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Average Price: $162
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$201+
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Description
Unleash a world of sonic possibilities with the EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1, a versatile phaser pedal that blends vintage charm with modern flexibility. Inspired by legendary designs like the Ross Phaser and DOD 490, this 4-stage OTA-based phaser offers a wide array of tonal textures to suit any musical style. Whether you're seeking a smooth, swirling ambiance or a dramatic, throbbing pulse, the Grand Orbiter delivers with exceptional clarity and depth.
At the heart of this pedal lies its dual LFO speeds, allowing you to traverse from languid, dreamy sweeps to hyperactive, pulsating rhythms at the flick of a switch. The Rate control's extensive range ensures you'll find the perfect tempo, while the Depth knob determines the richness of the phase-shift interaction with your dry signal. Fine-tune your sound further with the Sweep and Resonance controls—dial in everything from subtle hues to vibrant, intense phasing.
For those craving a touch of the unexpected, the Grand Orbiter V1 features a dry kill switch, transforming your phaser into a vibe or vibrato effect, depending on your control settings. This innovative approach guarantees that your pedalboard remains as dynamic as your creativity demands.
Key Features:
- 4-stage OTA-based phaser design
- Dual LFO speeds for diverse tempo options
- Rate control with a wide range of adjustment
- Depth control for phase shift intensity
- Sweep control to modulate frequency range
- Resonance control for effect intensity
- Dry kill switch for vibe/vibrato effects
Product specs
| Brand | EarthQuaker Devices |
| Model | Grand Orbiter Phase Machine |
| Finish | Various |
| Year | 2009 - 2014 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Phaser Pedals |
| Pedal Format | Standard |
FAQs
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What does the "Rate 1+2" switch do on the EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1?
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The "Rate 1+2" switch changes the range of the speed control, allowing you to select between a slower (1) and a faster (2) range for the LFO speed.
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How does the "Dry" switch affect the sound of the Grand Orbiter V1?
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The "Dry" switch cuts the dry signal to create a vibe or vibrato effect, depending on the settings of other controls. Vibrato is achieved by setting the resonance low.
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Can the Grand Orbiter V1 be used to achieve a vibrato effect?
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Yes, the Grand Orbiter V1 can achieve a vibrato effect by turning the "Dry" switch on and setting the resonance control low.
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What is the function of the "Depth" control on the Grand Orbiter V1?
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The "Depth" control adjusts the amount of the phase effect mixed with the dry signal. When the "Dry" switch is off, it's recommended to keep the depth at maximum.
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Is the EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1 suitable for creating subtle phasing effects?
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Yes, the Grand Orbiter V1 can create subtle phasing effects by adjusting the "Depth" and "Rate" controls to lower settings, allowing for more nuanced modulation.
Videos
Pedals and Effects
Grand Orbiter Phase Machine by Earthquaker Devices
Reviews
PROS
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Offers warmth and clarity simultaneously
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Highly customizable sound levels, from subtle to pronounced
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Unique aesthetic design preferred over newer versions
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Broad sound palette with settings like wah and vibrato
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Allows for deep customization compared to one-knob phasers
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Quality build and durability as highlighted by user satisfaction
CONS
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Vibrato setting may be too intense for some preferences
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Some users note unwanted pitch shifting even with vibrato off
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Compared to some competitors, lacks depth in phase effects
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Vibrato lacks flexibility in range and intensity
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1.
Features and functionality
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The V3 version of the EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter includes a momentary function, adding versatility for live performance dynamics.
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The V2 version of the pedal features a hard switch, whereas the V3 upgrade offers a soft switch, valued by some for quieter operation.
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The Grand Orbiter's "static mode" allows setting the phaser to a specific position, though some find it initially underwhelming without extended use.
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Users note the Grand Orbiter's vibrato section functions more as a sweeping LFO, which may not suit everyone's needs.
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User experience
Comparisons
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The primary difference between V1 and V2 models lies in circuitboard refinement for smaller enclosures and improved jack placement, rather than significant sound changes.
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The Grand Orbiter V1 is compared to the Bad Stone phaser, with users noting distinct sound differences but no clear preference between them.
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The MXR Phase 95 offers 2-stage and 4-stage phasing, with the 2-stage adding subtle complexity to melodic lines, contrasting with the Grand Orbiter's broader adjustability.
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The MXR Phase 95 is praised for its simplicity and immediate inspiration, while the Grand Orbiter requires more time to dial in desired settings.
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Use cases and applications
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The Grand Orbiter V1 is used alongside a diverse pedal chain, which includes the EQD Avalanche Run for reverb and MXR Carbon Copy for a slapback effect.
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The Grand Orbiter can be used as a filter to achieve nasal, Mick Ronson-type solos by turning off the sweep.
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Distortion placed before the Grand Orbiter accentuates its phaser shape, potentially creating a "chewy" sound.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings
838
Versatile phaser
In the world of one knob phasers this one lets you really customize your sound. Great range. Strange little vibrato option. But I kinda feel like there is constant pitch shifting along with the phase shifting (even when vibrato mode is off), which is not what I want.
Artist usage
Add artist
"Also, Albini had an EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter phaser that was really cool, too. The Small Stone only has two settings, and it sounds like [the band] Big Star or something. The EarthQuaker is more extreme. When you hit the fuzz on it, it kind of spazzes out a little bit, which is ideal. I’m not a fan of subtle effect use."
In an interview with GearGods, Mikael Akerfeldt discusses using the EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1 phaser pedal during Opeth's 'Sorceress' tour.
In this KEXP Video at the 7:54 mark you can clearly see Malkmus turning dials on his Grand Orbiter.
In this video posted to Adrian’s Facebook page, he shows off some of the pedals in his home studio, including a big-box V1 EQD Grand Orbiter.
While CHON’s catchy math rock is performed with precision, Mario’s approach to modulation effects is relatively laissez faire. “I just kinda throw [modulation effects] on randomly throughout the set,” he says, pointing towards his Grand Orbiter and Hummingbird.
This photo from a 2013 Premier Guitar article shows Mike Sullivan's pedal board, which includes an Earthquaker Devices Grand Orbiter effects pedal.
Continuing the theme from the previous photo, he's working with three more synth-y pedals from Electro-Harmonix: a C9 Organ Machine, a Mono Synth ("it makes cool fart sounds"), and a Synth9. The remaining sound swirler is the EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter phaser.
In an Instagram post, Emma Ruth Rundle showcases the EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1, highlighting her use of this phaser effects pedal.
According to Premier Guitar, McCoy uses the Earthquaker Grand Orbiter phaser pedal.
In an audio segment on Marketplace, James McNew of Yo La Tengo discusses his use of the EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1 phaser pedal.
Album Usage
The EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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