The Red Witch Euphemia Sample Hold Filter is a stompbox from Red Witch that sweeps randomly through a range of frequencies, the effect known as sample hold. Red Witch describes it as "a 100% all analog Sample Hold Filter pedal with a number of unique, controllable parameters," and the maker says there is "something magical in that bubbling, mysterious, random range of frequencies."1
It is a limited run: Guitar World reported that a mere 59 Euphemia pedals would be made, each numbered and hand-signed by Red Witch founder and designer Ben Fulton, priced at $349 each as of May 2024.2 The pedal is now listed as Sold Out on the maker's product page.1
The Euphemia was a limited edition of 59 units and is listed as Sold Out by the maker, so it is no longer in production.12
Where it came from
The Euphemia draws on two 1970s pedals: Guitar World reported that it draws from the sonic tamperings of the Maestro FSH-1 and the Oberheim VCF-200, and Red Witch's own page says "Oberheim and Maestro spring to mind when thinking of the great analog Sample Hold pedals of the past."12 MusicRadar's launch report framed the same lineage as inspiration from classic sample hold filters of the '70s.21
Controls and the bandpass mode
The pedal has two main controls:
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Velocity | Controls the speed of the effect's shift2 |
| Aggression | Determines the aggression of the filter-shifts1 |
The Aggression knob also works as a mode selector. Guitar World reports that turning it fully clockwise engages a bandpass filter mode, with which the guitar's tone can be tethered to a particular frequency for a notched EQ sound.2 MusicRadar's report described the same mode, saying it lets you tether your guitar tone to a particular frequency for a notched EQ sound.3
That notched bandpass tone is the pedal's link to a famous sound. Red Witch says "This 'notched' guitar tone has been used by legends like Carlos Santana and Brian May,"12 and Guitar World described the Euphemia as a sample hold filter pedal that can also deliver those notched guitar tones.2
What reviewers said
Coverage of the launch was positive about the pedal's range. Guitar World reported that Ben Fulton believes the Euphemia's "unique, controllable parameters open the doors to a lot more versatility, creativity, and otherworldly sounds."2 MusicRadar's Jonathan Horsley, writing alongside comments from Fulton, reported the pedal as available now at $349 when it launched in May 2024.3
Videos
Red Witch Pedals
Questions
Is the Red Witch Euphemia analog or digital?
The Euphemia is fully analog. Red Witch describes it on its product page as a 100% all analog Sample Hold Filter pedal, and MusicRadar's report on the launch likewise called it a 100 per cent analogue sample hold filter. The maker also notes that each unit uses hand wired, premium through-hole components.
How many Euphemia pedals were made?
Guitar World reported that a mere 59 Euphemia pedals would be made, with each unit numbered and hand-signed by Ben Fulton. The pedal is now listed as Sold Out on the Red Witch product page, so the run is complete.
What does the Aggression knob do?
Red Witch says the Aggression control determines the aggression of the filter-shifts. It also doubles as a mode selector: Guitar World reports that turning it fully clockwise engages a bandpass filter mode, in which the guitar's tone can be tethered to a particular frequency for a notched EQ sound.
Who designed the Red Witch Euphemia?
The Euphemia was designed by Ben Fulton, Red Witch's founder and designer, according to Guitar World's coverage of the launch. Each of the 59 units was also hand-signed by Fulton.
Can the Euphemia get the notched tones of Brian May?
Red Witch says the notched guitar tone the Euphemia produces in bandpass mode has been used by legends like Carlos Santana and Brian May, and Guitar World described the pedal as one that can also deliver those notched guitar tones. The bandpass mode is engaged with the Aggression control turned fully clockwise.
Sources (3)
- EUPHEMIA Sample Hold Filter, Red Witch Pedals
- “Open the doors to versatility, creativity, and otherworldly sounds”: Red Witch aims to harness Frank Zappa and Carlos Santana tones with its new sample hold filter pedal, Guitar World, 2024-05-07
- “This 'notched' guitar tone has been used by legends like Carlos Santana and Brian May. It's a fantastic tone to have at your disposal”: Red Witch unveils Euphemia, an analogue sample hold filter with a twist, MusicRadar, 2024-05-03
