Earthquaker Grand Orbiter Phaser V3

A modern phaser in the spirit of the classics, by EarthQuaker Devices

The phaser is one of the most iconic modulation effects in guitar history: a cyclic movement that can range from a simple silky veil to an almost "liquid" texture. The Grand Orbiter fits into this tradition with a 4-stage analog architecture, while adding very musical options to break new ground: dedicated speed ranges, fine sweep control, and a Phase/Vibrato toggle that expands the palette beyond traditional phasing. Handmade in Akron, Ohio, it embodies the EarthQuaker Devices philosophy: inspiring sound, simple yet deep controls, and a pedal designed for both stage and studio.

For which guitarists and styles?

The Grand Orbiter is aimed both at musicians seeking an "always-on" phaser to thicken a clean tone and guitarists wanting an expressive modulation effect to accent a riff or lead part. In funk, it delivers a very lively percussive movement; in rock and psychedelic, it provides wide and organic sweeps; in ambient or post-rock, the Vibrato mode opens unstable textures, perfect with delay and reverb.

On a pedalboard, it can be easily placed before distortion for a more "vintage" grain, or after for a more pronounced and wide phasing effect. And thanks to the momentary operation of the Flexi-Switch, you can trigger a swirling passage for one measure, then instantly return to the base sound.

Controls, modes, and innovations: precision without complexity

The Grand Orbiter is designed to quickly dial in the right sound while offering enough control to fine-tune the response to your guitar and amp. The Rate control sets the LFO speed, with a blinking red LED serving as a visual reference, even when the pedal is bypassed. The Rate 1/2/3 switch changes the modulation range: a slow range, a range dedicated to LFO Kill (stationary sweep like a resonant filter), and a fast range for sharp, nervous movements.

The Depth knob adjusts the mix between processed and dry signal (phaser intensity). The Sweep determines the frequency range over which the phasing "passes": turning right makes the sweep sharper and more incisive; turning left darkens it and adds smoothness. Finally, the Resonance controls regeneration: from subtle to very resonant, with that vocal and pronounced character that stands out especially on sustained chords.

The Phase/Vibrato switch transforms the pedal: in Vibrato mode, the dry signal is removed to achieve an authentic pitch vibrato, and the depth control acts as a volume control. This is an excellent option to thicken a melody, simulate a slight tape "slip," or create moving textures in the background.

Sound

The Grand Orbiter offers a musical and highly versatile analog phasing: it can remain discreet with a "3D" movement sensation that respects attack, or become truly expressive when pushing resonance and depth. Dynamics are present: the pedal responds well to playing dynamics, guitar volume changes, and pickup switching, making it easy to integrate into an effects chain. In LFO Kill mode, you get a more static and resonant color, ideal for sculpting a sound and adding an immediately recognizable signature. And in Vibrato, the modulation gains intensity and character, with controlled instability that works wonders both in studio and live.

Technical specifications

Effects	Chorus / Flanger / Phaser, Phaser	Type	sector
Technology	Analog	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Red

Manufacturing	hand-assembled in Akron, Ohio (USA)	Connector	2.1 mm barrel
Controls	Sweep, Rate, Depth, Resonance	Use at higher voltages	to be avoided
3-position switch	Rate 1 / Rate 2 (LFO Kill) / Rate 3	Dimensions (with knobs)	121 x 64 x 57 mm
Switch	Phase / Vibrato (dry signal cut in Vibrato)	Input impedance	1 M?
Indicator	blinking LED to visualize LFO speed, even in bypass	Output impedance	less than 1 k?
Power supply	9V DC	Current consumption	15 mA
Polarity	center negative	Required voltage	9V DC (center negative, 2.1 mm barrel)