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Average Price: $196
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$301+
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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
Earthquaker Devices Rainbow Machine
ProGuitarShopDemos
Best Ambient Sound in the EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine
The Pedal Zone
EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine Polyphonic Pitch Shifter
EarthQuakerDevices
EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine v2 Guitar Demo
EarthQuakerDevices
Earthquaker Devices Rainbow Machine | Reverb Demo Video
Reverb
Nick Reinhart shreds Earthquaker Devices Rainbow Machine
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Earthquaker Devices - Rainbow Machine - 5 favorite sounds!
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EQD Rainbow Machine Review - What is this thing?
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EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine Review - BestGuitarEffects.com
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Earthquaker Devices Rainbow Machine Pedal Demo and Review
The Gear Cage
EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine - What Does it Sound Like?
Deadbeat Studios
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.
Source
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.
Source
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.
Source
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.
Source
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
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Dylan Hovis uses the EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine on his pedalboard, as evidenced by a post on his Instagram account (@dylan.hov) with the caption "@jbrekkie leg 1 💖," featuring an image of the pedal.
"Dude knows his stuff. And his tone? Fantastic. Utilizing a host of pedals–including a silver box Klon Centaur and an Earthquaker Devices Rainbow Machine–and an older Tone King Meteor powered by a quartet of 6V6s, Benji culled some breath taking sounds out of his choice vintage guitars. He employed a 1951 two-pickup Fender Esquire, a quirky-cool late 50’s Guyatone LG-60 and a vintage Epiphone 12-string."
Artist shown with pedal on manufacture’s page.
Luke Weiler of Positive Mental Trip plays an Earthquakes Devices Rainbow Machine. “Honestly when I bought it I thought it was going to be 1000 sounds on the next few albums. At 1 st I struggled to find anything use-able but the chorus-Esque vibe of it on guitar. I was let down by this as I have many awesome chorus sounds in my chorus library/arsenal. However I do like it for eerie EBOW sounds and I have found use for it on vocals with the Radial VOCO LOCO. When I busted it out during a few recording sessions in Woodstock there were no objections and the tracks may be keepers. Originally though I struggled to figure it how I could use this pedal. Certain EQD pedals can be like that. You really have to go outside your box. The EQD Data Corrupter is the same way like that. Just extremely different with the fuzz and the oscillations but....you plug it and your like whoa... what can I do with this?! The challenge of it I think is what gets people into earthquaker Devices or completely turns them off. In neither here nor there with there extreme sounding pedals. I really enjoy the Spatial Delivery envelope Filter V2. Out of all the EQD pedals I’ve played that one is my favorite. Luke has the Rainbow Machine V1 and has no idea what the V2 is about. “One rainbow machine is enough rainbow machines for me man!” -PMT Luke
This 2016 interview with Nathan features some of his guitars and effects, used mainly in studio.
Nathan Larson: 'One of the nuttier combos: this can be heard on the score for the film The Skeleton Twins - a Teenage Engineering OP-1 going through a Rainbow Machine, a Pitch Bay, and the Arpanoid.'
Seen using it in his IG story recording for a new video game soundtrack
On July 25, 2018, Camila Grey posted a photo on Instagram featuring her pedalboard, where the EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine is clearly visible on the bottom row beside the ditto looper x2, near the right side.
Mike Lindsay can be seen using the EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine at 4:09 in the LUMP video hosted by The Current.
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"just making some weird bleepy synth & pedal noises on a snowy day... Roland JP-08 into @earthquakerdev Data Corrupter, Rainbow Machine, & Pyramids. these little effects boxes are so cool & I love them. split into 2 parts b/c of Instagram’s time limits but swipe for the whole thing! it gets stranger! #earthquakerdevices #roland"
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.
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Community setups
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