The Audio Disruption Devices Optical Ring V2 is a pedal that combines two effects in one box: Pedal of the Day describes it as "a complete ring modulation and fuzz system". What sets it apart is the circuit inside. In the site's review, it is "a unique and original ring mod circuit that uses an optical theremin as the carrier", meaning the pitch of the ring modulator's carrier signal is set optically rather than by a conventional oscillator alone. Ring modulators produce metallic, inharmonic tones by multiplying two signals together, and they are a specialised taste: as the review puts it, "Ring Modulators are not for everyone". The Optical Ring V2 softens that by pairing the ring mod with a fuzz stage and letting you blend between them1.
Controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Ring Blend | Varies from side to side: the left half is your fuzz, the right half is more ring modulator1 |
| Modulator | Sets the pitch of the carrier signal, and can be manipulated via an external expression pedal1 |
| Volume Output | Output level control1 |
| Shift (toggle) | Produces three differing frequency ranges: glitchy fuzz, traditional ring mod and stutter trem1 |
The expression pedal input is worth noting for players who like to perform their effects. Because the Modulator knob sets the carrier pitch, sweeping it with a foot pedal turns the ring mod into a playable instrument rather than a set-and-forget texture. Pedal of the Day found that "Distinct wind down and pitch bending effects are the bread and butter of this pedal"1.
Sound and character
The Shift switch's three ranges give the pedal most of its range: glitchy fuzz at one end, a traditional ring mod in the middle and a stutter tremolo-style effect at the other1. Combined with the Ring Blend control, the pedal can sit close to a straight fuzz on one side of its travel and a full ring mod on the other, which makes it a broader tool than a ring modulator alone. Players looking for a more conventional dirt circuit from the same maker can compare it with the Audio Disruption Devices Eroder 3-Stage Fuzz, and with other fuzz pedals and ring-adjacent pitch effects.
Pedal of the Day reviewed the pedal in November 2018 and noted its physical presence as well as its circuit: it arrives "wrapped in a giant enclosure to let everyone know you mean business about your sound"1.
"The Optical Ring V2 is a unique and original ring mod circuit that uses an optical theremin as the carrier."
Videos
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Questions
Can I use an expression pedal with the Optical Ring V2?
Yes. The Modulator knob, which sets the pitch of the carrier signal, can be manipulated via an external expression pedal. That means you can sweep the carrier pitch with your foot while playing, which is where the pedal's distinct wind down and pitch bending effects come from, according to Pedal of the Day's review.
What does the Shift switch do on the Optical Ring V2?
Shift is the pedal's single toggle switch, and it produces three differing frequency ranges: glitchy fuzz, traditional ring mod and stutter trem. It lets you move between fuzz-leaning and ring-mod-leaning characters without touching the main knobs.
What does the Ring Blend knob do?
Ring Blend varies from side to side: the left half of its travel is your fuzz and the right half is more ring modulator. It is the main control for setting how much of each circuit you hear.
Is the Optical Ring V2 a fuzz or a ring modulator?
Both. Pedal of the Day describes it as a complete ring modulation and fuzz system, using an optical theremin as the carrier for the ring mod circuit. The Ring Blend knob and the Shift switch let you sit anywhere between the two.
Sources (1)
- Audio Disruption Devices Optical Ring V2 Ring Modulator Pedal of the Day, Pedal of the Day, 2018-11-27
