The AllPedal Microdose is an optical, stage selectable analog phaser and the first phaser AllPedal has launched1. It is a collaboration between AllPedal and Spaceman Effects, and Guitar Pedal X reports it is in part based on the Spaceman Explorer Deluxe Optical Phaser2. The signal path is all analog, with the phase shifting swept optically rather than by the transistor or FET switching many classic phasers use.
What sets it apart from a standard four-stage box is choice: you can select 2, 4 or 8 stages of phase shifting, and 16 wave shapes drive the sweep1. AllPedal describes the result in its own words:
"Sometimes liquidy smooth, sometimes chewy and lush, the fluid frequencies squiggle and flourish like the unrelenting ebb and flow of the sonic tide."1
Stages, waveforms and controls
The stage selector is the core idea. Two stages gives a subtle, vintage-style phase; four is the classic setting most players know from 70s recordings; eight pushes the effect deeper and more dramatic. Pedal of the Day notes the Depth control spans that whole range, "giving you everything from vintage 70's phase tones to sounds from a sci-fi soundscape"3.
The 16 wave shapes come from two controls working together: the Waveform knob and the Wave Set selector switch1. Guitar Pedal X breaks them down as 8 standard and 8 alternate patterns, and its reviewer Stefan Karlsson found they are a big part of the pedal's character:
"A big part of this one's prowess is its 16 different Waveform Patterns - which deliver some really unique textures in combination with the 9 other controls - just all-round beautifully executed!"2
The full control set:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| LEVEL | Sets the overall volume of the effect1 |
| RATE | Wide range speed control, from extremely slow to extremely fast modulation1 |
| MULTIPLIER | Selectable speeds of 0.5x, 1x, 1.5x, 2x, 3x, 4x12 |
| WAVEFORM | Chooses the wave shape, together with the Wave Set switch1 |
| WAVE SET | Selector switch used with the Waveform control1 |
| DEPTH | Adjusts the intensity of the effect3 |
| RES (Resonance) | Adds feedback for over-the-top phase tones3 |
| TAP TEMPO switch | Locks the effect to the beat1 |
Tap tempo and expression
The Microdose has a dedicated Tap Tempo switch, and AllPedal pairs it with the Multiplier knob: tap in the tempo, then multiply it by 0.5x up to 4x to place the sweep where you want it relative to the beat1. As the maker puts it, "getting your effect locked in to the beat couldn't be easier"1.
The expression input is simple in function: with an expression pedal in this input, it acts as the Rate control1. That gives you foot control over the sweep speed, from the same extremely slow to extremely fast range as the Rate knob.
Power and connections
The Microdose has no internal battery and requires a 9VDC center pin negative, fully regulated power supply. A power adapter is not included, so plan on a pedalboard supply or a separate adapter1.
Current draw is 36mA at 9VDC1, light enough that it fits comfortably on most isolated supplies.
Where it came from and what reviewers said
The Microdose is the first phaser from AllPedal, and it arrives as a collaboration with Spaceman Effects13. Guitar Pedal X reports the circuit is in part based on the Spaceman Explorer Deluxe Optical Phaser, which explains the optical approach to sweeping the stages2.
Guitar Pedal X named it among the best new modulation and utility pedals of 2023, with reviewer Stefan Karlsson calling it:
"Sometimes liquidy smooth, sometimes chewy and lush, the fluid frequencies squiggle and flourish like the unrelenting ebb and flow of the sonic tide."
Pedal of the Day's 2023 review covered the same ground, highlighting the all-analog signal path, the selectable stages, the 16 wave shapes and the Resonance control's feedback for "those over-the-top phase tones we all know and love"3.
Videos
Reverb
Pedal of the Day
Tone Chase Basement
Questions
Does the AllPedal Microdose Phaser have tap tempo?
Yes. The Microdose has a dedicated Tap Tempo switch, and it works together with the Multiplier knob, which offers speeds of 0.5x, 1x, 1.5x, 2x, 3x and 4x. AllPedal describes the pairing as an easy way to get the effect locked in to the beat.
What does the expression input on the Microdose control?
With an expression pedal plugged into the EXP input, it acts as the Rate control. That means you can sweep the modulation speed by foot, from the extremely slow to extremely fast settings the Rate knob itself covers.
Is the Microdose Phaser true bypass?
Yes. AllPedal lists the Microdose as true bypass, so with the effect off your signal passes through without active circuitry in the way. The pedal has no internal battery and runs on a 9VDC center pin negative supply.
How many waveforms does the Microdose Phaser have?
Sixteen. The Waveform control and the Wave Set selector switch together give you 16 wave shapes, which Guitar Pedal X breaks down as 8 standard and 8 alternate patterns. Those shapes drive the character of the phase sweep.
Is the Microdose related to the Spaceman Explorer?
Yes. Pedal of the Day describes the Microdose as a collaboration between AllPedal and Spaceman Effects, and Guitar Pedal X reports it is in part based on the Spaceman Explorer Deluxe Optical Phaser.
Sources (3)
- AllPedal Microdose Phaser: Analog, Handcrafted, Versatile, AllPedal
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2023-12-19
- All-Pedal Microdose Phaser, Pedal of the Day, 2023-09-21
