The Recovery Effects Ghost Writer is a pedal from Recovery Effects and Devices that transforms the notes you play into MIDI data. Rather than shaping your tone like an overdrive or a delay, it listens to your guitar and sends MIDI out, which means you can connect to a synth and literally play your synthesizer from your guitar. The maker also points to triggering phrases or samples and adding functionality to MIDI-equipped pedals as uses.1
What it does for your rig
Ghost Writer sits between your guitar and the MIDI world. The monophonic MIDI data it produces is automatically assigned to MIDI Channel 1, so a receiving synth or pedal needs to be listening there. Independent controls allow you to toggle audio and MIDI signals or use both, so your guitar sound can continue to your amp while the MIDI data goes out the back of the pedal.1
Your guitar's audio is not sacrificed on the way through: the maker states the audio is processed through a high-quality buffer stage to ensure no loss of signal.1
The maker names three ways to put it to work:
- Connect to a synth and play your synthesizer from your guitar1
- Trigger phrases or samples1
- Add functionality to MIDI-equipped pedals1
Power, connections and variants
The pedal operates on a standard 9Vdc Boss-style power supply, which is not included, so you will need your own adapter. MIDI leaves through a 3.5mm TRS MIDI cable on the back of the pedal, and the maker notes you will need a 3.5mm "Type A" connector.1
Ghost Writer is sold in two variants: without a MIDI cable or with a MIDI cable. If you already own a 3.5mm Type A TRS MIDI cable, the cable-less version covers you; otherwise the bundled variant saves a separate purchase.1
Most Recovery Effects and Devices are made to order. The maker directs customers to its FAQ page for the current lead time.1
Where it is made
Recovery Effects and Devices designs and assembles the Ghost Writer in Seattle, Washington. The pedal carries a one-year limited warranty if registered within 30 days of delivery.1
Videos
Sean Daniel
Get Offset
recoverysounds
Questions
Does the Recovery Effects Ghost Writer track polyphonic playing?
No. The Ghost Writer outputs monophonic MIDI data, meaning it tracks one note at a time rather than full chords. That MIDI data is automatically assigned to MIDI Channel 1. Players who want to send chords as MIDI would need a different approach, but for single-line playing the pedal converts what you play into MIDI that a synth or other MIDI-equipped device can respond to.
Which MIDI channel does the Ghost Writer use?
The Ghost Writer automatically assigns its monophonic MIDI output to MIDI Channel 1. There is no channel selection to configure, so a receiving device such as a synthesizer needs to be set to listen on Channel 1, or set to omni, to respond to the pedal's output.
Does the Ghost Writer come with a power supply?
No. The pedal operates on a standard 9Vdc Boss-style power supply, which is not included. The pedal is sold in two variants, one without a MIDI cable and one with a MIDI cable, but neither includes the power supply, so you will need your own 9Vdc Boss-style adapter to run it.
Does the Ghost Writer still pass my guitar's audio signal?
Yes. The audio is processed through a high-quality buffer stage to ensure no loss of signal, and the pedal has independent controls that let you toggle the audio and MIDI signals or use both at once. That means your guitar sound can carry on to your amp while the MIDI data goes out to a synth or other device.
What kind of MIDI cable does the Ghost Writer use?
MIDI is transmitted through a 3.5mm TRS MIDI cable connected at the back of the pedal, and you will need a 3.5mm Type A connector. The pedal is sold either without a MIDI cable or with one included, depending on which variant you choose.
Sources (1)
- GHOST WRITER PEDAL (Audio to MIDI Device), Recovery Effects and Devices