The Dophix Uomo Vitruviano is a compact chorus and phaser pedal in one analog circuit, handmade in Florence, Italy by Dophix. Instead of stacking two separate effects, it uses a single delay chain that adds a phase shift to the signal without losing the input harmonics, which Dophix says produces a chorus with a typical ambient modulation1. The name is Italian for Vitruvian Man, Leonardo da Vinci's famous drawing, which Dophix associates with the roundness and perfection of the pedal's sounds1.
Pedal of the Day reviewed it in July 2022 and found that the two effects merge into something neither achieves alone2:
"This results in a blend of Chorus-Phaser that can only be achieved by a combination of these two effects, and we just dig it."2
A chorus and phaser in one analog circuit
Most modulation pedals do one thing: a chorus delays and modulates your signal, a phaser sweeps a notch through it. The Uomo Vitruviano takes a different route. Dophix describes the circuit as a delay chain that adds a phase shift to the signal without losing the input harmonics related to the signal1. Pedal of the Day explained the same idea in its 2022 review: "it uses a delay chain, which adds phase change to the signal, without changing the input harmonics"2.
The result, according to the reviewer, is a hybrid voice rather than a switchable pair of effects. Where a multi-effects unit would give you separate chorus and phaser blocks you can toggle, this pedal's two roles are fused into one modulation character. Dophix frames the sound as a chorus with a typical ambient modulation, defined by an original analog modulation1.
The circuit is built from vintage-spec parts. Dophix says it uses integrated circuits and transistors from series belonging to 1970s production stock, the result of what the maker calls vintage component research1.
Controls and how it is powered
The pedal has only two knobs, which Pedal of the Day summed up as "just two knobs, but a TON of sonic properties to investigate"2.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Speed | Sets the modulation rate1 |
| Depth | Sets the amount of modulation added to the input1 |
Pedal of the Day describes the same pair as Speed (rate) and Depth (oscillation amplitude)2. There is no mode switch, no toggle between chorus and phaser, and no internal trimmers mentioned by the maker: the two knobs and the footswitch are the whole interface.
Power comes through a standard pedal supply connection, drawing 19 mA with the LED on and 500 µA in standby1. That is a light draw, comparable to a simple analog overdrive, so it will not strain a typical isolated supply. The high-brightness LED is specified to remain visible even under conditions of direct reflection on the pedal1.
Build, bypass and where it is made
Dophix builds each pedal by hand in its Florence factory, and describes every unit as unique and entirely handmade there1. Pedal of the Day's review confirms the Florence, Italy workshop2.
The switching is true bypass, which Dophix lists among the standard choices for its pedals alongside high-quality components1. The reviewer also noted the true bypass switching and the high-brightness LED2. Mechanically, Dophix points to board-mounted components for robustness1.
Visually, Pedal of the Day described a retro metal enclosure with minimal graphics and small black knobs2. The 6.3 mm (1/4") input and output jacks are placed sideways on the pedal rather than on the top, which suits tight pedalboard rows given the 11 × 6 × 4 cm footprint1.
Dophix lists the price in euros (€250.00) and quotes shipping of €10 to Italy and €30 to the EU1. No US dollar price is published, so US buyers should expect the final cost to depend on the exchange rate and any import charges.
What reviewers said
Pedal of the Day's review of 13 July 2022 is the main published coverage of the pedal. The review highlighted the pedal's Speed (rate) and Depth (oscillation amplitude) parameters as its controls2. It also praised the build approach: high-quality parts, true bypass switching and a high-brightness LED to ensure visibility in any situation, housed in a retro metal enclosure with minimal graphics and small black knobs2.
Videos
Pedal of the Day
Marco Gentile
BUZZBEE TV
Questions
What does Uomo Vitruviano mean?
Uomo Vitruviano is Italian for Vitruvian Man, Leonardo da Vinci's famous drawing. Dophix named the pedal after the drawing to suggest the roundness and perfection of its sounds, tying the effect to the maker's Florentine identity.
Is the Dophix Uomo Vitruviano true bypass?
Yes. Dophix specifies a true bypass switch as one of the standard choices across its pedals, and Pedal of the Day's review also notes true bypass switching. When the pedal is off, your signal passes through without the effect circuit.
Where are Dophix pedals made?
Each Dophix pedal is handmade in the company's own workshop in Florence, Italy. Dophix describes every pedal as unique and entirely handmade there, and Pedal of the Day's 2022 review confirms the Florence workshop.
How much current does the Uomo Vitruviano draw?
Dophix lists the current draw as 19 mA with the LED on, and 500 microamps in standby. That is light enough that it will not strain most isolated power supplies on a pedalboard.
Sources (2)
- UOMO VITRUVIANO chorus/phaser, Dophix
- Dophix Uomo Vitruviano Chorus-Phaser, Pedal of the Day, 2022-07-13
