EarthQuaker Grand Orbiter Review

The EarthQuaker Grand Orbiter is a unique and versatile pedal that offers a wide range of tonal possibilities, from subtle and nuanced to extreme and dramatic. With its Flexi-Switch Technology, this device allows for both momentary and latching style switching, giving players the flexibility they need to express themselves fully.

One of the key features of the Grand Orbiter is its ability to create vibrato effects through the manipulation of resonance and rate controls. By turning the resonance down low, players can achieve a rich, lush sound that is reminiscent of classic analog phasers. The phase/vibrato section of the pedal offers three different modes: Rate 1 provides slow sweep mode, Rate 2 kills the LFO and allows for use as a fixed resonant filter, and Rate 3 offers fast sweep mode.

The resonance control allows players to adjust the regeneration of the phased signal, with higher peaks yielding more intense phasing and lower peaks producing subtler effects. The sweep control governs the frequency peak of the swept signal, with clockwise rotation resulting in faster and brighter tones and counterclockwise rotation producing slower and darker sounds.

The depth control blends the shifted signal with the dry signal, controlling the intensity of the effect. The master rate control fine-tunes the speed of the LFO in each mode, while the flashing red LED acts as a visual indicator, even when the pedal is in bypass mode.

The Grand Orbiter also features a three-way toggle switch that allows players to select between different ranges of modulation. Rate 1 provides slow sweep mode, Rate 2 kills the LFO and allows for use as a fixed resonant filter, and Rate 3 offers fast sweep mode.

In addition to its versatility and tone-shaping capabilities, the Grand Orbiter is also notable for its build quality and attention to detail. Hand-built entirely by EarthQuaker in Akron, Ohio, this pedal is 100% analog and true bypass, ensuring that it will deliver a transparent and unaffected sound.

Overall, the EarthQuaker Grand Orbiter is an outstanding pedal that offers a wide range of tonal possibilities and a level of flexibility that is unmatched by many other pedals on the market. Whether you're looking to add subtle texture and interest to your sound or create extreme and dramatic effects, this pedal has something for everyone.

Earthquaker grand orbiter review