The Sonicake Warped Dimension is a modulation pedal from Sonicake that puts four modulation effects in one box: chorus, phaser, flanger and tremolo. Sonicake describes the four modes as based on legendary equipment that reproduces the classic versions of those sounds, while bringing "a little warping" to the tone1. It sits in the maker's dual-footswitch stompbox range, and its second footswitch is the feature that sets it apart from most budget modulations: an independent tap tempo switch for real-time RATE control1.
Controls and tap tempo
The pedal keeps its control layout simple. Delicious Audio's Paolo De Gregorio describes the knobs as the pedal's "bread-and-butter controls (Level, Tone, Depth and Rate)"5. Those four knobs are shared across all four modes, so the same Depth and Rate settings mean different things depending on whether chorus, phaser, flanger or tremolo is selected.
| Control | What it does |
|---|---|
| Level | Sets the overall output level of the effect |
| Tone | Shapes the tone of the modulated signal |
| Depth | Sets the intensity of the modulation |
| Rate | Sets the speed of the modulation |
| Mode selector | Chooses between chorus, phaser, flanger and tremolo |
| Main footswitch | Engages and disengages the effect |
| Second footswitch | Tap tempo for real-time RATE control |
The independent tap tempo footswitch is unusual at this price. De Gregorio notes that it "helps during the live show," letting a player match modulation speed to the song by tapping rather than reaching for a knob5.
Power, bypass and impedance
The Warped Dimension runs on a 9V DC center-negative supply with a 5.5 x 2.1mm plug and draws 92mA. The supply is not included, and there is no battery option1.
At 92mA, the Warped Dimension draws more current than many compact pedals. A low-current daisy-chain output may not run it reliably, so give it its own outlet or a higher-current output on a pedalboard power supply.
Bypass is buffered rather than true bypass. Sonicake describes it as a "Special Design Buffer Bypass Circuit" that "Keeps the Sound Pristine"2. For a player, buffer bypass means the guitar signal always passes through a low-impedance stage, even with the effect off, which helps keep the signal strong through long cable runs on a pedalboard.
The input impedance is 470k Ohms and the output resistance is 1k Ohms2.
Where it came from
Delicious Audio's roundup of new pedals places the Warped Dimension in context: "Sonicake unveiled three larger pedals blending more than one effect"6. That puts the pedal among Sonicake's larger-format releases, alongside its other multi-effect designs6.
Players comparing it with other modulations on the site may also look at the Sonicake 5th Dimension and SONICAKE Cloud Chorus, or the wider fields of chorus pedals, phaser pedals, flanger pedals and tremolo pedals.
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Questions
Which modulation effects are in the Sonicake Warped Dimension?
The Warped Dimension holds four modulation effects: chorus, phaser, flanger and tremolo. Sonicake describes them as based on legendary equipment that reproduces the classic versions of those sounds, with what the maker calls a little warping brought to the tone. A mode selector moves between the four effects, and shared Level, Tone, Depth and Rate knobs shape whichever mode is active.
Is the Sonicake Warped Dimension true bypass?
No. The Warped Dimension uses a buffer bypass circuit rather than true bypass. Sonicake describes it as a special design buffer bypass circuit that keeps the sound pristine. A buffered bypass drives the signal through a small amplifier when the pedal is off, which can help on long pedalboard cable runs.
What is buffer bypass?
Buffer bypass means the guitar signal passes through a low-impedance buffer stage even when the effect is switched off, instead of a mechanical true bypass switch that connects input straight to output. The buffer keeps the signal strong over long cable runs, at the cost of the signal always passing through active circuitry.
How much current does the Sonicake Warped Dimension draw?
Sonicake lists the current draw at 92mA at 9V DC. That is more than many single compact pedals draw, so a low-output daisy-chain output may not be enough. Use a regular 9V center-negative pedal power supply rated for at least 92mA; the supply is not included.
Does the Warped Dimension have tap tempo?
Yes. The Warped Dimension has an independent second footswitch that provides a tap tempo function for real-time RATE control, so you can set modulation speed by tapping in time. Delicious Audio notes that this helps during live shows.
Can the Warped Dimension run on a battery?
No. Sonicake specifies that the pedal works with a 9V center-negative regular pedal power supply, which is not included, and there is no battery option. Its 92mA current draw also puts it beyond what a battery would practically supply.
Sources (6)
- Warped Dimension Digital Modulation Guitar Effects Pedal, SONICAKE
- Warped Dimension Digital Modulation Guitar Effects Pedal, Sonicake
- Sonicake BBD Wonder Delay & Modulation Guitar Bass Effects Pedal, Sonicake
- Sonicake, Sonicake
- Sonicake Warped Dimension Multi-Modulation, Delicious Audio, 2024-04-17
- Best New Pedals 2023, Delicious Audio, 2023-04-04
