The synthesis engine is the interesting part. Phase distortion is based on sine waves, and the wave distorts to achieve other timbres1. Subdecay traces the approach to Casio, which sold it as the answer to Yamaha's FM synthesis in the CZ synthesizers. Casio eventually discontinued the CZ line, but those keyboards garnered a cult following for their versatility and relative affordability1. The PixelWave brings that idea to a synth pedal format.
The controls and modes
The PixelWave's front panel is built around three knobs labeled R, G and B, plus a SELECT knob and an EDIT MODE switch. What the three knobs do depends on where the switch is set4.
| Mode | What the R, G and B knobs do |
|---|---|
| MATRIX | Deep programming. Each knob corresponds to parameters for its oscillator, and the SELECT knob chooses the parameter from the matrix printed on the pedal's face54 |
| ADJUST | The knobs change to alternate functions: FILTER, SENSITIVITY, and CLEAN MIX1 |
| LOCK | The knobs are disabled; only master volume and preset selection via the SELECT knob remain available4 |
In MATRIX mode, each of the R, G and B knobs handles the parameters for its own oscillator, with a few exceptions Subdecay notes on the pedal's face1. This is where the 37 programmable parameters live: oscillator pitch can be offset over four octaves by half-step increments and fine-tuning, and each of the three oscillators offers a choice of eleven waveforms1. Delicious Audio described the engine as having "3 oscillators with 10 different modes each and one sub-oscillator"5. The sub-oscillator is more limited, offering only Saw, PWM, Hard Res, and Sync1.
LOCK mode is the live setting. Setting the EDIT MODE switch to LOCK disables the R, G and B knobs, which avoids unintentional changes while using the pedal on stage; only master volume and preset selection through the SELECT knob stay available4.
Saving a preset
Saving a sound you have programmed is a three-step process1:
- In MATRIX mode, hold down the bypass switch for two seconds to save a preset.
- Choose the preset location with the SELECT knob.
- Press the bypass switch again to save.
The pedal holds 11 user presets4.
Bass and the PixelWave
The PixelWave works for bass players as well as guitarists. Subdecay's buying guide positions it as the choice for players seeking maximum variety or playing bass6. The pedal is easily configured for either guitar or bass, with separate factory presets specifically designed for bass players6. That means a bassist can start from presets voiced for the instrument rather than adapting guitar patches.
Phase distortion and the B-stock version
The B-stock version of the PixelWave is the same phase distortion synthesizer at a reduced price: $169.00, down from the original $199.007. B-stock items carry superficial blemishes, usually due to paint or screen printing issues, and ship within up to one week2.
A B-stock PixelWave has the same 37 programmable parameters and 11 user presets as the regular version; the discount reflects cosmetic blemishes such as paint or screen printing issues, not a difference in circuit or features2.
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Questions
Does the Subdecay PixelWave work with bass?
Yes. Subdecay recommends the PixelWave for players seeking maximum variety or playing bass, and it is easily configured for either instrument, with separate factory presets specifically designed for bass players. So a bassist can load bass-specific presets rather than adapting guitar ones.
How many oscillators does the PixelWave have?
Three oscillators plus one sub-oscillator. Each of the three main oscillators offers eleven waveforms, and each has 10 different modes. The sub-oscillator is more limited, offering Saw, PWM, Hard Res and Sync.
How do I save a preset on the PixelWave?
In MATRIX mode, hold down the bypass switch for two seconds to enter preset save mode. Then choose the preset location with the SELECT knob. Finally, press the bypass switch again to save. The pedal holds 11 user presets.
What does LOCK mode do on the PixelWave?
Setting the EDIT MODE switch to LOCK disables the R, G and B knobs so you cannot make unintentional changes, which is useful live. In LOCK mode only two parameters are available: master volume, and preset selection via the SELECT knob.
What is phase distortion synthesis?
Phase distortion is based on sine waves. The wave distorts to achieve other timbres. Casio sold it as the answer to Yamaha's FM synthesis in its CZ synthesizers, which were discontinued but gained a cult following for their versatility and relative affordability.
What is a B-stock PixelWave?
A B-stock unit is a pedal with superficial blemishes, usually due to paint or screen printing issues. It carries the same circuit and features as the regular version, sells at a reduced price, $169 instead of $199, and ships within about a week.
Sources (7)
- PixelWave Phase Distortion Synthesizer (colors), Subdecay, 2026-03-28
- PixelWave Phase Distortion Synthesizer B Stock, Subdecay, 2026-09-26
- Pixelwave Phase Distortion Synthesizer by Subdecay, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
- PixelWave Phase Distortion Synthesizer, Subdecay, 2026-06-19
- New Pedal: Subdecay PixelWave Phase Distortion Synth Pedal, Delicious Audio, 2022-04-26
- Which Synth Pedal is for Me?, Subdecay, 2024-08-15
- Prometheus DLX, Subdecay, 2019-04-12
