Matthews Effects The Chemist

$142.48 Price Tier: Budget

3.0 (1)

1 Critic Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Matthews Effects The Chemist V2

$117.99 - $169.95

3.5 (2)

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Page last updated Jun 12, 2026

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4.0 (8)

$142.48 1 available Used

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Average Price: $142

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$150

$601+

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In the Multi Effects Pedals category, Matthews Effects The Chemist is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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Description

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The Chemist - Atomic Modulator

Manipulate the elements, create sonic concoctions, and experiment with new sound textures using The Chemist.

The Chemist is a one-stop sonic laboratory that generates organic modulation and phaser effects using three powerful algorithms: chorus/vibrato, octave, and phaser. You can select which algorithm is active on each channel, allowing you to quickly switch between two modes and settings. The Reaction knob controls the dry signal, and the Catalyst and Formula knobs change depending on the algorithm you select.

Product specs

Brand	Matthews Effects
Model	The Chemist Atomic Modulator
Finish	Copper
Year	2010s
Made In	United States
Categories	Chorus and Vibrato, Octave and Pitch-Shifting Pedals

FAQs

What types of effects does the Matthews Effects The Chemist offer?: The Matthews Effects The Chemist provides three primary modulation effects: chorus, phaser, and octave. These effects can be combined and customized to create unique soundscapes for your guitar.
Can I save presets on The Chemist pedal?: Yes, The Chemist allows you to save presets. It features two channels where you can store and easily switch between your preferred settings during performances or practice.
Is the Matthews Effects The Chemist suitable for both live performances and studio use?: Absolutely, The Chemist is designed for versatility, making it ideal for both live performances and studio recording. Its robust build and flexible sound options cater to various musical environments.
Does The Chemist pedal work with bass guitars?: Yes, The Chemist is compatible with both electric and bass guitars, offering rich modulation effects that enhance the tonal range of bass instruments as well.
What power supply does The Chemist require?: The Matthews Effects The Chemist requires a standard 9V DC power supply, commonly used with most guitar effects pedals, ensuring easy integration into your existing pedalboard setup.

Videos

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Riffs, Beards & Gear

Matthews Effects - The Chemist Demo

Riffs, Beards & Gear

Matthews Effects The Chemist (demo)

Living Room GD

Matthews Effects The Chemist | atomic modulator

JJ of the T

Reviews

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PROS

Chorus/Vibrato and Phaser effects are easy to dial in
Unique shimmer effect possible when Octave is used with delay and reverb
Tap Tempo feature allows synchronization with music
Maintains a clean sound, ideal for those who use minimal effects

CONS

Octave effect has slow tracking and unclear output

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Matthews Effects The Chemist.

Features and functionality

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The Chemist offers a phaser with a wide range, allowing for extreme depth and speed variations, which can resemble a talk box at high depths.
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The pedal includes two preset channels that users can switch between, offering convenience for live performances.
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Although the V2 model has side switches, some owners prefer the V1's face toggles for easier access.
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The octave effect is monophonic and introduces a delay, creating organ-like sounds when blended with single notes.
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The phaser adds notable brightness to the sound, which some players might find undesirable but others may enjoy.
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The pedal is suitable for small pedalboards, such as a nano board, due to its top jack configuration.
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Comparisons

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Unlike the MXR Phase 90, The Chemist's phaser provides a more neutral tone without the phase 90's mid hump, making it more versatile for blending.
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The Chemist's preset system is noted to be similar to Matthews Effects' The Cosmonaut, minus the top switches.
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User experience

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Owners note that finding the phaser’s sweet spot, typically between 9 and 12 on the depth knob, is crucial for achieving optimal sound.
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Owners appreciate the robust feel of the controls, highlighting the satisfying resistance in the knob sweeps.
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Eric Matthews, the brand owner, is noted for his active and helpful presence on social media, enhancing customer support experience.
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Use cases and applications

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The Chemist's chorus effect is praised for its thick, lush sound, appealing even to those who typically avoid chorus effects.
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The chorus effect is described as pristine, making it a standout feature for users seeking high-quality modulation effects.
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The Chemist's chorus/vibrato setting excels on bass, effectively modulating lower frequencies, unlike many other pedals.
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It's suggested to place The Chemist early in the signal chain, as modulation is versatile but octaves typically perform best at the start.
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Build quality

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The Chemist features raised, silent footswitches, praised for their durability and ergonomic design within the compact enclosure.
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Critic Reviews

Matthews Effects The Chemist Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

Matthews Effects' The Chemist pedal is a versatile sound lab packed with modulation and octave textures that offer unique sonic possibilities. Its clever switching system allows for seamless transitions between effects, making it a space-saving powerhouse for experimental musicians. However, the learning curve is steep due to cryptic control names inspired by the Periodic Table, which might require some patience to master. The pedal shines with its lush chorus and vibrant phaser effects, though octave sounds are sometimes overshadowed by modulation. Overall, The Chemist is a valuable addition for those willing to explore its depths.

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