Such features were things like having two
independent presets where you can get
two completely different chorus settings.
Features like having multiple waveforms
to modulate your chorus, some that have
never been used with a chorus before
to create unique sounds. Features like
having tap tempo so you can adjust the
speed with an external pedal or switcher.
Features like the ability to control the
speed with an expression pedal and adjust
the range of that with the speed knob.
These were things that I employed using
modern circuity with a small programmable
microcontroller. Using a chip like this
allowed me to get all these extra features
into a small package so that I could save
space for all the analog circuitry used for
the audio portion of the pedal.
In the end, I believe Alexa achieves the
goal of utilizing the best of old and new
technology so that it could achieve classic,
beautiful sounding analog chorus with
modern features and flexibility in a compact
box.
Vintage and analog gear has always been
a fascination of mine since I believe it’s
what started it all. I like the idea of playing
through gear that could make the same
sounds or uses the same technology that
would have been available back 40–50
years ago. There was a lot of talent back
then, a lot of great tones, and a lot of
bands that revolutionized music. I think
it’s really cool to have access to that kind
of gear rather than try and emulate those
sounds and techniques via a computer
program. If I have the option to use the
-----Kevin Suhr
real analog version of a piece of gear
versus an emulation, I will always choose
the real thing. Of course, that isn’t always
possible—or affordable—but damn it’s cool.
While I made sure the signal path was all
analog and vintage-sounding, I wanted to
add more flexibility and modern features
that you would find in a modern-day pedal.
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