Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .

Reverb
5.0 (72)
$335.02 New
$255.55 Used
Thomann
4.8 (63)
$369.00 $368.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $320

High-end/Boutique

$60

$201+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began May 2, 2026.

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Description

Introducing the Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water, an ocean in a box. This K-Field Modulator takes you on a sonic journey, immersing your playing in a dynamic sea of chorus, vibrato, and pitch-shifting effects. Its advanced design, grounded in simulation mathematics, generates an evolving delay that gives life to a rich, transforming sound, reminiscent of a celestial tape echo. Dive in and explore an infinity of aural landscapes, where each play reveals new, uncharted territories.

Key Features:

  • K-Field Modulator offering a variety of effects, including chorus, vibrato, and pitch-shifting
  • Advanced design based on the theory of simulation mathematics
  • Generates a short, continually modulating delay for a lush, morphing sound
  • Creates an evolving, tape echo-like effect
  • Ideal for adventurous musicians seeking unique, transformative soundscapes

Product specs

Available since November 2018
Chorus Yes
Flanger Yes

FAQs

What type of effects does the Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water provide?

The Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water offers both chorus and flanger effects, allowing for a range of modulation textures from subtle to complex.

How does the Shallow Water differ from traditional chorus pedals?

Unlike traditional chorus pedals, the Shallow Water incorporates a unique "K-Field Modulator" that introduces random pitch modulation, creating a more organic and unpredictable sound.

Is the Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water suitable for bass guitar?

Yes, the Shallow Water works well with bass guitar, adding depth and texture without losing low-end clarity.

What power supply does the Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water require?

The Shallow Water requires a standard 9V DC power supply, center-negative, which is common for most guitar pedals.

Can the Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water be used in an effects loop?

Yes, the Shallow Water can be used in an effects loop, providing unique modulation effects that complement other pedals in your setup.

Knobs

Knobs

Fairfield Circuitry - Shallow Water

Video thumbnail for Fairfield Circuitry - Shallow Water by Knobs

Fairfield Circuitry - Shallow Water

Knobs

Knobs

Video thumbnail for Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water K-Field Modulator Demo by The Pedal Zone

Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water K-Field Modulator Demo

The Pedal Zone

The Pedal Zone

Video thumbnail for Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water | Secret Weapons Demo and Review by Mark Johnston

Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water | Secret Weapons Demo and Review

Mark Johnston

Mark Johnston

Video thumbnail for Fairfield Circuitry - Shallow Water K-Field Modulator by FairfieldCircuitry

Fairfield Circuitry - Shallow Water K-Field Modulator

FairfieldCircuitry

FairfieldCircuitry

Video thumbnail for Fairfield Circuitry - Shallow Water by collector//emitter

Fairfield Circuitry - Shallow Water

collector//emitter

collector//emitter

Video thumbnail for Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water (Lo-Fi Chorus Vibrato) by Do Noise

Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water (Lo-Fi Chorus Vibrato)

Do Noise

Do Noise

Video thumbnail for My Favorite Tones // Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water by Alex Price

My Favorite Tones // Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water

Alex Price

Alex Price

Video thumbnail for Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water by Pedalboard of the Day

Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water

Pedalboard of the Day

Pedalboard of the Day

Video thumbnail for Producing with Pedals: Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water by Griffin Jennings

Producing with Pedals: Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water

Griffin Jennings

Griffin Jennings

Video thumbnail for The most comfy and warm vibrato - Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water | A Journey Through Sound by wazu

The most comfy and warm vibrato - Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water | A Journey Through Sound

wazu

wazu

Video thumbnail for The All Canadian Rig: Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water - Episode 8 by JayLeonardJ

The All Canadian Rig: Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water - Episode 8

JayLeonardJ

JayLeonardJ

Video thumbnail for Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water - Sound Demo (no talking) by Guitar Bonedo

Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water - Sound Demo (no talking)

Guitar Bonedo

Guitar Bonedo

Reviews

PROS

  • Offers a wide range of sounds and moods

  • Capable of subtle to intense modulation effects

  • Versatile across various instruments, not just guitar

  • Solid build quality and great look

  • Unique lo-fi, old tape wobble effects achievable

  • Perfect for creating slight movement to keep playing interesting

CONS

  • Produces noticeable hiss/white noise during modulation

  • Generates a weird high pitch noise, making it less ideal for live use

  • Mono output limits stereo field possibilities

  • May not fit all playing styles, particularly for recording

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water.

Use cases and applications

  • The Shallow Water can be used as a low pass gate/envelope filter by turning off modulation, offering a versatile tonal palette.

    Source
  • Described as a good choice for bedroom players due to its subtlety, which can be lost in larger band or venue settings.

    Source
  • Owners note it excels at adding a metallic, flangey klang with subtle wobble, especially when mixed with drive for solos.

    Source
  • Ideal for creating lofi atmospheres on synths and drum machines, adding a nostalgic, tape-like quality to various musical contexts.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Shallow Water can produce a unique auto-wah effect through its envelope feature, giving it additional versatility beyond typical modulation.

    Source
  • The Shallow Water's envelope-controlled modulation reacts distinctly to playing dynamics, with different responses to hard and soft strumming.

    Source
  • Turning the volume knob past noon introduces a JFET grit, which pairs well with delay effects for added texture.

    Source
  • The Low Pass Generator control allows subtle modulation without dominating the mix, unlike other lofi pedals which can be overly aggressive.

    Source
  • An internal trim pot lets users adjust how quickly the low pass filter opens, customizing the pedal's response to playing dynamics.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some prefer the Spaceman Meridian for its multi-modulation capabilities, such as chorus, vibrato, and flanger, as an alternative to Shallow Water.

    Source
  • Compared to the Chase Bliss Warped Vinyl Hifi, the Shallow Water offers more character and subtlety, especially useful if you already own a standard chorus pedal.

    Source

User experience

  • Users find the pedal particularly noisy in certain settings, but valuable for inspiring creativity and experimentation.

    Source
  • Owners describe the pedal as "always on" in their setups, indicating its integral role in their tone shaping.

    Source
  • Owners report a slight variability in frequency response between different units, attributed to variations in minimum delay time or offset.

    Source
  • The Shallow Water pairs well with analog or tape delay pedals, enriching the modulation characteristics without overshadowing them.

    Source
  • Some users encounter BBD hiss noise when the Low Pass Gate is high, a known trait of the circuit, particularly at high mix settings.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A recommended starting point for achieving gentle chorus/flange sounds includes setting the damp knob clockwise, depth at maximum, and speed around 10:00.

    Source
  • Adjusting the internal trim pot can resolve issues with the LPG not reacting to dynamic playing, setting the minimum threshold and sensitivity.

    Source

Build quality

  • The limited edition "smoky boi" version features charred enclosures with a smooth lacquer finish that prevents smoke residue from rubbing off.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water Review < FutureMusic the latest news on future music technology DJ gear producing dance music edm and everything electronic

futuremusic.com

Fairfield Circuitry's Shallow Water pedal promises a lo-fi, tape-like modulation effect but falls short of expectations at its hefty $400 price tag. While the build quality and aesthetic are commendable, the pedal's sound is underwhelming and lacks the impactful modulation found in competitors like the Hologram Microcosm or Chase Bliss' Generation Loss mkII. The control layout is confusing, particularly the LPG knob, which negatively affects low frequencies. The absence of a power supply further diminishes its value. Ultimately, Shallow Water is a visually appealing piece that doesn't deliver on its sonic promises, leaving much to be desired for guitarists and sound designers alike. Not recommended.

negative
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 8 Ratings

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verlaine_berline

It's indescribable

When you flip this pedal on you'll think "Is this really it? The holy Grail of pedals? The one everyone raves about?". What you'll find is that the second you turn it off you'll notice exactly what it adds.

I detest chorus pedals. As much as I find the I enjoy guitar tone that moves and modulates, the glimmery sheen of chorus turns me off immediately. The Shallow Water is the antithesis of everything I hate about chorus. It is rich, organic, random in some ways, but altogether human. It is the combination of the low pass filter and modulation, it is incredible how they work together and give anything you put through the pedal a patina that I personally can't be without.

I know I'm late to the party but I want anyone who doubts the hype of this pedal to understand how incredible it is. Fairfield Circuitry is such an inventive company and this pedal has made me a lover of their pedals for life. If you are seeking to make your music sound unique, rich, and more human then this is the pedal you have been seeking. It won't do what you think it will and will take time to understand, but this is my true "desert island" pedal in every way

M

The Chorus Pedal For Chorus Pedal Haters

The random orbit or warble is controlled chaos that is captivating, but settings allow it to serve as a regular chorus and tone sweetener. It’s my favorite pedal ever. I’ve always hated chorus pedals but the tone, achievable darkness, and the versatility of this pedal is really cool.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Try true north on all knobs except rate (3:00) and damper (9:00).

mavscientific

So weird that it's fucking awesome

This is a special pedal for sure. I use it at the end of the pedal chain after the reverb/delay, which results in a weird old tape kind of wobble effect and gives the sound a very oldschool vibe. Loving it! Only downside is that it's mono and not stereo

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Andy Summers uses Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water

Andy Summers

Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via Photo

In this post from Andy's Instagram, captioned "Message from Andy : The pedals of life," the following pedals are visible (Left to Right, Top to Bottom):

-Radial Bassbone OD

-Caroline Guitar Company Kilobyte

-Electro Faustus EF110 Blackfly

-MWFX Judder

-Digitech Freqout

-Hologram Effects Infinite Jets

-Boss CE-2W

-EHX Attack Decay XO

-Catalinbread Belle Epoch Deluxe

-MWFX Glitch

-Paul Trombetta Rotobone

-ZVEX Instant Lo-Fi Junky (Vexter Series)

-Catalinbread Antichthon

-Catalinbread Belle Epoch

-Vaux Flores Number 23

-Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water

-TC Electronic Dark Matter

-Caroline Guitar Company Météore

-Mad Professor Golden Cello

See how Jeff Tweedy uses Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water

Jeff Tweedy

Singer, Guitarist

Wilco

...
Verified via YouTube

In a Rig Rundown with Premier Guitar, published on November 19, 2025, Jeff Tweedy's electric board is shown to include the Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water.

See how Bradford Cox uses Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water

Bradford Cox

Singer, Guitarist

Deerhunter

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Bradford Cox (Deerhunter) in his home studio (2024)," uploaded by Jenny Ondioline on YouTube, Bradford Cox explicitly confirms his use of the Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water in his recording setup. This information was originally shared from the Instagram account of nahoko_otsuka.

See how Dijon uses Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water

Dijon

Singer

...
Verified via Photo

Dijon features the Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water on his pedalboard, as seen in a photo he shared on Instagram.

See how Jessy Caron uses Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water

Jessy Caron

Guitarist, Bassist

Men I Trust

...
Verified via Photo

Fairfield Shallow Water can be seen in the top right section of the board between the POG and PH3 based from this Photo of Jessy’s board taken from Men I Trust’s show on 10/29/2021.

See how Joey Landreth uses Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water

Joey Landreth

Singer, Guitarist

The Bros. Landreth

...
Verified via Photo

Featured in this March 9, 2020 Instagram post.

I really like this sound. I will over use it for sure. @fairfieldcircuitry @sorokinguitars @tworockamplification

See how Clay Parton uses Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water

Clay Parton

Singer, Guitarist

Duster

...
Verified via Photo

The pedal is clearly visible in the middle of the rack.

See how Blake Mills uses Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water

Blake Mills

Singer, Guitarist

Simon Dawes

...
Verified via Photo

Blake Mills is seen incorporating the Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water chorus pedal into his live rig, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.

See how Tim Pierce uses Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water

Tim Pierce

Guitarist

Bon Jovi

...
Verified via YouTube

Tim Pierce is confirmed to use the Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water pedal, as he is seen activating it at the 14:06 mark in the YouTube video titled "The PERFECT Guitar Pedal?" on the Tim Pierce Guitar channel.

See how The Tallest Man On Earth uses Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water

The Tallest Man On Earth

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

from "The Tallest Man On Earth" official Instagram story posted on August 2nd, 2021.

See how Ken uses Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water

Ken

Guitarist, Keyboardist

L'Arc-en-Ciel

...
Verified via Photo

As seen within photo of rack setup for 2020's MMXX Arena Tour. Information provided within FREE THE TONE's article who designed the rig for the tour.

See how Alice Phoebe Lou uses Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water

Alice Phoebe Lou

Singer, Guitarist

Strongboi

...
Verified via Instagram

In the 3rd picture of this Instagram post by ALice Phoebe Lou from September 2022, we can see the pedalboard from one of her live shows. The third pedal looks like the Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water. The knobs layout and LED color seem to match.

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 Fairfield Circuitry Shallow Water, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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trajectory

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