A phaser question...

HAL9000

Currently thinking of buying myself a phaser pedal to get that subtle slightly swirly sound.

I'd prefer something with just one knob and just a mono out. 

Probably overthinking things here but...

A quick Google search suggests that phasers often have model numbers which include  45, 90, or 100. I guess this is something to do with the degree of phasing going on - would that be correct? And do I need to concern myself with such things?

Also, I see that there seems to be 2-stage and 4-stage phasing. Again, anything I need to worry about?

From what I've managed to find so far, I'm liking the look of the DoD Phasor 201 and the MXR Phase 90. Ok, I know I need to go and try them out, but is there anything else I should be looking at?

Thanks.

Sporky

You are correctish about the numbers. Phasers work by shifting the phase differently at different frequencies, so it's not really an exact thing.

The number of stages relates a bit to the number and to the maximum phase shift.

The Phase90 is a bit of a classic; I believe it's a 4-stage. I think it's probably the sound you're thinking of. I also really like the Boss PH-3 for the "rise" mode.

Octafish

As Sporky says phase 90 is a 4 stage and phase 45 is 2 stage. I believe the phase 100 is a phase 90 with an extra knob? I

I'd also check out the new Phase 95. It's a mini pedal and has switch for both phase 45 or 90 style phasing and a switch to change between older more subtle phasing and newer more full on phasing.

Jonathanthomas83

I have the phase 95 and its great. But the Mooer Orange Ninety is simple and great too

ICBM

Octafish said:

As Sporky says phase 90 is a 4 stage and phase 45 is 2 stage. I believe the phase 100 is a phase 90 with an extra knob?

No, not at all - it's a completely different circuit, much higher-quality - almost to studio equipment level - but it doesn't have the same swirly sound of the Phase 90.

Apart from the requirement for one knob, I would [stuck record] recommend the Boss PH-1R. Old, discontinued, but not too rare - and it can nail the sound of the Phase 90 as well as being far more versatile. Possibly the best standard-size pedal phaser ever made. [/stuck record]

Winny_Pooh

If you want subtle its the phase 45 or Dod, the 90 is more in the Van Halen camp of flanging.

Lebarque

Don't dismiss a Small Stone type. Great phase

Teetonetal

Dod 201 is amazing, it's only 1 control but the slow rate is nice and subtle, great for atmosphere and the faster rate is very good for that faux leslie type thing. It's been on my board since they relaunched it.

meltedbuzzbox

I'm a big fan of the small stone personally

monquixote

I've got a 95 incoming.

Looks like the ultimate phaser.

simonk

monquixote said:

I've got a 95 incoming.

Looks like the ultimate phaser.

Delighted with mine

Dave_Mc

monquixote said:

I've got a 95 incoming.

Looks like the ultimate phaser.

Would be interested to hear what you think of it when you get it.

monquixote

Dave_Mc said:

monquixote said:

I've got a 95 incoming.

Looks like the ultimate phaser.

Would be interested to hear what you think of it when you get it.

I will share my findings.

I've had an orange 90 before which I liked but I fancied the 45 mode on the 95.

Dave_Mc

Thanks. Same here, I've got the script w/LED phase 90 and the extra couple of settings in a smaller footprint might be nice if it sounds good.

clarkefan

If you're tempted by MXR Phase types then you owe it to yourself to at least try the 74 reissue Phase 90, beautiful sounding thing.

mike_l

The script phase 90 is a thing of beauty.

That or the EVH phase 90 would be my first choice, and in a close 3rd, would be the block logo Phase 90.

clarkefan

Careful with the script thing, there are at least 2 very similar looking script Phase 90s,  both MXR Custom Shop.

One has an LED and power socket (same circuit as the script button on the EVH) and the other is the 74 reissue, no LED or power socket.

Gassage

Anyone knows that phasers have two settings- Stun and Kill.

meltedbuzzbox

Gassage said:

Anyone knows that phasers have two settings- Stun and Kill.

moogerfooger 103 phaser does

ICBM

Gassage said:

Anyone knows that phasers have two settings- Stun and Kill.

/ insert gratuitous pic of a young William Shatner as Kirk

RandallFlagg

Phase 90: Sex Pistols - Anarchy In The UK
Phase 100 - The Clash - Jimmy Jazz (or other London Calling tracks) and Rolling Stones - Beast of Burden (sounds good on the live version on the B-Side to Going to a Go Go single 1982)