The Pladask Elektrisk Feber Amplitude/Phase Modulator is an experimental modulation pedal that sits at the intersection of single sideband modulation, ring modulation, phasing and tremolo. Rather than being one of those effect types in isolation, it is built as a tool for exploring amplitude- and phase-based modulation at both high and low frequencies, which puts it in territory most tremolo pedals and phaser pedals do not reach1.
Pedal of the Day, reviewing the pedal in June 2022, called it "one of the most intriguing yet, with new auditory inflections waiting around ever[y corner]" of the maker's effects1.
What it does
In practice, Feber can produce the bell-like, inharmonic timbre players associate with ring modulation. As the review explains the maker's design, "the bell-like, inharmonic timbre associated with ring modulation is due to linear frequency shifting," which produces upper and lower sidebands from the input signal1. Because the same core circuit also covers phasing and tremolo territory, it can move between those familiar modulation sounds and stranger single sideband effects depending on how the controls are set1.
How it works
Feber combines a ring modulator pair, a Hilbert transform approximation, feedback and a random value sample/hold generator1. The Hilbert transform approximation is what allows the pedal to shift phase relationships in the signal, which is the basis of the single sideband and phase-based effects; the sample/hold generator adds random variation to the mix1.
Controls and playing it
Pedal of the Day notes that the pedal "has a lot of sensitive controls, which interact with each other to create a near-endless field of exploration"1. That interactivity means settings shape each other rather than acting independently, so players should expect to spend time with it rather than dial in a sound from the manual.
The review's accompanying demo runs just under 12 minutes, which the reviewer describes as "lengthy" for the format1.
Videos
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Questions
What does the Pladask Elektrisk Feber do to a guitar signal?
Feber works at the intersection of single sideband modulation, ring modulation, phasing and tremolo. Its circuit combines a ring modulator pair, a Hilbert transform approximation, feedback and a random value sample/hold generator. The result is the bell-like, inharmonic timbre associated with ring modulation, which comes from linear frequency shifting that produces upper and lower sidebands, alongside amplitude- and phase-based modulation effects.
Is the Feber easy to use?
Pedal of the Day describes it as having a lot of sensitive controls that interact with each other, creating what they call a near-endless field of exploration. It is aimed at players who want to experiment with amplitude- and phase-based modulation at both high and low frequencies rather than at players looking for a straightforward one-knob effect.
Sources (1)
- Pladask Elektrisk Feber Amplitude/Phase Modulator, Pedal of the Day, 2022-06-11
