The JAM Pedals "Split Difference" WaterFall is an analog chorus and vibrato pedal built around a BBD (bucket-brigade device) circuit. JAM Pedals describes the all-analog BBD circuit as producing "a warm, fluid response with a strong sense of depth and space." A C/V toggle selects between chorus and vibrato modes, and the pedal is a limited custom artwork edition: every unit is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece.1
It is a variant of the standard JAM Pedals WaterFall, with the same sound but different artwork.2
The controls
The Split Difference WaterFall keeps its control layout simple, with a Depth knob that controls modulation intensity, a Speed knob that sets rate, a C/V toggle that selects chorus or vibrato, a +/- toggle that chooses a subtler or more pronounced modulation range, and an internal trimmer that adjusts the maximum modulation speed1.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Depth | Controls modulation intensity1 |
| Speed | Sets the modulation rate; high Depth and Speed settings create Leslie-style rotary effects1 |
| C/V toggle | Selects chorus or vibrato1 |
| +/- toggle | Chooses a subtler or more pronounced modulation range1 |
| Internal trimmer | Adjusts the maximum modulation speed1 |
The +/- toggle is the range switch: in one position the modulation stays subtler, in the other it becomes more pronounced. The internal trimmer sits under the hood and sets the ceiling of the Speed knob's sweep, so the fastest rate the pedal reaches can be adjusted to taste.1
The pedal draws 47 mA at 9V DC, center-negative.1
Chorus, vibrato and rotary sounds
The C/V toggle switches between the two modes. In chorus mode the modulated signal is blended with the dry signal for a doubled, widened sound; in vibrato mode the pitch itself is modulated. JAM Pedals also points out that high Depth and Speed settings create Leslie-style rotary effects, giving the pedal a third character beyond standard chorus and vibrato.1
Players who want related sounds from the same maker can look at the RetroVibe mk.4 line, JAM Pedals' uni-vibe style pedals, or the Ripply Fall, which combines chorus with delay. For more on the effect type generally, see Chorus Pedals and Vibrato Pedals.
The custom artwork editions
The Split Difference WaterFall is one of several custom artwork versions of the WaterFall circuit. JAM Pedals states that every custom artwork pedal is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece, so each unit differs visually from the next.1
Other custom artwork WaterFall variants include the "Bewitched" WaterFall, "Relic" WaterFall, "Spookful" WaterFall, "Poison View" WaterFall, "Achenbach" WaterFall and "Stalagmite Prince" WaterFall. The "Spookful" WaterFall page carries the same framing: same sound, different artwork.2
Questions
Is the JAM Split Difference WaterFall true bypass?
Yes. JAM Pedals lists the Split Difference WaterFall with true bypass switching, so the pedal's circuit is taken fully out of the signal path when it is switched off. That matters on a pedalboard where several effects sit in line, since a non-true-bypass pedal can load down the guitar's signal even when it is not in use.
What power supply does the Split Difference WaterFall need?
JAM Pedals specifies 9V DC, centre-negative power, the standard arrangement used by most pedal power supplies. The pedal draws 47 mA of current, so it is well within the capacity of a typical multi-output supply, though you should still power it from an isolated or correctly rated output rather than an unsuitable adapter.
Can the WaterFall do Leslie-style rotary sounds?
Yes. According to JAM Pedals, high Depth and Speed settings on the Split Difference WaterFall create Leslie-style rotary effects. The Depth knob sets modulation intensity and the Speed knob sets the rate, so pushing both toward their upper range produces the fast, swirling movement associated with a rotating speaker cabinet.
What does the internal range trimmer do?
The Split Difference WaterFall has an internal trimmer that adjusts the maximum modulation speed. Opening the pedal and turning this trimmer lets you set the top of the Speed knob's sweep, so the fastest available vibrato or rotary-style rate can be tailored to how you actually use the pedal.
Is the Split Difference WaterFall different from the standard WaterFall?
The Split Difference is a variant of the WaterFall with the same sound but different artwork. JAM Pedals describes it as a limited custom artwork pedal, with every unit a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece. The circuit and controls are those of the standard WaterFall chorus/vibrato.
Is the artwork on each Split Difference WaterFall different?
Yes. JAM Pedals states that every custom artwork pedal is a one-of-a-kind hand-painted piece, so no two Split Difference WaterFall units look the same. The pedal is a limited edition, and the artwork is applied by hand rather than printed.
Sources (2)
- “Split Difference” WaterFall, JAM Pedals (jampedals.com)
- “Spookful” WaterFall, JAM Pedals (www.jampedals.com)
