What type of circuitry does the Diamond Phase use?

The pedal uses a fully analogue circuit built around six carefully matched JFETs. This ensures a smooth, musical modulation that responds dynamically to your playing.

What is the significance of 'matched' JFETs?

Matching JFETs ensures that each stage of the phaser reacts identically to the control voltage. This results in a more symmetrical and predictable sweep, avoiding the lopsided or harsh sounds found in lesser circuits.

Can I change the number of phasing stages?

Yes, the pedal features a selector that allows you to choose between 2, 4, or 6 stages of operation. This allows for a range of sounds from subtle movement to deep, textured modulation.

What does the 2-stage setting sound like?

The 2-stage setting is the most transparent and gentle mode. It offers a subtle wash that is often compared to vintage 'vibe' pedals or light rotary effects.

How does the Diamond Phase compare to the original PSH-1?

It is designed to bring back the smooth musical character of the PSH-1 but in a significantly more compact, pedalboard-friendly enclosure. The internal architecture remains focused on the same high-quality JFET phasing.

Does the pedal have a volume control?

Yes, it includes an Output Level control. This allows you to precisely match the volume of the effect to your bypassed signal or add a slight boost to help the effect cut through a mix.

What is the purpose of the Feedback control?

The Feedback control feeds a portion of the phased signal back into the circuit. This increases the resonance of the peaks and valleys in the sweep, creating a more pronounced and 'vocal' effect.

Is the Diamond Phase 6-Stage JFET Phaser digital?

No, it is a fully analogue pedal. There is no digital processing involved in the signal path, ensuring a natural and organic tone.

What does the DBL footswitch do?

The ON/DBL footswitch configuration provides flexible performance options. While the 'ON' switch engages the effect, the 'DBL' functionality typically allows for a secondary speed or depth setting for real-time variation.

Is this pedal suitable for high-gain setups?

Yes, its design maintains clarity and definition. It can be placed before distortion pedals like the Big Muff for a vintage psychedelic sound or after them for a more dramatic, modern sweep.

Can I use an expression pedal with this unit?

While the manufacturer description focuses on the compact layout and tactile controls, many Diamond pedals of this calibre support external control. However, one should check the specific jack configuration for compatibility with controllers like the Yamaha FC7.

What is the typical price for this pedal?

The typical price for the Diamond Pedals Phase 6-Stage JFET Phaser is approximately GBP 249. This reflects its high-grade analogue components and build quality.

Gear article

Diamond Pedals Phase 6-Stage JFET Phaser

The Diamond Pedals Phase 6-Stage JFET Phaser is a fully analogue modulation effect designed to provide organic, responsive phasing in a compact format. Built using six carefully matched JFETs, it serves as the modern successor to the original Diamond PSH-1, offering selectable stage modes for varied sonic textures.

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Overview and History

The Diamond Pedals Phase 6-Stage JFET Phaser represents a contemporary evolution of the brand's classic modulation designs. It was specifically engineered to recapture the musical character of the original Diamond PSH-1 while addressing the needs of modern guitarists by reducing the physical footprint for pedalboard efficiency. The unit remains fully analogue, relying on high-quality components to ensure signal integrity.

Historically, JFET-based phasers are known for their warmth and responsiveness compared to OTA-based designs. By using matched JFETs, Diamond ensures that the phasing sweeps are symmetrical and harmonically pleasing, maintaining the brand's reputation for high-fidelity audio processing.

Functional Operation

The pedal operates by splitting the input signal and passing one portion through a series of all-pass filters—the 'stages'—which shift the phase of specific frequencies. When recombined with the original signal, phase cancellation occurs, creating the characteristic 'whoosh' sound.

A key feature of this model is the stage selector, which allows users to toggle between 2, 4, or 6 stages of phasing:

2-Stage: Provides a subtle, transparent movement similar to a vintage vibe.
4-Stage: Delivers the classic, standard phasing sound found on many iconic recordings.
6-Stage: Offers the deepest, most complex modulation for textured and pronounced effects.

Precision controls for Speed, Depth, and Feedback allow for fine-tuning the sweep rate and intensity, while an Output Level control ensures unity gain or a slight boost when the effect is engaged.

Sonic Character

The Phase 6-Stage JFET Phaser is characterised by its rich and organic tone. Because it utilizes six carefully matched JFETs, the modulation feels dynamic and responsive to the player's touch. Unlike digital emulations, the analogue circuitry maintains clarity and definition even at extreme settings. The feedback control adds a resonant peak to the sweep, allowing for more aggressive, 'chewy' textures without sacrificing the fundamental tone of the guitar.

Target Audience and Rig Integration

This pedal is suited for guitarists who require a versatile modulation tool that covers both subtle movement and deep swirling effects. Its compact size makes it an ideal choice for professional pedalboards where space is at a premium. Due to its high headroom and clear output, it integrates well with other effects, such as the Electro Harmonix Big Muff for saturated lead tones or the Boss DD-3T for ambient soundscapes.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other modulation options, such as the Fender Hammertone Flanger or the Behringer UC200 Ultra Chorus, the Diamond Phaser offers a specific frequency-notching character unique to JFET circuits. While a flanger like the Hammertone uses a time-delay principle for metallic sweeps, the Phase 6-Stage provides a smoother, more liquid-like oscillation. Unlike the Digitech Whammy Ricochet, which focuses on pitch shifting, the Diamond Phaser remains dedicated to traditional analogue phase modulation.

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Frequently asked questions

What type of circuitry does the Diamond Phase use?: The pedal uses a fully analogue circuit built around six carefully matched JFETs. This ensures a smooth, musical modulation that responds dynamically to your playing.
What is the significance of 'matched' JFETs?: Matching JFETs ensures that each stage of the phaser reacts identically to the control voltage. This results in a more symmetrical and predictable sweep, avoiding the lopsided or harsh sounds found in lesser circuits.
Can I change the number of phasing stages?: Yes, the pedal features a selector that allows you to choose between 2, 4, or 6 stages of operation. This allows for a range of sounds from subtle movement to deep, textured modulation.
What does the 2-stage setting sound like?: The 2-stage setting is the most transparent and gentle mode. It offers a subtle wash that is often compared to vintage 'vibe' pedals or light rotary effects.
How does the Diamond Phase compare to the original PSH-1?: It is designed to bring back the smooth musical character of the PSH-1 but in a significantly more compact, pedalboard-friendly enclosure. The internal architecture remains focused on the same high-quality JFET phasing.
Does the pedal have a volume control?: Yes, it includes an Output Level control. This allows you to precisely match the volume of the effect to your bypassed signal or add a slight boost to help the effect cut through a mix.
What is the purpose of the Feedback control?: The Feedback control feeds a portion of the phased signal back into the circuit. This increases the resonance of the peaks and valleys in the sweep, creating a more pronounced and 'vocal' effect.
Is the Diamond Phase 6-Stage JFET Phaser digital?: No, it is a fully analogue pedal. There is no digital processing involved in the signal path, ensuring a natural and organic tone.
What does the DBL footswitch do?: The ON/DBL footswitch configuration provides flexible performance options. While the 'ON' switch engages the effect, the 'DBL' functionality typically allows for a secondary speed or depth setting for real-time variation.
Is this pedal suitable for high-gain setups?: Yes, its design maintains clarity and definition. It can be placed before distortion pedals like the Big Muff for a vintage psychedelic sound or after them for a more dramatic, modern sweep.
Can I use an expression pedal with this unit?: While the manufacturer description focuses on the compact layout and tactile controls, many Diamond pedals of this calibre support external control. However, one should check the specific jack configuration for compatibility with controllers like the Yamaha FC7.
What is the typical price for this pedal?: The typical price for the Diamond Pedals Phase 6-Stage JFET Phaser is approximately GBP 249. This reflects its high-grade analogue components and build quality.