The Vintage Revolution PedalPro System is a hybrid multi-effect: an analog effects processor paired with a separate foot controller. Announced in 2012, it was presented as the first hybrid analog multi-effect, combining 14 analog effects with digital control so that, as Guitar Interactive Magazine put it, the sound is never digitized1. It belongs to the broader family of multi-effects pedals, but its approach differs from the usual digital modelers: the audio path stays analog from input to output.
What it does to your signal
The PedalPro Multi-effect contains 14 pure analog effects: a solid state compressor/limiter, a JFET distortion, a stereo optical noise gate, a fasel-based optical wah, vowel generators, envelope filters, an optical phaser, a tremolo panner, boost, a BBD chorus-flanger-delay, and a stereo volume pedal1. Many of these map onto familiar effect types: a compressor, distortion, noise gate, wah, filter, phaser, tremolo, boost, chorus, flanger, delay and volume functions in one box.
Because the effects chain is analog, the digital side is used only for control. Guitar Interactive Magazine described the design as "a smart, four-processorbased architecture that enables users to control their analogueeffect without the sound ever bein[g digitised]"1.
Two design choices shape the tone and feel:
- A 30V internal power supply (+/-15V), which the maker says gives higher headroom and dynamics1
- One high-input impedance JFET buffer instead of the several multi-stage buffers a chain of individual stompboxes would add1
The Pedalino Foot Controller
Control comes from the Pedalino Foot Controller, a separate unit less than a centimetre thick with what the maker calls a radical ergonomic shape. It uses four multi-level pressure-sensor pads rather than conventional switches, which Vintage Revolution says gives complete control of the Multi-effect, reduces errors and eliminates mechanical noise1.
Other Pedalino features:
- Extra-large, visible display1
- A mute button for changing guitars in total silence1
- Tuning with what the maker calls all-new precision and ease1
- Customizable force level required to activate the footpads1
- No programming required, thanks to a bidirectional protocol called ADES: sound names, preset parameters and their configurations are instantly downloadable from the PedalPro1
Presets, switching and routing
The PedalPro offers full recall and storage of 500 complete analog presets, plus an unlimited number in a Mac/PC based preset library using the USB interface1. Switching between presets is silent, and the unit supports what the press release calls a wide variety of different routing possibilities1.
Price, availability and where it is made
The PedalPro System, meaning the Multi-effect plus the Pedalino Foot Controller, was listed at EUR 1,999 including 19% VAT at launch in June 2012. That price does not include the expression pedal, which is a separate purchase1. At the time of the announcement, all products could be bought on the Vintage Revolution website and shipped to any location in Europe1.
The unit is made in the Netherlands, which the maker ties to tight manufacturing quality control aimed at total reliability1.
The launch price was given in euros with VAT, and distribution at announcement covered Europe only. The expression pedal is not part of the system price.
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Questions
Is the Vintage Revolution PedalPro System truly analog?
Vintage Revolution describes the PedalPro as a hybrid: the effects chain is fully analog, while digital circuitry handles control. Guitar Interactive Magazine reported that the unit uses a four-processor architecture that lets users control the analog effects without the sound ever being digitized. In practice, your guitar signal passes through analog circuits, and the digital side stores and recalls presets and manages switching.
How many presets does the PedalPro hold?
The PedalPro holds 500 complete analog presets with full recall and storage. Using the built-in USB interface, an unlimited number of presets can be kept in a Mac or PC based preset library, so sounds can be archived and reloaded beyond what the unit itself stores.
Is the PedalPro true bypass?
Yes. Vintage Revolution states the PedalPro uses 21 gold-plated, moisture-free relays to provide the optimum connection between your effects and true bypass. The unit also offers silent switching between presets.
Where is the PedalPro System made?
The PedalPro System is made in the Netherlands. Vintage Revolution says it is built with tight manufacturing quality control to ensure total reliability.
Does the PedalPro price include an expression pedal?
No. The PedalPro System, consisting of the Multi-effect and the Pedalino Foot Controller, was listed at 1999 euros including 19% VAT, and that price does not include the expression pedal, which is sold separately.
Sources (1)
- Vintage Revolution Releases the First Hybrid Analogue Multi-Effect, Guitar Interactive Magazine, 2012-06-06