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A Buyer’s Guide to the Best Multi-Modulation Pedals
In the world of audio, “modulation” is a broad term encompassing effects driven by a Low-Frequency Oscillator (LFO). This electronic component gradually alters a circuit parameter at a user-defined speed, shaping your audio signal with sweeping, swirling textures. While the “low” in LFO suggests slow, subtle movements, these oscillators can also operate at higher frequencies, producing sharper, more intense effects.
Types of Modulations used on Guitar
Here’s a quick video we put together showcasing the six most common modulation types used on guitar. For more details, simply expand the section below.
Types of LFOs:
The Low-Frequency Oscillator can “move” (or oscillate) following different “wave patterns,” from sine to triangle to square or even randomly – and everything in between. If you are not familiar with these waveforms, you can check out this guide featuring audio examples.
Stereo Vs Mono:
Some modulation effects (Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Rotary, Uni-Vibe) shine in their stereo version because they can beautifully open up a Mono sound, while others (Tremolo, Filter Sweep, and Vibrato) are normally used in a single-channel configuration. As a rule of thumb, if you plan on using your pedal exclusively with your amp, you can stick with a Mono pedal, while guitarists who have a two amp setup or like to experiment with multiple tracks when recording might want to look into a Stereo pedal, which is normally more expensive.
Our Categories
We organized this article in four different categories. Click on the link below to jump to the one you are interested in:
Best Multi-Modulation Workstations (Stereo + Large Case)
Best Stereo Compact Multi-Modulation Workstations
Best Mono Compact Multi-Modulation Workstations
Best Multi-Modulation Pedals with Dual Engine
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Best Multi-Modulation Pedal Workstations (Stereo + Large Case)
The pedals on this list represent the pinnacle of modulation effects, offering players advanced editing features to fine-tune every aspect of the numerous modulation options they provide. All are DSP-based or digitally controlled and stereo, with a larger form factor that accommodates extensive controls, presets, flexible routing, and external control options such as MIDI and expression pedals.
Strymon Mobius
Click title for video | Buy it from Perfect Circuit, Sweetwater, Thomann, Amazon, or Reverb.com
The Mobius, like Strymon’s other pedals, is more than just a stompbox packed with lush, creative options for guitar—it’s a studio-grade stereo effects processor that works seamlessly with any instrument and even in a mix.
Powered by a robust Sharc DSP, which ensures longevity (it debuted in 2013), the Mobius offers advanced editing capabilities across its 12 modulation types. These range from classic effects like Chorus, Flanger, Vibe, and Phaser to more unique modes like Formant, Quadrature, and Destroyer.
Each mode includes multiple voices, offering tonal variations that emulate different eras of the effect, from analog warmth to digital clarity.
With 200 fully customizable presets, the Mobius provides intuitive control via five knobs: dedicated controls for Speed, Depth, and Level, plus two assignable “Param” knobs for fine-tuning other parameters. A Value knob adds versatility, enabling display navigation and additional functions.
The pedal also features stereo inputs and outputs, MIDI compatibility, an expression pedal input, and flexible routing options, including mono FX loop operation.
These pedals belong to the same category.
Best Compact Multi-Modulation Pedals with Stereo Outs
If a compact size and Stereo out are your priorities, this is the list for you. These pedals are a lot more streamlined than the ones in the Workstation list but offer as many effect options with fewer knobs and features.
Walrus Audio Mako M1
$349 | Click title for video | Buy it from zZounds, Sweetwater, Thomann, Amazon or Reverb.com
A highly tweakable stereo effect with presets and MIDI compatibility that delivers modes for Phaser, Chorus/Flanger, Tremolo, Vibrato, Rotary, and Filter, jaw-droppingly hosted in a compact case.
Two footswitches offer Tap Tempo, navigation of the nine presets, and a series of momentary effects, with a very appealing Lo-Fi knob/footswitch function that takes this device also in the very trendy worn tape simulation territory.
The Tweak knob/toggle combo allows changing LFO, time subdivision, and access to three algorithms per mode emulating different circuits of the same effect.
MkII introduces an LED screen for easier navigation of secondary controls and Lofi parameters and updated Rotary and Filter algorithms.
Here’s a list of other similar pedals:
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Best Multi-Modulation Pedals with Mono Out
An overwhelming majority of guitarists use their pedals exclusively with their mono amp. If you belong to the category, why waste money on a stereo pedal? In this list, you’ll find some great mono options delivering all kinds of modulation effects.
Flamma Mod FC05
An incredibly affordable mini multi-modulation pedal that offers a total of 11 effects from your all-time classics (Chorus, Vibrato, Phaser, Tremolo, Flanger, Rotary, etc) to edgy/unusual ones like Low Bit, Liquid, Stutter, and even Ring Modulation.
Three mini knobs let you set the Speed, Depth, and one mode-variable setting through the Ctrl knob.
Here are other worthy options:
Best Multi-Modulation Pedals with Dual Engine
The stompboxes in this list are modern reinterpretations of the multi-mode modulation pedal and, thanks to a dual engine, they let you either blend two different modulation effects for new textures or quickly switch from one to another.
Relevant Videos
Here’s a video shootout featuring many of the best multi-modulation pedals included in this article.
This is a video produced by us about the best multi-modulation pedals for synths:
See also our list of the Best Chorus Pedals and Best Modulation Pedals for Synths with CV In.
By Brandon Stoner and Paolo De Gregorio
2 comments
Moose says:
Jun 30, 2020
Adding a category for analog multi-modulation pedals would be cool as well (e.g., Crazy Tube Circuits Stoned Hz, Chase Bliss Warped Vinyl, Red Witch Medusa, etc.)
Paolo De Gregorio says:
Jun 30, 2020
Good idea Moose, we are looking into it.