 The Parallel Universe is an extremely versatile fuzz-boost with self oscillating, gated, and synth-like capabilities. Basically, it has three modes. The first is just a simple overdrive, it amplifies the signal up to 20x and creating some soft clipping in the process. Then, you have the OSC (or self oscillate) switch, which turns this thing into a crazy envelope driven square-wave-distortion-synth-octave. Then, there's the starve toggle switch, which gates the pedal a great amount for some glitchy sounds. The Parallel Universe works with most instruments that output to a 1/4" jack.  HISTORY The Parallel Universe has seen many changes in its long life, and the final product is a very stable and usable device. To read about the Parallel Universe's journey in a photodocumentary, click here. TESTIMONIALS Here are some things people have said about this version of the Parallel Universe: "The Parallel Universe is genius, it blows my [pedal name omitted] out of the water." -Ryan, MN "Basically, this pedal rules. It is like the chaotic bastard brother of the blue box on acid. I will be keeping this around for a good long time!" -Derek, CA (On how the PU sounds on bass) "Really, AMAZINGLY, good... I'm shocked at the low end integrity of this thing. And it manages not to sound woofy! I can't think of another distortion that's this bass friendly. Genius work, I must say." -Derek, MI "The normal overdrive sounds are great with my telecaster, good note definition and clear yet dirty... Got some pretty wild synthy sounds out of it allready, I especially like it starved to death... this one definitely sits on it's own!" -Niels, Netherlands "I especially like the starve mode when it's set to this octve drop setting... Sounds a bit like downshifting a racecar. It's opened up a world of different sounds." -Kaare, MN "The PU's distortion mode is damn fine. I imagine this is what those modded DS-1/BD-2 sound like [...] I am very impressed with this pedal. It is not only a tame pedal, but capable of imaginative uses as well." -Andrew, WI "The starve mode is awesome, it sounds like you're putting your guitar through a nintendo." -Russel, FL "The self oscillate mode sounds like my minimoog, that's so cool!" -John, NY SOUNDCLIPS The following soundclips were recorded straight guitar->parallel universe->amp->computer. They don't go anywhere near demonstrating the depth of this pedal, but they give a good idea of each of the "modes". The light clicking you hear in the background is interference caused by the computer's fan, and is not a side effect of the pedal. Listen to the drum clips, where there is no such bleedthrough.
 TECHNICAL INFO All of the Parallel Universe's PCBs were hand-soldered by Colin Raffel and all wiring and box construction was done by Jake Rebol. All PCB, circuit, and artwork designs by Colin Raffel. Each Parallel Universe comes individually numbered with a printed manual and lifetime warranty info card. Click here to view an online version. Each Parallel Universe is true-bypass and has no oscillation bleedthrough. The Parallel Universes are powered only by a 9v power adapter, the normal 2.1mm boss type. The Status LEDs are super bright orange. Input and output jacks are 1/4". Housed in heavy-duty aluminum enclosures. PRICING INFORMATION The current approximate going price for a Parallel Universe is around $225. Another run of Parallel Universes will be appearing soon. If you are interested in a custom order, please email me at . An example of a custom job, with no black spraypaint and an expression pedal jack can be viewed here. A special thanks to Mike Tykowski who helped with the original planning. Thanks to Devi at Effector 13 for the artwork application idea. Thanks to my dog, Lance, for putting up with the noise. Thanks to all of the prototype testers for their input. |
