Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $162

Standard/Professional

$75

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

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

What does the "Rate 1+2" switch do on the EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1?

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.

How does the "Dry" switch affect the sound of the Grand Orbiter V1?

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.

Can the Grand Orbiter V1 be used to achieve a vibrato effect?

Yes, the Grand Orbiter V1 can achieve a vibrato effect by turning the "Dry" switch on and setting the resonance control low.

What is the function of the "Depth" control on the Grand Orbiter V1?

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.

Is the EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1 suitable for creating subtle phasing effects?

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.

Pedals and Effects

Pedals and Effects

Grand Orbiter Phase Machine by Earthquaker Devices

Video thumbnail for Grand Orbiter Phase Machine by Earthquaker Devices by Pedals and Effects

Grand Orbiter Phase Machine by Earthquaker Devices

Pedals and Effects

Pedals and Effects

Video thumbnail for How to use the Grand Orbiter Phaser by Earthquaker Devices by Jeff Starr's Not Bad Films

How to use the Grand Orbiter Phaser by Earthquaker Devices

Jeff Starr's Not Bad Films

Jeff Starr's Not Bad Films

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers warmth and clarity simultaneously

  • Highly customizable sound levels, from subtle to pronounced

  • Unique aesthetic design preferred over newer versions

  • Broad sound palette with settings like wah and vibrato

  • Allows for deep customization compared to one-knob phasers

  • Quality build and durability as highlighted by user satisfaction

CONS

  • Vibrato setting may be too intense for some preferences

  • Some users note unwanted pitch shifting even with vibrato off

  • Compared to some competitors, lacks depth in phase effects

  • 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

  • The V3 version of the EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter includes a momentary function, adding versatility for live performance dynamics.

    Source
  • The V2 version of the pedal features a hard switch, whereas the V3 upgrade offers a soft switch, valued by some for quieter operation.

    Source
  • The Grand Orbiter's "static mode" allows setting the phaser to a specific position, though some find it initially underwhelming without extended use.

    Source
  • Users note the Grand Orbiter's vibrato section functions more as a sweeping LFO, which may not suit everyone's needs.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report minimal noise issues with the Grand Orbiter pedals, even without the soft switch, highlighting EarthQuaker Devices’ overall quality.

    Source
  • Some users desire a slower oscillation capability from the Grand Orbiter for extremely slow sweeps, which it does not fully support.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The primary difference between V1 and V2 models lies in circuitboard refinement for smaller enclosures and improved jack placement, rather than significant sound changes.

    Source
  • The Grand Orbiter V1 is compared to the Bad Stone phaser, with users noting distinct sound differences but no clear preference between them.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The MXR Phase 95 is praised for its simplicity and immediate inspiration, while the Grand Orbiter requires more time to dial in desired settings.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • 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.

    Source
  • The Grand Orbiter can be used as a filter to achieve nasal, Mick Ronson-type solos by turning off the sweep.

    Source
  • Distortion placed before the Grand Orbiter accentuates its phaser shape, potentially creating a "chewy" sound.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 8 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
dorgsan

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.

I

Good Phaser overall but vibrato is lacking

The vibrato does not have much flexibility for range or intensity but still a really good pedal overall

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Ty Segall uses EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1

Ty Segall

Singer, Guitarist

Fuzz

...
Verified via Premierguitar

"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."

See how Mikael Akerfeldt uses EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1

Mikael Akerfeldt

Singer, Guitarist

Opeth

...
Verified via GearGods

In an interview with GearGods, Mikael Akerfeldt discusses using the EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1 phaser pedal during Opeth's 'Sorceress' tour.

See how Stephen Malkmus uses EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1

Stephen Malkmus

Guitarist, Singer

Pavement

...
Verified via YouTube

In this KEXP Video at the 7:54 mark you can clearly see Malkmus turning dials on his Grand Orbiter.

See how Adrian Belew uses EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1

Adrian Belew

Singer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Facebook

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.

See how Mario Camarena uses EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1

Mario Camarena

Guitarist, Composer

Chon

...
Verified via EarthQuaker Devices

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.

See how Mike Sullivan uses EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1

Mike Sullivan

Guitarist

Russian Circles

...
Verified via Photo

This photo from a 2013 Premier Guitar article shows Mike Sullivan's pedal board, which includes an Earthquaker Devices Grand Orbiter effects pedal.

See how Will Swan uses EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1

Will Swan

Guitarist

Dance Gavin Dance

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

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.

See how Emma Ruth Rundle uses EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1

Emma Ruth Rundle

Singer, Guitarist

Red Sparowes

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Emma Ruth Rundle showcases the EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1, highlighting her use of this phaser effects pedal.

See how Kerry McCoy uses EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1

Kerry McCoy

Guitarist

Deafheaven

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Premier Guitar, McCoy uses the Earthquaker Grand Orbiter phaser pedal.

See how James McNew uses EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1

James McNew

Singer, Guitarist

Yo La Tengo

...
Verified via Marketplace

In an audio segment on Marketplace, James McNew of Yo La Tengo discusses his use of the EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1 phaser pedal.

See how Neal Casal uses EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1

Neal Casal

Singer, Guitarist

Phil Lesh and Friends

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo on Catalinbread's instagram an Earthquaker Devices Grand Orbiter can be seen on Neal Casal's board.

See how Arun Bali uses EarthQuaker Devices Grand Orbiter V1

Arun Bali

Guitarist

Saves the Day

...
Verified via Photo

In this instagram post, Arun can be seen using a minimalist set up of an Earthquaker Devices Bit Commander, Grand Orbiter, and Levitation.

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.

More EarthQuaker Devices Phaser Effects Pedals

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Similar

Gear Guides