Guitar Effects by Roger Mayer

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  New!! Hard Rock and Heavy Metal Fuzz

The Rocket Mongoose has been updated with additional features into our standard enclosure that houses our range of guitar effects. This brings this popular design into a modern player and pedal board friendly package.
The immense sustain at low volume and the well rounded very heavy tone has made this a favourite amongst hard rock and metal heads for over 20 years.
It cleans up superbly with guitar volume control and has great articulation between notes that encourages shredding and tapping techniques. MORE

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  New!! Stadium Hard Rock Fuzz

The Rocket Spitfire has been updated with additional features into our standard enclosure that houses our range of guitar effects. This brings this popular design into a modern player and pedal board friendly package.
Clear note articulation and the ability to clean up from the guitar volume control plus immense sustain at low amp volume together with the heavy tone optimised to create great stadium rock sounds makes it a favourite amongst many famous bands for both live and studio recording. MORE

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ADDITIONAL FEATURES FOR MONGOOSE -X AND SPITFIRE - X:

FATNESS CONTROL:
allows tweaking without destroying units overall tone character.
HARD WIRE(TRUE BYPASS) OR TWO BUFFERED OUTPUTS
essential for trouble free interfacing for all situations.
EASY BATTERY ACCESS
just slide the cover back to reveal the battery. Could not be faster.
STANDARD DC POWERING JACK
allows the use of commercial powering units. Extra internal filtering ensures low noise performance. MORE

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VISION WAH SPECIAL TWO PEDALS IN ONE.. WAH PLUS VOLUME

The Roger Mayer Vision Wah Special is the second in the Vision Low Line series of foot controllers and provides auto switching between the two functions of wah or volume. Players can now change from wah and control their volume instantly they have finished using the wah function. The low profile and silky smooth action entices players to use both functions in new ways as awkward and stiff mechanical manipulations of a gear train and switch are removed in this new modern evolution of the established 40-year-old design. I have a long history of successfully creating wah electronics that have produced some of the most notable wah sounds ever recorded and I am happy to bring the "Band of Gypsys" wah tones plus a Volume pedal with variable range together in one modern ergonomically designed package. Players can now achieve a more natural way to express themselves as the connection between foot and mind become virtually transparent.

FRONT CONTROLS:
WAH SWEEP :
Continuous control of wah sweep frequency. Discover the wah tones I developed for Jimi and used by him at the "Band of Gypsys" concert.
WAH BLEND:
This allows blending of the guitar back into the wah sound to allow full control of wah depth and Q.

Other adjustable features:
VARIABLE VOLUME RANGE :
Access to this multi-turn control is through a small hole on the bottom cover and allows precise adjustment of the volume level required when the pedal is in the up position.

BYPASS SWITCH FEEL :
The pressure required on the foot plate in the down position to actuate the changeover or bypass can be set electronically on the PC Card.

BYPASS MODE:
There are two modes that can be selected via by moving a jumper on the card.
Mode 1 = AUTO - Switch between WAH and VOLUME.
Mode 2 = WAH - Switch between WAH and BYPASS.

PEDAL FEEL :
A vari-friction nylon bearing adjusts the pedal feel and because the top plate is fully balanced it will remain in position even in the lightest friction settings.

FEATURES:
Ergonomic Player Design:
It is 40% lower than the Cry Baby Style of pedals and also has 28% more angular travel. The slightly downwards position of the top plate results in a much more relaxed and balanced operating posture and also allows the player to step off the pedal in a forward motion whilst simultaneously operating the bypass function. The silky smooth feel and low profile all improve the overall physical performance by using a foot control that is natural and easy to use. The cables plug into the side pods and are swept back out of harms way. The front control knobs are also recessed into the side pods to provide protection.

No potentiometer gears or switch:
Advanced instrumentation techniques measure the top plate angle continuously to provide data that controls the wah, volume and bypass switch functions. This solid-state approach results in reliable silent operation with no parts to wear out and replace.

Balanced Top Plate:
This enables the position to be held at any friction level.

Pedal Status:
LED indicator on the side pod.

Powering:
Internal 9V battery or from an AC Adapter (not supplied).

Front view showing low profile Side view showing low profile


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NEW PULSE WAVES FOR MODERN SOUNDS
HISTORY:
The Voodoo-Vibe+ is the latest evolution of the Univibe as used by Jimi Hendrix and Robin Trower. The Voodoo-Vibe+ will faithfully reproduce all the old retro sounds and incorporates the modifications I personally developed for Jimi. The Supervibe was my next evolution of the Univibe and many leading performers including Stevie Ray Vaughan and Robin Trower used this unit. The Voodoo-Vibe followed the Supervibe and is accepted as the industry leader and used by many top performers. The Voodoo-Vibe + also has a Tremolo circuit plus the usual Chorus and Vibrato functions and the control of the sound parameters has been greatly expanded. The addition of Pulse Square waveforms to the normal Classic waveforms is a valuable and useful addition to the sweep capabilities. The Speed of the sweep generator has also been expanded together with the Symmetry Range and these features greatly increase the options of producing many new and unheard effects and the Voodoo-Vibe+ is a modern and worthy successor to our very successful Voodoo-Vibe. The art of analogue processing has moved forward.

Technical:
The Voodoo-Vibe is completely analogue in operation and exhibits a very transparent and full sound quality that is lacking in digital products that simulate chorus and flanging effects The digital zipper noise and graininess is eliminated and the guitar tone is maintained throughout the full dynamic range. Class A discrete circuitry is used in all audio stages and results in ultra high audio quality and very low noise. The signal to noise ratio of the unit is 102dB, which is about 12dB better than a CD. Extensive internal power supply filtering is used so that the low noise performance is maintained when using even the most basic commercial mains adapter or battery eliminator.

FRONT CONTROLS:

Function:
The unit can be set to operate in Chorus, Vibrato or Tremolo modes by the front panel switch.

Speed Range:
The Voodoo-Vibe+ enables a selection of three speed ranges of either Classic or Pulse waveform. These two different types of sweep waveform when used in conjunction with the Symmetry control will allow completely different types of sweep effects to be produced. The maximum speed has been greatly increased to provide a blurred effect with sub-harmonic undertones being produced as the frequency reaches maximum. The maximum speed capacity should be investigated in any of the three operational modes together with the various intensity and symmetery parameters.

Speed:
This control allows the fine setting of the speed range as selected by the Speed Range switch.

Symmetry:
This controls the linearity of the Classic and ON/OFF ratio of the Pulse waves, which are used to sweep the filter sections or modulate the tremolo section. When the ratio of the rise and fall time of the Classic wave is varied from the usual symmetrical 50% to other values it has the audible effect of altering the way the filter sweeps as the symmetry is adjusted away from the norm. It is now possible to have a fast rise and a slow decay or the reverse by manipulation of this control. The ON/OFF ration of the pulse wave can be varied in a similar manner to provide variable switching waveforms for the modulation filters or tremolo section. The intensity ,bias and symmetery controls work together providing a wide range of effects.
Wild pulse tremolo sounds are easily created as well as outrageous modulation effects.

Bias:
This control enables the unit to be tuned to produce different sweep effects in the chorus and vibrato modes and will change the centre sweep frequency. In the tremolo mode the bias sets the depth of effect as well as the offset. This control is one of the most important sweep parameters to get right and it pays to only make small changes and carefully evaluate them.

Intensity:
The level of depth of effect can be set by this control and is used in conjunction with the other controls to set up the effect required.

Output:
This controls sets the Output Level required.

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ROGER'S FAVOURITE PEDAL COMBINATIONS AND TIPS
If you are interested to find out more about how to use and arrange the sequence of pedals for different tones take the time out to download this Application Note from our web site. Click on the link below to download the file in PDF format.
ROGER'S TIPS

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HELLO AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
We are pleased to announce that Guitar Toyz in Melbourne, AUSTRALIA are our new importers and distributors for RM Pedals. They have a fantastic new website with on line ordering so please check it out.
www.guitartoyz.com.au

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HELLO... DENMARK - NORWAY - SWEDEN
We are pleased to announce that Musikhuset Aage Jensen, Copenhagen, Denmark are our new importers and distributors for RM Pedals. Visit their stores or order on line.
www.aage.dk

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We invite you visit us at myspace music for more information and pics relating to the musicians and bands who are our friends. Please feel to become one of our listed friends to help you network with other musicians. There is more information about the records Roger Mayer has played on and his extensive Production Credits and involvement with guitar legends.
www.myspace.com/rogermayer

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 Radio Switching Systems
6 Channel System shown

INTRODUCTION: The Mission Controller series of modules is a flexible and expandable system using the latest digitally encrypted FM Radio technology. We are introducing the 6 Channel System as a starting point for those who wish to move forward and experience the freedom from wires and awkward guitar effects pedal boards. Commands for tone change can now be sent from the floor or guitar strap using the transmitters shown. It doesn't end there as we also have custom potentiometers for your guitar to enable you to control a transmitter that fits under the pick guard. Up to 26 channels are available by adding more modules.

PLAYER FREEDOM: Simplifying the way guitar pedals are selected whilst performing was the prime motivation. By not having a crowded pedal board in front of you with all the wires and mess you can set up the floor controller and guitar controller to easily select the guitar effects or combined selection in the most convenient way. Players can now change the effects path or amp channels without having to find the right guitar pedal switch on a crowded stage or pedal board by using radio remote control. The guitar pedals can now be placed in the optimum position next to the guitar amplifier and at waist height. Ease of use frees the mind to concentrate on playing producing increased performance confidence by having control always in the same place on your floor controller, guitar strap or guitar. This new freedom will change the way you play as well as improve your stage presence by maintaining audience eye contact. The nightmare of finding the right button to push in the dark will be gone forever. Changing effects loops between songs when required means that echo, as an example can always be controlled from the same designated transmitter switch place. You can always change to a different echo for another song but the position of the echo control switch remains in the same place.

SYSTEM INFORMATION: The system consists of an FM transmitter and receiver using rolling code encrypted digital signal packets. The frequency bands that are used require no license to operate and the overall performance of the system is secure and free from hacking or interference. The range is over 35m in all conditions and exceeds this in open air and most auditoriums. The RX-1 receiver can learn the unique code of up to 7 transmitters thus making guitar changing easy. The transmitter also transmits a signal when it's time to change the battery but battery life is over 9 months with normal use. We have chosen to use the best and most secure radio system available rather than cheaper AM or Bluetooth for this critical application. The audio switching is direct using reed relays with special low level signal contacts in a vacuum and therefore cannot be improved by any other method. The overall system parameters represent the state of the art and certainly the Mission Controller is the first Radio FX Switching System of it's kind in the World for musicians.

TRANSMITTERS: You have the choice of having control from a Floor Controller, Guitar Strap or directly from your Guitar. All the transmitters have a battery life of over 9 months and also transmit a low battery alert signal to the receiver and decoder.

SKYSCRAPER GUITAR STRAP TRANSMITTER: This controls 2 insert or effects loops with a push on - push off command. The commands are decoded by the RX-1 receiver or SX-4 and control the reed relay audio switching to insert or bypass the loop or effect. The switching action can also be easily configured to act as a remote footswitch: e.g. amplifier channel switching.

TX-4 FLOOR CONTROLLER TRANSMITTER: This controls a further 4 insert or effects loops using a push on - push off command. You can use up to 6 TX-4 units for multiple area access or to expand the total number of channels up to 26. A black plastic strip is provided to write on.

GUITAR TRANSMITTERS: The potentiometers that control volume or tone can be replaced with our Guitar Transmitter Potentiometer or GTX pot that when pushed on produces a soft feel click that sends a command. The transmitter module and battery are housed behind the scratch plate and now radio control is possible by pushing on the guitars knobs. Switching an effect couldn't be easier or less conspicuous.

RX-1 RECEIVER: This is housed in our standard sized enclosure and has been configured to receive the commands from all of the transmitters used. It also provides switching functions for 2 insert or effects loops. Provision for storing the antenna when travelling is provided plus led indication of the status each of the channels. A low transmitter battery alert led is also provided and recessed switch and a led for the learn function complete the front panel features. It can be powered by a 9V battery or from an AC Adapter (not provided). The data stream that is received can be further connected to the SX-4 switching decoder modules via a normal guitar patch cable.

SX-4 SWITCHING DECODER: This is housed in our standard sized enclosure and controls 4 more switching functions of insert or effects loops. It is connected to the master RX-1 receiver via the data bus. The SX-4 can be learnt to recognise one or more unique transmitter code signatures. It can be powered by a 9V battery or from an AC Adapter (not provided). The signal path is further optimised by using jack sockets that are normally connected to the next insert in line thus reducing the amount of cables required when using effects connected to form a train.

OTHER APPLICATIONS:

RECORDING STUDIO WORK:  Remote control of effects or equipment through the glass or in a sound booth.

TRIGGERING AN EXTERNAL DEVICE:  The system can be used to control any device during a performance. Light, smoke special FX etc.



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INTRODUCTION: We are happy to annouce our new format audio jukebox that features streamed audio at the touch of a button. It will stream audio within a few seconds by clicking on one of the buttons. The buttons that are active have a green border and those yet to be loaded up have a red border. At the bottom there are also two arrow buttons to navigate to the next selection forwards or backwards. You do not need a broadband connection and it will work with a dial up connection using a 56K modem. The audio quality is mono 22Kb/s so it is in reality pretty low fi but you can get a good idea of the sounds. Please take a look below and click on the buttons to get an idea of how it works.

EXAMPLES OF AUDIO CLIPS

AUDIO CLIP INFORMATION: If you press on the information logo button you will be directed to a new page that displays the info about the clips. This will include the artist name and a link to their site to enable further info to be obtained about the music, band and other details. This interactive feature is our way of saying thank you and giving you exposure to a worldwide audience. We will also include basic guitar and amp info. The idea is to give a wide and varied selection of the sounds you can achieve both in a solo situation and in a track. The jukebox buttons are duplicated to give access from this page and a further button with tips from Roger about the pedals. This page also navigates to the main pedal page and back to the jukebox.

1 Artist info, link, guitar and amp etc.
2
3
4
5
6
7 Roger talks about Axis Fuzz

MAIN AXIS INFO

INVITATION TO SUBMIT AUDIO CLIPS:
We welcome audio clips from any of our users for consideration for a place on our juke box.

If you do not already own a Roger Mayer pedal we suggest that you consult our distributors and dealers page and give them a listen. After all it makes sense to go to the source. We have a history of over 40 years of supplying the best to the best.

Please do not submit clips by e-mail.
Follow the link below for full details:
JUKEBOX INVITATION

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 Fox stepping on Octavia  Octavia

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1968-1969 Wedge Octavia/Octavio
ROGER MAYER WEDGE SHAPED OCTAVIA/OCTAVIO 1968-1969 MODEL SHOWN ABOVE: If you have an interest in the development and history of my Octavia evolutions please follow the link below to get the real scoop and discover the truth from the man who invented the Octavia/Octavio. The photos of my wedge shaped box shown above are of the box on permanent display at the EMP museum in Seattle. As you can see, handwired breadboard prototype construction with no printed circuit card.
OCTAVIA/OCTAVIO HISTORY


VISION OCTAVIA REVIEW: Read what others say about the Vision Octavia and it's position as the leader in this style of effect. After all how could a copy exceed a design from the inventor. Click on this link to read the review:   http://www.musicgearsource.com/visionoctavia.html

OCTAVIA NEWS:The Octavia continues to receive critical acclaim from Magazines 40 years after I designed the first incarnation that was used by Jimi on " Purple Haze" and "Fire" recorded at Olympic Studios in Feb 1967. In fact a clone of one of my Octavia designs the "Tycobrahe Octavia" which in fact was never optimised for 9 volt operation also made it into the list. Now what's really amusing to me is that there are people and companies out there in "Garage Boutique Land" who claim to make the best copy of a clone: i.e. the Tycobrahe. The latest clone to appear is the Dunlop Octavio a quasi copy fom the unit on display at the Hendrix exhibit at the EMP museum, Seattle. None of the clones produced are copied from the original unit used on these recordings. People say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery so all I can say to those copy cats is THANK YOU! But if you want to have the REAL DEAL, ask yourselves why doesn't Roger still make the same design used on these recordings. The answer is that our Octavia development moved on from the first evolution and the latest evolution of the Octavia used by Jimi Hendrix is still produced today in the Rocket shaped enclosure. It is superior in every way to the older versions I made and incorporates touch sensitivity as well as player feed forward control. The Vision Octavia is the latest evolution with added tone control and offers a modern upgrade with the same great Octavia tone. The many top players that use the Roger Mayer Octavia today will attest to its superiority over the clones of clones. So there you have it. Get an ORIGINAL OCTAVIA from the man who invented it.

OCTAVIA HINTS FROM PLAYERS:  Click on this link to get hints. To read this link you will need to have a copy of the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer.
The Acrobat Reader can be downloaded free from the following web site.
http://www.adobe.co.uk/products/acrobat/readstep2.html


VISION WAH: The Vision Wah is fast becoming the choice of top players. As more and more people try this new revolutionary design wah pedal it is evident that after a short time of using the Vision Wah going back to using to the old Cry Baby design that had been around for so long is hard as it's shortcomings become very obvious when confronted with the low profile and the comfortable operating stance that this new design allows.

The following web pages will help you to decide what device might suit you but if you can get to a store give them a listen or if they don't stock them ask why? After all you are buying something that will change your sound so it does make sense to try them out. Many of our dealers and distributors handle all kinds of mail or e-mail transactions so check out the distributor web page and contact one. They are there to help you.  Internet users are invited to check our web pages or those of our distributors.

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