The Rainger FX Flanger X is a mini digital flanger with a twist: an analog rocket launch sound built into the pedal, with its own volume knob, that can be mixed with the flanging. It was released in February 2023 by David Rainger, the London builder behind Rainger FX, and is the third pedal in his X series of mini digital pedals, after the Echo X and Reverb X1.
What it does to your sound
Rainger FX describes the Flanger X as delivering "Massive flanging, from a mini-pedal"1. The flanger circuit is digital, but the rocket sound layered with it is analog and created internally in the pedal1.
The rocket sound is, in the maker's description, a "full-frequency, three-dimensional analogue rocket sound simulation", with the muffled pops and low roar of a heavy-lift vehicle launching. Part of that effect at the full rocket setting comes from overloading the input to the digital flanger circuit, which adds bubbling distortion. A Peak LED shows when the digital input is overloading; Rainger FX says this does no damage at all and happens when the rocket control is on full1.
"Sounds superb - and is full of flavour!"
The controls
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Flange | Amount of the flanger effect1 |
| Rate | Flanger speed, from stationary to weirdly fast1 |
| Rocket | Rocket sound level, from nothing to full blast1 |
| Vol | Output volume1 |
| FBK | Feedback, for "twangy fast-repeat echo trails"1 |
| Igor | Pressure pad: changes the rocket sound from speed ramp-up to momentary noise burst1 |
| Peak LED | Shows the digital input is overloading, which does no damage and happens when rocket is on full1 |
The rocket sound and Igor
The rocket launch sound can run in three ways: envelope-controlled, on all the time, or triggered in specific bursts whenever you press the Igor pressure pad1. On the ENV setting, the rocket sound follows the envelope of your playing signal with most of its low-end rolled off, adding texture without interfering with the main tone1.
Where it sits among flangers
Most mini flangers, such as the Mooer E-Lady or TC Electronic Vortex Mini, offer flanging alone. The Flanger X's distinguishing feature is the rocket sound: a second, separately voiced effect built into the same mini enclosure and mixable with the flange, which no conventional flanger in this size offers. Guitar Pedal X included it among its 2023 picks of new modutility pedals, listing it at £229 / $2302.
Videos
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Questions
Is the Rainger FX Flanger X analog or digital?
The flanger itself is digital, part of Rainger FX's X series of mini digital pedals. The rocket launch sound layered inside it is analogue, created internally in the pedal. So the two effects are built differently: a digital flanging circuit with an analogue rocket simulation mixed alongside it.
Is the Rainger FX Flanger X true bypass?
Yes. Rainger FX describes the Flanger X as true bypass, so when it is switched off your guitar signal passes through without the flanger circuit in the way.
What does the Igor switch do on the Flanger X?
Igor is a pressure pad that changes how the rocket sound is delivered. With Igor, the rocket sound fires in momentary noise bursts whenever you press it, rather than ramping up in speed. The rocket sound can also be envelope-controlled or left on all the time.
What does the Rocket knob do on the Rainger FX Flanger X?
The Rocket knob sets the level of the rocket launch sound, from nothing to full blast. At the full setting it overloads the input of the digital flanger circuit, which adds bubbling distortion to the rocket sound. A Peak LED shows when that overload is happening.
How much does the Rainger FX Flanger X cost?
Guitar Pedal X listed the Flanger X at £229 / $230 in December 2023.
Who designed the Rainger FX Flanger X?
The Flanger X was designed by David Rainger, the London builder behind Rainger FX. It is the third pedal in his X series of mini digital pedals, following the Echo X and Reverb X.
Sources (2)
- New Pedal: Rainger FX Flanger X, Delicious Audio, 2023-02-21
- Guitar Pedal X, Guitar Pedal X, 2023-12-19
