Visual Sound V2 Series

The first Visual Sound products appeared in the mid ‘90s and the range from these US pedal specialists has grown steadily ever since. The majority of the company’s catalogue now comprises the V2 Series, featuring revamped versions of some existing models, plus various more recent new additions. All incorporate component upgrades that include custom-designed, extra-durable footswitches; point-to-point, hand-wired jack sockets; a protected power supply; and new noise reduction circuitry.

Visual Sound initially made their mark via a volume pedal, which was subsequently joined by a selection of double-switch stomp boxes packaged in distinctively styled, ‘V’-ended casings. These continue in production and have since been joined by a currently seven-strong range of half-sized, single-effect alternatives that includes the three examples reviewed this month. These scaled-down models combine Chinese manufacture with US design and all share the same styling, construction and colourful graphics.

Looking at the range, the chunky metal case is bigger all round than the average compact effects pedal: higher and with overall length increased by the characteristic Visual Sound angled ‘V’-shape around the footswitch. A raised section at the opposite end makes the pedal taller than most, but offers some suitably sturdy protection for the adjacent array of controls.

The single input and output jacks aren’t labelled as such on the casing, with which is which being indicated by a label on the underside. This seems a somewhat cheap solution, given the cosmetic care taken elsewhere. Each socket is side-mounted and slightly recessed, although this choice of position still requires more operating space than the alternative end location. The latter is left bare apart from the standard-style, centre-negative input provided for an optional 9V DC power supply.

Pots are topped with small, black, alloy knobs featuring position pointer lines, but unfortunately these inconveniently tend to disappear against their shiny reflective surroundings under stage lighting. Each of the three models reviewed is also equipped with a mini-toggle selector offering an additional aural option.

An LED confirms on/off operation, with the latter governed by a quite fancy and brightly chromed footswitch. Visual Sound’s double pedals tend to be a bit unsteady when stamped on, because their switches are located on the angled sides of the ‘V’-shaped casing. These smaller versions don’t suffer in the same way, as the single stomp button is suitably central. That said, the extra height and flat top entail a more direct downward approach to ensure positive switching, although operating access is made easier by the casing’s angled outline.

The Route 808 pedal is based on the overdrive channel employed in the original Visual Sound Route 66 and Jekyll & Hyde double pedals. This stand-alone equivalent is apparently intended to accurately recreate the sound of the legendary Ibanez TS-808 Tube Screamer, hence the appropriate route number and the casing’s bright green colour scheme.

In operation, the Route 808 proves surprisingly versatile. True to its inspiration, this pedal produces significant amounts of output, an aspect that is increased still further courtesy of the circuitry mods made by Visual Sound. There’s more than enough to suit most players and it means this pedal can be used as an effective clean boost if required.

More careful driving delivers some usefully gritty and dynamic textures that can be enhanced as desired by the effective tone control, while the Bass Boost switch does just that, adding suitably thumping low end. All this is achieved with a surprising absence of extraneous aural nasties, which is an indication that the noise reduction circuitry is doing a good job.

True to its title, the Son Of Hyde pedal adopts the distortion-delivering persona of the Jekyll & Hyde double stomp box. As with the Route 808 overdrive, the control complement is appropriately identical, with a quartet comprising Drive, Treble, Mid and Volume. The increased tonal tweaking abilities are further enhanced by the mini-switch that this time increases Bright content.

This pedal is noticeably different to the Route 808, especially in terms of tonal character. The Treble and Mid controls are partnered by a significant amount of inherent low end, delivering everything from deep scoop to honky highs. That said, the upper frequencies seem somewhat recessed, but any apparent imbalance can be rectified, if required, by the Bright switch.

Output volume again poses no problems, while Drive seems to start almost where the Route 808 leaves off, delivering ever-denser degrees of dirt that will no doubt delight thrash-metal merchants. In these extreme sonic situations the onboard noise gate comes into its own, although it struggles to keep control at more advanced settings.

While its companions borrow from existing Visual Sound pedals, the Angry Fuzz is all-new, according to the company. It offers a combination of fuzz and octave-dividing circuitry, which isn’t exactly innovative, but the way both interact is apparently what makes this pedal different to previous similarly equipped effects.

With Anger Level at minimum, this pedal functions as a pretty straightforward fuzz box. The other two controls govern a typical square-wave delivery that ranges from a quite subtle rasp to smoothly extended sustain. There’s a more than healthy amount of output, while the Bright switch accordingly adds a razor-ish attacking edge.

1 Spot Combo Pack

Visual Sound pedals operate with virtually any 9V DC power supply, but the company unsurprisingly recommends their own example, which is equally good for juicing up effects from other makers.

The 1 Spot is a compact power supply, no bigger than the average wall-wart and able to automatically adjust to AC mains voltage varying from 100V to 240V. Apparently, it can deliver 9V DC to as many as 20 pedals, all via a single mains socket and the lengthy attached cable. The latter connects to various companion 1 Spot accessories, which are normally supplied separately, but the Combo Pack (priced at £37)includes a selection of these useful extras.

This comprises a multi-plug lead that will power up eight pedals and link to more, plus five short converter cables. One reverses polarity, two provide a change of plug type, while another pair are equipped with battery connectors.

Using the 1 Spot is pretty obvious, so the instruction manual is actually just a catalogue, although it thoughtfully includes a compatibility guide, listing the makes and models that will work with this particular power supply.

Operation is appropriately problem-free, with the 1 Spot supplying all the power required in suitably hum-free fashion. As with any device of this type, the plastic casing and plug pins can prove quite prone to damage, so permanent mounting in a safe location is recommended.

The 1 Spot offers a compact, versatile and cost-effective solution to most pedal powering problems, particularly where board space is at a premium.

Visual Sound V2 Series

Guitar effects pedals