What it does
The XYZ Waves is a multi-algorithm modulation pedal, meaning it covers several classic modulation effect types in one box rather than committing to a single circuit. The five algorithms are Chorus, Phase, Tremolo, Envelope Filter and PolyPitch1. For players, that places it in the multi-effects territory of combining what would otherwise be separate chorus, phaser, tremolo and filter pedals.
A notable point from the announcement coverage: every one of the algorithms maintains a 100% analog signal path, as Guitar.com reported at launch2. Gearnews.com likewise described the pedal as having an analog signal path1.
Controls
The pedal's controls are deliberately simple: three multifunction knobs labeled X, Y and Z, which the various effect parameters can be tweaked with1. What each knob does depends on the selected mode.
| Knob | What it does | Modes |
|---|---|---|
| X | Controls the added reverb | Chorus, Tremolo, Phase2 |
| X, Y and Z | Dedicated to more complex modulation parameters | PolyPitch, Envelope Filter2 |
In the chorus, tremolo and phase modes, the X knob controls the amount of added reverb, an unusual pairing for a modulation pedal2. In the two less conventional modes, PolyPitch and Envelope Filter, all three knobs are dedicated to more complex modulation parameters2.
Context at launch
The Foxgear XYZ Waves is a multi-algorithm modulation pedal1. One of its shared controls works differently depending on the mode: for the chorus, tremolo and phase modes, the X knob controls the amount of added reverb2.
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Questions
Is the Foxgear XYZ Waves analog or digital?
The XYZ Waves keeps a 100% analog signal path across all five of its algorithms, according to Guitar.com. Gearnews.com likewise describes the pedal as having an analog signal path. That means the effect itself works on the guitar signal in the analog domain rather than converting it to digital, which the maker's press coverage presented as a selling point for the pedal alongside its true bypass switching.
Is the Foxgear XYZ Waves true bypass?
Yes. Gearnews.com reports that the pedal has true bypass switching, together with its analogue signal path. With true bypass, the pedal's circuit is removed from the signal chain entirely when the effect is switched off, so it does not load down or color the guitar's tone when bypassed.
What modes does the Foxgear XYZ Waves have?
The XYZ Waves has five modulation algorithms: Chorus, Phase, Tremolo, Envelope Filter and PolyPitch. The three knobs, labelled X, Y and Z, are multifunction controls whose parameters change depending on the mode. In chorus, tremolo and phase modes the X knob controls the added reverb, while in PolyPitch and Envelope Filter modes all three knobs are dedicated to more complex modulation parameters.
How much did the Foxgear XYZ Waves cost at launch?
The XYZ Waves carried an RRP of USD 129 when it was announced in mid-2020, according to gearnews.com. It was launched alongside a second Foxgear pedal, the Jeenie analogue interface, as part of a two-pedal announcement.
Sources (2)
- Foxgear releases new XYZ Waves & Jeenie pedals, gearnews.com, 2020-07-01
- Foxgear announces two new pedals, the XYZ Waves and the Jeenie, Guitar.com, 2020-06-30
