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Description

A pedal version of the preamp section from a vintage Revox reel-to-reel tape recorder, with our Model 33 Smooth vibrato built in to get some seriously wobbly tape sounds. I have added a tone switch called "Tape speed" that either:

  • allows full frequency,

  • cuts some bass to focus on the mids, or

  • cuts more bass to make a treble booster effect.

The Limit switch introduces an optical compression of some of the higher frequencies to give a more squashed, muffled sound reminiscent of tape compression.

Additionally, there is an "overload" light that responds to the signal, and gets brighter the more distortion is introduced.

The Invert switch adds dry signal to the vibrato to get a phasing effect for more "swoosh"

This circuit is really special and adds a lot of color and fullness. It sounds great with guitar, bass and vocals, lending a warm vintage texture to anything that passes through it.

The Reel Deal has tons of volume on tap, and can drive tube amps into beautiful feedback. Capable of dirty fuzz, distortion, and sparkly clean. just don't expect it to sound like anything else you're used to.

Internal switches allow you to add more fuzz, and to connect both footswitches together so both effects are activated/deactivated simultaneously.

NOW INCLUDES AN ULTRA-LOW IMPEDANCE XLR OUTPUT!

Includes poster/instruction sheet.

Uses standard 9V power

Product specs

Analog/Digital analog
Power 9V
Bypass true bypass
Pedalboard of the Day

Pedalboard of the Day

Templo Devices Reel Dealuxe Tape Preamp and Vibrato

Video thumbnail for Templo Devices Reel Dealuxe Tape Preamp and Vibrato by Pedalboard of the Day

Templo Devices Reel Dealuxe Tape Preamp and Vibrato

Pedalboard of the Day

Pedalboard of the Day

Video thumbnail for REEL TO REEL tones in a pedal!! // Templo Devices REEL DEALuxe ft Grez Guitars Menocino Jr by gearfever

REEL TO REEL tones in a pedal!! // Templo Devices REEL DEALuxe ft Grez Guitars Menocino Jr

gearfever

gearfever

Video thumbnail for Templo Devices Reel Dealuxe Demo : Vintage Vibe, Modern Drive | B's Music Shop by B's Music Shop

Templo Devices Reel Dealuxe Demo : Vintage Vibe, Modern Drive | B's Music Shop

B's Music Shop

B's Music Shop

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Templo Devices Reel Dealuxe.

Comparisons

  • The Reel Dealuxe is viewed as an inverse of the Strymon Deco, with a focus on dirt tones, offering compressed boost to fuzz, contrasting Deco's modulation variety.

    Source
  • Although the Deco's modulation is favored by some, the Reel Dealuxe's phasing feature is noted as superior, with suggestions of using alternatives like MXR Phase 90 for similar effects.

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  • The Reel Dealuxe's saturation is described as more lofi compared to the Gen Loss, which offers more tape device options.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Owners appreciate the pedal's modulation slider, which transitions from vibrato to phase shifting by reintroducing the dry signal, offering versatility in a compact form.

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  • The gain section includes a slider to adjust low-end frequencies, allowing users to tailor the sound from full-range to low-end cut, enhancing versatility.

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  • The pedal's DI out is useful for recording, though some find it trickier to dial in compared to using it with an amp.

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  • Users enjoy the pedal at high gain settings for a treble booster effect, particularly at the 7 1/2 tape speed setting.

    Source
  • The preamp side of the Reel Dealuxe offers a range from treble boost to full fuzz, with a unique uni-vibe-like vibrato when engaged.

    Source

User experience

  • Several owners highlight the Reel Dealuxe's unique gain tones, describing them as unmatched by any other pedals in their collections, suitable for various amps and guitars.

    Source
  • Some users report issues with the soft touch footswitches, experiencing inconsistent engagement when stepping on them.

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  • One user highlights the Reel Dealuxe's role as an "always-on" pedal, appreciating its perfect saturation for continuous use.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The pedal is praised for delivering warm, organic sounds suitable for Velvet Underground, indie, and surf guitar tones, appealing to enthusiasts of these styles.

    Source
  • Works well on bass and synths, in addition to guitar, offering versatility across different instruments.

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  • The pedal is praised for its use on vocals, not just guitar, expanding its versatility across different musical applications.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some find the modulation slider to be touchy, which can impact precise control during performance.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Templo Devices REEL DEALuxe | Delicious Audio

delicious-audio.com

Templo Devices’ REEL DEALuxe captures the warm, nostalgic essence of vintage tape recording without the hefty price tag. Its intuitive controls allow for customizable saturation and vibrant sound shaping, while the built-in vibrato adds a unique flair. However, some users may find the pedal's high-frequency compression a bit too pronounced for their taste, which could limit its versatility. Ultimately, this pedal is a delightful homage to classic recording techniques, perfect for those seeking rich, textured tones, but it might not suit everyone’s sonic palette.

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Artist usage

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See how John Mayer uses Templo Devices Reel Dealuxe

John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via YouTube

According to a YouTube video by Justin Jeske titled "The New Pedals John Mayer Used With Dead & Company - Pedalboard Update," the Templo Devices Reel Dealuxe has been added to John Mayer's pedalboard at the time of Dead & Co's August 2025 performances.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

3 alternative and related items for Templo Devices Reel Dealuxe, curated by the Equipboard community.

Templo Devices Reel Deal Tape Pre-Amp

 

similar sound cheaper alternative

A standalone version of the same preamp, minus the modulation section.

Templo Devices REEL DEAL STUDIO

 

similar sound high-end alternative mod

An always on, stereo version of the Reel Deal, more geared towards studio use.

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