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Average Price: $211
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Description
Get ready to dive into a world of sonic exploration with the EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine. This harmonizer and octave effects pedal is not just about pitch-shifting—it's about pushing the boundaries of your soundscape. With its unique combination of pitch-shifting and harmonic octave capabilities, the Rainbow Machine is an adventurous tool for guitarists who dare to explore the uncharted territories of sound.
The Rainbow Machine offers pitch-shifting from a fourth down to a third up, allowing for a broad range of tonal possibilities. The Secondary control introduces a harmonic octave that can transform your riffs into something truly otherworldly. And if you're feeling particularly daring, the Magic knob is your ticket to creating sounds that defy musical conventions. This pedal is perfect for those who want to experiment with new textures and layers, adding a synth-like dimension to their guitar playing. Whether you're looking to craft expansive soundscapes or inject a dash of unpredictability into your set, the Rainbow Machine is your go-to device for sonic adventure.
Key Features:
- Pitch-shifting from a fourth down to a third up
- Secondary knob for harmonic octave integration
- Magic knob for experimental sound shaping
- Unique combination of harmonizer and octave effects
- Ideal for creating synth-like textures and layers
Product specs
| Brand | EarthQuaker Devices |
| Model | Rainbow Machine Polyphonic Pitch Shifting Modulator |
| Finish | Various |
| Year | 2012 - 2017 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Octave and Pitch-Shifting Pedals |
| Pedal Format | Standard |
FAQs
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What kind of effects does the EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine produce?
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The Rainbow Machine offers unique polyphonic pitch shifting and modulation effects, ranging from subtle harmonies to wild, unpredictable pitch bends and texture shifts. It's designed for experimental soundscapes and creative exploration.
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Is the Rainbow Machine suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Rainbow Machine is well-suited for live performances, providing real-time control over pitch and modulation parameters, allowing musicians to create dynamic and evolving soundscapes on stage.
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Can the Rainbow Machine be used with a bass guitar?
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Yes, the Rainbow Machine works with bass guitars, offering the same range of pitch modulation and harmonizing effects, allowing bassists to explore new sonic territories.
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What power supply does the Rainbow Machine require?
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The Rainbow Machine requires a standard 9V DC power supply with a negative center, drawing approximately 60 mA of current. It does not come with a battery option.
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How does the Rainbow Machine differ from other pitch shifters?
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Unlike typical pitch shifters, the Rainbow Machine provides polyphonic capabilities and unique modulation options, enabling it to create complex, layered sounds and unpredictable pitch variations beyond standard harmonizing effects.
Videos
ProGuitarShopDemos
Earthquaker Devices Rainbow Machine
Reviews
PROS
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Creates unique, trippy soundscapes perfect for experimental music
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Functions as both a harmonizer and a chorus pedal
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Allows for significant sound variation through pitch adjustment
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"Magic" switch adds incredible depth and atmosphere to sound
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Offers control over the speed of effect with tracking knob
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Versatile, from subtle modulation to "pixie dust craziness"
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Ideal for genres like shoegaze, math rock, and noise
CONS
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Sound may be too outlandish for traditional music styles
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Requires time to master due to its complex controls and effects
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine.
Features and functionality
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The EQD Rainbow Machine's expression jack is compatible with a variety of expression pedals, including the OBNE Expression Ramper and Rainger FX Igor, besides the Moog models.
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The V2 Rainbow Machine allows the secondary pitch to be used independently; unlike the original, it features primary on the left and secondary on the right.
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The V2 model includes soft switches, offering a momentary and latch function similar to TC Electronics' Mash technology.
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The V2's magic knob provides a wider range, with extra delay time and deeper chorus sounds, enhancing versatility.
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User experience
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Using a Rainger FX Igor with the Rainbow Machine starts at unity and can only shift pitch upwards, providing brief but effective moments of sound alteration.
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Some owners find the Rainbow Machine useful every other time they use it, indicating a love-hate relationship based on specific configurations.
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The chorus effect on the Rainbow Machine is highlighted as one of the best by several users, prompting reconsideration of its utility.
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Use cases and applications
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The pedal excels when used subtly, enhancing atmospheric, delay/reverb-heavy sounds with an eerie, unique flavor.
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The Rainbow Machine is notably effective on non-guitar instruments like bass, providing unique harmonies, and for vocals, offering creative sound exploration beyond typical guitar use.
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Comparisons
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Owners suggest that the Boss PS-2, on Mode 4, offers extended pitch range and mix control, potentially making it more versatile than the Rainbow Machine.
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Similar effects can be achieved with the Eventide H910 algorithm on an H9 or Pitchfactor, offering a broader pitch-shifting range.
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Users compare the Rainbow Machine's chorus effect to the Warped Vinyl, indicating a preference for its unique "bubble" chorus sound.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 6 Reviews and 51 Ratings
131
Weird but fun
This has a particular sound, but playing and experimenting with the pitch and the primary and secondary knobs you can get real cool sounds. The magic sound that the pedal has creates an atmosphere that can be controlled with the tracking knob to adjust the speed of the increasing magic sound. If you like weird sounds and to experiment with new stuff, this pedal is a very good option.
106
Another amazing pedal from Earthquaker Devices...
I don't know where to start...this pedal can make so many different, "magical" sounds. It can also function as a chorus pedal when the pitch is set right at about 12 o' clock. I'd like to try it with an expression pedal, because when the "Magic" switch is engaged and you change the pitch knob, the soundscapes are incredible.
106
Fun to play with....
Definitely for experiments and free improv as it has a certain trippy sound that is all over the place yet the same the main difference in sounds comes from the fact you can change the pitch
1001
Amazing pedal
You can some great modulation effects full on pixie dust craziness. Very fun pedal and when dialed back it makes a beautiful effect to use.
Artist usage
Add artist
This photograph comes from MixOnline's article about recording Noel Gallagher's "Who Built The Moon". Judging by the many pedals already known to be in Gallagher's possession (Catalinbread Echorec, Strymon el Capistan) and the mention in the article that he owns over 300 pedals, we can certainly conclude that those were his pedals. One of the pedals that can be seen in the batch is the Earthquaker Rainbow Machine.
A shot of Troy's pedalboard at 0:11 shows that he uses an EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine pedal.
In this video Omar Rodríguez-López of The Mars Volta, De Facto, Startled Calf, El Grupo Nuevo De Omar Rodriguez Lopez, and At The Drive-In talks about his pedalboard and equipment he is using, containing an EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine Polyphonic Pitch Mesmerizer.
"I’ve got the TC delay prior to it as well, so basically, they feed into each other. You kick this Rainbow Machine on and it does random things. There’s something to be said about it that I really dig, for that element of surprise."
In these photos that show Harvey in the studio in 2022 (probably recording "I Inside the Old Year Dying"), a part of her pedalboard is visible. One of the pedals visible is the EarthQuaker Rainbow Machine.
In the video titled "Show Us Your Junk! Ep. 23 - Steve Albini (Shellac, Electrical Audio) | EarthQuaker Devices," Steve Albini can be seen holding the EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine pedal, confirming its use. The video was produced by EarthQuaker Devices and is available on their YouTube channel.
Album Usage
The EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine has been featured on the following albums:
Wrongderful
mcbaise (2025)
John Wick: Chapter 4 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Tyler Bates & Joel J. Richard (2023)
I Inside the Old Year Dying
PJ Harvey (2023)
Animal
LUMP & Laura Marling & Mike Lindsay (2021)
TUBES
mcbaise (2021)
Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part I
Foals (2019)
Cry Little Sister
Marilyn Manson (2018)
Ojalá
Simon Raymonde (2017)
Who Built The Moon?
Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds (2017)
The Wannabe (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Nathan Larson (2016)
Voices
Phantogram (2013)
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 Rainbow Machine, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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