DryBell Vibe Machine V-2

The DryBell Vibe Machine V-2 is a compact analog chorus/vibrato pedal that reproduces the sound of the classic Shin-ei/Univox Uni-Vibe using the same photocell approach as the original: a lamp and light-dependent cells create the modulation. DryBell announced it in January 2017 at $298.75, as the second version of the company's flagship pedal, adding features for extra tonal control and functionality based on feedback from users of the original¹²³.

The V-2 is currently out of production; the line continues with the Vibe Machine V-3, which retains the layout and functions of the V-2⁴⁵. Like every Vibe Machine, it is handmade in Croatia by builders Zvonch and Kruno⁶.

What it does to your sound

The V-2 produces what DryBell's announcement called "classic, analog Uni-vibe sounds"¹, with a Chorus mode and a Vibrato mode that each emulate the original Uni-Vibe but have, in Pedal of the Day's words, "a significantly different sound a feel to them"². MusicRadar's reviewer Trevor Curwen described the pedal as using "analogue circuitry that uses the photocell methodology," the same optical system as the V-1³⁸⁹. Even in its small box it retains all the features of the classic Uni-Vibe, including the Cancel function, a warm and darker sounding preamp available using an expression pedal, just as on an original Uni-Vibe⁹⁵.

DryBell says the controls help you achieve "that classic deep throbbing pulsating sound which can be adapted to any type" of gear¹.

The controls: Intensity, Speed and two toggles

The front panel keeps things simple with two large knobs, while deeper shaping lives on side trimmers and toggles²¹⁰⁹.

The three impedance settings each change how the pedal interacts with your guitar. Original keeps the vintage character, while, in Pedal of the Day's description, "The Bright mode gives you a brighter tone, as expected, adding a little life and sparkle to the pedal's output sound." Custom "gives you an impedance that falls somewhere between these two, and can be adjusted using the CUSTOM side" trimmer². MusicRadar's reviewer noted the same idea: "A third Custom setting lets you set impedance somewhere between the two via a trimmer"³. The input impedance control exists so the pedal can be matched to different guitars¹⁰.

Around the sides are trimmers for internal tweaking. The V-2 carries a Volume trimmer that "sets the overall output of the pedal"², a Chorus trimmer that "adjusts the 'chewiness' and depth of vibe modulation"¹, and a set of side controls for depth of modulation, tone and output volume, with six side trimmers in total across the series for tailoring parameters related to tone and functions¹⁰.

Power and the Pedal+ jack

The Vibe Machine V-2 requires a standard 9V power supply drawing 170mA¹. That current draw is on the high side for a compact analog pedal, so it is worth checking that your power supply can deliver it.

The Pedal+ jack is the V-2's expansion point, and it accepts two kinds of controller²⁷:

• An expression pedal, to control the Speed of the effect "without having to bend down or interrupt your playing"²
• The optional F-1L Footswitch, designed for multiple purposes specifically for the V-2: Tap Tempo, Leslie FAST/SLOW mode, Two Speed mode, or engaging the Cancel function²

Players who use the external footswitch get access to the ramp feature as well; Steve Miller Band guitarist Jacob Petersen called "the ramp feature with the external foot switch... just icing on the cake"¹¹.

History: from the V-1 to the V-3

DryBell's first Vibe Machine launched in 2010, claiming to be the smallest Uni-Vibe version in the world³. Builders Zvonch and Kruno spent four years of intense work developing the V-1⁶, which Premier Guitar reviewed as a chorus/vibrato pedal with four photocells like the original Shin-ei/Univox Uni-Vibe, though in a smaller enclosure, at $295 direct¹².

The V-2 arrived in January 2017 as the second version of the flagship, keeping the same optical system as the V-1 while adding the impedance switch, side controls and the Pedal+ jack functions⁹. Pedal of the Day's overall impression of the V-2:

At the LA Stompbox Exhibit 2021, DryBell unveiled the V-3, a 10th-year anniversary edition that retains the layout and functions of the V-2⁵. The V-3 keeps the same tone but, in Delicious Audio's words, "delivers a modulation with deeper depth and character"¹⁰, and it adds:

• A redesigned Intensity control offering full usability across its entire range, improved over earlier models¹³
• An updated EQ function, so the pedal modulates without changing EQ, sounding roomier with more depth⁶
• A three-way ORIGINAL/BRIGHT/CUSTOM switch⁵
• A Sym/Range trimmer for the Character/Response of the vibe movement and lamp bias¹³

Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio wrote that the "V-3 has its own colorful magic going on"⁵. The V-3 remains in stock, while the V-2 is out of production⁴⁸.

Where it sits among vibe pedals

The Vibe Machine line is one of many modern pedals built on the Uni-Vibe's photocell circuit, alongside options like the Fulltone MDV3, JHS Pedals Unicorn V2, Strymon UltraViolet Vintage Vibe and Voodoo Lab Micro Vibe. Its distinguishing traits are its small enclosure, the input impedance switching for matching different guitars, and the Pedal+ jack's footswitch and expression functions. Players comparing pure vibrato pedals rather than Uni-Vibe-style chorus/vibrato can also look at the vibrato pedals category³¹⁹.

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