Zoom H5 Handy Recorder

126 Guitaris t November 2014
QUICK TEST
MISCELLANEOUS
The ever-prolific Electro-
Harmonix is constantly
expanding its range. Here, we
focus on two very different
pedals: the B9, designed to make
your guitar sound like an organ,
and the Deluxe Big Muff Pi,
which adds another layer of
versatility to the iconic fuzzbox.
On the B9, two knobs set the
level of dry and emulated organ
sound at the main output, while
the Dry output can deliver
unprocessed signal to an
additional amp. Nine presets are
provided via a rotary switch,
covering a range of classic organ
sounds. Two knobs adjust
parameters: for the presets that
reproduce Hammond organ
sounds, they add chorus (for
rotary speaker simulation) and
key click; and for the Vox
Continental sound they control
realistic vibrato. There’s also
tremolo for a cathedral organ
and an electric piano/
organ hybrid.
Most of EHX’s Big Muff
variations have stuck to the
tried and tested three-knob
configuration, with volume and
sustain knobs complemented by
a tone knob that spans a wide
range. This new Deluxe version
adds a noise gate, adjustable
note attack, toggle-switched
Bass Boost, and an extra
footswitch that brings in
midrange EQ adjustment to the
unit to help it stand out in a mix.
Sounds
Although the B9’s modulation
effects work well, routing the
sound through a dedicated
rotary speaker simulator really
opens things up. Tracking is fast
enough for stage use; you get
out what you play in, but with
an organ sound. If you adapt
your technique and think like an
organist, it can sound eerily
authentic, although not all
organ techniques are possible,
of course. The pedal has a
decent sustained note length,
but it won’t sustain forever like
holding down a key, and shifting
between chords isn’t as smooth.
There is a whole new sonic area
to explore, though, through
mixing dry guitar and organ.
If you don’t engage the extra
features, the Deluxe Big Muff is
a classic Muff through and
through, with predictable
operation and tone. The Bass
Boost adds some welcome
low-end heft if you wish to
bolster the sound when the
Tone knob is rolled up. The
noise gate works well rolled
back just far enough to kill any
hiss when you’re not playing,
but you can also use it for an
obvious gated fuzz effect, and
the Attack knob can add some
useful gritty pick definition.
The new parametric Mid EQ
facility offers cut or boost at the
midrange frequency you select
in either a broad or narrow
bandwidth (Q), which means
that you can variously scoop the
mids or dial in a sharper edge
(quite extreme if you want it) to
make your tone cut through in a
band context. With the
footswitch allowing it to be
brought in at any time, you can
have instant access to two
disparate or complementary
sounds. The frequency can also
be controlled via an expression
pedal that you can exploit for
some cool wah-style effects.
Verdict
With its carefully considered
new features, the Deluxe Big
Muff is massively more potent
while still retaining its essential
character. And as for being able
to play organ from a guitar, we
are gobsmacked!
[TC]
GUITARIST RATING
Guitarist says: EHX’s most
versatile Big Muff ever, and now
we can all play
Green Onions
Organise your guitar sound and never lose your Muff in a mix
CONTACT: Electro-Harmonix PHONE: N/A WEB: www.ehx.com
Electro-Harmonix B9 Organ
Machine & Deluxe Big Muff
£165 & £85
http://bit.ly/
guitarist387
VIDEO DEMO
GIT387.rev_quick.indd 126 10/2/14 10:53 AM