Features
No longer available, sorry!
The Pi-Phase mk2 is an accurate reproduction of the original Mu-Tron
Bi-Phase dual phase-shifter, but in a more compact format much more
suited to pedal-boards / live use.
The Mu-Tron Bi-Phase is a dual phase-shifter invented and marketed by
Musictronics USA in the 70s. It has become well-known and well-loved for
it's 'classic' warm and deep sound, as well as the flexibility of it's
control and audio-processing capabilities.
The Prophecysound Pi-Phase mk2 seeks to accurately reproduce the sound
and control layout of the original unit. Design goals for this
reproduction of the Bi-Phase were:
- to match, as closely as possible, the sound of the original
- to maintain the same or a very similar control layout
- to package the pedal in a size and format that would allow it to be used live
- to dispense with the need for a special controller pedal for switching channels on/off, or for controlling pedal sweep
The Pi-Phase mk2 is all-analog and parts-accurate to the original, as
much as is possible. To our ears, and the ears of many previous
customers, the Pi-Phase mk2 sounds like the real-deal. How much like it?
Original Bi-Phases are pretty old, and some units suffer from parts
drift, lack of maintenance, and lack of calibration; each 'well-gigged'
Bi-Phase can easily sound different to the next. With the Pi-Phase mk2
we give you 'factory fresh' dual-phaser experience.
The control layout was condensed to fit the targeted pedal format,
while still providing a clear and understandable way of operating the
unit. The original architecture of the dual LFOs / dual phase shifters
has accurately been retained. As per the original, a manual isn't really
even needed to explain how the unit works, or what the possibilities
are. The resultant format - a pedal 50mm (~2") high, 188mm (7.4") wide
and 122mm (4.8") deep - can readily be accommodated on most
pedal-boards. The Pi-Phase mk2 is powder-coated and the labels are made
out of industrial-strength polycarbonate for looks that will resist the
worst live gigs have to offer.
No special extra foot-switch is necessary to operate the Pi-Phase
mk2; true-bypass foot-switching for each individual phase channel is
built into the pedal. An expression pedal may be connected to the CV
PEDAL socket at the rear of the Pi-Phase mk2; the pot in the expression
pedal should be connected across the sleeve and ring terminals of a
stereo cable, with the wiper connected to the tip. We recommend an
expression pedal that incorporates a 10k linear pot (e.g. Boss EV-5,
EV-7) for optimal performance. Alternatively, you can connect an
external CV signal in the range of 0-5V for controlling the Pi-Phase mk2
from a modular synth or modulation source. Either method - expression
pedal or CV - allows controlling of LFO speeds and / or manual sweep of
the phase sections.
Each pedal comes with reproductions of the original unit's program
cards, including a new preset of Prophecysound design, and some blank
program cards to record your own settings. A printed manual, with
quick-start and detailed information on the pedal, is also supplied. A
PDF of this manual is available for download at the bottom of this page.
Made for the highest quality
This pedal is manufactured and assembled in Adelaide, South
Australia. We believe in working with people we can meet and discuss our
requirements with face-to-face, and in utilizing local companies to
stimulate the economy. Most importantly, our local manufacturers have
many years of experience, and we trust them to help us produce products
that are second-to-none in terms of quality and reliability.
The Pi-Phase mkII in late 2016 now uses a normal Boss style power supply of 9vDC or 12vDC but requires high current of 300mA or more (DO NOT use a power supply with less current as it can cause damage). The older ones (pre MK-II) required an external AC power supply
providing approximately 15VAC (not DC, AC!) with minimum 500ma and a
2.1mm barrel plug.
|