The Harley Benton MiniStomp Fast Lane is a miniature analog flanger pedal, part of Harley Benton's MiniStomp line. The maker describes it as one of its "Classic analogue flanger effects" and says it is "Inspired by the Electric Mistress pedal," the well-known Electro-Harmonix flanger1. Harley Benton says the pedal "recreates classic analogue flanger sounds, where the original signal is mixed with an artificially delayed signal," which is the basic mechanism of flanging: a short, modulated delay is blended with the dry signal to produce the sweeping, jet-like effect1.
The Electric Mistress connection
The pedal's stated inspiration, the Electric Mistress, is a flanger from Electro-Harmonix; Premier Guitar's press coverage refers to it as "the Electric Mistress flanger"2. Harley Benton's own Electro-Harmonix Electric Mistress page and the current Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Electric Mistress cover the originals in detail. The Fast Lane puts that style of analog flanging into a much smaller and less expensive box, in the same spirit as other compact Mistress-inspired pedals such as the Mooer Eleclady.
Controls and how it works
The Fast Lane keeps things simple, with three knobs and one mode switch1:
| Control | What it is |
|---|---|
| Color | Tone-shaping knob for the flanged signal |
| Speed | Sets the rate of the flanger's sweep |
| Range | Sets the span of the sweep |
| Freeze / Normal switch | Switch between Freeze and Normal modes |
Harley Benton does not give detailed parameter descriptions for the three knobs beyond their names, so their exact effect is a matter of trying the pedal. The Freeze / Normal switch is the extra feature: "The Freeze mode gives you even more creative options," according to the maker's product page1. In Normal mode the pedal behaves as a conventional flanger; Freeze is the mode for holding or otherwise extending the effect beyond the standard sweep.
The footswitch is an On/Off switch with a status LED display, and the bypass is True Bypass, which Harley Benton says eliminates signal interference when the pedal is switched off1.
Power and connections
The Fast Lane needs a 9 V center-negative mains adapter, and Harley Benton states the adapter is not included in the scope of delivery. The maker's page lists no battery option, so budget for a supply if you do not already own one.
Power consumption is 20 mA, which is modest by pedal standards and well within what a typical daisy-chain supply or isolated output handles1. Input and output are both 6.3 mm (quarter-inch) jacks1.
Size and build
At 92 x 38 x 32 mm and 133 g, the Fast Lane is a miniature stompbox in a solid metal housing, small enough to squeeze onto a crowded board1. That puts it alongside other compact flangers such as the Mooer E-Lady, the Rowin Flanger and the Monoprice Flanger Mini, and it contrasts with full-size pedals like the Boss BF-3 Flanger or the MXR Flanger.
What buyers say
The page also gives the pedal's basic build details: a solid metal housing, an On/Off footswitch with a status LED display, a 6.3 mm jack input and output, a power consumption of 20mA, and a weight of 133 g1.
Questions
Is the Harley Benton MiniStomp Fast Lane true bypass?
Yes. Harley Benton specifies True Bypass, which the maker says eliminates signal interference when the pedal is switched off, so your guitar's signal passes through untouched when the effect is disengaged.
What does Freeze mode do on the Fast Lane?
The Fast Lane has a two-position switch for Freeze and Normal modes. Harley Benton says the Freeze mode gives you even more creative options, holding the flanger's sweep for sounds beyond the standard moving flange.
Does the Harley Benton MiniStomp Fast Lane come with a power supply?
No. Harley Benton lists power as a 9 V mains adapter, center negative, and states that the adapter is not included in the scope of delivery, so you will need to supply your own.
Can the Fast Lane run on a battery?
The maker's product page lists power only via a 9 V mains adapter, center negative, and does not list battery operation. Plan on using a 9 V adapter with the pedal.
What size is the Harley Benton MiniStomp Fast Lane?
Harley Benton gives the dimensions as 92 x 38 x 32 mm and the weight as 133 g, so it is a miniature stompbox that takes up little room on a pedalboard.
Sources (2)
- MiniStomp Fast Lane, Harley Benton (harleybenton.com)
- New Eddy Analog Vibrato & Chorus by Electro-Harmonix, Premier Guitar, 2020-12-02
