Virtuoso
Heptode's Virtuoso is a captivating revival of the iconic Maestro PS-1A phase shifter, a storied effects unit that has graced the rigs of some of rock's most legendary artists. Beloved by keyboardists like Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones and guitarists such as Yes' Steve Howe and the Isley Brothers' Ernie Isley, the Virtuoso channels the lush, swirling tones that made the original a studio staple in the 1970s. At the heart of the Virtuoso lies a meticulously recreated analog circuit, delivering the same rich, organic phasing that made the PS-1A a coveted commodity. But Heptode has cleverly modernized the design, offering a pedalboard-friendly footprint, true bypass switching, and a vastly improved signal-to-noise ratio. Three LED-illuminated footswitches allow you to seamlessly toggle between slow, medium, and fast phasing speeds, with the effect smoothly ramping up or down as you navigate between settings. Whether you're coaxing out psychedelic swells for ambient passages or dialing in a pulsing, rhythmic throb to accentuate your lead lines, the Virtuoso is a versatile workhorse that captures the essence of vintage phasing in a contemporary package. Its unique character and responsive controls make it a must-have for any guitarist seeking to expand their sonic palette and tap into the rich tones that have defined generations of rock, prog, and beyond.
