Running your guitar through real synths (not just “pedal synths”) is something not every guitarist is fond of, but those who do have a lot of fun with it. It takes a certain mindset (not to mention patience) to comprehend all the functions and options offered by synths, and many guitarists consciously prefer a “less (knobs) is more” approach to effects, which allows them to focus on the actual music rather than on “mindblowing tonal possibilities.”
What’s for sure, is that it takes a certain mindset (not to mention patience) to comprehend all the functions and options offered by all those knobs and switches, and many guitarists consciously prefer a “less is more” approach to effects, which allows them to focus on the actual music rather than on “mindblowing tonal possibilities.”
However, those of you interested in venturing down the rabbit hole of infinite options should take a look at SonicSmith‘s two semi-modular synths, in particular the Squaver, which has three footswitches, intended to transform it, together with PWM, VCF and expression pedal inputs, into a “performance craze.”
Both synths have a new technology called Audio Controlled Oscillator that can convert any analog audio into analog square, sawtooth waves and CV signals. So rather than being an effect, they simply transform any instrument into a synth!
Check out the manufacturer’s demos by clicking on the thumbnails below, and, for a more guitar friendly approach, see the Knobs demo at the bottom of the post.
Knobs Video Content:
0:32 – Overview
1:36 – Controls
4:46 – With guitar
5:39 – With other devices
7:06 – ConVertor
8:24 – Outro
