Phaser Folks: EHX Small Stone vs Boss PH-1R?

[MattG]

I have someone who wants me to build a phaser, either a clone of the EHX Small Stone, or the Boss PH-1R. Looks like Aion has boards for both of these, the Sunstone OTA Phaser and the Emerald Resonant Phaser, respectively.

I haven't even played a phaser, let alone built one, in decades. The requestor doesn't seem to have a strong preference either way, he's actually asking for my recommendation. So I thought I'd subcontract the which one question to the PedalPCB community.

Appreciate any thoughts!
Thanks!

 

[Paradox916]

I prefer the PH-1 personally you have a little more control ability, the small stone is still a nice phaser it can get a bit richer and deeper sounding than the ph-1 which is cool but it’s not as versatile for my money.

 

[Synchrony Pedalworks]

Of the two, I preferred the PH-1. However, I like the phase 90 best.

 

[Bricksnbeatles]

Small stone for chewy psychedelic sounds. PH-1 for more background-y motion. What kind of music is he into?

 

[jimilee]

Small stone for chewy psychedelic sounds. PH-1 for more background-y motion. What kind of music is he into?

This, if I’m remembering right, the small stone is OTA and the PH-1 is transistor based.

 

[Paradox916]

This, if I’m remembering right, the small stone is OTA and the PH-1 is transistor based.

They are.

 

[Guardians of the analog]

Depends on the type of sounds your looking for and where in the signal chain you plan on using it. OTA based has a more synthy type of sound. jfet phasers have a more organic sound and have a certain crunch that ota doesn't have. Jfet phasers are more mid focused to my ears and meld better with drive, especially before drive. I find that ota gets lost in front of drive and behind is too overwhelming and takes over too much. I generally prefer jfet based and the PH-1 is my favorite.

 

[MattG]

Thanks guys! I pointed him to this thread, hoping to get a little more direction, and he said:

I like to be able to use it often and it not get in the way. I love Incubus but don't want to go 6 stage. I enjoy a phaser that has nice attack for funky passages but can also fill a space like an ambient effect. I play in a pretty experimental band, so versatility is key for me. I usually set it slow. I like it before gain pedals. More chordal stuff, less Van Halen.

He also said he'll watch some demos. But based on his comments, and the feedback here, it sounds like the PH-1R is probably the better fit.

 

[pricklyrobot]

Aion also have a Whetstone clone:

Redshift Deluxe Phaser / Blackout Whetstone

Based on the Blackout Effectors Whetstone, this tricked-out analog phaser has several switches and knobs for an expanded tonal palette.

aionfx.com

If you want a more tweakable Small Stone.

 

[jimilee]

The transistor based phasers are a bit more chimey sounding.the OTAs can get more swirly.

 

[Paradox916]

depending on how much he likes there is nothing wrong with having a Jfet , OTA and optical phaser in the arsenal.

 

[jimilee]

depending on how much he likes there is nothing wrong with having a Jfet , OTA and optical phaser in the arsenal.

And you can have as many of each as you want….I don’t have a problem, I can stop any time I want.

 

[Paradox916]

And you can have as many of each as you want….I don’t have a problem, I can stop any time I want.

One of each is enough for me

 

[Feral Feline]

From the outset of this thread I was thinking Whetstone, as per PricklyRobot's post #9.


However, you could build your pal a totally custom PH-1 with all the Whetstone's bells&whistles for maximum versatility.

I've outlined the changes needed to make a Phase 90 with all the Whetstone mods here. The PH-1 could take most if not all those mods, too.

 

[MattG]

Thanks again for all the help and suggestions! He ended up going with the Aion Emerald / Boss PH-1R. I just finished the client's build, and built a second for myself. Build report here.

Thanks again everyone!