The SolidGoldFX Apollo is a phaser pedal with an all-analog 4-stage phaser circuit paired with a proprietary tap tempo microprocessor. SolidGoldFX announced it in September 2012 as an original design, describing the goal as building "a modern sounding phaser with innovative new features"1. The rate can be set with a speed knob or tapped in on a dedicated footswitch, and the pedal offers three waveform settings and eight rhythmic modes.
A Premier Guitar review, published September 2026, called it "this analog 4-stage phaser with tap-tempo" and found that its "tap tempo, 3-position multiplier, and random-step setting offer extreme versatility, from classic to way out-there sounds"2. The review lists a street price of $2502.
Controls, modes and expression input
The Apollo keeps its control set simple. The speed knob sets the rate, or you tap the tempo in on the tap footswitch for greater accuracy1. The depth control determines the overall intensity of the effect, and that function can also be controlled with an expression pedal2.
The pedal offers three distinct waveform settings, including sine, randomizer and manual settings, plus eight different rhythmic modes1. In Manual mode, the phase sweep itself can be controlled by foot through the expression pedal input1.
| Control or input | What it does |
|---|---|
| Speed knob | Sets the effect's rate1 |
| Tap footswitch | Taps the tempo in for greater accuracy1 |
| Depth knob | Sets the overall intensity of the effect2 |
| Waveform settings | Three options: sine, randomizer and manual1 |
| Rhythmic modes | Eight different rhythmic modes1 |
| Expression pedal input | Controls the phase sweep in Manual mode1 |
The enclosure is a white case with blue graphics and lettering2.
What reviewers said
Premier Guitar's 2026 review highlighted the versatility of the tempo system, finding that the tap tempo, 3-position multiplier and random-step setting cover ground "from classic to way out-there sounds"2. The review also noted a limitation: the mono output means you will not experience stereo phasing2.
The Apollo II
In November 2015 SolidGoldFX announced the Apollo II, expanding on the functionality and sound of the previous generation Apollo3. It keeps the all-analog 4-stage phaser audio path, designed for guitar, bass and keyboard applications, coupled with SolidGoldFX's tap tempo microprocessor3.
The biggest change is in the waveforms: eleven different waveforms are selectable via an 11-position detent control, which can be used with three rhythmic patterns3. The waveforms include conventional sine and triangle based shapes, step phasers, combined settings, a randomizer and manual phase control3. Tap tempo gains 1x, 2x and 4x tempo multipliers3, and there is an expression pedal input for speed and manual sweep3.
The Apollo II runs on a 9V DC input and battery operation is not possible3. It measures 4.67" x 3.68" x 1.18" (119mm x 94mm x 30mm)3.
A Delicious Audio demo described the Apollo II's range: "Turning both up gives you an ultra-powerful time-shifting device that can range from almost-frozen to raygun fast," referring to the Depth and Regen controls4. The Apollo II carried a $250 street price at announcement3. SolidGoldFX announced it in November 20153, while a Delicious Audio demo places its release in the closing months of 20174.
| Apollo | Apollo II | |
|---|---|---|
| Circuit | All-analog 4-stage phaser1 | All-analog 4-stage phaser3 |
| Waveforms | Three settings: sine, randomizer, manual1 | Eleven waveforms on an 11-position control3 |
| Rhythmic modes | Eight1 | Three rhythmic patterns3 |
| Tap tempo multipliers | 3-position multiplier2 | 1x, 2x, 4x3 |
| Expression input | Phase sweep in Manual mode1 | Speed and manual sweep3 |
| Bypass | True bypass1 | True bypass3 |
| Street price | $250 (2026 review)2 | $250 at announcement (2015)3 |
Where the design went next
Videos
Knobs
ProGuitarShopDemos
Prymaxe
Questions
Is the SolidGoldFX Apollo analog?
Yes. The Apollo uses an all-analog 4-stage phaser circuit, paired with a proprietary tap tempo microprocessor that handles the timing. The audio path stays analog while the tempo control is digital.
Does the Apollo have tap tempo?
Yes. The rate can be set with the speed knob or tapped in on the tap footswitch for greater accuracy. The Apollo II added 1x, 2x, and 4x tempo multipliers on top of tap tempo.
Does the SolidGoldFX Apollo work in stereo?
No. The Apollo has a mono output, so you do not get stereo phasing from it. Players who want a wider phase image would need to look at other pedals.
Can I use an expression pedal with the Apollo?
Yes. In Manual mode the phase sweep can be controlled by foot through the expression pedal input. The depth control's function can also be controlled with an expression pedal.
Is the Apollo true bypass?
Yes. The original Apollo has true bypass switching, and the Apollo II carries the same true bypass switching.
What is the difference between the Apollo and the Apollo II?
The Apollo II expands on the original with eleven waveforms instead of three, selectable on an 11-position detent control, plus 1x, 2x and 4x tempo multipliers. Both share the same all-analog 4-stage phaser circuit and tap tempo design.
Sources (4)
- SolidGoldFX Announces Apollo Tap Tempo Phaser, Premier Guitar, 2012-09-21
- SolidGoldFX Apollo Tap Tempo Phaser Pedal Review, Premier Guitar, 2012-10-31
- SolidGoldFX Releases the Apollo II, Premier Guitar, 2015-11-13
- SolidGoldFX Apollo II (demo), Delicious Audio, 2018-08-07
