This MUST be one of the Finest and Supremely helpful channels for musicians anywhere. Thank You for your gracious knowledge sharing and high Quality productions Sir Mason.
TO MASON AND FRIENDS OF VERTEX BROADCASTS: You are correct....It should go Univibe INTO fuzz......And as you mentioned the only reason it somewhat worked for Hendrix (Who used it later down his signal path) was because his amps were so "gained out" that the natural amp clipping acted much like it does when we go "Univibe into fuzz" BUT unless you do it like that (use a tube amp turned THAT high up (volume-wise) It wont sound good and sound somewhat "Squishy and phaser-like"..So if you can run 100watt tube heads at that immense volume.....well God bless you..Most of us cant.......BTW This is also why I like to go WAH into FUZZ face (however you must use a "Fuzz friendly buffer (like the Foxrox Wah retrofit...or else you will get the terrible uncontrolled feedback oscillation or a wah sound that is more like "wee-u- wee-u "as opposed to the WOW- WOW we want....(as the fuzz face is EXTREMELY picky as to what you put before it) If you go "Fuzz face into wah you will get a similar "squishy sounding"...somewhat "whimpy" wah sound and it will sound nowhere as good as the wide vowel-like wah sound we have all come to love. Believe me, this info comes after years of experimentation. As always, I'll admit there is no "Right way" or Wrong way" so if you like the "squishy" sound/method by all means do it that way....But the methods I am describing are for those trying to approximate classic Jimi/Trower tones...So if THAT is what you like, you may at least what to try my suggestions....and well, if you dislike what you hear you can always try it the "other ways"...But I'm pretty sure you'll see why I have arrived at these conclusions.....Hope this has been a help to you.....TIM
@@crookedfingers9613 Yes you DO need a true bypass (DPDT) switch in your wah or else you will get the dreaded "tone suck" ....how this works is that when your wah is off/not being used/Bypassed you have it using the "true Bypass switch" BUT when it (the wah is to be used when it is switched from true bypass the small buffer in the "fuzz friendly" wah is switched in so it will keep your fuzz (or at least most of the vintage type fuzzes with high impedance (like the Fuzz face) from squealing/feeding back. I know this sounds counter intuitive because we are ever being told to NOT PUT ANYTHING BUFFERED BEFORE YOUR OLD FUZZ because it will ruin their nice sound....And this IS for the most part TRUE...BUT the "Fuzz friendly" part of a "fuzz friendly wah" is actually a small buffer that counter acts the squealing and weak wah sound that will happen if you don't have this small buffer in your wah. If you need to know EXACTLY what is going on here and why you can go to FoxROX and ask Dave Fox (who sells to small Foxrox wah retro fit kit which makes your wah NOT squeal when you add Fuzz after it...But at the same time this Buffer will not wreck your fuzz tone (that would normally happen if you put anything with a buffer before a old fuzz. TRY to think of it like this: YES there are some overall general rules to obey..and for good reason....BUT here and there there are exceptions where you have to bend (or sometimes even break) these rules in order to get the desired sound.....Hope this helps
Man sweet sounds and tone on this episode! Other than Jimi using it, I was like nah, it's not my vibe. But these all sounded great in every position. Nice playing too Mason!
Great video. I use both a Funky Vibe and the Tinsley. Interestingly enough, I like the Funky Vibe before fuzz, but I like the Tinsley after fuzz. Both such great pedals.
Stanley Miller (millstap) is a Jimi’s expert that has been recommending that over the years. He mentioned your video in his RUclips channel and thats how I came to that option for the first time. I have a 68 Funky Vibe but never considered nor heard about using it first in the chain. But I tried it and it gives me a more clean effect, with more throb and low end which is precisely what I like from a vibe. So after seen your video I changed forever my vibe position. Thank you so much.
I have it after my big muff fuzz I just prefer the thick soupy sound . A little phasery. I’m using the mojovibe and the way it reacts to the fuzz is also a big reason I love it.
After 30 years of playing guitar I finally figured out where in the chain it belongs, I put it in between two gain pedals, the first gain works excellent when the univibe is in high speed and the post gain works excellent when it's in low, done, finished, no more tripping
Thank you, thank you, thank you for for shedding light on this very specific scenario: if fuzz needs to be first, how does Doyle get away with putting his univibe in front? You've cleared up this weird conundrum for me and i am grateful!
AFter watching this video, I'm definitely going to try putting my vibe pedal first in front of my gain pedals. I LOVE vibe sounds, but I'm always slightly disappointed when I kick it on. I've been putting it after my gain pedals simply because it's a modulation pedal, and I was following the standard rule of thumb about modulation after gain, and before delays. But I love the way it sounded here, in front in the chain. I'm definitely gonna change things up. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is timely. I've been considering finally delving into Vibe. I have two modulators that I like, a custom-shop '74 script-logo Phase 90 and a V4 Deluxe Electric Mistress but I use both very sparingly. Seems like a Vibe could be more integrated. The cancel function seems an added bonus.
I'm an old bass player "techno -boob and I really enjoy these videos.They're filled with useful info yet I don't feel talked down to.I watch videos of things I'll never do in my limited guitar playing but it's nice to learn new things.The hair's getting long Mason, looks good 👍.
Loved Uni-vibe... until listening to Greg Koch using an harmonic tremolo as a fake uni-vibe. Loved it even more. That would be a great video, uni-vibe vs harmonic tremolo... how different are they really?! Loving this videos Mason. Cheers. HM
I discovered, by accident, the preamp on my cheap MXR Univibe and I only use it for this because it's the best boost I have run across so far. It's so bright and subtle. It really brings the signal to life. It's an always on with some guitars.
I've recently started using the Univibe simulation in my Digitech Expression Factory and I've noticed how in full heel position (no effect) there's a nice punchy boost to the signal. It's second in line after a compressor.
Depends on the Vibe - the way some are tuned, if they have selectable pre-amp, or if they have a volume control. The ones with volume controls can be used to push your amp’s front end or using a transparent OD after. I still think Fuzz should go as close to possible as first in the chain after guitar.
Hey Mason, great lesson on uni-vibe placement. Getting the J. Rocket uni-verb pedal. Looking 4word 2 that. A bit pricey but, well worth it!! Thanks again dude. Take care!!!!
@@gregmize01 i have an mdv-3 (dejavibe) and a tech21 rotochoir. however, i don't use either of them for hendrix/trower sounds, and i don't currently own any single coil guitars. i love those guys, don't get me wrong, it's just not what i am doing. the only thing i use the rotochoir for is to add a specific sort of chime/shimmer to clean-ish chords when i pick through them. the dejavibe i use differently. a good example would be gov't mule's "thorazine shuffle"
Because it uses an optical sensor, true univibe pedals are one of the hardest effects to replicate in a multi effects unit. However, I found that you can get pretty close in a Quad Cortex or GT1000 by stacking a 4 stage phaser with a vibrato or rotary effect, and a light chorus. It’s not exact, but close enough for most.
I have my Funky Vibe 69 after fuzz and wah, but before tuner/input buffer (Polytune 3). I have all the distortions/overdrives at the end of the chain and I love using the Cancel feature to boost the drives.
I think the Tuner should come after all these pedals. Wah, Vibe, Fuzz should be ideal. Wah and Vibe won't generally be used together anyway so the order of them won't matter.
@@VertexEffectsInc I tried the Vibe 1st and it sounds great, especially when using the Cancel feature to boost the Fuzz. I put the wah after the fuzz because I like the sound of the wah after the fuzz when using wah and fuzz together, and then the tuner after. Thanks for the tips!
That was a great video with awesome playing! I have a Sabbadius ‘68 Funky Vibe with NOS (larger) photocells. It is quite an amazing pedal. I like it before a slightly distorted Marshall… or at least closest to the guitar and then Fuzz and OD Just like you’d demonstrated.
Wow, really love how Mason gives you all the different sound samples and signal path examples to give us ideas on how to get the most out of gear. I never vibed with the univibe, but there are some serious juicy tones here. Time to give it another go Love it. Great video man.
A sneaky-cool place to put a Uni-Vibe.... in the effects loop of your delay pedal. It adds some flavour without overwhelming and making everything sound like Band of Gypsys.
I thought I was crazy running my deja vibe volume maxed and almost no modulation sometimes not at all. Just tried before my Chasebliss preamp mkii, makes the fuzz guitar volume rolled back shine more (that I never liked much as a feature)
Great video and nice breakdown! Either a Shin-Ei / Honey “Vibe Bro” or the smaller “Vibe 2” will get the same or similar. Nico also makes excellent clone with the Funky Vibe as per your demonstration.
What is misunderstood? The video title is somewhat misleading. I was mesmerized by the sound of the Uni-Vibe when I first heard Band of Gypsies way back in the early 70s. Uni-Vibes were impossible to find between the 70s and the early 2000s. I've owned a 3 Vibe pedals over the past 20 years. Roger Mayer VooDoo Vibe, Foxrox Captain Coconut II, Drybell Vibe Machine. The new Sabbadius Vibes are the best I've ever heard. even better than the original Shin-Ei. On the subject of signal chain? Wah and Fuzz before vibe. Overdrive after vibe. As for reverb and delay/echo? Probably best in an effects loop or post vibe. All that said, I think it's great that you're talking about signal path and giving examples of different placements. I'm saving up for a Sabbadius right now. They're not cheap. I may change my signal path after experimenting with it. The cancel button brings a new dimension. Similar to the preamp on the Echo-Plex. A lot of people have bought the newer EP-3 preamps to get that Echo-Plex drive sound. Great sounding Strat BTW. Subscribed.
I've got a modded Moen MO-VB2 Shaky Jimi, and it sounds friggen great. First in the chain, before my fuzz face--it can't do the cancel thing, but i guess i could turn the deph all the way down.
I always loved the Univibe sound but gave up shortly after trying to settle it... time to do some homework and put my Mobius to the test! Thanks for the information.
I was the same way. I love univibe stuff but just never had it work with my own music. I bought so many vibes over the years and it was always a struggle getting it to do what I wanted it to. I finally decided to shell out the money and get the Funky Vibe (Tiny '68). It has THAT sound and I use it much more now.
My problem with where to put my univibe is I use all three elements of it the preamp chorus and vibrato modes I generally put it right after my drive section so the preamp can act as a last stage boost and the gain into the chorus makes it more phaser like and the vibrato can get the signal before any other types of modulation hits the signal
Love univibes, I can't live without one available on the pedalboard. Currently I have a Funky Vibe Filmore East, and a true beast called Argenziano Gypsy Vibe (the sound of this thing is practically porn). I've tried all these different configurations. The one I like the most is guitar / Fuzz / Vibe / Overdrive. This way I think I get the best of the fuzz and guitar volume interaction, getting those wonderful Fuzz+Vibe cleaned up tones, when rolling back a little the guitar volume - overdrive always on, playing the role of an overdriven amp (as I only use the clean channel of a Fender tube amp).
@@jimivibes69 Hey friend! we’ve chatted past year directly through the instragram. At that time I was waiting for my Argenziano GV to be built. Man, I love both, but Argenziano is really in a different league. I already spent enough time to get used to both. The main thing I can tell is that the Filmore version makes your overall EQ a bit rounder on the top and bottom ends, in a good way, but it does it. In my experience I can hear it right off the bat when engaging the preamp mode. If you don’t like this, you’ll want truebypass it when not using the effect mode - which for me also has its own rounded character. This is probably due to the fact each FV version is kind of voiced (if I can say that) to a different Hendrix eras or iconic recordings (something like that). There is a great A/B comparison between Filmore and Woodstock versions of FV made by R.J. Ronquilo where you maybe can notice exactely what I’m saying (and confirmed by Nico himself from Sabbadius). The Sabbadius Funky Vibe is no doubt one of the current best units out there, alongside the other two shown in this vid . Its look is very cool, size and features also very useful. But the Argenziano Gypsy Vibe to me is currently the top of the food chain, besides its unpractical size. Well, it’s is a true replica in every sense. Sound is heaven, perfection, natural and gorgeous, as you already know.
Really great demo Mason. Damn those 3 vibes sound killer. So after watching this demo again I just moved my Shin-ei Vibe 2 right next to the Wah and moving the Octafuzz after it. I’d always had it Wah-Octafuzz - Shin-ei Vibe 2 - Chase Tone Red Stardust Fuzz. I’m playing my Marshall with a great PPIMV in my Apt. I must tell you that my octafuzz and univibe sound much nicer now when used with the fuzz.
Univibes are essentially phase shifters. But where the distribution of phase shift in a typical 4-stager results in somewhat focussed and deep notches, the distribution of phase shift in a Univibe results in broad shallow dips. This has two byproducts. One is that it is less obtrusive, by not providing resonant notches one feels compelled to pay attention to. There's a reason why people often confuse harmonic tremolo with Univibes, and the reason is that neither *demand* your attention. They both provide a pleasing "animation" that *supplements* the melody of what you're playing, rather than insisting that you pay as much attention to the up and down movement as you do to the notes. As a result, you can leave them on without the "okay, *enough* already!" annoyance that would accompany a phaser or regular tremolo. The other byproduct, and the reason for placing it *before* a clipping device, is that the broad shallow dips move large sections of the frequency spectrum closer to, and away from, the clipping threshold. As a result, it doesn't filter the distortion, the way a phaser does, as much as move around which *parts* of your signal (and solo) are generating harmonic content. I like to think of it as being like additive synthesis. One last thing I'll note is that, despite really being a 4-stage phase-shifter, feedback/regeneration does diddley squat for vibes, even though it can give a phaser a much stronger character. Again, that's a function of the phase shift being more focussed in a true phaser. As well, vibes NEVER have the ability to sweep as slow as many phasers do. Th reason is that the shallow dips it produces can become imperceptible if they move too slowly. This is in contrast to a phaser where adding some feedback to a really slow sweep makes for a very dramatic sound.
@@ImYourOverlord Thanks. When I compare a Vibe to a phaser, it's not simply as an analogy. They really *ARE* 4-stage phasers. Indeed, one can easily approximate a Univibe with almost any 4-stage phaser by swapping out the capacitors in the phase-shift stages for other values. I say "approximate" because a not-so-small aspect of the prototypic vibe pedal is that it uses a light source (bulb or LED) and photocells to do the sweeping, and also preshapes the LFO waveform, making it more sinusoidal. So, while one can get the re-distribution of phase shift in such a phaser-to-vibe conversion, as described here, the *feel* of the sweep will be different, unless there is a wholesale change to the LFO circuit.
Great thread. For exploratory purposes, I would like a video exploring the Moog Murf 105 with univibe in mind. Use of that particular circuit has remained a mystery to the world - but can be used as an expansion of the univibe circuit. It seems like a stone unturned.
@@chilidogcowboy At your suggestion, I decided to look for a schematic for the MuRF, to get to understand a little more about it. To my great surprise, there are links to all the Moogerfooger pedal schematics on the Madbean site. I'll need to spend more time with it, but at first blush, the MuRF has more in common with a vocoder than with a Univibe, but further study is needed.
I guess it's time to pull the Deja Vibe out of the cabinet. Very informative piece Mason. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to locate even one of the Vibes you used for sale. I haven't looked for that great sounding Strat yet.
This not pertaining to this video but I purchased a quantity of Mogami cable and forgot the 90° cable ends you mentioned that were very stable on pedal boards.
I have a very old original Uni-Vibe that was given to me in the 80s by a friend who had given up playing along with some other very rare vintage equipment. I like the Uni-Vibe first in line - straight from my guitar. It's noisy and crackly, but when it "settles down" it's a very cool sound. I've tried it after other pedals, but it just seems like a watered-down version of the real magic sound so first is best for me.
Really depends on the sound you are looking for, ask Robin Trower? Also depends on how much headroom and tone of the vibe as to what it can handle. I like a mild overdrive before my wau and vibe with no distortion after, just amp grit.
I wonder if you could manage to crack this case: powering up a EHX good vibes with a Voodoo lab ppx2 or anything other than the 9.6 v supply that comes in the package...thanks!
I like it before my fuzz and od. But I’m usually playing my amps a bit cleaner. Jimi uses it all gained up on Machine Gun. I might try switching the order like Jimi if I’m cranking a Marshall and then adding fuzz.
I also use a clean amp, that's the reason I use the OD always on after the vibe, when using the combo fuzz into vibe. Without the OD engaged you get the fuzz/vibe upper harmonics too harsh and shrill, not cool for me. So that's when the OD plays its overdriven amp role. Dont max the fuzz knob (dont need max gain with something already overdriven), roll back guitar volume just a little and hear that classic beautiful fuzz/vibe shiny cleanup tones. You don't reach exactly this when fuzz is after vibe (all seems to be just overdrives to me). I love both Hendrix and Trower tones (but love vibe for everything not just Hendrix/Trower), I can get both worlds this way since Trower uses the overdrives after vibe, turn of the fuzz then you have it (I use a 2nd overdrive with little more gain for Trower actually).
Fuzz and Vibe like a gained up amp. Not completely saturated, but working a bit. Getting a great Vibe sound isn’t easy. Part of it, is how you play to it. This post is inspiring me to pull out my Jam Pedal Vibe! Mostly I use the Harmonic Tremelo on my Flint to get a “Vibey” sound, when I need it… Really is a unique sound though…
Solderless cables, telcasters with strat headstocks, headstock tuners, univibes in the efx loop, oh the humanity. BTW, i'm afraid we need u to release that fuzz, sir.
I'd just like to say while I don't always agree with your opinions on better tone, it's subjective after all, I do always find your videos instructive and interesting.
You sound like Hendrix and Robin Trower. They do sound different and I don’t think RT was trying to imitate Jimmy. One of my favorite vids from you Mason.
What about in the effect loop? I think I liked the first in the chain sound before everything else but I guess like nearly all pedals there is no definitive way of doing it😏🤘
Put it after the guitar, before the fuzz and overdrive/distortion pedals (no effects loop). You could put wah before it (probably won't matter since it's not something used at the same time as the vibe).
Is a univibe pedal used on the backing guitar in Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me by Elton John? If so, I have never heard a demo that replicates the sound on those 2 songs. I love the effect in those songs but I can't figure it out. I've been told it was a Univibe with plate reverb. And, EJ replicated it in a concert 25 years after those songs came out. So it wasn't just an accident.
I have a BBE Soul Vibe…a poor man’s Univibe I guess…. I’ve always had it as the very last pedal in the chain, using a four cable fx loop. And I’ve never liked it…. I will give your suggestions a try!
Thing about Univibe pedals is your timing needs to be dead on with the modulation. In short the Univibe controls your speed and timing to meet the Univibe's modulation phrasing along with with the notes. I've noticed some folks seem to get the speed wrong, for anything Hendrix Trower groove, higher speed also takes some of that rubbery chewy vibe that we all love.
I had a Fillmore East Funky Vibe...the guy from So. America shipped it to me quickly...problem was, as in most vibes it has about a 10db volume loss when engaged...I sold it.
My pedalboard consists of a klon, lenny boost, ts mini, and modded univibe/phase 90..... would the "correct" order be vibe-klon-ts-lenny? Sorry fairly new to the pedal game. Thanks for all the great videos and advice
What’s your preferred position for Uni-Vibe? First in the chain? After Fuzz? After Overdrives/Distortion?
vibe before drives. BTW, WHAT'S THE STORY ON THAT VERTEX SECRET FUZZ MASON?😮
@@gregmize01 it's a secret ;)
Right after guitar but that last demo makes me want to try a drive in front also.
Sitting first in my effects loop now but sounds like that needs to be revisited.
I loved this! I will be putting mine upfront now, but where does my wah go now? lol
This MUST be one of the Finest and Supremely helpful channels for musicians anywhere. Thank You for your gracious knowledge sharing and high Quality productions Sir Mason.
Wow, thanks!
I have a Sabbadius Funky Vibe Fillmore East version. Always first, the preamp always on. Never leaving the board, it’s a staple.
TO MASON AND FRIENDS OF VERTEX BROADCASTS: You are correct....It should go Univibe INTO fuzz......And as you mentioned the only reason it somewhat worked for Hendrix (Who used it later down his signal path) was because his amps were so "gained out" that the natural amp clipping acted much like it does when we go "Univibe into fuzz" BUT unless you do it like that (use a tube amp turned THAT high up (volume-wise) It wont sound good and sound somewhat "Squishy and phaser-like"..So if you can run 100watt tube heads at that immense volume.....well God bless you..Most of us cant.......BTW This is also why I like to go WAH into FUZZ face (however you must use a "Fuzz friendly buffer (like the Foxrox Wah retrofit...or else you will get the terrible uncontrolled feedback oscillation or a wah sound that is more like "wee-u- wee-u "as opposed to the WOW- WOW we want....(as the fuzz face is EXTREMELY picky as to what you put before it) If you go "Fuzz face into wah you will get a similar "squishy sounding"...somewhat "whimpy" wah sound and it will sound nowhere as good as the wide vowel-like wah sound we have all come to love. Believe me, this info comes after years of experimentation. As always, I'll admit there is no "Right way" or Wrong way" so if you like the "squishy" sound/method by all means do it that way....But the methods I am describing are for those trying to approximate classic Jimi/Trower tones...So if THAT is what you like, you may at least what to try my suggestions....and well, if you dislike what you hear you can always try it the "other ways"...But I'm pretty sure you'll see why I have arrived at these conclusions.....Hope this has been a help to you.....TIM
Thanks for the comment!
I’ve always used wah, envelopes, and phasers before fuzz.. it just sounded better to me.. the alternative sounds over processed
Thanks man, so correct me if I'm "wrong" uni vibe > fuzz friendly wah > fuzz...?....what about a true bypass wah instead of buffered?
SRV had a great wah tone in his early
Years and later years. He typically put his wah last.
@@crookedfingers9613 Yes you DO need a true bypass (DPDT) switch in your wah or else you will get the dreaded "tone suck" ....how this works is that when your wah is off/not being used/Bypassed you have it using the "true Bypass switch" BUT when it (the wah is to be used when it is switched from true bypass the small buffer in the "fuzz friendly" wah is switched in so it will keep your fuzz (or at least most of the vintage type fuzzes with high impedance (like the Fuzz face) from squealing/feeding back. I know this sounds counter intuitive because we are ever being told to NOT PUT ANYTHING BUFFERED BEFORE YOUR OLD FUZZ because it will ruin their nice sound....And this IS for the most part TRUE...BUT the "Fuzz friendly" part of a "fuzz friendly wah" is actually a small buffer that counter acts the squealing and weak wah sound that will happen if you don't have this small buffer in your wah. If you need to know EXACTLY what is going on here and why you can go to FoxROX and ask Dave Fox (who sells to small Foxrox wah retro fit kit which makes your wah NOT squeal when you add Fuzz after it...But at the same time this Buffer will not wreck your fuzz tone (that would normally happen if you put anything with a buffer before a old fuzz. TRY to think of it like this: YES there are some overall general rules to obey..and for good reason....BUT here and there there are exceptions where you have to bend (or sometimes even break) these rules in order to get the desired sound.....Hope this helps
Excellent vid Sir! I learned a lot.
Sounds like your practice time is really paying off MM. Sounded great!
I love the cancel boost! It really makes the tones more clear...better if you play double stops, chords etc....
Yes, love this feature!
Man sweet sounds and tone on this episode! Other than Jimi using it, I was like nah, it's not my vibe. But these all sounded great in every position. Nice playing too Mason!
Great video. I use both a Funky Vibe and the Tinsley. Interestingly enough, I like the Funky Vibe before fuzz, but I like the Tinsley after fuzz. Both such great pedals.
Very informative video. Thanks for sharing it. I recently got a tip to place my tuner after my Vibe and I must say that the difference was remarkable.
My pleasure!
Stanley Miller (millstap) is a Jimi’s expert that has been recommending that over the years. He mentioned your video in his RUclips channel and thats how I came to that option for the first time. I have a 68 Funky Vibe but never considered nor heard about using it first in the chain. But I tried it and it gives me a more clean effect, with more throb and low end which is precisely what I like from a vibe. So after seen your video I changed forever my vibe position. Thank you so much.
I have it after my big muff fuzz I just prefer the thick soupy sound . A little phasery. I’m using the mojovibe and the way it reacts to the fuzz is also a big reason I love it.
If you prefer it, it's best for you!
After 30 years of playing guitar I finally figured out where in the chain it belongs, I put it in between two gain pedals, the first gain works excellent when the univibe is in high speed and the post gain works excellent when it's in low, done, finished, no more tripping
I have been utilizing mine on pure vibrato mode set very subtle after fuzz before my pre-amp pedal (tech 21 Liverpool) to great effect!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for for shedding light on this very specific scenario: if fuzz needs to be first, how does Doyle get away with putting his univibe in front?
You've cleared up this weird conundrum for me and i am grateful!
AFter watching this video, I'm definitely going to try putting my vibe pedal first in front of my gain pedals. I LOVE vibe sounds, but I'm always slightly disappointed when I kick it on. I've been putting it after my gain pedals simply because it's a modulation pedal, and I was following the standard rule of thumb about modulation after gain, and before delays. But I love the way it sounded here, in front in the chain. I'm definitely gonna change things up. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is timely. I've been considering finally delving into Vibe. I have two modulators that I like, a custom-shop '74 script-logo Phase 90 and a V4 Deluxe Electric Mistress but I use both very sparingly. Seems like a Vibe could be more integrated. The cancel function seems an added bonus.
I'm an old bass player "techno -boob and I really enjoy these videos.They're filled with useful info yet I don't feel talked down to.I watch videos of things I'll never do in my limited guitar playing but it's nice to learn new things.The hair's getting long Mason, looks good 👍.
Loved Uni-vibe... until listening to Greg Koch using an harmonic tremolo as a fake uni-vibe. Loved it even more.
That would be a great video, uni-vibe vs harmonic tremolo... how different are they really?!
Loving this videos Mason.
Cheers.
HM
Another amazing, well produced video! Thx a lot Mason!
I discovered, by accident, the preamp on my cheap MXR Univibe and I only use it for this because it's the best boost I have run across so far. It's so bright and subtle. It really brings the signal to life. It's an always on with some guitars.
Well put. I bought one recently and noticed exactly the same thing. Also, really makes leads cut.
@@aaronperrotta7055 I thought it was a manufacturer's defect at first. Until now I never heard it mentioned.
All of these tones are incredible. I can't make up my mind which one I dig most. And that's some damned great guitar work.
I've recently started using the Univibe simulation in my Digitech Expression Factory and I've noticed how in full heel position (no effect) there's a nice punchy boost to the signal. It's second in line after a compressor.
Depends on the Vibe - the way some are tuned, if they have selectable pre-amp, or if they have a volume control.
The ones with volume controls can be used to push your amp’s front end or using a transparent OD after.
I still think Fuzz should go as close to possible as first in the chain after guitar.
Hey Mason, great lesson on uni-vibe placement. Getting the J. Rocket uni-verb pedal. Looking 4word 2 that. A bit pricey but, well worth it!! Thanks again dude. Take care!!!!
Nice! Enjoy!
Goodness, M , your playing has sure improved. Sounding real good you stud muffin.
Wow, thanks!
i use vibe alot. in fact, i have 2 different types on my board. i'm really looking forward to this!
what do you have?
@@gregmize01 i have an mdv-3 (dejavibe) and a tech21 rotochoir. however, i don't use either of them for hendrix/trower sounds, and i don't currently own any single coil guitars. i love those guys, don't get me wrong, it's just not what i am doing. the only thing i use the rotochoir for is to add a specific sort of chime/shimmer to clean-ish chords when i pick through them. the dejavibe i use differently. a good example would be gov't mule's "thorazine shuffle"
Double down on vibes! Love it!
Hell, man, with your touch on the guitar every setting sounded great.
Kudos.
Because it uses an optical sensor, true univibe pedals are one of the hardest effects to replicate in a multi effects unit. However, I found that you can get pretty close in a Quad Cortex or GT1000 by stacking a 4 stage phaser with a vibrato or rotary effect, and a light chorus. It’s not exact, but close enough for most.
I have my Funky Vibe 69 after fuzz and wah, but before tuner/input buffer (Polytune 3). I have all the distortions/overdrives at the end of the chain and I love using the Cancel feature to boost the drives.
I think the Tuner should come after all these pedals. Wah, Vibe, Fuzz should be ideal. Wah and Vibe won't generally be used together anyway so the order of them won't matter.
@@VertexEffectsInc I tried the Vibe 1st and it sounds great, especially when using the Cancel feature to boost the Fuzz. I put the wah after the fuzz because I like the sound of the wah after the fuzz when using wah and fuzz together, and then the tuner after. Thanks for the tips!
Thank You for sharing my favorite FX, The Uni-Vibe. Such a sweet sound. Stands the test of time.
Thanks for watching!
Great summary and playing. Now looking for yet another pedal!!! ha ha.
They're great pedals to have!
That was a great video with awesome playing! I have a Sabbadius ‘68 Funky Vibe with NOS (larger) photocells. It is quite an amazing pedal. I like it before a slightly distorted Marshall… or at least closest to the guitar and then Fuzz and OD Just like you’d demonstrated.
I just got a Drybell Vibe Machine. I love it especially with the ext footswitch and it's first in my chain right before my Sunface FUZZ. So tasty
They're one of the best compact vibes out there no doubt.
I've been using an old Dunlop univibe for years and I found out quick how it sound best first in the signal chain. It's a great pedal.
Wow, really love how Mason gives you all the different sound samples and signal path examples to give us ideas on how to get the most out of gear. I never vibed with the univibe, but there are some serious juicy tones here. Time to give it another go
Love it. Great video man.
A sneaky-cool place to put a Uni-Vibe.... in the effects loop of your delay pedal. It adds some flavour without overwhelming and making everything sound like Band of Gypsys.
Well...it won't sound authentic and won't like the low impedance if it's a replica of a real Uni-Vibe.
@@VertexEffectsInc Oh yeah, I am using one of those MXR uni-vibes... it doesn't seem to be as sensitive as an authentic one.
@@brentgarner Gotcha!
I mean the clean tone is already killer, but love all the vibe sounds!
I thought I was crazy running my deja vibe volume maxed and almost no modulation sometimes not at all. Just tried before my Chasebliss preamp mkii, makes the fuzz guitar volume rolled back shine more (that I never liked much as a feature)
Typically that's barely over unity gain
I have the Fillmore east funky vibe myself✌️,
use it mostly after my fuzz face.
This video encourages me to test other path constellations.
Thank's 🙏
Great video and nice breakdown! Either a Shin-Ei / Honey “Vibe Bro” or the smaller “Vibe 2” will get the same or similar. Nico also makes excellent clone with the Funky Vibe as per your demonstration.
GREAT info Mason! Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Great explanation and demonstration. Excellent content! More please.
What is misunderstood? The video title is somewhat misleading. I was mesmerized by the sound of the Uni-Vibe when I first heard Band of Gypsies way back in the early 70s. Uni-Vibes were impossible to find between the 70s and the early 2000s. I've owned a 3 Vibe pedals over the past 20 years. Roger Mayer VooDoo Vibe, Foxrox Captain Coconut II, Drybell Vibe Machine. The new Sabbadius Vibes are the best I've ever heard. even better than the original Shin-Ei.
On the subject of signal chain? Wah and Fuzz before vibe. Overdrive after vibe. As for reverb and delay/echo? Probably best in an effects loop or post vibe. All that said, I think it's great that you're talking about signal path and giving examples of different placements.
I'm saving up for a Sabbadius right now. They're not cheap. I may change my signal path after experimenting with it. The cancel button brings a new dimension. Similar to the preamp on the Echo-Plex. A lot of people have bought the newer EP-3 preamps to get that Echo-Plex drive sound.
Great sounding Strat BTW. Subscribed.
The Effectrode Tube Vibe is my favorite. I also like the new Shin-ei Vibe Bro. I also have an original Shin-ei but it is hissy, needs some repair.
i like the univibe first in the chain myself. but the main thing i took from this video was that every clip you played sounded amazing! haha
This is excellent, but I wish you would have avoided using the trem arm on the strat so we could hear the vibe effects more clearly.
... now i want a UniVibe-style pedal ... great sounds and explanations 👍
I've got a modded Moen MO-VB2 Shaky Jimi, and it sounds friggen great. First in the chain, before my fuzz face--it can't do the cancel thing, but i guess i could turn the deph all the way down.
Cool!
I always loved the Univibe sound but gave up shortly after trying to settle it... time to do some homework and put my Mobius to the test! Thanks for the information.
I was the same way. I love univibe stuff but just never had it work with my own music. I bought so many vibes over the years and it was always a struggle getting it to do what I wanted it to. I finally decided to shell out the money and get the Funky Vibe (Tiny '68). It has THAT sound and I use it much more now.
My problem with where to put my univibe is I use all three elements of it the preamp chorus and vibrato modes I generally put it right after my drive section so the preamp can act as a last stage boost and the gain into the chorus makes it more phaser like and the vibrato can get the signal before any other types of modulation hits the signal
Love univibes, I can't live without one available on the pedalboard. Currently I have a Funky Vibe Filmore East, and a true beast called Argenziano Gypsy Vibe (the sound of this thing is practically porn). I've tried all these different configurations. The one I like the most is guitar / Fuzz / Vibe / Overdrive. This way I think I get the best of the fuzz and guitar volume interaction, getting those wonderful Fuzz+Vibe cleaned up tones, when rolling back a little the guitar volume - overdrive always on, playing the role of an overdriven amp (as I only use the clean channel of a Fender tube amp).
Very cool!
How would you compare the fillmore to the argenziano? I have the latter and indeed it's on another level
@@jimivibes69 Hey friend! we’ve chatted past year directly through the instragram. At that time I was waiting for my Argenziano GV to be built. Man, I love both, but Argenziano is really in a different league. I already spent enough time to get used to both. The main thing I can tell is that the Filmore version makes your overall EQ a bit rounder on the top and bottom ends, in a good way, but it does it. In my experience I can hear it right off the bat when engaging the preamp mode. If you don’t like this, you’ll want truebypass it when not using the effect mode - which for me also has its own rounded character. This is probably due to the fact each FV version is kind of voiced (if I can say that) to a different Hendrix eras or iconic recordings (something like that). There is a great A/B comparison between Filmore and Woodstock versions of FV made by R.J. Ronquilo where you maybe can notice exactely what I’m saying (and confirmed by Nico himself from Sabbadius). The Sabbadius Funky Vibe is no doubt one of the current best units out there, alongside the other two shown in this vid . Its look is very cool, size and features also very useful. But the Argenziano Gypsy Vibe to me is currently the top of the food chain, besides its unpractical size. Well, it’s is a true replica in every sense. Sound is heaven, perfection, natural and gorgeous, as you already know.
This is the way I prefer!
Really great demo Mason. Damn those 3 vibes sound killer. So after watching this demo again I just moved my Shin-ei Vibe 2 right next to the Wah and moving the Octafuzz after it. I’d always had it Wah-Octafuzz - Shin-ei Vibe 2 - Chase Tone Red Stardust Fuzz. I’m playing my Marshall with a great PPIMV in my Apt.
I must tell you that my octafuzz and univibe sound much nicer now when used with the fuzz.
Hi, great content! As always, after watching this I wonder if preamp univibe cancel options it's comparable to the boss ce-1 preamp ? 🤔
40+ year player, massive gear collector and user - this video was great and I’m struggling to get my Univibe to my liking right this minute!
Hello, Great explanation! Thanks. Which is the details pickups model and the guitar model? Thanks
I think I get it now, you've been a great help Mason, thanks 😊
Hope it helps!
Univibes are essentially phase shifters. But where the distribution of phase shift in a typical 4-stager results in somewhat focussed and deep notches, the distribution of phase shift in a Univibe results in broad shallow dips.
This has two byproducts. One is that it is less obtrusive, by not providing resonant notches one feels compelled to pay attention to. There's a reason why people often confuse harmonic tremolo with Univibes, and the reason is that neither *demand* your attention. They both provide a pleasing "animation" that *supplements* the melody of what you're playing, rather than insisting that you pay as much attention to the up and down movement as you do to the notes. As a result, you can leave them on without the "okay, *enough* already!" annoyance that would accompany a phaser or regular tremolo.
The other byproduct, and the reason for placing it *before* a clipping device, is that the broad shallow dips move large sections of the frequency spectrum closer to, and away from, the clipping threshold. As a result, it doesn't filter the distortion, the way a phaser does, as much as move around which *parts* of your signal (and solo) are generating harmonic content. I like to think of it as being like additive synthesis.
One last thing I'll note is that, despite really being a 4-stage phase-shifter, feedback/regeneration does diddley squat for vibes, even though it can give a phaser a much stronger character. Again, that's a function of the phase shift being more focussed in a true phaser. As well, vibes NEVER have the ability to sweep as slow as many phasers do. Th reason is that the shallow dips it produces can become imperceptible if they move too slowly. This is in contrast to a phaser where adding some feedback to a really slow sweep makes for a very dramatic sound.
Very insightful and nicely thorough analysis. My takeaway here is that the Univibe is more similar to a flanger than to a phaser.
@@ImYourOverlord Thanks. When I compare a Vibe to a phaser, it's not simply as an analogy. They really *ARE* 4-stage phasers. Indeed, one can easily approximate a Univibe with almost any 4-stage phaser by swapping out the capacitors in the phase-shift stages for other values. I say "approximate" because a not-so-small aspect of the prototypic vibe pedal is that it uses a light source (bulb or LED) and photocells to do the sweeping, and also preshapes the LFO waveform, making it more sinusoidal. So, while one can get the re-distribution of phase shift in such a phaser-to-vibe conversion, as described here, the *feel* of the sweep will be different, unless there is a wholesale change to the LFO circuit.
Great thread. For exploratory purposes, I would like a video exploring the Moog Murf 105 with univibe in mind. Use of that particular circuit has remained a mystery to the world - but can be used as an expansion of the univibe circuit. It seems like a stone unturned.
@@chilidogcowboy At your suggestion, I decided to look for a schematic for the MuRF, to get to understand a little more about it. To my great surprise, there are links to all the Moogerfooger pedal schematics on the Madbean site. I'll need to spend more time with it, but at first blush, the MuRF has more in common with a vocoder than with a Univibe, but further study is needed.
Crazy to think that Russian propaganda inspired the best guitar effect
I guess it's time to pull the Deja Vibe out of the cabinet. Very informative piece Mason. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to locate even one of the Vibes you used for sale. I haven't looked for that great sounding Strat yet.
Beautiful play. All sound perfect for me. 😊
This not pertaining to this video but I purchased a quantity of Mogami cable and forgot the 90° cable ends you mentioned that were very stable on pedal boards.
I like the Switchcraft stuff (226) and the Neutrik stuff.
Or the Square Plugs SP400 or SPS4 on the pedalboard itself.
I have a very old original Uni-Vibe that was given to me in the 80s by a friend who had given up playing along with some other very rare vintage equipment. I like the Uni-Vibe first in line - straight from my guitar. It's noisy and crackly, but when it "settles down" it's a very cool sound. I've tried it after other pedals, but it just seems like a watered-down version of the real magic sound so first is best for me.
Really depends on the sound you are looking for, ask Robin Trower? Also depends on how much headroom and tone of the vibe as to what it can handle. I like a mild overdrive before my wau and vibe with no distortion after, just amp grit.
I wonder if you could manage to crack this case: powering up a EHX good vibes with a Voodoo lab ppx2 or anything other than the 9.6 v supply that comes in the package...thanks!
I like it before my fuzz and od. But I’m usually playing my amps a bit cleaner. Jimi uses it all gained up on Machine Gun. I might try switching the order like Jimi if I’m cranking a Marshall and then adding fuzz.
I also use a clean amp, that's the reason I use the OD always on after the vibe, when using the combo fuzz into vibe. Without the OD engaged you get the fuzz/vibe upper harmonics too harsh and shrill, not cool for me. So that's when the OD plays its overdriven amp role. Dont max the fuzz knob (dont need max gain with something already overdriven), roll back guitar volume just a little and hear that classic beautiful fuzz/vibe shiny cleanup tones. You don't reach exactly this when fuzz is after vibe (all seems to be just overdrives to me). I love both Hendrix and Trower tones (but love vibe for everything not just Hendrix/Trower), I can get both worlds this way since Trower uses the overdrives after vibe, turn of the fuzz then you have it (I use a 2nd overdrive with little more gain for Trower actually).
I like it into the fuzz and was surprised to see Hendrix route it this way in Maui 1970 because everyone says he ran it after fuzz.
Great video, thanks! Where would a wah fit into this equation?
Fuzz and Vibe like a gained up amp. Not completely saturated, but working a bit. Getting a great Vibe sound isn’t easy. Part of it, is how you play to it.
This post is inspiring me to pull out my Jam Pedal Vibe! Mostly I use the Harmonic Tremelo on my Flint to get a “Vibey” sound, when I need it…
Really is a unique sound though…
Solderless cables, telcasters with strat headstocks, headstock tuners, univibes in the efx loop, oh the humanity. BTW, i'm afraid we need u to release that fuzz, sir.
Bummer that my Mini Deja Vibe MK II apparently has a super low output impedance. It would have been fun to try it in front of a FF. : /
I don't think so, it should be pretty close to stock vintage Vibe output Z.
@@VertexEffectsInc no harm in trying! Thanks.
I'd just like to say while I don't always agree with your opinions on better tone, it's subjective after all, I do always find your videos instructive and interesting.
Great video Mason, thanks!
Thanks Mark...tried to steal a few of your licks ;)
@@VertexEffectsInc haha you’re too kind buddy!
You sound like Hendrix and Robin Trower. They do sound different and I don’t think RT was trying to imitate Jimmy. One of my favorite vids from you Mason.
Killer playing!! Also I spied a secret fuzz I’m pretty dang curious to know some more about 😮
🤫🤫🤫
Where would you place a wah pedal in this chain? Before or after the Univibe? Before or after the Fuzz?
like your tones in this vid.
Wow, thanks!
The one you said wouldn't sound like Hendrix unless your amp was cranked, still sounded more like Hendrix than the other options you tried... lol
Isn’t this the pedal that Stephen Stills used on Marrakech Express and on Super Sessions with Al Kooper (Season of the Witch)?
Very good job!! Sounds great!!
Very informative video
Great univibe sounds
What about in the effect loop? I think I liked the first in the chain sound before everything else but I guess like nearly all pedals there is no definitive way of doing it😏🤘
If I hear you right keep the vibe up front in the preamp drive input section be it pre or post fuzz/drive/boost and not in the effects loop?
Put it after the guitar, before the fuzz and overdrive/distortion pedals (no effects loop). You could put wah before it (probably won't matter since it's not something used at the same time as the vibe).
My two cents on the Uni-Vibe are this. The Vibrato is really awesome, and I like to dial back the intensity.
I recently purchased a JHS Unicorn V2. I just discovered that the Vibrato mode with low intensity is a great sound. It’s so subtle.
Is a univibe pedal used on the backing guitar in Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, and Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me by Elton John? If so, I have never heard a demo that replicates the sound on those 2 songs. I love the effect in those songs but I can't figure it out. I've been told it was a Univibe with plate reverb. And, EJ replicated it in a concert 25 years after those songs came out. So it wasn't just an accident.
Great playing!
great video & tones but incredible playing as well!
I have a BBE Soul Vibe…a poor man’s Univibe I guess…. I’ve always had it as the very last pedal in the chain, using a four cable fx loop. And I’ve never liked it…. I will give your suggestions a try!
Give it a try!
Thing about Univibe pedals is your timing needs to be dead on with the modulation.
In short the Univibe controls your speed and timing to meet the Univibe's modulation phrasing along with with the notes.
I've noticed some folks seem to get the speed wrong, for anything Hendrix Trower groove, higher speed also takes some of that rubbery chewy vibe that we all love.
Your videos are gorgeous, your playing just keeps getting better, and now I know where to put my Funky Vibe. Thank you Mason!
Just bought a dark side which has fuzz phaser rotary type combo. Should that be in front? Of course Im trying it in different places.
It would be great of someone created a "synotorial" type learning app for guitar pedals and amp modelling.
I had a Fillmore East Funky Vibe...the guy from So. America shipped it to me quickly...problem was, as in most vibes it has about a 10db volume loss when engaged...I sold it.
Mine has never had an issue with getting above unity gain, granted it needs to be above probably 75% but that’s typical of any vintage vibe as welded
That must have been faulty, all the funky vibes i have played are able to BOOST, i love em
Uni-Vibe and Envelope Filters,...the pinnacle of effect tones!
I have an MXR Univibe after my tuner and before my Boss noise suppressor. Is that the correct order??
My pedalboard consists of a klon, lenny boost, ts mini, and modded univibe/phase 90..... would the "correct" order be vibe-klon-ts-lenny? Sorry fairly new to the pedal game. Thanks for all the great videos and advice
Thanks for the demo!😎✌🏽 The UniVibe is such a classic effect. Do you have any tips on integrating it into a pedalboard setup for the best results?
Side question- What's your opinion on Fuzz+OD order in the chain? Or Fuzz with multiple OD's?
Fuzz closest to the guitar.
I've got a Castledine Supra-Vibe in the second position after the fuzz face a la Jimi.
It has the cancel switch too, sounds great imho.
Peace.
I def agree with option 1, vibe before fuzz but where would a wah pedal go?
Usually first in the chain that’s how people like it the most usually
Where would you place the vibe if you have an always on compressor ?
Before I rip my board apart, will my Fuzz Face still clean up with my volume knob if I put my Midnight Vibe first?
Don't know why in other videos you knock your own playing Uncle Mason! Definitely cruisin to Tonetown there👍
Wow, thanks!