S1 · E38
June 2 · 51 min
TP
The Pedal Collaborative Podcast
THE PEDAL COLLABORATIVE
Welcome to The Pedal Collaborative podcast! Join hosts Alan and Paul as we expand from our YouTube channel into the world of audio. Each episode, we'll bring you in-depth guitar pedal and gear reviews, deep dives into specific effects pedals, and exclusive interviews with musicians and pedal builders. Whether you're a gear enthusiast, a working musician, or just curious about the world of guitar effects we hope you enjoy the journey. Tune in Wednesday mornings!
- 20 episodes
- Avg 44 min
- English
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S1 · E37April 21 · 13 minEpisode 37 - Where are all the pedals?!?! A Bite-Sized Snack
Hey everyone! Alan & Paul are back after a long hiatus! Are we back for good or just sporadically? Only time will tell! Today we're talking about the state of pedal economics and what our favorite pedal manufactures are releasing...or not releasing! We've been talking about this for a while now, grabbing our conversations more organically and not worrying about mics and production suites and all that jazz. Welcome to the world of the iPhone recording our phone call. Y'all get to hear the unscripted inner world of TPC! What do you think? Will this format work? Will our heroes be back next week or will they disappear in the night never to be seen again?
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S1 · E36May 28, 2025 · 30 minEpisode 36 - Conspiracies & the JHS NOTADÜMBLË Fumble Bumbles
This week on The Pedal Collaborative podcast we check in on the “fumble of the dumble” over at JHS Pedals regarding their recent mishaps with the Notadümblë circuit. Then we put on our tinfoils hats and explore whether there is a deep state secret involved at JHS, some Star Wars, and how it all comes together! Articles referenced: https://guitar.com/news/gear-news/jhs-discontinues-notadumble-pedal/ https://www.guitarpedalx.com/news/gpx-blog/in-honour-of-howard-alexander-dumbles-legacy---18-of-the-best-dumble-ods-style-compact-overdrive-pedals Outro Music by Alan Johnson ft. Meris Enzo X
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S1 · E35May 14, 2025 · 51 minEpisode 35 - The Hidden Truth About Cables
Quarter inch. TS. TRS. Straight. Right angle. Gold plated. Oxygen free. Solderless. Shielded. Cables are the conduit for creating music and sending that music from our instrument to a plethora of other things. Pedals. Amps. Interfaces. DIs. DAWs. Yes, they’re very important but do they have to be so damn complicated?!? In this episode the guys talk about instrument cables and patch cables and hone in on some of their knowledge they’ve collected over the years and well as a very healthy dose of opinion. Get their tips and advice to help you make the best decision for your sound! Cables Alan and Paul are currently into: Patch cables from Rockboard, Rock Stock, and Ernie Ball Instrument cables from Mogami and World’s Best Cables. Plus vote on if you want Alan to go deep on RF theory in a future episode! Outro Music by Paul McBride
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S1 · E34May 7, 2025 · 26 minEpisode 34 - Signature Series is a Joke!
Here we are once again, sharing some time with Alan & Paul as we round out another year around the sun for Paul. In this episode, the guys discuss signature series effects and gear, and how it's likely a money grab. Do you really need the "X" Signature Thingy-go-whatsie for 15% more than the regular "X"? Yeah that's what we thought too. We're not talking about collaborative efforts between artists and brands. We're cool with that...like the Walrus Audio & Yvette Young Qi Etherealizer, or the Keeley Andy Timmons Halo. This one's a good one you won't want to miss! Plus coffee ASMR and choose the next Pope using their skills as a guitar player! Outro Music by Alan Johnson
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S1 · E33Apr 30, 2025 · 40 minEpisode 33 - Paul's Fresh Tasty Treats
Paul's back from the dead! After missing last week's episode with Collision Devices due to illness, and a 2 week break before that, the dynamic duo is back together and better than ever! (Ok, even Paul admits he's not back to 100% but what can you do?) Alan & Paul talk a bit about the most recent preset packs they've released, one for the Meris Enzo X and the most recent release of a pack of 8 presets for the Strymon Timeline appropriately entitled "Paul's Fresh Tasty Treats." So wether you're wanting new presets for the latest and greatest pedal from Meris, or still hanging onto the oldie but a goodie Timeline, we've got new presets for you! More importantly, The guys break down how to get these preset packs, ESPECIALLY if you've purchased some of their Ultimate packs in the packs, because whether you were aware or not, once you buy an Ultimate pack, you get updated presets packs in that! Check them out over at patreon.com/thepedalcollaborative/shop. You can also head over there and look into the advantages of joining monthly at the Core Collaborator level; the only level to get you EVERYTHING! Then listen as Paul smoothly transitions to talking about the BRAND NEW Gritcake V2 (w/ TPC Mod) from our buddy Kris at Like Jones Pedals. Kris spend some time tweaking and adding some extra horses under the hood, and Paul & Alan talk through their favorite parts about this new offering! Plus, tips on when and why to buy vintage gear!! Outro Music by Paul McBride
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S1 · E32Apr 24, 2025 · 1 hr 30 minEpisode 32 - Black Holes & Sleepless Nights, an evening with Collision Devices
What do the parts of a black hole, staying up all night, and downloading your brain into a computer mainframe have in common? Simple, they're all part of the stories behind the different offerings from Collision Devices. Join Alan as he interviews Baptiste & Denis about their journey toward their unique approach to designing pedals, the lengths at which they go, and the sacrifices they're willing to make to bring you the very best product their minds can create. In this episode we explore their pedal lineup, bartering for tattoos, and give some tips on mixing your own chemical agents. We peel back the curtain a bit and hear some of what they're working on next, as well as their favorite things things that aren't their own products, like the Chroma Console and Microcosm from Hologram, the Ditto Looper and Montreal Assembly Count to 5. We even discuss musical inspirations like Nick Reinhart of Tera Melos as well as Ho99o9. You won't want to miss this episode! Plus, in a grand gesture of French hospitality, the fellas at Collision Devices have generously offered a special discount code for TPC listeners! Head to https://collisiondevices.com/ and use code "TPC15" for a 15% discount off select products! Wowza! Merci beaucoup Denis & Baptiste!! Outro Music by: Paul McBride (oh look you DO make an appearance here! haha)
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S1 · E31Apr 9, 2025 · 1 hr 25 minEpisode 31 - Staying Fresh in a World of Stale Clones, Inside the Minds of Meris, ft Terry & Angelo
After our interview last year with Jinna Kim, Creative Director of Meris, we knew we wanted to sit down with Terry Burton and Angelo Mazzocco and talk about our love for the X series and how they created them. In this episode we talk about Terry and Angelo's beginnings at Line6 and Strymon, the desire to create something really unique, and the birth of Meris. We learn how the company began with pro audio 500 series products and from those beginnings, birthed the 2 switch pedals we all know and love, to the evolution to the LVX, MercuryX, and Enzo X. We talk about gear from Terry and Angelo's products at Line6 (DL4 to Tonecore to Spyder), the Strymon Timeline among others, and the advent of the secondary alt functions first seen on the Strymon Brigadier and el Capistan and how they morphed into the alt functions on the Meris Polymoon, Mercury7, Enzo, Hedra, and Ottobit Jr. We discuss synthesis and synthesizers from Oberheim, Yamaha, Dave Smith, Moog, Melbourne Instruments, to Teenage Engineering, and hear about soundtracks from iconic Sci-Fi films like Dune, Blade Runner, Predator and more. Hear about Terry and Angelo's first pedals like the Crybaby Wah, A/DA Flanger, & Arion Distortion, to the Nordland Mosland MT-11 and Way Huge Fat Sandwich on their boards now. We also learn that Paul is a way huge Way Huge fan. There's a shout out from Terry to his new Science Amp and the guys draw inspiration from the likes of Andy Summer and Bill Steer. We cover a lot so sit down and buckle up. You won't want to miss this one. And if you're waiting to hear about what's next for Meris, as well as when to expect prEDITOR for Enzo X, you don't be disappointed! Outro Music by Alan Johnson
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S1 · E30Apr 2, 2025 · 53 minEpisode 30 - Living Out Your Dream, with Evan Haymond of OC Pedal Co.
When do you take a dream or idea, with all it's insecurities, and turn it into a reality? That's exactly what Evan Haymond did when he went from touring/studio session player to designing his own pedals and starting his own company, OC Pedal Co. Listen in as this week Alan & Paul chat with Evan about how he got his starts, the pedals he has so far, the Buena Park Boost and La Habra, and maybe a hint or two about what he has coming next! Plus, get local tips for the best tacos in Orange County! Find OC Pedal Co online HERE and on Instagram! Outro music by Alan Johnson
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S1 · E29Mar 26, 2025 · 25 minEpisode 29 - Is GAS a Thing of the Past?? 4 Tips to Buy the Right Pedal
We've all been there. Spontaneously buying a pedal we don't need. We justify it any way we can to make ourselves feel better. Deep down we know it's not going to solve anything. It's not a magical unicorn that will nail down the elusive toan we've been after. Admit it. It looks pretty. It has that "IT" diode on it. The secret YouTube influencer you pretend not to follow did a 45 minute video on why it's their next secret weapon. Maybe it's the 100th copy of a horsie that will somehow get you to like that circuit. Whatever the reasoning is for you, you know what we're talking about. G.A.S. Were you offended just now? Why? Gear Acquisition Syndrome is a thing, and boy have Alan and Paul suffered from it. Ok, Alan more than Paul, but nobody's keeping score. In this week's episode, the guys talk about choosing the right pedal and give 4 easy to follow and wise tips to help you determine if that fancy new DeLoreon is right for you. These sure-fire process is guaranteed to save you money and get you closer to finally being able to post your pedalboard online with the famous quote by Jesus Christ, "It. Is. Finished." What about you? Are you able to resist the dark side? Or is resistance futile? Drop a comment and tell us what works for you or leave an anonymous message on our tipline so we can give you our thoughts for your unique situation. Outro music by Paul McBride
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S1 · E28Mar 19, 2025 · 38 minEpisode 28 - How to Build Meris LVX Preset + FREE PRESETS
Here we are once again finding ourselves inside the conversations of Alan & Paul. Today's episode, Paul asks Alan about his approach to making patches on the Meris X series, and more specifically the LVX. Alan talks through his though process in making both original presets and emulation presets and gives several tips on how to make the most out of your own presets! PLUS, get FOUR free LVX presets based on the Chase Bliss Thermae and Tonal Recall for FREE on the TPC Patreon page HERE! Also, hear updates on the Canadian tariff situation and more! Outro by Paul McBride
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S1 · E27Mar 12, 2025 · 38 minEpisode 27 - The Real Victims of Canadian Tariffs / When to Choose Mono vs Stereo
Welcome back to another week of Alan & Paul discussing the very important things in life: effects pedals. In this episode, the fellas catch up on the last few weeks of travel and sickness, some new pedals they've been playing with, as well as a few releases that caught their eye, like the super limited batch of Dr. Scientist Tremolescence pedals, which inevitably get Alan & Paul ranting about the newly implemented tariffs on Canadian goods (to the US). Paul correlates this with a story arc from Star Wars: Episode 1, which leads Alan to ask who is our modern day Natalie Portman. Spoiler alert: it's Natalie Portman. Finally the guys talk about the intended topic of the episode: when to choose mono vs stereo with effects and give good insight on things to look for when making that choice both from an individual pedal perspective, and reflecting on you the player. Join us for a few laughs as we welcome you into the banter of our regular conversation on such things, and as we tease the idea of a new tier of podcast: TPC After Hours...or After Dark, we haven't decided. Outro Music by Alan Johnson
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S1 · E26Mar 5, 2025 · 24 minEpisode 26 - Klone Wars & What Was Strymon Thinking?
This week join Alan & Paul as they introduce their March Madness style shootout between 8 different Klon clones. We're calling it The Klone Wars, because well, it marries three of Paul's favorite things: pedals, basketball, and Star Wars. What could be better? Then listen as the fellas discuss the new Strymon EC-1 pedal and their candid feelings on what the hell Strymon is up to and why haven't they released a Timeline MX?!?! We really want to see a Timeline MX, don't you!?! Outro music by Paul McBride
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S1 · E25Feb 26, 2025 · 40 minEpisode 25 - The X Factor, Dissecting the Meris Enzo X
This week Alan & Paul round out the month of February discussing the newest X-series release from Meris, the Enzo X, what they saw coming and what was a surprise. They also talk about the newest additions to the JHS 3 Series, plus one final push to raise money for those affected by the LA wildfires, and more. Outro music by Alan Johnson
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S1 · E24Feb 19, 2025 · 31 minEpisode 24 - Signal Chain Series: Uncovering the Power of YouTube Influencers
In this episode, Paul and Alan dissect the important steps of getting clean power for your amps and pedals. Spawned by a question about YouTube Influencers and how they get their clean tone without excess noise. The discussion centers around Real amps vs amp sims Editing out noise in post Power conditioners Isolated power supplies Which of these are important to achieving the best tone and which ones are a myth. TL;DR they're all important for different reasons, but find out what two are of the utmost importance to every guitarist. Plus, get actual items to consider, available at, but not brought to you by Sweetwater. Outro music by Paul McBride
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S1 · E23Feb 12, 2025 · 47 minEpisode 23 - 2024 TPC Awards Results / The NEW Qi Etherealizer
In today's episode, Paul and Alan do a little housekeeping, talking about the LA Fire Relief efforts & giveaway throughPatreon, a wistful discussion about the Chase Bliss Mystery Box and its impact on the used pedal market. Then they go over the winners of the 2024 TPC Awards as nominated inEpisode 22 with Mike from Relic Music. The winners are: Best Low-Medium Gain Overdrive:EAE/Science Amps Mother Preamp Best High Gain:Caroline Wave Cannon Zero Best Modulation:Benson Amps/Non-Human Audio Florist Best Time-Based Effect:Old Blood Noise Dark Star V3 Best Experimental Effect:EAE Prismatic Wall Best Comeback/Reissue:Old Blood Noise Dark Star V3 Favorite Pedal of All Time:Ashville Music Tools ADG-1 Analog Delay Pedal of the Year:Hologram Electronics Chroma Console Huge thanks to all who voted on our Instagram, and congrats to all the winners and nominees! In the final topic of today's episode, Alan & Paul dive into the brand new Walrus Audio & Yvette Young signature pedal, the Qi Etherealizer. You can hear the FIRST SOUNDS video onPatreon orYouTube, and hear the glorious coming together of chorus, delay, reverb, and a unique granular effect, all powered by Walrus's brand new, proprietary MDSP module. Outro music from Qi Ethereal First Sounds video
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S1 · E22Feb 5, 2025 · 1 hr 2 minEpisode 22 - The Best of 2024 with Mike Nicosia of Relic Music
This week Alan and Paul are joined by Mike Nicosia of Relic Music for our awards show for 2024. To cast your vote, comment on what you think should win! Award Categories 1: Best Supporting Overdrive: For outstanding achievement in low to medium gain Paul: 1981 Inventions DRV Mod1 Alan: Nordvang Altitude Mike: EAE Science Mother Preamp 2: Best Leading Distortion: For excellence in high-gain territories Paul: Keeley Octa Psi Alan: Collision Devices Tars DLX Mike: Caroline Wave Cannon Zero*, Jam Rattler MKII 3: Best Performance in a Modulation Role: Celebrating innovation in movement and swoosh Paul: Champion Leccy Skitzy Alan: Walrus Monumental Mike: Benson/Non-Human Florist, Red Panda Radius 4: Best Time-Based Effects in a Leading Role: Excellence in delay and reverb Paul: Old Blood Noise Endeavors Dark Star V3, Meris Black LVX 10th Anniversary Alan: Matthews Effects Technician Mike: Old Blood Noise Endeavors Dark Star V3 5: Best Sound Design in an Experimental Role: For pedals that push the boundaries of conventional effects Paul: EAE Prismatic Wall, Chase Bliss Onward Alan: Hologram Electronics Chroma Console Mike: EAE Prismatic Wall 6: Best Comeback: Celebrating the best reissue or new version of a pedal Paul: Old Blood Noise Dark Star V3 Alan: Keeley Germanium Blues Disorder Mike: BSRI Wikipedia List of Unusual Articles 7: Lifetime Achievement Award: Favorites pedals of all time Paul: Strymon Timeline Alan: Meris LVX, MercuryX Mike: Mr. Black Supermoon Chrome, Eterna, Asheville Music Tools ADG-1, Dirge Slowly Melting, Pladask Etterslep 8: Best Picture (Pedal of the Year): The most impressive overall achievement in effects Paul: Hologram Chroma Console Alan: Discomfort Designs Phantom Limb Mike: Chase Bliss Onward Outro music by Paul McBride
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S1 · E21Jan 29, 2025 · 48 minEpisode 21 - The Golden Age of America's Pedals
Alan and Paul are back after a long holiday break to start the new year. This week they take a look at the Reverb.com breakdown of most purchased pedal by state in 2024, talk a bit about their favorite new acquisitions since the holidays, and most importantly the current LA Fire relief aid packs that are available through the Patreon. Outro music by Alan Johnson Buy preset packs to help those affected by the LA fires HERE! Get the full list of Reverb's Most Popular Pedal in Every State
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S1 · E20Dec 4, 2024 · 31 minEpisode 20 - Only Pedals in the Building
In the wake of the Black Friday shopping weekend, Paul and Alan discuss all the buzz and excitement surrounding the Chase Bliss Mystery Box. They also tease some videos to come, and possibly most exciting of all, they reveal the big upgrade to their own Black Friday giveaway they're doing! It's huge! Outro music by Paul McBride Things mentioned in this episode: Chase Bliss Mystery Box Benson Delay Fairfield Circiutry EAE Prismatic Wall Kinetone Ribbons Discomfort Designs Phantom Limb Discomfort Designs Icelandic Spar Oprah Walrus Silt Boss DM-101 Meris MeruryX Meris LVX Dr. Scientist Atmosphere Strymon Bigsky Strymon Timeline JHS Flight Delay OBNE Dark Star V3 Chappell Roan Relic Music Shop Walrus Voyager Mkii Walrus Julianna Walrus Arp-87 Walrus Fathom Temple Audio Matthews Effects Technician Chase Bliss Mood Hologram Microcosm Vongon Replay Collision Devices Nocturnal Collision Devices Crushturnal Premier Guitar Stocking Stuffer Behringer Centaur Nordvang #1 Signature __ #BlackFridayShopping #MusicGear #PedalNerds #GuitarEffects #ChaseBlissMysteryBox #MusicTech #PodcastHighlights #GearTalk #MusicGearReview #EffectsPedals #BlackFridayDeals #MusicGearUnboxing #SoundDesign #AudioEquipment #MusicProduction #GuitarPedals #StudioGear #MusicGearHunting #IndieMusicGear #TechReview #MusicPodcast #Gearheads #MusicIndustry #SoundEngineering #MusicTechnology #PedalBoard #GuitarTone #MusicGearCommunity #StudioEquipment #AudioGeek
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S1 · E19Nov 27, 2024 · 1 hr 5 minEpisode 19 - How to Not Piss Off Your Sound Guy feat. James Wooten
This week on the podcast Alan and Paul are joined by James Wooten (front of house for Joywave, Walk the Moon, and others) to talk about things guitar players do with their gear that makes life hard for a front of house engineer. He also brings some great advice about what the best pedal is for playing live. We then discuss our Black Friday giveaway and a big reveal about what we're adding to the winner's pot! Outro music by James Wooten (Tabulae) Things mentioned in this episode: Joywave Keeley Ge Blues Disorder Tabulae Concert in Rochester Fuzz Factory Kaoss Pad Quad Dreadbox Disorder Chase Bliss Clean Radial EXTC JHS Colour Box Eventide H9 Muse Manson Guitars Boss Metal Zone MT-2 Walrus 385 Walrus Arp-87 Walrus Fathom Neill Blomkamp Old Blood Noise MAW Instagram.com/jameswooten Patreon.com/thepedalcollaborative #foh #frontofhouse #soundengineer #pa #tabulae #muse #murphy #rochesterny #rochester #aftershow #joywave #walkthemoon #misterwives #overdrive #reverb #delay #fuzz #synth #kaosspad #guitarpedals #distortion #kcbbq #barbecue #prophet #afterparty #guitarpedals #syntheffects #filter