in Chicago, IL.1
Videos
collector//emitter
R.J. Ronquillo
Demos In The Dark
Questions
Is the Alexander Pedals Sugarcube a stereo pedal?
Yes. The Sugarcube is a stereo chorus and rotary pedal, and according to Delicious Audio it was the first stereo pedal in Alexander Pedals' Neo Series. It runs four modes: Standard, Dimension, Rotary and Ice, covering chorus, rotary speaker swirl and chorus combined with pitch shifting.
Does the Sugarcube work with MIDI?
Yes. The Sugarcube carries the Neo Series platform features, which include MIDI compatibility, presets, momentary effects and ramping between presets. Delicious Audio notes that it offers the MIDI, preset and expression pedal support expected from Alexander Pedals.
What does the Tweak knob do on the Sugarcube?
The Tweak knob is a wild card control: what it adjusts depends on which of the four modes the pedal is in. Along with the Alt button, which doubles the four knobs' functions, it gives access to eight parameters from four knobs.
Can the Sugarcube shift pitch as well as chorus?
Yes. The Ice mode combines chorus with pitch shifting, on top of the Standard chorus mode, the Dimension mode inspired by the BOSS DC series, and the Rotary mode.
Where was the Sugarcube Saccharine Pink sold?
The Saccharine Pink version of the Sugarcube was available exclusively through Rock'N'Roll Vintage in Chicago, IL.
Does the Sugarcube support an expression pedal?
Yes. The Sugarcube supports an expression pedal, alongside MIDI, presets and ramping between presets, as part of the Neo Series feature set.
Sources (1)
- Alexander Pedals Sugarcube Stereo Chorus/Rotary, Delicious Audio, 2021-02-25
