After spending a good deal of time in the early episodes discussing the Signal Chain Series, and dealing with the various things to keep in mind when buying those effects, we realized (or it was brought to our attention) that we never really touched base with how our belived effects pedals got their start!

The wait is no more! Starting off the series here with Compressors, Alan & Paul discuss the origins and dive in a littel deeper!

You're not going to want to miss this!

Outro Music by: Paul & Tim McBride

This week on The Pedal Collaborative  podcast we check in on the “fumble of the dumble” over at JHS Pedals regarding their recent mishaps with the Notadümblë circuit. Then we put on our tinfoils hats and explore whether there is a deep state secret involved at JHS, some Star Wars, and how it all comes together! 

Articles referenced:

https://guitar.com/news/gear-news/jhs-discontinues-notadumble-pedal/

https://www.guitarpedalx.com/news/gpx-blog/in-honour-of-howard-alexander-dumbles-legacy---18-of-the-best-dumble-ods-style-compact-overdrive-pedals

Outro Music by Alan Johnson ft. Meris Enzo X

Quarter inch. TS. TRS. Straight. Right angle. Gold plated. Oxygen free. Solderless. Shielded.

Cables are the conduit for creating music and sending that music from our instrument to a plethora of other things. Pedals. Amps. Interfaces. DIs. DAWs.

Yes, they’re very important but do they have to be so damn complicated?!?

In this episode the guys talk about instrument cables and patch cables and hone in on some of their knowledge they’ve collected over the years and well as a very healthy dose of opinion.

Get their tips and advice to help you make the best decision for your sound!

Cables Alan and Paul are currently into:

Patch cables from Rockboard, Rock Stock, and Ernie Ball

Instrument cables from Mogami and World’s Best Cables.

Plus vote on if you want Alan to go deep on RF theory in a future episode!

Outro Music by Paul McBride

Here we are once again, sharing some time with Alan & Paul as we round out another year around the sun for Paul. In this episode, the guys discuss signature series effects and gear, and how it's likely a money grab. Do you really need the "X" Signature Thingy-go-whatsie for 15% more than the regular "X"? Yeah that's what we thought too.

We're not talking about collaborative efforts between artists and brands. We're cool with that...like the Walrus Audio & Yvette Young Qi Etherealizer, or the Keeley Andy Timmons Halo.

This one's a good one you won't want to miss!

Plus coffee ASMR and choose the next Pope using their skills as a guitar player!

Outro Music by Alan Johnson

Paul's back from the dead! After missing last week's episode with Collision Devices due to illness, and a 2 week break before that, the dynamic duo is back together and better than ever! (Ok, even Paul admits he's not back to 100% but what can you do?)

Alan & Paul talk a bit about the most recent preset packs they've released, one for the Meris Enzo X and the most recent release of a pack of 8 presets for the Strymon Timeline appropriately entitled "Paul's Fresh Tasty Treats." So wether you're wanting new presets for the latest and greatest pedal from Meris, or still hanging onto the oldie but a goodie Timeline, we've got new presets for you!

More importantly, The guys break down how to get these preset packs, ESPECIALLY if you've purchased some of their Ultimate packs in the packs, because whether you were aware or not, once you buy an Ultimate pack, you get updated presets packs in that! Check them out over at patreon.com/thepedalcollaborative/shop. You can also head over there and look into the advantages of joining monthly at the Core Collaborator level; the only level to get you EVERYTHING!

Then listen as Paul smoothly transitions to talking about the BRAND NEW Gritcake V2 (w/ TPC Mod) from our buddy Kris at Like Jones Pedals. Kris spend some time tweaking and adding some extra horses under the hood, and Paul & Alan talk through their favorite parts about this new offering!

Plus, tips on when and why to buy vintage gear!!

Outro Music by Paul McBride

What do the parts of a black hole, staying up all night, and downloading your brain into a computer mainframe have in common? Simple, they're all part of the stories behind the different offerings from Collision Devices. Join Alan as he interviews Baptiste & Denis about their journey toward their unique approach to designing pedals, the lengths at which they go, and the sacrifices they're willing to make to bring you the very best product their minds can create.

In this episode we explore their pedal lineup, bartering for tattoos, and give some tips on mixing your own chemical agents. We peel back the curtain a bit and hear some of what they're working on next, as well as their favorite things things that aren't their own products, like the Chroma Console and Microcosm from Hologram, the Ditto Looper and Montreal Assembly Count to 5. We even discuss musical inspirations like Nick Reinhart of Tera Melos as well as Ho99o9.

You won't want to miss this episode!

Plus, in a grand gesture of French hospitality, the fellas at Collision Devices have generously offered a special discount code for TPC listeners! Head to ⁠https://collisiondevices.com/⁠ and use code "TPC15" for a 15% discount off select products! Wowza! Merci beaucoup Denis & Baptiste!!

Outro Music by: Paul McBride (oh look you DO make an appearance here! haha)

After our interview last year with Jinna Kim, Creative Director of Meris, we knew we wanted to sit down with Terry Burton and Angelo Mazzocco and talk about our love for the X series and how they created them.

In this episode we talk about Terry and Angelo's beginnings at Line6 and Strymon, the desire to create something really unique, and the birth of Meris. We learn how the company began with pro audio 500 series products and from those beginnings, birthed the 2 switch pedals we all know and love, to the evolution to the LVX, MercuryX, and Enzo X.

We talk about gear from Terry and Angelo's products at Line6 (DL4 to Tonecore to Spyder), the Strymon Timeline among others, and the advent of the secondary alt functions first seen on the Strymon Brigadier and el Capistan and how they morphed into the alt functions on the Meris Polymoon, Mercury7, Enzo, Hedra, and Ottobit Jr.

We discuss synthesis and synthesizers from Oberheim, Yamaha, Dave Smith, Moog, Melbourne Instruments, to Teenage Engineering, and hear about soundtracks from iconic Sci-Fi films like Dune, Blade Runner, Predator and more.

Hear about Terry and Angelo's first pedals like the Crybaby Wah, A/DA Flanger, & Arion Distortion, to the Nordland Mosland MT-11 and Way Huge Fat Sandwich on their boards now. We also learn that Paul is a way huge Way Huge fan. There's a shout out from Terry to his new Science Amp and the guys draw inspiration from the likes of Andy Summer and Bill Steer.

We cover a lot so sit down and buckle up. You won't want to miss this one. And if you're waiting to hear about what's next for Meris, as well as when to expect prEDITOR for Enzo X, you don't be disappointed!

Outro Music by Alan Johnson

When do you take a dream or idea, with all it's insecurities, and turn it into a reality? That's exactly what Evan Haymond did when he went from touring/studio session player to designing his own pedals and starting his own company, OC Pedal Co. Listen in as this week Alan & Paul chat with Evan about how he got his starts, the pedals he has so far, the Buena Park Boost and La Habra, and maybe a hint or two about what he has coming next!

Plus, get local tips for the best tacos in Orange County!

Find OC Pedal Co online HERE and on Instagram!

Outro music by Alan Johnson

We've all been there. Spontaneously buying a pedal we don't need. We justify it any way we can to make ourselves feel better. Deep down we know it's not going to solve anything. It's not a magical unicorn that will nail down the elusive toan we've been after. Admit it. It looks pretty. It has that "IT" diode on it. The secret YouTube influencer you pretend not to follow did a 45 minute video on why it's their next secret weapon. Maybe it's the 100th copy of a horsie that will somehow get you to like that circuit. Whatever the reasoning is for you, you know what we're talking about. G.A.S.

Were you offended just now? Why? Gear Acquisition Syndrome is a thing, and boy have Alan and Paul suffered from it. Ok, Alan more than Paul, but nobody's keeping score.

In this week's episode, the guys talk about choosing the right pedal and give 4 easy to follow and wise tips to help you determine if that fancy new DeLoreon is right for you. These sure-fire process is guaranteed to save you money and get you closer to finally being able to post your pedalboard online with the famous quote by Jesus Christ, "It. Is. Finished."

What about you? Are you able to resist the dark side? Or is resistance futile? Drop a comment and tell us what works for you or leave an anonymous message on our tipline so we can give you our thoughts for your unique situation.

Outro music by Paul McBride

Here we are once again finding ourselves inside the conversations of Alan & Paul. Today's episode, Paul asks Alan about his approach to making patches on the Meris X series, and more specifically the LVX. Alan talks through his though process in making both original presets and emulation presets and gives several tips on how to make the most out of your own presets! PLUS, get FOUR free LVX presets based on the Chase Bliss Thermae and Tonal Recall for FREE on the TPC Patreon page HERE!

Also, hear updates on the Canadian tariff situation and more!

Outro by Paul McBride