ToneWorks has added two new dedicated multi-effects units to its AX line of modeling signal processors: the AX5G (electric guitar) and AX5B (bass). Both feature Korg’s exclusive REMS (Resonant structure and Electronic circuit Modeling System) technology to deliver accurate and realistic models of the world’s most sought-after amps, cabinets, acoustic guitars and effects.

Like the popular AX3G and AX3B modeling processors, each AX5 unit is equipped with 80 programs (40 preset, 40 user), 58 realistic modeling effects with editable parameters, an auto chromatic tuner with mute for silent onstage tuning, and an intuitive, knob-based interface for quick, easy program and effect selection. The AX5G and AX5B also add an expression pedal, which provides limitless expressive power.

The AX5G — Amp and Effects Models for the Guitarist
The AX5G has 16 amp and distortion models ranging from warm, fat tube amps to extreme overdrive/fuzz, along with ten cabinet models from 4×12 stacks to combo cabinets. Also provided are a complete selection of effects such as compressor, wah-wah, ambience effects such as delay and reverb, and additional effects including a drone effect that simulates the sympathetic strings on a sitar, acoustic guitar simulation, and a unique effect that reproduces the sounds of different pickups.

The AX5B — Amp and Effects Models for the Bassist
The AX5B provides 16 famous bass amp models ranging from vintage to modern, from fat and warm tube sounds to clean bass sounds, along with 10 cabinet models. Effect types include compressor, an octaver to add powerful bottom end, plus numerous modulation and ambience effects. A full complement of effects including compressor, octaver, reverb, fretless, bowed and synth bass are also provided.

The expression pedal on both models provides foot control over an effect in real time. It can be used to control volume, wah or nearly any effect parameter, including the gain of an amp model or the speed of a tremolo or flanger, providing great expressive potential for live performances. A three-color LED indicates the effect (volume, wah, etc.) that is assigned to the expression pedal. A Quick Assign function allows users to assign an effect parameter with one touch and adjust the variable pedal range for maximum flexibility.

Additional features for each compact unit include an AMP/LINE select switch and a dual-purpose line/headphone output jack (stereo 1/4″). An easy-to-read LED indicator provides an instant visual reference of program information. Both modelers can be powered by four AA batteries or via an optional DC9V adapter.

The ToneWorks AX5G and AX5B are available August 2006 with respective U.S. MSRPs of $119 and $129.

For more information, visit their web site at www.korg.com.

The new Blood Drive pedal from Coffin Case was introduces in Austin at Summer NAMM 2006. The Blood Drive features a classic rich analog distortion and warm boost circuit, but with more gain and tonal control for modern sounds as well as your favorite tones from times past.

Features:

• True bypass switching – no tone-suck when off
• 100% analog circuitry
• Rugged die-cast metal construction for years of roadworthiness
• Glow-in-the-dark indicators on all knobs – easy to see onstage
• Spider web no-skid rubber pad on the bottom
• Made in the USA
• Shaped like a coffin

The BDFX-1 Blood Drive is the first in a complete line of effect pedals from Coffin Case. Look for the Creepy Chorus, slated for release on Halloween night 2006.

For more information, visit their web site at www.coffincase.com.

Godlyke, Inc. is proud to announce the release of two new Nine Series models from Maxon. Maxon Nine Series effects are now available with improved circuitry and features such as true bypass switching.

All Nine Series models feature the following:

• Easy-access, no tools battery compartment
• Die cast zinc chassis – ergonomic design protects controls while providing easy switching access. Rubber bottom pad prevents accidental movement
• AC/DC power operation (9-volt battery or AC adapter)
• LED power/battery life indicator
• Mechanical True Bypass switching using 4PDT switch
• 3-year warranty

The two new models are as follows:

CP-9 Pro+ Compressor – Much more than a reissue, the CP-9 Pro+ features a completely new circuit design that offers several improvements over the original 1980′s version. Featuring patented low-noise DBX compression technology with Threshold, Ratio, and Gain controls, the CP-9 Pro+ offers up to 30 dB of clean gain boost with compression ratios ranging from 1:1 (no compression) to ∞:1 (full limiting). Reduction status LED accurately displays compression effect while internal voltage doubling circuitry provides 18-volt operation for maximum head room with low noise operation and full-frequency response for use with any instrument.

PT-9 Pro+ Phaser – The completely re-designed PT-9 Pro+ takes compact phasing to a new level. 10-stage phasing circuit with custom-made photocouplers offers the smooth, liquid, 3-dimensional sounds of legendary 70s phasers without the vintage hassles. Rate, Depth, and Feedback controls offer complete control of the phasing effect from slow sweep to Leslie-like warble, while Rate status LED allows for accurate matching of phasing sweep to song tempo. Internal voltage doubling circuitry provides 18-volt operation for maximum head room with low noise operation and full-frequency response for use with any instrument.

For more information, visit their web site at www.godlyke.com.

VOX announces two new additions to its COOLTRON series of tube driven effects pedals — the “Duel” Overdrive and VIBRAVOX. As with all pedals in the VOX COOLTRON series, these new stompboxes use a dual triode 12AU7 (ECC82) preamp tube to deliver tube-driven tone previously unattainable from battery-powered units. COOLTRON technology allows the pedals to run on batteries by powering the tube with low voltage and current while still providing the sound quality and performance characteristics of tubes normally running at high voltages.

Duel Overdrive
With two foot-switchable overdrive circuits based on VOX’s Big Ben Overdrive pedal, the Duel Overdrive provides two independent channels of tube-driven overdrive voiced to take on any guitar duties, from warm blues to full-on shred. The separate Gain, Volume and Tone controls can be used to set the pedal up with two independent overdrive sounds (OD1/OD2) to complement a clean-bypassed tone. For even greater flexibility, an assignable (OD1/OD2/both) low-end Bass Boost function adds fatness and low end to overdrive tones.

VIBRAVOX Named after VOX’s first amplifier tremolo circuit, the VIBRAVOX brings the signature Vibrato/Tremolo sound of the original 1958 VOX AC amps to any amplifier, in a dual mode stompbox design.

The VIBRAVOX can be configured as a tremolo only or vibrato only pedal with two foot-switchable speeds, or it can be configured to switch between tremolo and vibrato. The pedal automatically ramps between speeds, for classic rotating-speaker sounds.

To increase tonal flexibility, expanded controls and features have been added, including Depth, Ratio, Skew, Volume, Speed 1, Speed 2 and Mode Select. The two Speed controls and an Effects Assign switch provide immediate access to a number of vibrato and tremolo combinations.

Each COOLTRON pedal uses four AA batteries (providing 16 hours of operation) and measures 6.63″ (W) x 6.12″ (H) x 2.52″ (D). An optional 9V AC adapter is available.

The VOX COOLTRON Duel Overdrive and VIBRAVOX tube effects pedals are available August 2006, each with a U.S. MSRP of $300.

For more information, visit their web site at www.voxamps.co.uk.

RJM Music Technology, Inc. is proud to introduce the Loop Gizmo. The Loop Gizmo is the first true bypass pedal looper to incorporate function switching. This allows guitarists to simultaneously switch their amplifier channels and pedal effects with a tap of a single button – without the need for MIDI or a complex switching system.

The Loop Gizmo provides all the benefits of a true bypass pedal looper. It moves all of the effect switching to a central place on the pedalboard. The Loop Gizmo’s footswitches are used in place of the pedals’ built-in switches, saving wear and tear on those pedals. There are sonic benefits as well: pedals that are not in use are completely bypassed, preserving signal quality.

Where the Loop Gizmo goes beyond other loopers is the addition of Channel Select and Function switches. These switches can take the place of an amplifier’s footswitch, eliminating the need to “tap dance” between the amp footswitch and effects pedals. The Channel Select switch also selects one of two pedal loops to be active, providing simultaneous switching of both amplifier channel and effects. The Loop Gizmo’s footswitching feature is compatible with most amplifiers that have one or two button footswitches.

Loop Gizmo Features:

• Four pedal loops (two Global Loops, two Channel Loops), each with send and receive jacks, bypass footswitch and indicator LED
• Global Loops are on regardless of the selected amp channel. The bypass switches for these loops turn the effects in each loop on and off
• One Channel Loop is only on when amp channel 1 is active, the other is only on when amp channel 2 is active. Each Channel Loop also has a bypass switch that disables the loop regardless of the selected channel
• Loop Order selector switch selects whether Channel Loops are first, second or third in the signal path
• Channel Select and Function switches act as an amp’s footswitch
• Tuner switch sends the guitar signal to the Tuner Out jack and mutes the output for silent tuning
• Extremely rugged 0.90″ anodized aluminum case

For more information, visit their web site at www.rjmmusic.com.

Zoom announced the replacement of its popular 505 series of effects pedals with the new “1″ and “1x” series.

The G1, for guitar, the B1, for bass guitar and the A1, for acoustic guitar, are significant upgrades from the 505 series. The new pedals feature 24-bit/96KHz digital multi-effects and an incredible 40KHz frequency response. The new “1″ series of pedals also include a built in drum machine, harmonized pitch shifter and 57 effect types.

Incorporating the sleek, flowing design and vivid colors that the Zoom guitar effect pedal series is renowned for, the pedals are made with extremely durable, light-weight plastic. The new series also brings the speed of Zoom’s powerful ZFX-3 processor to the entire line. The pedals operate on 4 AA batteries or the included AC power adapter.

The “1x” series of pedals include an expression pedal for more flexibility and creative possibilities. This series designates the G1x, for guitar, the B1x, for bass guitar.

For more information, visit their web site at www.zoomfx.com.

The Pro Tone Pedals Hustler is a 70′s style 4 transistor fuzz that covers the full range, from a creamy crunch to full on sonic oblivion.

Familiar tones coupled with some heavy duty modifications to increase the girth of the fuzz make the Hustler Fuzz a stout unit. The Hustler’s tone control brings out a range of heavily filtered tones, while maintaining its big bottom end and sizzling top. Features:

Operates on a standard 9 volt battery or BOSS style adapter
True By-pass Switching
Durable aluminum housing with a powder coat finish
Bright orange LED
Hand built construction
Proudly made in the USA
$159 MSRP

For more information, visit their web site at www.protonepedals.com.