Introduction
Electro-Harmonix has unveiled the Pico Bright Harmony Machine,a compact pedal that encapsulates the essence of its larger counterpart in a sleek,space-saving design that fits seamlessly into any pedalboard.
This innovative pedal generates two- or three-part harmonies in any key, offering a variety of intervals to enhance your sound.
Specifications
- PRICE: $149 | £119 | €131
- ORIGIN: USA
- TYPE: Pitch-shifting pedal
- FEATURES: buffered bypass, 12 selectable keys, 10 single intervals, 10 dual intervals
- CONTROLS: Volume, mix, Key, Interval, Natural/Sharp or Dual button, bypass footswitch
- CONNECTIONS: Standard input, standard output
- POWER: 9V DC adaptor (included) 100mA
- DIMENSIONS: 50 (w) x 91 (d) x 47mm (h)
- CONTACT: Electro-Harmonix
Performance and Sound Quality
The pedal features Volume and Mix knobs alongside two additional rotary controls for Key and Interval. While the latter two are not detented, each pitch or interval is located within a specific segment of their rotation, with an LED indicator flashing briefly as you transition between segments.
The Key knob is clearly labeled, but the Interval knob lacks markings for the eight single intervals between the octave extremes.
A dedicated button allows you to select between natural or sharp keys, and it also activates Dual mode, enabling the Interval knob to select two different intervals at once.
Initial impressions reveal impressive tracking capabilities-notes are pitch-shifted instantly and accurately without any noticeable lag.
While the pedal is primarily designed for single-note applications, it can handle polyphonic sounds when set to an octave interval, allowing for a rich 12-string-like jangle when combined with the upper octave and a lower Mix setting. Alternatively, selecting the octave down with the Mix knob fully turned up enables bassline creation.
The standout feature is undoubtedly the harmonies. For single harmonies, you can select from 6th, 4th, and 3rd down, as well as 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th up.
Even though the pitch-shifted voices may have a metallic quality when isolated, they blend effectively with your dry sound when mixed proportionally.
Conclusion
Rating: ★★★★
We were notably impressed by the musicality and added depth of the Dual harmonies, especially those that combine both pitched-down and pitched-up intervals.
Choose your key, adhere to the notes within it, and you’ll be rewarded with harmonies that can mimic the sound of two or three guitars playing in unison.
Guitar World verdict: If you’re looking to incorporate harmonies into your playing, the Pico Intelligent Harmony Machine is an affordable solution that won’t take up too much space on your pedalboard.
Video demonstrations
EHX
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Guitar Center
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