The CNZ Audio SFL-20 is a compact flanger pedal, a modulation effect that produces the sweeping, jet-like flanging sound. CNZ Audio describes it as bringing "that classic, warm and wildly popular flanging effect all into one compact pedal," aiming for a crisp and clean flanging sound while preserving your guitar tone1. It is a small-footprint pedal with three knobs, a two-position toggle and a single footswitch, listed at $45 USD as of the maker's product page dated 2026-10-251.
The controls
The SFL-20 keeps its front panel to three knobs and a toggle, so the layout is easy to learn at a glance1:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Rate | Controls the speed of flanging1 |
| Range | Sets the depth of the flanging effect1 |
| Color | Changes the fullness of the flanging effect1 |
| Toggle switch | Selects Normal or Filter mode1 |
Rate and Range cover the two basics of any flanger: how fast the sweep runs and how pronounced it is. Color adjusts the fullness of the effect, and the toggle switches between the two modes described below1.
Normal and Filter modes
The toggle switch selects between Normal and Filter mode, and the two behave differently. CNZ Audio explains the distinction this way1:
"With the Switch set to Normal, the Flanger will send it's unique, flanging signal through your pedal chain. When you cha"1
In Filter mode, the maker says the pedal adds a bed of warmth and fluctuating tone underneath the original flange sound1. For a player, that means Normal is the conventional flanger voice for the pedal chain, while Filter layers an additional undercurrent of movement beneath the flange.
Bypass, power and connections
The SFL-20 uses true bypass. CNZ Audio states that "The True-Bypass Footswitch allows for your tone to come through the pedal unaffected in the 'off' position," and describes the bypass as providing a transparent tone in the off setting1. The pedal's power requirement is modest: a 9VDC input with the negative center and positive outside, drawing 10 mA1. That is a standard center-negative supply arrangement, and the low draw keeps it easy to fit into a shared power supply.
Connections are a single 1/4 inch input at 470K ohms input impedance and a single 1/4 inch output at 470 ohms output impedance1.
Size and build
The pedal measures 3.75 inches long, 1.77 inches wide and 1.9 inches high, and weighs .53 lbs including the box1. CNZ Audio describes the enclosure as a solid aluminum housing on all sides with a firm footswitch1. The compact footprint puts it in the same small-pedal territory as other mini flangers such as the Mooer E-Lady or the NUX Flanger Core, and it sits among the wider field of flanger pedals at a budget price point.
Videos
Aaron J Livecchi
Mad Steex Production 🇮🇹
guitarmannunly
Questions
What is Filter mode on the CNZ Audio SFL-20?
The SFL-20 has a toggle switch with two settings. In Normal mode, the flanging signal is sent through your pedal chain as you would expect from a flanger. Switch to Filter mode and the pedal adds what CNZ Audio describes as a bed of warmth and fluctuating tone underneath the original flange sound, changing the fullness of the effect rather than just its speed or depth.
Does the CNZ SFL-20 have true bypass?
Yes. CNZ Audio specifies true bypass, with a true-bypass footswitch that lets your tone come through the pedal unaffected in the off position. The maker describes this as providing a transparent tone when the pedal is switched out.
What power supply does the CNZ SFL-20 need?
The SFL-20 runs on a 9VDC input with the center negative and the outside positive, the standard center-negative pedal supply arrangement. CNZ Audio lists the current draw at 10 mA, which is light enough for most pedalboard power supplies.
How much current does the SFL-20 draw?
CNZ Audio lists the current draw at 10 mA on its 9VDC, center-negative input.
What is the input impedance of the CNZ SFL-20?
CNZ Audio specifies a 1/4 inch input with an input impedance of 470K ohms, and a 1/4 inch output with an output impedance of 470 ohms.
How big is the CNZ Audio SFL-20?
CNZ Audio lists the dimensions as 3.75 inches long by 1.77 inches wide by 1.9 inches high, with a weight of 0.53 lbs including the box. The pedal sits in a solid aluminum housing.
Sources (1)
- SFL-20 | Flanger Pedal | CNZ Audio, CNZ Audio
