h o r s e ’s m o u t h .
According to the
Black Cat website,
the Stereo Vibe
“uses a flashing
incandescent lamp
and four photocells
to create its
distinctive sound.”
Thus, everything is
as it should be, with
the addition of stereo
c a p a b i l i t y. T h i s p e d a l
is impeccably built,
and there is no reason
it shouldn’t last
a lifetime.
The sounds found
within the Vibe are
sweet indeed, and it is
capable of everything
from subtle vibrato
to deep, wild throbs.
The latter is especially
true when combined
with fuzz on higher
speed settings, as
heavy undulations
sound have a vocal
quality that sound
akin to a tormented
howl. Clean settings
in Chorus mode sound
absolutely beautiful
with some reverb,
especially in stereo. In
fact, if you don’t have
a stereo rig, you just
might after trying this
out with two amps—
it will be hard to go
back to using just one.
The Vibrato setting,
while less dramatic
than Chorus mode, is
still a useable sound
that is capable of
worn out vinyl warble
on slower settings
and wild wiggles on
faster ones. I used a
fuzz before and after
the Vibe, and thought
both sounded great,
although I preferred
it before. This is a
matter of personal
taste, and you may
find that you prefer it
after; just experiement
to find out what works
best for you.
Using an expression
pedal with the Vibe
is a must, as it allows
you to unlock its full
potential. Changing
speeds during a solo
adds captivating high-
drama to your sound;
speed it up when
you want to be really
dramatic, then slow it
down again.
If you’re looking for
an authentic Uni-
Vibe sound with the
added benefit of
s t e r e o c a p a b i l i t y,
congratulations,
you’ve found it. The
Stereo Vibe from
Black Cat is authentic
like the Uni-Vibes
o f y e s t e r y e a r, i s
impeccably built,
sounds fantastic, and
looks cool—it checks
all the boxes for me,
and I’m guessing it
will for you too. Get
yourself a Stereo Vibe,
a Strat, a fuzz, and a
Marshall, and you’ve
got yourself a nice
little Jimi rig (skill not
included).
W H AT W E L I K E
Authentic Uni-Vibe
tones in a sturdy
package. Expression
p e d a l c a p a b i l i t y.
CO N C E R N S
If you use an
expression pedal,
you’ll need some extra
room on your board or
the stage. The 12-volt
power supply may be a
hassle for some.
ToneReport.com
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