What is the EarthQuaker devices Towers?
EarthQuaker Devices, the renowned Ohio-based company led by jamie and Julie Stillman, has established itself as a frontrunner in the realm of ambient and soundscaping effects pedals. The brand has revolutionized the reverb pedal landscape, boasting a catalog that reads like a prestigious list of iconic stompboxes. With standout models like Avalanche Run,Astral Destiny,and Afterneath,earthquaker continues to innovate and seeks to claim yet another coveted spot on your pedalboard.
Enter the Towers, a fascinating addition to the EQD reverb family, but with a unique twist.True to EarthQuaker’s innovative spirit, this pedal aims to redefine your expectations.
So, what sets it apart? The Towers is touted as a ‘Stereo Reverberant Filter’ that promises “limitless possibilities” for crafting experimental reverb sounds. While this may sound intimidating at first, the potential it offers is undeniably exciting.
In practical terms, the Towers processes your signal through a series of resonant filtered feedback networks and multi-tap delay reflections, enabling you to create everything from expansive, cavernous reverbs to vast, immersive stereo soundscapes.
One of the standout features is the ‘Stretch’ footswitch, which, as you’ll discover, slows down the effects, doubles reverb lengths, alters filter frequencies, and adds a touch of chaos to your signal. EarthQuaker Devices has a reputation for extraordinary reverb, and the Towers takes that reputation to new heights.
Specifications
- Launch price: $299 | £329 | €399
- Type: Ambient reverb pedal
- Controls: Three-way mode toggle / Mix, Length, Filter, Frequency, Preset knobs / Activity and Stretch footswitches
- Features: Ambient reverb pedal with three filter modes for expansive soundscaping
- connectivity: Mono and stereo inputs and outputs / expression pedal jack
- Bypass: Buffered
- Power: 9V DC 85mA
- Dimensions: 4.75 x 4.25 x 2.50″ (121 x 108 x 64 mm)
- Weight: 1.03lbs
- Options: N/A
- Contact: EarthQuaker Devices
Construction Quality
Build Quality Rating: ★★★★
Every EarthQuaker Devices pedal is meticulously handcrafted in the USA, and the Towers is no exception to their high standards. A bandmate of mine has used the Astral Destiny extensively during gigs, never hesitating to give its Stretch footswitch a solid stomp. It has never let him down, and the Towers is built to the same rugged specifications. I would confidently put this pedal through its paces.
This pedal is built to endure rigorous use. Engaging the Activate footswitch, toggling the Stretch feature, and adjusting the knobs are all part of the experience. You want a pedal that feels solid and responsive, and the Towers delivers on that front. Concerns about flimsy switches or unresponsive knobs are nonexistent here.
Any pedal with subpar construction wouldn’t withstand the intense knob-twiddling and footswitch stomping that the Towers demands. It’s designed for durability and built to last. Additionally, it features stereo inputs and outputs, along with an expression pedal jack for those who want to push the boundaries even further.
Ease of Use
usability Rating: ★★★★
The intuitive design of the pedal is a meaningful advantage, as Towers is fundamentally about the tactile experience.
For a pedal that promises ethereal tones, the Towers is surprisingly user-friendly. It features Activate and Stretch footswitches, larger Length and Frequency knobs, smaller Mix and Filter controls, a Preset selector, and a three-way mode toggle that allows you to switch between three distinct filter frequency modes.
Manual mode is straightforward, while the envelope responds dynamically to your playing style, and LFO mode follows an LFO rate determined by the Frequency dial. It’s impressive how EQD has managed to pack such a wide range of reverb tones into a simple control layout. The knobs are also well-designed, providing a good grip for quick adjustments.
The ease of use is a blessing, as Towers is inherently about the tactile experience. At times, the effects can feel overwhelming, and it’s not uncommon for a tone to slip away, never to return. It’s akin to experiencing a david Lynch film-don’t overthink it, just immerse yourself. Anything more complex would detract from the experience.
That said, the Towers can certainly be tamed. The eight preset slots are a thoughtful addition, allowing you to save and recall any reverb effect you wish to revisit.
Audio Quality
The Towers delivers a rich and immersive audio experience. The reverb effects are lush and expansive, allowing for a wide range of sonic exploration. Whether you’re crafting subtle ambient textures or creating vast soundscapes, the Towers excels in delivering high-quality audio that can transform your music.
With its innovative features and user-friendly design, the EarthQuaker Devices Towers is a must-have for any guitarist looking to expand their sonic palette. It’s not just a pedal; it’s a gateway to new musical possibilities.
Sound Quality Rating: ★★★★
In simple terms,this pedal could be a dream come true for ambient music enthusiasts. The reverb effects are nothing short of remarkable, providing an inspiring experience, even if I occasionally felt a bit overwhelmed. As someone whose most adventurous use of ambient reverb has been the cranked hall setting on the Strymon Flint or the maxed-out Glitz on the Line 6 HX Stomp, I found the Towers to be a genuinely enlightening and inviting introduction to such effects.
This pedal strikes a perfect balance between being an accessible soundscape reverb and a tool that serious shoegazers can truly appreciate. With a vast array of reverb effects available, you won’t have to struggle to find something usable and effective.
Single-note plucks can morph into synth-like drones, filled with echoes and reverberations. When you max out the Mix and Length knobs, you feel as if you’re floating in space. Adjusting the Frequency and Filter settings opens up a realm of wild and exciting possibilities.
Shoegazers and sludgy musicians will undoubtedly find this a fantastic addition to their pedalboard, while those focused on function gigs may not.
Naturally, this pedal isn’t meant to be tucked away in a subtle ambient room setting at the end of your signal chain. It’s designed for moments when you need something more dynamic. And the Towers certainly delivers on that front.
This is largely due to the Stretch feature, which I consider the standout aspect of the pedal. It doubles the reverb length and lowers the filter frequency. A quick tap activates it, while holding down the footswitch elongates the effect, creating a more ethereal and whimsical sound.
Final Thoughts
Clearly, this pedal isn’t intended for subtle ambient settings at the end of your signal chain.
This pedal is not for the faint-hearted, but those who are willing to invest time and effort into exploring its vast array of sounds will be richly rewarded. It occupies a unique niche in the market, and it’s clear that it won’t appeal to everyone. shoegazers and sludgy musicians will find it to be a fantastic addition to their setup, while those focused on function gigs may not.
However, for those who lean towards ambient music and enjoy experimenting with reverb effects, there is much joy to be found here. Having mentioned that, I believe every guitarist could find inspiration in the Towers. It has the potential to completely transform your approach to reverb.
Guitar World verdict: This pedal is not for the faint-hearted, but those who are willing to explore its vast soundscape will be rewarded. Capable of producing genuinely awe-inspiring effects,it will make you rethink your relationship with reverb.
|
Test |
Results |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Build Quality |
Engineered for heavy use, built to endure |
★★★★ |
|
Usability |
Effortless access to otherworldly tones with an intuitive layout |
★★★★ |
|
Sound Quality |
Stunning tones available, but requires patience and courage to explore fully |
★★★★ |
|
overall |
A unique ambient soundscaper and a valuable addition to the EQD lineup |
★★★★ |
Recommendations
Video Demonstrations
EarthQuaker Devices
Watch On
Pedal of the Day
Watch On
Sound Quality Rating: ★★★★
In essence, this pedal could be a dream come true for those who love ambient music. The reverb effects are truly remarkable, providing an inspiring experience, even if I occasionally felt a bit overwhelmed.As someone whose most adventurous use of ambient reverb has been the cranked hall setting on the Strymon Flint or the maxed-out Glitz on the Line 6 HX stomp, I found the Towers to be a genuinely enlightening and inviting introduction to such effects.
This pedal strikes a perfect balance between being an accessible soundscape reverb and a tool that serious shoegazers can truly appreciate. with a vast array of reverb effects available, you won’t have to struggle to find something usable and effective.
Single-note plucks can morph into synth-like drones, filled with echoes and reverberations. When you max out the Mix and Length knobs,you feel as if you’re floating in space. Adjusting the Frequency and Filter settings opens up a realm of wild and exciting possibilities.
Shoegazers and sludgy musicians will undoubtedly find this a fantastic addition to their pedalboard, while those focused on function gigs may not.
Naturally, this pedal isn’t meant to be tucked away in a subtle ambient room setting at the end of your signal chain. It’s designed for moments when you need something more dynamic. And the Towers certainly delivers on that front.
This is largely due to the Stretch feature, which I consider the standout aspect of the pedal. it doubles the reverb length and lowers the filter frequency. A quick tap activates it, while holding down the footswitch elongates the effect, creating a more ethereal and whimsical sound.
Final Thoughts
Clearly, this pedal isn’t intended for subtle ambient settings at the end of your signal chain.
This pedal is not for the faint-hearted, but those who are willing to invest time and effort into exploring its vast array of sounds will be richly rewarded. It occupies a unique niche in the market, and it’s clear that it won’t appeal to everyone. Shoegazers and sludgy musicians will find it to be a fantastic addition to their setup, while those focused on function gigs may not.
However, for those who lean towards ambient music and enjoy experimenting with reverb effects, there is much joy to be found here. Having mentioned that, I believe every guitarist could find inspiration in the Towers. It has the potential to completely transform your approach to reverb.
Guitar World verdict: This pedal is not for the faint-hearted,but those who are willing to explore its vast soundscape will be rewarded. Capable of producing genuinely awe-inspiring effects, it will make you rethink your relationship with reverb.
|
Test |
Results |
Score |
|---|---|---|
|
Build Quality |
Engineered for heavy use, built to endure |
★★★★ |
|
Usability |
Effortless access to otherworldly tones with an intuitive layout |
★★★★ |
|
Sound Quality |
Stunning tones available, but requires patience and courage to explore fully |
★★★★ |
|
Overall |
A unique ambient soundscaper and a valuable addition to the EQD lineup |
★★★★ |
Recommendations
Video Demonstrations
EarthQuaker Devices
Watch On
