Univibe - 9 volt vs 18 volt

[VictorB]

Anyone know the tonal difference if the same univibe pedal can be run on either 9 volt or 18 volt?

Curious.

 

[Grandrune]

Higher voltage on all my dual voltage pedals equates to clean headroom and definition in the sound at higher V.
Not sure on this one.
Never had one.

 

[pmonk]

Sabbadius univibes runs on 18 volts and IMO they are the best univibe bar none so I am under the belief the 18 volts is required to attain the original Shin-ei Uni-Vibe sound

 

[VictorB]

Sabbadius univibes runs on 18 volts and IMO they are the best univibe bar none so I am under the belief the 18 volts is required to attain the original Shin-ei Uni-Vibe sound

The cost wayyyy too much for me. I’m looking at the BMF Effects Model No. 915 Vibe Unit, which comes in a 9 volt or an 18 volt version.

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[redking]

usually 18v results in higher headroom but depending on design, a pedal with 9 volt power can be juiced up to 18v internally with a "charge pump" circuit - so it depends on the design.

 

[redking]

The cost wayyyy too much for me. I’m looking at the BMF Effects Model No. 915 Vibe Unit, which comes in a 9 volt or an 18 volt version.

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I recently bought the R Weaver Effects Midnight Vibe and it is an 18v version and I love it. It also has the "cancel" button so you can turn off the vibe but run the preamp circuit if you wish. I have watched a ton of vibe videos recently and I would say there are a couple of inexpensive sleepers that you might want to take a look at also. One is the TC Electronic Viscious Vibe and the other is the Dry Bell Vibe Machine. The TC is Digital, so maybe not your cup of tea, but I thought it sounded great in YT demos.

 

[pmonk]

The cost wayyyy too much for me. I’m looking at the BMF Effects Model No. 915 Vibe Unit, which comes in a 9 volt or an 18 volt version.

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I'm just saying all the best Univibe pedals run on 18 volts or higher

My Sabbadius Fillmore East Funky Vibe requires 120 VAC and plugs right into the socket (they also make higher VAC for Europe and Asian use)

The original Shin-ei Uni-Vibe came with the two-prong plug so it would run on 110 VAC and 240 VAC

The claim was when Hendrix toured Europe in 1969/1970, his Univibe sound better (who knows if that is true or not), so I am guessing a Univibe needs a lot of power to get the best performance from it.

 

[redking]

I also have the Fulltone Mini Deja Vibe Mk II and I think it works well too, but funny enough, it wasn't until I got the Midnight Vibe that I figured out how to dial in the Fulltone properly. You can probably find 18v past versions of the Deja Vibe for a good value. There is also a really old stereo version that will apparently knock your socks off as well if you can find it (there are 3 on Reverb right now).

 

[jlee]

Vibe at 18 volts is thicker and fatter with more headroom. More muscular sounding. R. Weaver suggests using a 18 volt wall wart or power supply with the Midnight Vibe. Pretty noticeable difference between 9 and 18 volts.

 

[redking]

So what did you get @VictorB ?

 

[Leee]

I also have the Fulltone Mini Deja Vibe Mk II

Same here, runs at 18 volts.
But it’s the only one I’ve ever played through, so I have absolutely no idea how it compares to anything else.

 

[VictorB]

So what did you get @VictorB ?

Still doing research…

 

[VictorB]

At this price point…

 

[pmonk]

Buy the MXR unvibe and the MXR Octavio I'm selling and you got a affordable Hendrix BOG tone pedal

 

[Rds]

Good luck. I’ve purchased a few different ones and so far not what I want. For a cheap one I really liked the shaky Jimi but they are so cheap they won’t last even with home use, couldn’t imagine playing out with one. I had two both bit the dust. I currently have the mxr and seems ok. Also have the jhs v2. Not acceptable. They sound ok on YouTube Bluetooth to an entertainment system but on my different amps they don’t sound good, and in different positions in the chain. Hope you find something good.

 

[VictorB]

Checking out the Fulltone MDV-3 Deja Vibe Vibrato Chorus Pedal next...

 

[pmonk]

the jhs v2. Not acceptable.

I also got the JHS Unicorn V2 (9 volt)

It wasn't "bad" per se but certainly did not meet my Hendrix requirement and sold it very quickly

 

[bluesoul]

Checking out the Fulltone MDV-3 Deja Vibe Vibrato Chorus Pedal next...

I think you will like that one....it will sound like a propper UNI!
I am one who a several years ago back went deep down the Uni-Vibe rabbit hole.
I have owned a couple original units and still have a nice Uni-Vibe collection.

RE: Fulltone. The early large boxes were really good...how ever each version after that lost a little something (IMO). The Mini DV 3 was a return to a very good unit....I still keep one! And it is a tank...it can sit on the floor in front of your board, (I always want to see my Uni first in the chain).

Add a bare foot butten to the off/on switch makes it easier to hit! Also...the treadle style speed control is ajustable if it's too stiif or too loose!

Report back! The Fulltone vibes still offer a good value especially when you consider the build qualiy!

 

[VictorB]

They are backordered everywhere, even on the Fulltone site! Unless I go the used route, it may be a bit...

 

[bluesoul]

Unless I go the used route, it may be a bit...

Thats what i do!!! If you do buy used...sometimes people play with the internal trimmers. Mike marks his setting...so it is easy to return it to where he tuned it to.
I remember once picking up a used grey version...threadle style. It was weak and sounding awful. Well...yep the trimmer was dialed way back. it came alive when it was set back to where it was before.
Just thought I would mention that.