The Recovery Phase is a dual modulation unit from Intensive Care Audio, a builder based in London, England. In one enclosure it covers two related phaser and tremolo jobs: the maker describes it as "a dual modulation unit capable of bi-phase and phase shift/tremolo effects"1. In practice that means a primary phaser, a second phase-shifting stage or a tremolo, and the option to run them together. The pedal was announced as a new release in March 20222.
The maker frames the pedal with its usual medical-leaflet humor, saying it "is primarily used in the treatment of Static Tone Syndrome and Excessive Aural Dryness"1. Behind the joke is a straightforward pitch: a static, unmodulated tone is what this pedal treats.
Two LFOs, eight waveforms each
The Recovery Phase is built around two low-frequency oscillators, LFO 1 and LFO 2, each with its own 8-position rotary switch for waveform selection. LFO 1 drives the primary phase shifting. LFO 2 drives either the secondary phase shifting or the tremolo, depending on where the mode switch is set1.
The eight waveforms are:
Having random and stepped shapes alongside the standard sine, triangle and square waves is what separates this from a conventional single-LFO phaser: the modulation need not repeat in a predictable cycle1.
Controls and footswitches
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| DEPTH | Sets the depth of LFO 11 |
| LFO 1 waveform switch | 8-position rotary selecting one of 8 waveforms for the primary phase shifting1 |
| LFO 2 waveform switch | 8-position rotary selecting one of 8 waveforms for secondary phase shifting or tremolo1 |
| FREQ 2 | Sets the frequency (speed) of LFO 21 |
| TREM/PHASE switch | Switches LFO 2 between secondary phase circuit or tremolo circuit control1 |
| LFO 2/OFF switch | In PHASE mode, turns LFO 2 on or off; in TREM mode, selects between LFO 2 controlling tremolo only or tremolo plus secondary phase shifting1 |
| BYPASS footswitch (left) | Soft-touch bypass switching1 |
| TAP TEMPO footswitch (right) | Tap tempo for the LFOs1 |
Holding the BYPASS switch for 3 seconds gives access to a hidden mode where LFO 1 controls LFO 21. That lets the primary LFO modulate the secondary one, so the speed and shape of the second effect can itself be swept, something worth knowing before you file this alongside ordinary phasers and tremolos.
Bypass, power and build
Bypass is handled by soft-touch, relay-based true switching, which the maker fits across all of its pedals1. Power comes from a standard 9V center-negative supply; the maker's instruction is to "use only high-quality 9V centre-negative power supplies"1. The enclosure measures 121 mm wide by 94 mm deep, with a height that tapers from 46 mm to 25 mm, and the pedal weighs 371 g1, compact enough for a crowded board.
Videos
Ponderer Sounds
Jackson Brooksby
TUNNEL OF REVERB
Questions
Is the Intensive Care Audio Recovery Phase true bypass?
Yes. Like all Intensive Care Audio pedals, the Recovery Phase uses soft-touch, relay-based true bypass. The bypass function lives on the left of the two soft-touch footswitches, with tap tempo on the right.
What does the hidden mode on the Recovery Phase do?
Holding the BYPASS switch for 3 seconds gives access to a hidden mode where LFO 1 controls LFO 2. That means the speed or shape of the primary LFO can modulate the secondary LFO, opening up movement that the two LFOs cannot produce independently.
What waveforms does the Recovery Phase offer?
Each LFO is set by an 8-position rotary switch with eight waveforms: Random Slopes, Random Steps, Sweep, Sine, Triangle, Square, Ramp Down and Ramp Up. LFO 1 drives the primary phase shifting, while LFO 2 drives either the secondary phase shifting or the tremolo, depending on the mode switch.
Does the Recovery Phase have tap tempo?
Yes. The right of the two soft-touch footswitches is TAP TEMPO, alongside the BYPASS switch on the left.
What power supply does the Recovery Phase need?
Intensive Care Audio specifies high-quality 9V centre-negative power supplies, the same standard as most pedalboard supplies. The maker does not list a current draw or a battery option, so plan your supply accordingly.
Where is the Recovery Phase made?
All Intensive Care Audio pedals are built in London, England, using what the maker describes as high-quality components.
Sources (2)
- RECOVERY PHASE, Intensive Care Audio
- New Pedal: Intensive Care Audio Recovery Phase/Tremolo, Delicious Audio, 2022-03-23