Two New Pandora Personal Multi-FX Processors Announced

PX4D (Click for a close-up)

PX4A (Click for a close-up)

Two new models are joining the Pandora series of pocket-sized units: the dual-purpose PX4D for guitar and bass, and the PX4A for electric-acoustic guitar.

The PX4D offers 25 amp types along with 23 cabinet effects newly created especially for the PX4D. You even have the ability to combine a guitar amp with a bass cabinet if you choose. In addition to standards such as compressor and wah, there are numerous modeling effects. Pickup modeling transforms the sound of a single-coil pickup into that of a humbucking pickup (or vice versa), a guitar (bass) synth that lets you play synth sounds, an intelligent pitch shifter that automatically harmonizes with your playing, a talk effect that produces the impression that your guitar is speaking, a slow attack effect that creates violin-type swells, a feedback effect that allows feedback playing techniques that are normally possible only at high volumes, a rotary speaker that changes speed in response to your picking or fingering dynamics, a fretless bass effect that simulates the distinctive sound of a fretless bass, and more are ready for your use.

The PX4A contains 82 effects optimized for acoustic sounds. Included are Body effects that model the resonances and vibrational character of great acoustic guitars. Aspects such as guitar construction and body size are modeled for numerous guitars, ranging from famous brands of the past through today's manufacturers. The direct sound from piezo pickups can tend to have a sterile character, but the PX4A's effects add the warmth of resonating wood that is typical of an acoustic guitar, according tot he company.

The effects of the PX4A extend beyond the conventional boundaries of the electric-acoustic guitar to include models for resonator guitar, a newly developed banjo, and nylon-string guitar ---- you can play a wide variety of acoustic sounds using just a single instrument. There are also mic effects that simulate the sense of space and depth achieved by micing an instrument. There are also numerous other effects, ranging from standards such as compressor, limiter, echo, delay, reverb, and chorus, through distinctive effects such as a twelve-string effect that reproduces the sound of a twelve-string guitar, and even a drone effect that simulates the drone tones of ethnic instruments such as a tambura. There's also an Auto Notch function that automatically detects the frequency at which feedback is occurring, so you can perform with the best acoustic sound at all times without being troubled by feedback.

The user interface is knob-based for intuitive and easy use. Frequently-used parameters, such as the amp type, have their own independent dial, and the tone controls can also be adjusted as easily as on a guitar or bass amp simply by turning the knobs. The value dial makes it a simple matter to adjust amp types and parameter values. There's also a TAP button that you can use to set delay times or the tempo of a rhythm pattern.

The one hundred built-in rhythm patterns cover a broad range of styles that include rock, jazz, funk, blues and dance music. The PCM sounds used in these patterns produce accompaniments to play along with. There are even Bass patterns that let you specify the key chord, so you can practice any style of music while listening to a full rhythm and bass line. You can also make Chain Pattern settings to combine up to sixteen different rhythm patterns.

You can record up to 30 seconds from an audio source such as a CD, MD or MP3, and play it back repeatedly (looped) at a slower speed without changing the pitch. This is a great way to learn complex or rapid passages by ear, since you'll be able to hear the phrase slowly. You can also record a phrase that you play yourself along with the built-in rhythm and bass accompaniment, and then practice soloing over the top of it.

You can also connect a CD player or another external audio source to the AUX IN jack, and use the Key Transpose function to change the pitch of the song upward or downward by as much as one octave. The PX4D also contains a Bass Canceller function that erases the bass sound from an external audio source so that you can play and hear your bass along with the song.

PX4D Specifications

• Effects: 158 types (Maximum number of effects available simultaneously: 7)
• Number of programs: User: 100, Preset: 100
• Inputs: guitar input (1/4" jack) AUX (mini stereo jack)
• Output: line/headphone dual-purpose output (stereo phone jack)
• Tuner section: detection range: 27.5 Hz-2,093 Hz (A0-C7), calibration: A = 438 Hz-445 Hz
• Rhythm section: 40-208 bpm
• Power supply: four AAA alkaline batteries, Allows 10 hours of continuous use (backlight OFF), Allows 7 hours of continuous use (backlight ON), separately sold AC adapter (DC4.5V)
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 76 mm x 112 mm x 27 mm (2.99" x 4.41" x 1.06")
• Weight (not including batteries): 138g (0.30lbs.)
• Included items: Owners manual, four AAA alkaline batteries, Strap holder
• Option: AC adapter

PX4A Specifications

• Effects: 82 types (Maximum number of effects available simultaneously: 8)
• Number of programs: User: 50 Preset: 50
• Inputs: guitar input (1/4" jack) AUX (mini stereo jack)
• Output: line/headphone dual-purpose output (stereo phone jack)
• Tuner section: detection range: 27.5 Hz-2,093 Hz (A0-C7), calibration: A = 438 Hz-445 Hz
• Rhythm section: 40-208 bpm
• Power supply: four AAA alkaline batteries, Allows 10 hours of continuous use (backlight OFF), Allows 7 hours of continuous use (backlight ON), separately sold AC adapter (DC4.5V)
• Dimensions (W x D x H): 76 mm x 112 mm x 27 mm (2.99" x 4.41" x 1.06")
• Weight (not including batteries): 138g (0.30lbs.)
• Included items: Owners manual, four AAA alkaline batteries, Strap holder
• Option: AC adapter

Appearance and specifications are subject to change.