The EarthQuaker Devices Pyramids Stereo Flanging Device is a digital stereo flanger pedal from EarthQuaker Devices, first announced on 2 May 20181. Where a typical flanger pedal offers one or two sweep shapes, Pyramids packs eight flanger modes, from a standard Classic flange through through-zero and barber-pole sweeps to step and random modulation1. It is built on the same proprietary digital signal processing (DSP) architecture as the company's Avalanche Run delay and reverb pedal1.
Stereo inputs and outputs allow flexible signal routing for a range of guitar setups as well as keyboards1, and MusicRadar noted that they "make for a range of routing options"2. The pedal sold for $299 MAP at release1.
Eight flanger modes, from Classic to Barber Pole
The mode selector is the heart of the pedal. Delicious Audio lists the eight modes as1:
| Mode | What it does |
|---|---|
| Classic | Standard flanging sweep |
| Through-Zero | Flanging that passes through the zero point of the delay |
| Barber Pole Up | An apparently endless upward sweep |
| Barber Pole Down | The same, with a downward sweep |
| Trigger Up | Sweep triggered on demand |
| Trigger Down | Downward triggered sweep |
| Step | Stepped, quantized modulation |
| Random | Randomized modulation |
The Barber Pole modes create the illusion of a sweep that never ends, moving continuously up or down rather than cycling back on itself1. The Trigger Up and Trigger Down modes allow for what EarthQuaker Devices calls Side Chain Flanging, in which an external control source, such as a drum machine, sequencer or control voltages, can be used to trigger the flanger while you play your instrument1.
The controls and footswitches
The top panel carries five knobs and a multi-function Modify control13:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Rate | Flanging speed1 |
| Width | Frequency range of the flange sweep1 |
| Manual | Sets the delay time and resulting pitch of the modulated signal; can also be controlled via foot pedal or control voltage source1 |
| Feedback | Increasing past center creates a lush "whooshing" effect; decreasing from noon produces a hollow, tubular sound1 |
| Mix | Volume control for the effect1 |
| Modify | Multi-function control whose behavior depends on the mode3 |
The Rate & Tap mini-toggle handles tap subdivision. Normal (center) is the same as the tempo you tap, Slow (left) divides the tempo, and Fast (right) multiplies it for a faster sweep1.
Two footswitches sit on the front edge1:
- Tap/Trigger: a tap tempo control for most modes; in Trigger Up and Trigger Down modes it triggers the effect whenever pressed3
- Activate: engages the effect, using Flexi-Switch technology1
Flexi-Switch is a true-bypass switching platform that allows both momentary and latching operation, so you can hold the Activate switch for a quick burst of flange or press once to leave it on1. MusicRadar described it as EQD's "increasingly ubiquitous Flexi-Switch relay switching, which allows players to go from momentary or latching operation on the fly"2.
Presets and expression control
Pyramids lets you save five user-definable presets, which Delicious Audio called "a first for any EarthQuaker Devices pedal"1. EarthQuaker Devices loaded the presets at the factory, but you can alter them3. An expression pedal can be used for the Manual parameter for on-the-fly changes and exploration3.
Videos
EarthQuakerDevices
EarthQuakerDevices
Reverb
Questions
Is the EarthQuaker Devices Pyramids analog or digital?
It is digital. The Pyramids is built on the same proprietary digital signal processing architecture as EarthQuaker Devices' Avalanche Run delay and reverb pedal. That DSP platform is what allows its eight flanger modes, presets and stereo routing in one box.
Does the Pyramids have tap tempo?
Yes. The Tap/Trigger footswitch sets the tempo in most modes, and a Rate & Tap mini-toggle selects a subdivision: Normal (center) matches the tapped tempo, Slow (left) divides it and Fast (right) multiplies it for a faster sweep.
Is the Pyramids true bypass?
Yes. It uses EarthQuaker Devices' Flexi-Switch true-bypass switching, which supports both momentary and latching operation. You can hold the Activate footswitch for momentary bursts of flange or press it once to latch the effect on.
Can I use an expression pedal with the Pyramids?
Yes. An expression pedal can be connected to control the Manual parameter, which sets the delay time and resulting pitch of the modulated signal. That gives you on-the-fly control of the sweep while you play.
Does the Pyramids come with a power supply?
Yes. The Pyramids ships with a 9-volt DC power supply included in the box, so you do not need to buy one separately to run it.
How many presets does the Pyramids store?
Five. The Pyramids saves five user-definable presets, which EarthQuaker Devices loaded with factory settings that you can alter. The company describes presets as a first for any EarthQuaker Devices pedal.
Sources (3)
- EarthQuaker Devices Pyramids Stereo Flanging Device, Delicious Audio, 2023-12-11
- EarthQuaker Devices debuts ultra-versatile Pyramids Stereo Flanger pedal, MusicRadar, 2018-05-02
- EarthQuaker Devices Pyramids Stereo Flanger, Pedal of the Day, 2020-07-18
