The Best Flanger Pedals of 2023

As a guitarist, you know that the right effects can elevate your sound from good to exceptional. Let’s talk about a tool that’ll help you craft a lush, textured soundscape that’ll leave listeners mesmerized – flanger pedals. But we’re not just talking about any flanger pedal; we’re talking about the best flanger pedals of 2023.

Whether you’re looking to recreate the psychedelic vibes of the ’60s or just add a little extra depth to your solos, a top-notch flanger pedal can work wonders. This article will guide you through the top picks in the market, their pros, cons, and the unique bliss each pedal can bring to your music. Time to dial in those dreamy, swooshing tones and let your music soar!

1. Strymon Deco Tape Saturation and Doubletracker Delay Pedal V2

Overview

Strymon Deco is a double-tracker pedal that aims to bring back the iconic sound of tape-based effects. Shaped around the earliest echo effects, such as flanging and chorusing that originated from vintage studio tape decks, this pedal is housed in a lightweight nickel-coated aluminum enclosure.

Power for the Strymon Deco comes from an AC adapter, and it features two click-less relay footswitches that independently manage the tape simulation and echo/modulation effects. The pedal’s five knobs come with secondary and tertiary functions, accessible by holding or pressing the footswitches while powering up. Lastly, it includes a single expression input jack that controls various parameters and can double up as a line-level studio effect.

Key Benefits

• Provides a realistic touch of fattening compression and a slight low-end bump through the tape saturation effect, with maximum-drive settings offering crunchier tones with high-end fizz.
• The double-tracker side of the pedal has controls for lag time, blend, and wobble, presenting a range of tape flanging, chorus, and echo effects.
• Detailed and thick tones are characteristic of the Deco, with a bigger low-end impact than typical faux-analogue effects.
• Emphasizes delivering its promise of genuine tape effects, making it an ideal choice for those in search of tape-based versions of flange, chorus, and delay effects.

Pricing

The pricing for the Strymon Deco V2 sits around $379 USD.

See Current Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

Speaking from our perspective, the Strymon Deco has several advantages that make it stand out. For starters, it offers incredibly realistic tape sounds that can stand toe-to-toe with pricey plug-ins. Additionally, while it might not have all the parameters typically found in delay and modulation effects, the ones it does offer are exceedingly well-executed.

On the flip side, the Deco’s scope is limited to the tape-based effects that were popular in the late 1950s recording studios, which can be a downside for some. But overall, if you’re on the lookout for a pedal that excels at delivering authentic tape sounds, the Deco is a fantastic option.

2. Boss MD-500 Modulation Pedal

Overview

The Boss MD-500 is a compact yet incredibly versatile modulation pedal that brings a wide range of effects to your fingertips. This pedal presents its effects in a stereo digital format, ensuring high-quality sound in every mode.

With 12 different modulation modes, including chorus, flanger, phaser, vibrato, tremolo, and more, the MD-500 provides an expansive spectrum of sound customization options.

Designed to sound convincingly analogue, this pedal accomplishes this feat using 32-bit, 96 kHz converters. Furthermore, the MD-500 comes equipped with MIDI and USB connectivity, allowing for further control and synchronization with other devices. It can be powered by batteries or a power adapter, providing approximately four hours of battery life.

Key Benefits

• Offers a wide range of 12 different modulation modes for diverse sound effects.
• Sounds convincingly analogue due to its 32-bit, 96 kHz converters.
• Allows further control and synchronization with other devices through its MIDI and USB connectivity.
• The pedal can be used in mono or stereo, with the ability to run two simultaneous effects.
• Features a large LCD screen for easy navigation and editing and can store up to 297 banks in memory.
• Offers extensive real-time control options, including the ability to connect external footswitches or expression pedals.

Pricing

The Boss MD-500 sits around $400 USD.

See Current Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

Speaking from my experience, there is much to love about the Boss MD-500. One of the standout pros of this pedal is its deep editing options. These options allow musicians to really dive in and customize their sound to their liking. But, even if you’re not into tweaking every little detail, the MD-500 has intuitive stompbox-style knobs that provide easy access to basic sounds.

This makes it a great choice for both beginners and professionals. Furthermore, the ability to run two simultaneous effects and the choice to toggle them on and off, or run them in series or parallel, really gives you command over your sound.

However, like any product, individual user experience may vary. Despite this, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive.

3. MXR M152

Overview

The MXR M152 Micro Flanger is a compact and user-friendly guitar effects pedal. Its design, rooted in the timeless sounds of the MXR M117 Flanger, offers a unique vintage audio experience in a significantly smaller and more convenient size.

The pedal is encased in a small housing and features an all-analogue circuit with bucket-brigade chips, which brings forth a rich, warm, and organic tone. The two primary controls, Rate and Regen, allow you to control the speed of the effect and the amount of feedback, respectively.

For power, you can use a 9V battery or an adapter, though the adapter jack’s side location might prove somewhat inconvenient for some users. An added feature is the true bypass switch, which preserves your tone’s integrity when the pedal is bypassed.

Key Benefits

• Provides a distinctive vintage sound with its all-analogue circuit and bucket-brigade chips
• Compact size that fits on any pedal board
• Simplicity and ease of use, thanks to the two control knobs: Rate and Regen
• True bypass switch, ensuring your tone remains unaffected when the pedal isn’t in use
• Offers a well-balanced palette while maintaining definition even at higher settings
• The combination of Rate and Regen controls allows for easy tweaking of the flanger effect

Pricing

The MXR M152 Flanger pedal sits at around $128 USD.

See Current Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

As a user of the MXR M152 Micro Flanger, I’ve found several aspects to love about it. The simplicity and compact design are some of its best features, making it a breeze to use and fitting comfortably on any pedalboard. The warm and rich flanging effect this pedal offers is truly remarkable, thanks to the all-analogue circuitry and bucket brigade technology. The true bypass switch is another big plus, ensuring that your tone remains intact when the pedal isn’t active.

However, it’s not without its minor inconveniences. The placement of the AC adapter jack on the side can be quite tricky to access, especially in a packed pedalboard setup. But considering the overall performance and features of the MXR M152 Micro Flanger, these are small issues that can be easily overlooked.

4. JOYO JF-07

Overview

The JOYO JF-07 Classic Flanger is a budget-friendly guitar effect pedal that has made a name for itself by providing high-quality flange sounds. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to practice, perform, or record songs with a touch of extra flair. Notably, this pedal has been designed with true bypass electronics, so your guitar’s natural tone and signal remain intact even when you’re not using the pedal.

Equipped with four intuitive knobs, the control panel allows for a great amount of fine-tuning, so you can coax out everything from delicate, subtle sounds to full-blown rotary tones.

Key Benefits

• Gives users access to high-quality flange sounds at an affordable price
• Doesn’t produce noise or cause any tone loss, maintaining the original sound of your instrument.
• The control panel is straightforward and easy to use, allowing for a high degree of fine-tuning for different sounds.
• Suitable for guitarists of all skill levels and can also be used with keyboards and bass guitars.
• High-fidelity sound that doesn’t deteriorate even at maximum settings.

Pricing

When it comes to price, the JOYO JF-07 Classic Flanger truly stands out. It’s a budget-friendly pedal that delivers great sound, durability, and ease of use, offering far more value than you would typically expect at this price point. In essence, it’s a reliable and effective pedal that punches well above its weight, providing excellent value for money.

See Current Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

From our perspective, the JOYO JF-07 Classic Flanger has many advantages. Its build quality is robust and it has been designed to withstand regular use. The pedal also provides a high degree of customization, ensuring that it can fit many different playing styles.

Despite these benefits, it’s worth noting that the size of the pedal may take up a considerable amount of space on a pedalboard, which could be an issue for some musicians.

However, considering its budget-friendly nature and the wide array of features it brings to the table, we believe that it’s a great option for both beginners and advanced musicians looking to experiment with flange sounds.

5. Electro-Harmonix Stereo Electric Mistress

Overview

The Electro-Harmonix Stereo Electric Mistress takes the stage as a flanger/chorus pedal that has gained recognition through prominent usage by renowned guitarists such as Andy Summers, David Gilmour, and Alex Lifeson.

With a compact and sturdy design that enhances its durability, this pedal is an improvement over its earlier version, the original Electric Mistress. It’s more compact size also makes it a space-saver on your pedalboard.

The pedal operates on a 9.6v DC 200mA power adapter and features stereo 1/4″ inputs and outputs.

Key Benefits

• It offers a range of sounds from thick, watery chorus to slow flanger sweeps.
• The compact and sturdy enclosure is durable and saves space on a pedalboard.
• Pulsating LED that changes color with the rate of modulation, making it easy to find the desired modulation speed even on a dark stage.

Pricing

The Electro-Harmonix Stereo Electric Mistress falls within an affordable price range, making it accessible for most musicians. Exact pricing may vary depending on the retailer, so we advise checking several sources before making a purchase.

See Current Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

As a user, I appreciate the diverse range of sounds offered by the Stereo Electric Mistress. From a thick chorus to slow flanger sweeps, the pedal provides a wide array of effects, making it a versatile addition to any pedalboard. The compact and sturdy design is a big plus, as it saves space and promises durability.

The pulsating LED feature that changes color with the modulation rate is a real game-changer. It’s especially handy when performing in low light conditions, making it easier to find the desired modulation speed on a dark stage.

Yet, there is always room for improvement. One aspect that could be enhanced is the control over the modulation effect. The addition of an expression pedal option to control the rate would allow for more dynamic manipulation of the sound, which I believe would be a welcome feature for most musicians.

6. TC Electronic Vortex Mini

Overview

The TC Electronic Vortex Mini is a compact flanger pedal that packs a big punch in a small package. Specifically designed to offer maximum flexibility, the pedal comes with three knobs, including an especially functional feedback dial.

One of the standout features of this pedal is its support for TC Electronic’s TonePrint technology. This allows you to wirelessly download new presets or customize your sounds using a USB connection and the TonePrint editor. The pedal even offers zero-through flanging tones, offering a sound that is reminiscent of a Uni-Vibe.

This is a digital pedal with true bypass, which means your signal remains unaffected when the pedal is not in use. Please note, the pedal runs on a 9V DC power supply and does not offer a battery option.

Key Benefits

• Compact design with easy integration into any pedalboard setup.
• Supports TC Electronic’s TonePrint technology for customizable sounds.
• The TonePrint Editor allows for precise tailoring of the flanger’s sweep.
• Offers zero-through flanging tones, giving a nod to the classic Uni-Vibe sound.
• A digital pedal with true bypass ensures the signal stays clean when not in use.
• Lightweight and portable, making it an ideal choice for gigging musicians.

Pricing

We recommend checking with retailers or manufacturers directly for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.

See Current Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

Overall, we find that the TC Electronic Vortex Mini is a solid, high-performing flanger pedal. Its small size may be seen as a drawback to some, but we believe that its compact design is a strength, allowing for effortless integration into any pedalboard setup. This simplicity continues with its interface, featuring just three controls making it user-friendly for both beginners and seasoned guitarists alike.

Its lightweight and portability are another significant benefit, particularly for gigging musicians or those wanting to transport their effects effortlessly. Also, despite its size, the versatility it offers is impressive. With the inclusion of TC’s TonePrint tech, guitarists can explore a wide range of flanging effects. Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that the pedal has received positive reviews for its versatility and wide range of flanger sounds, with renowned guitarist Steve Stevens also reportedly using it.

7. Alexander F-13 Neo

Overview

The Alexander F-13 Neo Flanger, part of the acclaimed Neo Series by Alexander Pedals, embodies the perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and distinctive, otherworldly tones. The F-13 Neo has been designed to add a new dimension to your music with its unique flange tones and advanced features.

It comes with additional controls, more patterns in the Step mode, and an all-new Echo Flanger effect. Connect it to a MIDI controller for enhanced control and added presets.

Bear in mind though, it requires a 9V DC power supply and does not operate on battery power.

Key Benefits

• Creates unprecedented flange tones, offering a unique audio experience
• Comes equipped with presets, expression pedal functionality, and MIDI capability for maximum versatility
• Features three distinct modes: Auto, Step, and Dyna, each having its own unique features and settings
• Has an array of controls such as rate, depth, mix, level, and regen for customization of the flange effect
• Compact size and built to last, making it a valuable addition to your pedalboard

Pricing

We recommend checking the manufacturer’s website or authorized dealers for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.

See Current Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

As someone who has spent considerable time with the Alexander F-13 Neo Flanger, I can vouch for its versatility and power. It offers an impressive range of controls for customizing the flange effect. Its presets, expression pedal functionality, and MIDI capability add to its versatility, making it one of the best options out there for creating a vast range of flange effects. One can also customize settings such as foot switch ramp speed and LED brightness.

Nonetheless, there are points to consider. The F-13 Neo Flanger operates on a 9V DC power supply and doesn’t support battery-powered operation, which might be a disadvantage for some users who prefer the flexibility that a battery-operated pedal provides. But overall, it’s a small price to pay for the unique and powerful capabilities that the F-13 Neo Flanger offers.

8. Wampler Terraform

Overview

Entering the world of modulation and filter effects, the Wampler Terraform is a dynamic and versatile pedal. Boasting 11 different effects such as auto-wah, envelope filter, phaser, and more, this pedal is digital in nature and utilizes a robust SAM 5504B chip from French DSP company, Dream, to generate its effects.

The pedal showcases real-time control and an intuitively designed programmable effects loop. Complete with stereo input and output jacks and a flexible signal routing thanks to an assignable effects loop, the Terraform can store up to eight presets. These presets can be accessed effortlessly via the pedal’s pushbuttons, MIDI, or with an expression controller.

Key Benefits

• Offers 11 different effects for diverse modulation possibilities
• Incorporates a powerful SAM 5504B chip for generating effects
• Features an intuitive layout and real-time control
• Includes an assignable effects loop for flexible signal routing
• Allows storage of up to eight presets for easy recall
• Comes with a 5-year warranty from Wampler for long-term reliability

Pricing

The Wampler Terraform, being a comprehensive solution for modulation and filter effects, offers excellent sound quality, a robust build, and a fair price. This makes it a valuable addition to your gear without being overly burdensome on your wallet.

See Current Pricing Here

Pros & Cons

From our perspective, the Wampler Terraform has numerous strengths. Its design is ergonomic, with closely spaced knobs permitting simultaneous tweaking of multiple parameters. This pedal offers more than just facsimiles of vintage effects, and it brings an expanded range and additional modulating waveforms not found in the original versions.

The depth and richness of the tones this pedal produces have earned it high praise for sound quality. The Terraform is more than just a pedal; it’s a versatile, easy-to-use tool that can replace multiple individual pedals on your pedalboard.

However, as with any product, there are some areas that could be improved. One limitation is that only one effect can be used at a time. Despite this, the Wampler Terraform still stands as a powerful tool for guitarists looking to diversify their sound with a range of modulation effects.

What Is A Flanger Pedal?

A flanger pedal is an essential tool in a guitarist’s arsenal, used to create a unique sound effect that adds depth, warmth, and texture to your music. Part of the family of LFO-based guitar effects, flanger pedals share similarities with phaser pedals and chorus pedals, but each creates distinct sound effects.

Flanging originated in the late 1940s and early 1950s through the experiments of guitar legend Les Paul. The effect really took off in the 1960s with the advent of artificial double tracking, a creation of audio engineer Ken Townsend. Since then, flanging has been a staple in many music genres, offering a wide range of sounds from subtle modulation to psychedelic effects.

Flanger pedals are either standalone single-effects pedals or part of multi-effects pedals that include other modulation effects like phasers, chorus, and rotary effects. They usually require 9 volts DC power, with larger pedals sometimes needing 12 or 18 volts. These pedals typically feature adjustable controls for rate (speed), depth (mix), and feedback, allowing guitarists to customize the flanging effect. They may also offer dual outputs for a wider stereo image and enhanced overall sound.

In terms of signal preservation, flanger pedals may employ true bypass switching or buffered circuitry to minimize unwanted noise and signal loss. Some flanger pedals also support MIDI connection for enhanced control and added presets. Many renowned guitarists, such as Andy Summers, David Gilmour, and Alex Lifeson, have used flanger pedals, and many modern guitarists continue to use them to add a unique aural landscape to their music.

What A Flanger Pedal Offers Your Sound

A flanger pedal is a valuable tool in the hands of any musician, providing a unique sound effect that significantly enhances musical expression. It creates a distinct, swirling sound by combining two identical signals and slightly delaying one of them. The delay is constantly varied, resulting in a sweeping comb filter effect that can add depth and warmth to your music.

With a flanger pedal, you gain the ability to manipulate your sound, creating an array of effects from subtle modulation to extreme psychedelic effects. The adjustable controls, including rate (speed), depth (mix), and feedback, offer a high level of customization, enabling you to explore a spectrum of tones and textures. This level of control allows you to precisely dial in your preferred flange effect, whether it’s the classic jet-plane whoosh, a hollow metallic tone, or an intense vibrato.

Flanger pedals are not just limited to guitars. They can also be used with other instruments such as keyboards, bass guitars, drums, and synthesizers. This versatility further expands your creative possibilities, allowing you to add interesting textures and effects to a wide range of sounds.

Moreover, flanger pedals often feature true bypass switching or buffered circuitry to preserve the integrity of your signal, preventing unwanted noise and signal loss. Some models also offer dual outputs, facilitating the creation of a wider stereo image and an enhanced overall sound.

The Final Echo

Now that we’ve delved deep into the murky depths of flanger pedals, you should have a pretty solid grasp of what these powerful tools can do. Whether you’re trying to recreate the sounds of the 1950s recording studios or simply looking to add some extra flair to your guitar playing, a flanger pedal can open up a whole new world of sonic textures.

We’ve also highlighted some great flanger pedals that stand out in today’s market – from the Strymon Deco, which excels at delivering authentic tape sounds, to the Boss MD-500, with its wide range of modulation modes and intuitive stompbox-style knobs. We took a trip down memory lane with the vintage sound of the MXR M152 Micro Flanger and hopped on a budget-friendly ride with the JOYO JF-07 Classic Flanger. The Electro-Harmonix Stereo Electric Mistress stepped in with her pulsating LED and the TC Electronic Vortex Mini showcased the power of compact design. The Alexander F-13 Neo Flanger brought us unprecedented flange tones with advanced features, and the Wampler Terraform closed the show by showcasing how deep editing options can bring a wealth of modulation effects.

Remember, the ideal flanger pedal for you will depend on the specific sound and functionality you’re looking for, as well as your budget constraints and setup needs. It’s always a good idea to research thoroughly and perhaps try a few out before making a decision.

At the end of this sonic exploration, we hope you’ve found your ideal companion and that your music takes flight with the mesmerizing sounds of a flanger pedal. Happy playing!