Guitar players work with melodies, notes, and chord progressions to produce songs. They also have an arsenal of audio effects for adding creativity to their productions. The most commonly used audio effects – modulation effects help in adding dimensions, movement, and colors to your sounds.
Flanging and Phasing are two popular guitar effects, and as guitar enthusiasts, you may find different Flanger and Phaser medals on the market. Nevertheless, the Flanger vs Phaser debate is all over guitar forums and blogs, and many guitarists are still confused about the actual impact of both the modulation effects.
In this post, our guitar experts will nail down Phaser and Flanger meanings, take on the Flanger vs Phaser comparison, and help you understand the basic differences between both modulation effects. We’ll also discuss a few top-rated Flanger and Phaser pedals on the market without diving too deep into their electronic aspect. Read on to understand the modulation effects in detail.
Main Difference Between Flanger vs Phaser
The main differences between Flanger vs Phaser are:
- Phasers work is frequency-based and works with a phase delay, whereas flanger is time-based and works on a time delay
- Phasers filters signals by creating a series of peaks and splits the sound into at least two paths, whereas flanger doubles your input signal and plays both back together
- Phasers use a similar circuit design to chorus synth effect but with less amount of variation to sound more natural, whereas flangers feed the signal into a delay circuit that feeds it back out instead of a phase-shifting circuit.
What is Modulation?
Before we move on the detailed comparison of Flanger and Phaser effects, it’s important that you first understand what modulation means.
When you talk about distortion or overdrive, the concept is pretty simple. As you continue to maximize gain at the preamp stage, you sound more and more metal, and as you continue to maximize gain at the post-amp stage, you can easily overpower the drummer.
When you apply modulation effects, there’s a specific impact on your tone. Nevertheless, understanding what is actually happening to your original signal can provide you with better control over your set-up. An input signal that doesn’t change is known as a “dry” signal, while an input signal that is altered is known as a “wet” signal.
In the case of modulation effects, a clone of the dry signal pass filters and is fed back to the dry signal to produce the effect. Mostly all modulation effects are closely related to psychedelic music.
Flanger vs. Phaser – How are the two modulation effects different?
Flanger
A Flanger pedal produces one of the most addictive and simple modulation effects in the guitar world. A Flanger picks a signal, copies it, and then add a little delay to one of the clones. Subsequently, it also alters the delay time (by about 20 seconds) while you’re playing your guitar. The result – a sound as loud as a powerful jet engine flying over your head as several crests and troughs are formed in the sonic spectrum.
Flanging is also referred to as comb filtering since the effect resembles the structure of a comb.
Flanging was first introduced by the Beetles engineer Ken Townsend while working at the Abby Studio. At that time, the Flanging effect was produced by playing two clones of the same material on repeat on different decks, and constantly altering the speed of one of the decks.
The artificial Flanging you derive from pedals is much more flexible than Flanging using the original tape. Flanging pedals help you gain more control over harmonic overtones, the penetration of the effect, and the rate at which the effect takes place.
Phaser
Just like the Flanger, the Phaser effect also clones the signal, modifies it by phase shifting one of the clones, and then couples both signals back. However, the main difference here is that a Phaser produces a Doppler effect.
Phasing is subtler and milder than Flanging. The shifting takes place in a more smeared way and is not connected to any harmonic series. It is more swirly, thick, and dazed. In simpler words, it feels like a pedal being moved back and forth is a very systematic and steady motion. From John Petrucci to Jimi Hendrix, all leading guitarists around the world are using Phasing pedals.
The thin line of difference between a Flanger and Phaser
The line between a Flanger and Phaser is blurry, and both effects are capable of sounding alike. The reason why many guitarists get confused between a Phaser and Flanges is that a Phaser also comes with a core sweeping function. However, the sweeping effect observed in both the cases is somewhat different.
On the one hand, Flangers achieve their sweep by modifying the delay time, whereas Phasers use filters that obstruct different portions in the frequency spectrum. Therefore, Phases are more predictable and reliable than Flangers.
Flanger vs. Phaser – A quick comparison
| Modulation Effect | Delay | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Flanging | >1m to 5m | Great frequency cancellation and depth. Frequency markings are harmonically space across the frequency band. |
| Phasing | None | Cancels a variety of frequencies to produce the effect. Frequency makings are evenly placed across the frequency band. |
Now that you know the key differences between a Flanger and Phaser pedal, let’s look at the top 3 Flanger and Phaser pedals on the market. Our guitar experts explored the market and picked these best-selling Flanger and Phaser pedal models based on the reviews and ratings of existing customers. Not only this, but they also tested the products to ensure they’re worthy of the praise.
Best Flanger pedals on the market
MXR M152 Micro
General specifications:
| Dimensions | 8 x 3 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 1 lb. |
| Model no. | 11152000001 |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Rating | 3.9 out of 5 stars |
| Price | $89.99 |
Review
The MXR M152 Micro pedal comes with some great Flanging effects. It comprises a true bypass switch with LED and 2 controls. It is compact and easy to use.
Using the rate knob, you can alter the frequency leading to a signature curvy sound. MXR M152 also comes with a Regeneration Knob that allows you to enhance or reduce the amount of sound getting directed back through the Low-Frequency Oscillator. By modifying the rate and feedback, you can quickly produce the best sweeping and whooshing effect you need.
The bypass footswitch comes in handy to start and stop the Flanging effect as and when you need. The LED display will show whether the bypass is on or off. All in all, the tone produced by MXR M152 Micro is rounded and warm. The product is reasonably priced and reliable.
Pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and convenient to use and carry. | Limited selection of effects. |
| Warm analog sound. | Require more depth, resolution, and adjustment. |
| High-quality bypass footswitch with LED. | |
| Excellent sound quality. | |
| Responsive. | |
| Versatile. |
The Micro Flanger provides the same tones and textures as its big brother but with a simpler interface featuring speed and regeneration controls.
Donner Jet Convolution
General specifications:
| Dimensions | 6.6 x 4.7 x 2.6 inches |
| Weight | 0.5 lb. |
| Model no. | Jet Convolution |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Rating | 4.1 out of 5 stars |
| Price | $32 |
Review:
When it comes to price, Donner Jet Convolution is one of the most affordable Flanger pedals on the market. It is compact, lightweight, and comes with a sturdy build.
The product comes with a Rate Knob that allows you to manage the frequency of the sweeping effect. Not only this, but the Knob is also large and allows you to adjust the frequency easily. The Color Knob supplies substantial feedback and regeneration, while the Range Knob allows you to switch on the fancy effects. Whether you want to try some frenzied metallic effects or the subtle warm natural tones, you can turn the knob and enjoy the effects instantly.
Another interesting feature of this pedal is the Toggle Switch which allows you to switch from the Normal filter to the automatic Low Frequency Oscillator producing an authentic vintage analog sound. The bypass is extremely effective and the LED light displays the bypass status. All in all, Donner Jet Convolution is affordable, versatile, and strong.
Pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Solid aluminum casing. | Some customers have mentioned that the material used to make the knobs is low-quality. |
| Toggle switch to produce an authentic Flanging effect. | |
| Large Rate Knob for quick, easy adjustments. | |
| Budget-friendly. | |
| Adds a sense of warmth to your tone. |
The classical analog rolling effect, gentle and flat variation, special vibration rumbling noise effect.
Joyo JF-07 Classic
General specifications:
| Dimensions | 4.7 x 3.4 x 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 0.6 lb. |
| Model no. | JF-07 |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Rating | 3.9 out of 5 stars |
| Price | $32 |
Review:
Joyo is not just a Flanger pedal, it’s a product with a classy, vintage look. The best features of Joyo JF-07 Classic are Regeneration, Bypass, Delay, Intuitive Speed Controls, and Width.
Thanks to the Bucket Brigade Device Circuit, the pedal comes with warm sound. So, if you’re looking for an affordable Flanger pedal with incredible features and effects, it’s got to be Joyo JF-07 Classic.
If you experiment with the product, you’ll find that it can help you produce a wide range of effects such as chorus tones, harsh metallic notes, soft, and even swift trembling vibrato resonances. The true bypass is effective and can help you produce clear, clean notes as per your requirement. All in all, the Joyo JF-07 Classic is extremely versatile.
Pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Warm and smooth tones. | Some customers have mentioned that the pedal chain is a bit noisy. |
| Elegant look. | |
| True bypass. | |
| Inexpensive. | |
| Great customer reviews. | |
| Excellent spacey sounds with a broad tonal range. |
An affordable but highly effective pedal, and as such it allows any guitar player, beginner intermediate, or expert, to dive in (deep) and begin experimenting with the headspace that is sound.
Best Phaser pedals on the market
Behringer Vintage Phaser VP1
General specifications:
| Dimensions | 5.59 x 3.07 x 3.39 inches |
| Weight | 0.8 lb. |
| Model no. | VP 1/B |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Rating | 4.1 out of 5 stars |
| Price | $34.99 |
Review:
Many seasoned guitarists often unknowingly ignore or dismiss an inexpensive Phaser pedal on the market. When it comes to affordability and high-quality products, Behringer poses a threat to several other Phaser pedals on the market.
Behringer Vintage Phaser VP1 produces a broad range of remarkable shifting sounds. It delivers three-dimensional phases and comprises a color switch with dedicated rate controls. Using the Vintage Phaser VP1, you can dial in Authentic tones as well as fizzy rotary effects, unenergetic cries, and theatrical booming sounds. The true bypass provides definitive signal integrity.
The device comes with a sturdy build and high-quality components to ensure durability. The VP1 runs on DC supply or a 9V battery. All in all, Vintage Phaser VP1 is an affordable Phaser pedal suitable for bass guitars.
Pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| True hard-wire bypass for optimum integrity. | Some customers have mentioned that the pedal chain is a bit noisy. |
| Suitable for bass guitar players. | |
| Dedicated color switch and rate controls. | |
| Great sound quality. | |
| Compact and easy to use. | |
| Versatile and durable. | |
| Provides a wide range of effects. |
Authentic and classic three-dimensional phase shifting—from rapid rotary speaker to impressive jet plane effects.
TC Electronic Helix
General specifications:
| Dimensions | 5 x 3 x 3.3 inches |
| Weight | 1 lb. |
| Model no. | 960820001 |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Rating | 4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Price | $128.98 |
Review:
TC Electronic Helix is Phaser pedal which can help you take your tone to an all-new level with powerful rustles and a swirly wow factor. It is extremely versatile and provides guitar players with a wide array of phaser tones. The four-knob interface permits extensive tonal fine-tuning. The true bypass provides you with optimum clarity and no high-end loss when the pedal is switched off.
The complete tonal awesomeness provided by the Electronic Helix can help you produce legendary music in different genres such as rock, pop, metal, and indie. Using the Helix Phaser pedal, you can dial in everything vibrant vintage swirls to more massive and bold tones. Overall, the Helix pedal comes with a basic design. It is indeed one of the most flexible and high-performance Phaser pedals on the market.
Pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with a wide range of rich Phaser tones. | The combination of phased and dry signal can at times sound less than continuous. |
| TonePrint enabled. | |
| Buffered, true bypass. | |
| Excellent tone-sculpting controls. | |
| Sounds great with fuzz. |
The extremely versatile phaser pedal puts a powerful arsenal of high-quality phaser tones at your feet.
Joyo JF-06 Vintage Phase
General specifications:
| Dimensions | 4.7 x 2.8 x 2.3 inches |
| Weight | 0.6 lb. |
| Model no. | JF-06 |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V |
| Rating | 4.1 out of 5 stars |
| Price | $30.45 |
Product review:
Joyo JF-06 Vintage Pedal is a contemporary clone of the pedal that made Eddie Van Halen music popular. The twirling buzz and divebombs of his customized electric guitars couldn’t have been the same without the intervention of the JF-06. Our experts were pretty satisfied with the Phaser effects provided by JF-06. Nevertheless, there are still some tones that are lacking.
Since Joyo is a Chinese brand, many prospective buyers are unsure about the quality of the components. However, our experts did not come across any issue with the product quality. All in all, the Joyo JF-06 is so affordable that you can even purchase 2 of them and change pre-adjusted settings.
Pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| True bypass hard wiring. | Limited Phaser tone available. |
| Versatile. | |
| Solid dial controls. | |
| Speed feature to replicate the Phaser tones you like. | |
| Affordable. |
JF-06 Vintage Phase effect pedal is a modern replica that made Eddie V H's sound! Probably one of the best, most musical effects a lead guitar can employ for sound creation.
Final thoughts on the Flanger vs. Phaser comparison
In simple words, Flanging and Phasing are two distinct modulation effects. Both effects comprise dry and wet signals fused together to produce the modulation effects. However, a Flanger constitutes a delayed signal that produces a classic swishing sound when fed back to join the dry signal. It’s more impactful and effective than a Phaser. So, if you’re looking to add some exciting texture and colors to your tone, then adding some modulation could be a good idea.
Whether you’re looking for some clear and clean tones that sparkle or extreme metal grooves, Flangers can do it all. If you’re a
To sum up the Flanger vs Phaser debate, both effects together come with more power to transform your tone than a variety of other effects jumbled together. Hopefully, we’ve provided you with enough information to help you understand the main differences between Flanger and Phaser effects.
As far as the best Flanger and Phaser medals on the market are concerned, the top 2 picks of our guitar experts at the end of market research and self-testing exercise were Donner Jet Convolution and TC Electronic Helix. Both modulation pedals have been rated high by existing customers, and our guitar gurus loved the tones they delivered. Not only this, but they also found both products to be highly versatile and affordable for beginners as well as novice guitarists.
If you have any questions on Flanging, Phasing, or any of the pedals discussed in the post, you can post your queries in the comment section below. Also, if there are any other guitar-related products you’d like us to compare or review, you can write to us, and we’ll forward your request to our esteemed panel of guitar experts.
FAQs About Flangers vs Phasers
Question: What does a flanger sound like?
Answer: Flanger pedals double the input signal and play it together producing a wooshing sound. The final output has slight variations in the phrase which is simulated by the flanger pedal.
Question: Can a flanger sound like a phaser?
Answer: These two effects are quite similar but the flanger sound has a more dramatic effect, and when the two signals are separated, one of them still is delayed for 20 seconds.
Question: Where does a flanger pedal go?
Answer: The flanger pedal should be installed at the back end of the pedal chain, however, make sure you leave ambient effects like reverb and delay out of it, in order to have a better sound.
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