EarthQuaker Devices The Depths V2 Analogue Optical Vibe Machine Effect Pedal

General

Just like classic vibe units from the past, The Depths from Earthquaker Devices comes equipped with an optical circuit. The effect is hard to describe but encompasses an instantly-familiar, smooth-flowing sound that can be tuned using the included Speed, Level and Intensity controls before being taken to the next level using the Voice and Throb controls. Versatile as it is, The Depths can even run 18 Volts if you'd like, and while it produces warm and organic tone when supplied with 9 Volts, when you double up the power, the effect kicks in with extra presence and glimmer. Also, compared to its spiritual predecessor, this second generation model offers improved true bypass performance based on special Flexi-Switch technology developed in-house by Earthquaker Devices.

The Depths V2: Voice and Throb

Since effects pedals equipped with an optical circuit are ultra-responsive, the effect largely depends on the input signal. As such, the vibe units from back in the day were rather limited in use. Fortunately, The Depths offers vast tone-shaping potential and extensive possibilities. Using the Voice control, the overall sound can be transformed from full and bass-rich to thinned out with an emphasized mid-range, while the Throb control puts you in charge of the low frequencies. All in all, this Earthquaker Devices effect pedal easily accommodates all types of active and passive pickups and sounds just as good clean as it does when teamed up with overdrive, distortion and fuzz pedals.