The CNZ Audio SPH-20 Phaser is a compact phaser pedal built around a single Speed knob and a two-way Vintage/Modern toggle switch. CNZ Audio describes it as delivering "brilliant phaser modulation effects," with note bending and sound wave shifting that add warmth and depth, up to extreme phaser settings1. Pedal of the Day called it "a simple one knob, one toggle concoction that produces some excellent sounds"2. If you are new to phasers, our Phaser Pedals page explains how the effect works and how it differs from a flanger or chorus.
Controls
The SPH-20 keeps its control layout deliberately small: one knob and one toggle2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Speed knob | Adjusts the modulation speed or intensity of the phasing effect1 |
| 2-way toggle switch | Selects between Vintage and Modern phase settings1 |
Pedal of the Day described the Speed knob's range this way: "It controls the Speed, or Rate, of the phase shifting sound, from a smooth, gentle flow that enhances your sound, up to a wild, fast, crazy ride into the outer reaches of space"2.
Vintage and Modern modes
The toggle switch is the pedal's only other control, and it changes the character of the phase shifting. CNZ Audio puts it plainly: "The Vintage option gives a 80's vibe while the Modern option has a warm, underlying sound"1. Pedal of the Day found both settings worth digging into, writing that the toggle lets you choose between Vintage and Modern settings, "each one containing its own set of nuances to explore and revel in"2.
Size, build and power
The SPH-20 is part of CNZ Audio's lineup of space-saving effects2. It measures 3.75 inches long by 1.77 inches wide by 1.9 inches high, and weighs .53 lbs including the box1. The housing is solid aluminum on all sides, and Pedal of the Day noted that "the all-metal enclosure makes sure it will take a licking and keep on ticking"2.
On the input and output side, the pedal uses standard 1/4 inch connectors, with a 470K ohm input impedance and a 470 ohm output impedance1.
The SPH-20 runs on a 9VDC input with the negative on center and the positive outside, drawing 10 mA1. Pedal of the Day pointed out that "the small 10mA power ensures your other pedals will play nicely with it as well"2. The maker's page does not list battery operation, so a 9V DC center-negative supply is the way to power it.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day reviewed the SPH-20 on January 29, 2020, and came away favorable, summing it up as a straightforward, affordable option: "If you like a great-sounding, inexpensive piece of gear you can rely on, this guy is for you"2. The review framed it as a no-frills pedal, describing it as a great-sounding, inexpensive piece of gear with no bells and whistles, offering simple, affordable sound2.
Videos
Mad Steex Production 🇮🇹
Pedal of the Day
Aaron J Livecchi
Questions
Is the CNZ Audio SPH-20 true bypass?
Yes. CNZ Audio describes the SPH-20 as true bypass, providing a transparent tone in the off setting, so your guitar's signal passes through untouched when the effect is switched off.
What power does the SPH-20 use?
The SPH-20 runs on a 9VDC input with the negative on center and the positive outside, drawing 10 mA. That low draw means it will sit comfortably on a pedalboard alongside other pedals.
What is the difference between Vintage and Modern on the SPH-20?
The two-way toggle switch selects between two phase settings. CNZ Audio says the Vintage option gives an 80's vibe while the Modern option has a warm, underlying sound. Pedal of the Day noted that each setting contains its own set of nuances to explore.
How big is the CNZ SPH-20?
The SPH-20 measures 3.75 inches long by 1.77 inches wide by 1.9 inches high, making it one of the space-saving effects in CNZ Audio's lineup.
Does the SPH-20 take a battery?
The maker's product page lists a 9VDC input with center-negative polarity and does not list battery operation, so plan on using a 9V DC power supply.
Sources (2)
- SPH-20 | Phaser Pedal | CNZ Audio, CNZ Audio
- CNZ Audio SPH-20 Phaser, Pedal of the Day, 2020-01-30
