Artec Vintage Phase Shifter Pedal Review
The Artec Vintage Phase Shifter Pedal is an affordable, classic analog pedal that can add a swirling, pulsating effect to your guitar’s sound. It delivers a warm, vintage sound that adds character, and the design is sharp.
If you’re a gigging musician, a pedalboard is an essential tool that allows you to organize and control your effects pedals. But we all know that guitar pedals can get expensive, however, there are plenty of affordable pedals out there that can help you build a great-sounding pedalboard without breaking the bank.
The Artec Vintage Phase Shifter pedal is one of those affordable options that offer good value for the given price. After spending some time with this pedal, I want to share my thoughts and experience with it.
Contents
Artec Vintage Phase Shifter Pedal
Verdict
The Artec Vintage Phase Shifter Pedal is an impressive, budget-friendly option that delivers a warm, vintage sound and has solid build quality. It has a user-friendly and retro design that just looks sharp. In my opinion, it's a no-brainer addition to any pedalboard.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Warm, vintage sound
- Solid build quality
- User-friendly design
- Versatile controls
Cons
- Slight hissing sound
- Footswitch noise when turning on
General Thoughts
I’m a big fan of vintage guitar effects, and the Artec Vintage Phase Shifter Pedal does not disappoint. The pedal has a solid build quality, and it feels like it can withstand some serious usage which is surprising given the price range. It also has a cool retro design that makes it stand out on the pedalboard. But what matters is how it sounds, and I have to say, I was impressed with the sound quality.
On the downside, the footswitch noise is kind of loud and there is a slight hissing noise when the phaser is on. This is a bit of a bump, especially if you’re using it for practice sessions and in a quiet environment. For live performances, the hissing isn’t all that noticeable.
Controls & Design
The Artec Vintage Phase Shifter Pedal is an analog true bypass pedal that looks quite sharp. It’s powered by a 9V battery or power adapter. It features 3 knobs with which you can adjust the speed, depth, and resonance. Also, I like the footswitch design and that kind of logo around it, it just makes it stand out, however, the noise it makes when you turn it on is a bit loud.
In terms of connectivity, you have the classic input and output jacks with the power supply on the side. All pretty simple and standard. You can’t complain, especially for the given price. All in all, it’s an easy-to-use pedal and the design is on point.
Sound
This pedal has a warm, vintage sound that really takes you back to the 70s. You get that swirling, pulsating effect that can add depth and dimension to your guitar’s sound. The speed and depth controls allow you to adjust the intensity of the effect to your liking. It works great with a clean sound but with distortion and overdrive, it’s just too much modulation in one spot.
It’s really a versatile pedal that adds a lot of character. There is a slight hissing sound from the pedal when it’s turned on. If you’re in a completely quiet environment, you will notice it as well, but for live performances, it’s hardly audible and kind of fades into the whole environment.
Price
In terms of price, this pedal is very affordable. Personally, it’s a no-brainer addition to a pedalboard. You get a quality build, good sound, and enough versatility to fine-shape your tone. It brings a lot of value to the table and it is surprising, to say the least, when you hear it, especially considering the budget-friendly price tag.
For the given price, the loud footswitch and the slight hiss are small prices to pay, in my opinion. If you’re building an affordable pedalboard, it should be a great addition.
Alternatives
For alternatives to the Artec Vintage Phase Shifter, you can look into the MXR Phase 90 or 100. These are pricier options but worth it either way. The MXR Phase 90 has more strength in terms of sound boost and the distortion levels sound more impressive, in my opinion. However, if you’re after that versatility factor like the Artec pedal, the 100 version will be a better option. It has an Intensity and Speed dial and it sounds amazing. Naturally, the price is way higher than both of these pedals.
But, if you want something in a similar price range, the Electro Harmonix Small Stone is something that comes close in terms of price, sound, and versatility. Plus, the design is breathtaking.
Verdict
Overall, I’m impressed with the Artec Vintage Phase Shifter Pedal. It has a warm, vintage sound that adds character to my guitar’s sound. The build quality is solid, and the retro design looks great on my pedalboard. For an inexpensive pedal, it performs well and, in my opinion, is a no-brainer addition to any pedalboard. If you can get through the slight hiss and the loud footswitch, it will be a great investment for a budget pedal.
