UniThrob

The Uni-Vibe, with a long-overdue technology update

 

   

 

The GT UniThrob phaser rack effect module compares to the Earthquaker Devices The Depths Analog Optical Vibe Machine, which is an updated version of the classic psychedelic Uni-Vibe.  In addition to a technology update in the phaser circuit, the updated controls allow you to tweak "that sound" in interesting and useful ways.

 

Description

The GT UniThrob compares to the EarthQuaker Devices The Depths Analog Optical Vibe Machine, a technology refresh of the classic Uni-Vibe phaser design.  The transistors of the original are replaced with op amps and the old-school filament light bulb has been replaced with an LED.  The optical portion of the Uni-Vibe circuit, along with some "magical values" of capacitors (not magic capacitors) contribute to the unique sound of the Uni-Vibe and to this day defy attempts to explain why the Uni-Vibe sounds so cool.  Since the optics are changed up in the UniThrob, and the capacitor values have been rearranged a bit, the result is not a dead-on duplicate for the Uni-Vibe, but is definitely a close relation and a very pleasing implementation of the classic circuit, perhaps with a bit less noise.  Note that we also offer the GT SwirlOVibe module, our recreation of the original UniVibe circuit with the old-school technology it utilizes.

The circuit's 4-stage optical phaser retains the magic phasing capacitor values, although not in the same order as the original.  The transistors in the original are replaced by FET op amps, and the old filament style lamp is replaced by an LED.  With those changes it isn't going to sound exactly like a Uni-Vibe, but it's definitely very close, sounds great, and costs considerably less than a tenth the cost of a vintage Vibe!

Throb controls the lows, but you need to make sure you supply enough lows to make it noticeable.  With low notes, Voice dialed to the bass side, and/or some dirt, you'll get the low-end throb going on.  Or dial the Throb down to decrease the intensity of the effect.

Voice is a tone control that adjusts between a fuller, bassy tone and a more midrange-focused tone.

Intensity controls the overall intensity or depth of the effect.

Rate controls the speed, of course.

Level will allow you to go above unity volume to make up for any perceived volume loss that comes with phasers.

The UniThrob mixes well with fuzzes and drives.  Spend an afternoon lost in space by experimenting with the addition of reverb, delays, or other modulation effects.  It's quick and easy to get cool tones, but it takes a little while to really master, much like the original Uni-Vibe.

This is a straightforward design that doesn't offer much opportunity for mods or options, as all the interesting controls are standard.  However, you can run it at 15V to get more headroom and highs.

Configurations

  • UniThrob - compares to EarthQuaker Devices The Depths Analog Optical Vibe Machine

 

 

Options

  • 15V Power - use 15V power instead of 9V to give a little more clean headroom

 

Front Panel

  • On/Off indicator LED
  • Intensity
  • Voice
  • Rate
  • Level
  • Throb

 

Rear Panel

  • Audio In
  • Audio Out
  • On/Off Footswitch
  • On/Off Override
  • DC Power
  • DC Power LED

 

Module Width

  • 2" standard 
  • left or right wing configuration may be available

 

Power Consumption (aprox)

20-25mA

 

Base Configurations

Part # Description List Price
MOD-UNITHROB UniThrob module $250

 

Options

Part # Description List Price
MOPT-UNITHROB-15V Change to 15V power $0