Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $137
Budget/Beginner
$150
$601+
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
Embark on a sonic adventure with the Matthews Effects The Chemist V2, a versatile multi-effects pedal that transforms your guitar playing into a rich tapestry of sound. This innovative pedal features three distinct modulation algorithms – Cobalt, Lithium, and Iridium – that offer a range of sounds from lush choruses and vibrant phasers to polyphonic organ-style octaves. With its unique dual-row design, you can effortlessly switch between two sets of settings, customizing your sound on the fly without any complicated programming. Whether you're crafting a dreamy soundscape or adding texture to your riffs, The Chemist V2 provides the tools to bend the elements of sound to your will.
Constructed with the touring musician in mind, The Chemist V2 boasts a rugged build and high-grade components, ensuring it stands up to the rigors of the road while delivering superior sound quality. Its top-mounted jacks and side-mounted toggles offer easy integration into your pedalboard and quick algorithm selection, making it a breeze to dial in your desired sound. Whether you're experimenting at home or performing live, The Chemist V2 is your laboratory for musical innovation.
Key Features:
- Three original modulation algorithms: Cobalt (Chorus/Vibrato), Lithium (Organ Octave), and Iridium (Phaser)
- Dual-row design for easy switching between two sets of settings
- High-grade components and rugged construction for reliability and superior sound
- Top-mounted jacks for effortless pedalboard placement
- Side-mounted toggles for quick algorithm selection
- Soft-touch footswitch designed to withstand the abuse of touring
- Alternate jack out for remote control of the Alt and bypass switch using a TRS cable
- Analog dry path signal maintains the integrity of your original tone
- Expression jack for dynamic control over the "Formula" knob using an expression pedal
Product specs
| Effects | chorus, octave, phaser, vibrato |
| Power | 9V |
| Bypass | true bypass, buffered bypass |
| Analog/Digital | digital |
| Current Draw | 65ma |
Videos
Sweetwater
Matthews Effects The Chemist v2 Modulation Pedal Demo
Reviews
PROS
-
Unique science-themed design stands out
-
High-quality build for durability
-
Octave effect tracks well with unique organ vibe
-
Encourages experimentation for discovering hidden qualities
CONS
-
Confusing control layout and labeling
-
Cannot run effects in parallel; limited flexibility
-
Expression pedal functionality is limited to "alt" effect
-
Some effects (chorus, phaser) considered average by users
-
Loose jacks cause cables to disconnect easily
-
Some users report undesirable glitch sounds at high volume
-
Learning curve may deter those seeking simplicity
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Matthews Effects The Chemist V2.
Features and functionality
-
The phaser effect can achieve a neutral tone without the pronounced midrange hump typical of the Phase 90, offering a more versatile sound palette.
Source -
Users appreciate the pedal's ability to set two different presets using the dual switch and knob rows, allowing seamless transitions between effects like chorus and phaser.
Source -
Users report unexpected volume boosts in the chorus and phaser settings, which can disrupt band practice if not managed.
Source
User experience
-
The Chemist's chorus is described as lush and pristine, appealing even to those who typically avoid heavy chorus effects, adding a subtle dimension to clean tones.
Source -
Users appreciate the Chemist's ability to combine multiple effects (phaser, chorus, organ/octave) with two preset channels, enhancing its versatility on pedalboards.
Source -
The pedal's octave effect is noted for its stable, pure sound even when playing up and down the neck, with no reported movement or glitchiness.
Source -
One owner highlighted the pedal's ability to deliver both subtle and extreme vibrato, suitable for noise-making or standard chorus applications.
Source
Comparisons
-
The Chemist's phaser is noted for its wide range and sensitivity, requiring careful adjustment to find sweet spots, unlike the simpler controls of the Phase 90 and 95.
Source -
The Chemist V2 shares a similar knob/preset layout with Matthews Effects' The Cosmonaut reverb, noted for high-quality independent brand standards.
Source
Other
-
The Chemist V2's side-mounted switches are a point of contention, with some preferring the V1's face-mounted toggles for easier access during performance adjustments.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
Combining the Chemist with a univibe pedal, like the JHS Unicorn, can create a layered effect, amplifying the intensity of the univibe even at low settings.
Source -
The Chemist V2 is recommended to be placed early in the signal chain for optimal octave performance, with modulation effects being more flexible in placement.
Source -
The pedal's phaser and octave settings are found to be unexpectedly appealing, leading some to use them over initially desired effects like vibrato.
Source
3.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
222
Pretty solid pedal for offering three effects!
I plan to replace this pedal eventually, but I did enjoy using it! Any two of three effects (chorus, phaser, octave up/down) can be assigned to the two rows, but none are exceptional at what they do. You also can't run multiple effects at once from this pedal.
Artist usage
Add artistGenre 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 Matthews Effects The Chemist V2, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
Show yoursSimilar
Add recommendation2 alternative and related items for Matthews Effects The Chemist V2, curated by the Equipboard community.
$109.00
More Matthews Effects Multi Effects Pedals
Gear Guides
Most Popular Multi Effects Pedals
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
shwarthogGear IQ 83
-