EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine Polyphonic Pitch Pedal

By Chris Loeffler

Earthquaker Devices bent my mind with the Arpanoid, one of the most fun and unique new effects I’ve played in a while, so my expectations going into reviewing their Rainbow Machine polyphonic pitch shifting and modulating effect were high to say the least.

The EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine is a difficult and complex beast to describe, but at its core it is a polyphonic pitch armonizer that features Primary, Secondary, Pitch, Tracking, Tone, and Magic control knobs as well as Activate and Magic footswitches. The dry signal is pure analog and is blended with the icy digital magic of the Rainbow Machine. The pedal is powered by a 9v DC power supply (not included) and is true bypass.

What You Need to Know                             

• While I rarely find myself at a loss for words, if you haven’t dedicated an unhealthy portion of your life to understanding sonic effects the Rainbow Machine is best understood with a little hands on time with it. In lieu of that… watch this video-

• Obviously, the EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine is a pedal unlike any other. Rather than focusing on easy to integrate 5ths and Octaves, the digital oscillator generates every frequency (in tune or not) from a 4^th down to a 3^rd above your core tone to create a polyphonic dissonance that sounds so wrong it just feels right. Each control will do more than is implied in their labelling, so it worth paying attention to what you’re adjusting. The Pitch knob should always start around noon, which more or less matches the pitch of the unaffected input signal. Rolling it back will create dark “off” tones that halo your core tone, while rolling it past noon creates excitable clangs that dance past the input note.

• The Magic knob (said control only being activated when the Magic footswitch is activated) sends the pitch shifted signal spiraling into a delayed and modulated madness that washes over and eventually overpowers the guitar signal. Like an acid drenched fantasy, odd-order harmonics spawn, encircle, and overwhelm. It is no exaggeration to say that EVERY time I stepped on the magic switch in extended jams with bandmates that everyone in the room shared a sheepish grin. The tracking control allows you to add lag to the polyphonic harmonies for a nice slapback or funky delay effect.

Limitations

• The Rainbow Machine is a deep, deep pedal that is easily accessible but difficult to master… settling on a preset or two would be missing much of the magic available.

• Occasionally can get a bit of white noise if powered with a really dirty daisy chain (daisy chaining is not recommended by the manufacturer).

Conclusion

 The EarthQuaker Devices Rainbow Machine is dangerously psychedelic… a simple chord or note can generate ensuing waves of cold, sonic insanity that will melt the minds of even the sanest player (in a good way). While dedicated disciples of “classic” tones will find a lot to fear in the uncharted territory the Rainbow Machine occupies, freer spirits will find a world of inspiration and magic in which to immerse themselves… just beware the leprechauns and unicorns.