The F-Pedals RobotHolic is a compact effects pedal that packs three sounds into one small box: a boost/distortion circuit, an analog-ringmod-resembling modulation effect, and a "LOFI" mode built around a high pass filter. All of it lives in a 3.6" x 2" enclosure, which Delicious Audio described as tiny and truly good looking when the pedal was introduced in December 20151.
Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio called it "Probably the only ring modulator hosted in a mini case, the RobotHolic adds also a Drive knob and a Lo-Fi switch"2. For players interested in ring-modulator style sounds, that puts it among the smaller options in the field covered on the site's filter pedals page.
Controls and features
- Mix knob: backlit, letting you blend the effect with your dry signal1
- Drive knob: shapes the boost/distortion circuit1
- Lo-Fi switch: engages the high pass filter mode1
- Expression pedal input: a connector for an external expression pedal, which affects the modulation's rate for cool sweeps and sci-fi tone shifts1
The expression input means the modulation rate can be controlled in real time with a standard expression pedal, which is where the pedal's robot-like, sci-fi character comes through1.
Power
The RobotHolic is available in a Wireless F-Powered version, like all the other offerings by F-Pedals. That version uses a built-in, custom designed, rechargeable and replaceable battery that provides steady power and runs for approximately 20 hours once fully charged1.
Both F-Pedals and F-Board units can be used with a conventional power supply for a seamless integration with users' existing set-up, so the pedal does not have to run on its internal battery1.
Videos
Anthony Giannotti
Questions
Is the RobotHolic a ring modulator?
Delicious Audio describes it as probably the only ring modulator hosted in a mini case, though the maker's own description of the circuit is an analog-ringmod-resembling modulation effect rather than a true ring modulator. It sits alongside a boost/distortion circuit and a lo-fi mode in the same small enclosure, and the modulation rate can be swept with an external expression pedal.
How is the RobotHolic powered?
The pedal comes in a Wireless F-Powered version, which uses a built-in, custom designed, rechargeable and replaceable battery that provides approximately 20 hours of power once fully charged. Both F-Pedals and F-Board units can also be used with a conventional power supply, so the pedal can fit into an existing pedalboard power setup.
Sources (2)
- New Pedals: F-Pedals RobotHolic Distortion/Lo-Fi, Delicious Audio, 2015-12-24
- 2024 UPDATE: Best Ring Modulator Pedals, Delicious Audio, 2024-02-13