The fully analog Thorpy FX ER-2 is the British company’s take on the Uni-Vibe circuit, and, being familiar with the high engineering standards Adrian Thorpe strives for, we expect this pedal to become a big player in an effect-type niche followed almost obsessively by many true tone connoisseurs.
The builder declares that this version of the venerable circuit is improved “in scope, quality and fun-to-use factor,” without renouncing the original heart of the circuit: a lamp-powered LFO system.
Three out of four knobs here are your regular Intensity, Speed and Volume controls, found in pretty much any modulation pedal (although Speed was only adjustable via an expression pedal in the original).
The new “thing” of the ER-2 is however the Offset knob, which subtly changes the way the lamp inside ramps up, delivering sharper or softer rise and fall of the LFO curve. This can add beautiful yet subtle new textures that expand on the classic uni-vibe sound.
Another smaller improvement over the original is the presence of a second footswitch allowing the player to easily switch between the pedal’s two voices (Vibe and Chorus), which was a feature of the vintage version but via a manual switch.
Check out how it sounds in the videos below.
Thorpy FX ER-2 Univibe, Builder’s Notes
The ER-2 receives its name from NASAs high altitude, earth observing plane, which itself was derived from the USAF U-2 reconnaissance aircraft. Much like the ER-2 aircraft, we’ve taken something awesome and made it more friendly, certainly more friendly for your pedalboard real-estate. The Univibe effect is a classic, loved by many, and something we’ve wanted to do our own take on for a long time.
The ER-2 was designed from the ground up to be Univibe perfection. We wanted to deliver decade spanning classic Univibe modulation that enables you to sound like as many of the classic records that use the effect, as possible. We decided to take it much further and create our dream Univibe, shrinking it and retaining a simplicity of use that belies the pure analog complexity within.
With just 4 rotary controls and two footswitches, this analog pedal has fairly simple parameters but so much to offer. Aside from the usual Univibe controls, the ER-2 has an Offset control, allowing you to tailor your Uni-vibe sound to your preference by subtly changing the way the lamp inside ramps up. Our version of the classic Univibe we believe is improved in scope, quality and fun-to-use factor. The premium sound is enhanced through the use of premium components all wrapped in a beautiful custom engineered enclosure.
Features:
- Four knobs to control Intensity, Offset, Speed and Volume.
- Two foot switches; ON/OFF and VIB/CHO giving you the ability to have a fully wet signal when engaged.
- A beautiful laser cut anodised aluminium enclosure wrapped in a blue/black sparkle powder coat base.
- Engineered to be robust but functional with recessed knobs, sloped front and top mounted jacks.
- 9-volt operation centre negative, and standard DC input
- Size: (W)100mm x(L)125mm x(H)53mm
- Current Draw – 150mA
