The gig-fx PRO-CHOP is a tremolo pedal from gig-fx that also covers chop and pan effects, announced at NAMM in January 2008. gig-fx described it as the first tremolo pedal with a frequency readout and MIDI clock sync, meaning its speed can be locked to the tempo of a computer recording setup, drum machine or synth rather than tapped or set by ear1.
What it does
The PRO-CHOP produces what gig-fx called precise and repeatable tempos for tremolo, chop and pan effects. It is a stereo design: the unit provides two oscillating stereo waves that can be combined and synced in a variety of ways1. MusicRadar's coverage of the launch noted the range of sounds available, writing that "Effects ranging from standard tremolo to emulations of delay and Leslie rotating speaker cabs can all be created"2.
The MIDI clock sync is the headline feature. According to the Premier Guitar press release, "the PRO-CHOP can sync with any PC recording, drum machine or synth that has a MIDI clock output"1. Once locked to a MIDI beat, you can choose how the effect subdivisions fall against the tempo1:
- 1 chop, pan or tremolo wave per MIDI beat
- 2 per beat
- 3 per beat
- 4 per beat
- 8 per beat
Controls, display and expression pedal
The pedal's stage-facing features, as gig-fx described them at launch1:
| Feature | What it does |
|---|---|
| Blue LED back-lit display | An easy read on stage; shows the frequency in Hz or in beats per minute |
| Onboard expression pedal | Changes the frequency on the fly, with the display showing the frequency as the pedal is moved |
| MIDI clock sync | Locks the effect to the tempo of a PC recording setup, drum machine or synth with a MIDI clock output |
| Stereo waves | Two oscillating stereo waves that can be combined and synced in a variety of ways |
The enclosure is constructed from lightweight and durable aluminum2. For switching, MusicRadar reported that "The pedal features a FET switch which gives pop-free circuit bypass"2.
The FET switch is an electronic switching design rather than a mechanical true bypass relay. gig-fx's stated aim with it was pop-free circuit bypass, so players comparing it against true bypass pedals should expect a buffered-style switch rather than a hardwire relay2.
The Chopper connection
MusicRadar describes the Pro-Chop as similar to gig-fx's earlier Chopper pedal, which featured an expression pedal to control the tremolo and pan rate2. The Pro-Chop's additions over that design were the frequency readout on the back-lit display and the MIDI clock sync1.
| gig-fx Chopper | gig-fx Pro-Chop | |
|---|---|---|
| Expression pedal to control tremolo and pan rate | Yes2 | Yes1 |
| Frequency readout on back-lit display | No1 | Yes1 |
| MIDI clock sync | No1 | Yes1 |
Price
Premier Guitar's January 2008 press release stated: "The PRO-CHOP has a street price of $299"1. MusicRadar's coverage listed an RRP of $3492.
Videos
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Questions
Is the gig-fx Pro-Chop true bypass?
MusicRadar reports that the pedal features a FET switch, which gives pop-free circuit bypass. That is an electronic switching design rather than a mechanical true bypass relay, and gig-fx's stated aim with it was to avoid the pops that some switching schemes produce when the effect is engaged or disengaged.
Can the Pro-Chop sync to a DAW or drum machine?
Yes. According to the Premier Guitar press release, the PRO-CHOP can sync with any PC recording setup, drum machine or synth that has a MIDI clock output. Once synced, you can allocate 1, 2, 3, 4 or 8 chops, pans or tremolo waves to each MIDI beat.
Is the Pro-Chop stereo?
Yes. Premier Guitar's press release describes the unit as providing two oscillating stereo waves that can be combined and synced in a variety of ways, which is what allows it to cover tremolo, chop and pan effects.
What is the difference between the gig-fx Chopper and Pro-Chop?
MusicRadar describes the Pro-Chop as similar to gig-fx's earlier Chopper pedal, which featured an expression pedal to control the tremolo and pan rate. The Pro-Chop added a frequency readout on a back-lit display and MIDI clock sync, which gig-fx called a first for a tremolo pedal.
How much did the gig-fx Pro-Chop cost?
Premier Guitar's January 2008 press release gave the PRO-CHOP a street price of $299. MusicRadar's coverage listed an RRP of $349.
Sources (2)
- New gig-fx PRO-CHOP Tremolo, Premier Guitar, 2008-01-24
- NAMM 2008: gig-fx launches new tremolo pedal, MusicRadar, 2008-01-16