Digitech Polara & Obscura Pedals - Awesome Reverb & Delay Pedals

[@mattsnyder4754]

Guys, if you're going to continue to use the RD-1 for demos (which I wouldn't, since it isn't a "common" sound that most people can use as a reference), please don't use the effects blend control on the back. Very few amps have the capability to do that, and it makes all the effects seem much more subtle than they are. Some of the settings you're using are MEGA wet, but you miss it because of the dry signal being blended in. Don't get me wrong, it's a great way to do things, but it's doesn't give us a helpful representation of the pedals.

[@gregorglasbruch6917]

Many people got no idea what a parallel or serial loop is and how they work: a serial loop sends all the signal from the preamp to the send, which means that no dry signal passes through the amp when a serial loop is used. The entire signal goes through the effects devices connected to the loop, which means that the mix dry/wet takes place within the effect devices. Parallel loops let the dry signal through the amp. This is useful when effects are used providing only the effect without dry signal (kill dry). The output volume of the effect determines here how much effect signal is blended in. Some loops have a pot that blends between parallel and serial loop, which is the case with the amp used here. Anyway, if effects are put into the loop, which shall impact the dry signal (reverse delay or reverse reverb) then a parallel loop does not make any sense - just for clarification, what‘s going on here. I suspect that many amp builders quit implementing parallel loops into their amps, because most players do not understand how to use them properly.

[@samclarke653]

Oh no you've discovered my favourite pedals! And the colour would be a deep purple.

[@foofy14]

Got the Polara from Andertons around December last year and I still adore it!

[@zombryn]

I've had the Polara for a few months now and absolutely LOVE it! It's become my favourite pedal and I have some niiiiice stuff at my toe-tips.

[@Cvweare]

its always good to get home after work and see these reviews. Clay grabs guitar. :)

[@AshwinKrishnanAK]

Once again, a brilliant job by Chappers and the Captain!!

[@19maurice66]

Can you not use the RD1 for demos, I just feel like it has a very specific sound and I'm not a huge fan.

[@Strabbs12345]

Agreed. It's horrible

[@betalingsringen]

+Maurice Philipps :ll

[@pd4165]

+Maurice Philipps Whatever they use I'd like them to stick to the same stuff - a 'stock' humbucker and a single coil guitar to test amps and stock clean and dirty amps for guitar reviews. On the pleasing side Chappers and Cap10 have distinctly differing styles and are fairly consistent.

[@19maurice66]

***** Yes but it absolutely does matter for some products and I just thought it prudent to mention it now

[@yanneckmock1214]

+Maurice Philipps I agree. Using a Marshall and/or a Fender Amp would be better, especially more people use those Amps.

[@valkarcy]

I bought Polara about a month ago. I love the damn thing to death. Such a good sound. Im glad you guys did a review on it. Thanks

[@cravedchickenstudios]

+NmG VapoR hey logan

[@valkarcy]

+Craved Chicken Studios hey alex

[@flamen89]

digitech rose from the shadows a long time ago when they released their hardwire line of pedals. those are way better than boss in my opinion

[@CyberneticArgumentCreator]

Did they seriously just demo the reverb pedal while the FX loop was on 50% blend on the amp? You can barely hear it. I say these things because I love you guys.

[@randylahey1410]

Hey Rob I really like your videos that you do with the Capt! I wish that you guys would do some of the stuff like you used to though, like the customized guitar challenge and the blindfold shootouts. It seems like recently it's just been gear demonstration. Don't get me wrong, I still like the videos, this is just my bit of feedback. I like your work, keep doing what you're doing \m/

[@mikebreakwell3909]

Love the satisfaction on Cap's face when he turns on the sign!

[@whatisthis__95]

Just bought the Polara from you guys, together with the Spark Mini. Amazing pedals. Cheers

[@ollietodd4845]

When Rob starts playing at 4:08 the guitar tone sounds very American Football-ish. good vid as usual

[@johnmarquez333]

17:51 - The Polara did bump the Hall of Fame from my board.

[@tonepoet]

Came here to find out if the Obscura has the stomp block. It does, and that's awesome. Even as small as it seems, that to me is a huge plus of these pedals. BTW, I have the Polara, and it's amazingly organic. I benched my Neunaber Stereo Wet and TC Hall Of Fame. Hats off, guys, great review!

[@capturedbyjupiter]

+tonepoet Jut ordered my Obscura. Cant wait!!

[@UkiMalefu]

Cool lava lamp. And cool pedals too.

[@budandbean1]

Love the Lava!

[@Theend-ql3vc]

The Polara sounds amaze and awesome playing Rob!

[@gymnasticowl]

Haha, it's not often that I get a pedal before you guys get a chance to put up a video of it. Love my obscura delay, it compliments my flashback x4 excellently :)

[@Leo_Fender]

Having owned both the TC Flashback and the Obscura, The Obscura destroys the flashback in pure, lively realistic delay tones. The flashback passes as a decent enough delay but the tones of all the algorithms are very sterile. No matter how much tone print editing you do, the flashback just has an overall sterile sound. Obscura is muuuuch more organic, lively and realistic. Digitech is doing awesome things now a days!

[@CodyAlushin]

Wow! This is very interesting to me being a huge TC fan!

[@vernal6944]

Let me add to your well-thought-out comment 3 years later.... I couldn't agree more that it's very natural sounding . as a matter of fact that's why I got it because of how natural it sounds compared to every other Reverb that I've heard. There's some great reverbs out there, but as far as I can tell nothing is as natural-sounding as this and that's what I was going for, a natural sounding environment when I play live. So yea, Big thumbs up to DigiTech. Excellent reverb.

[@src248]

I like the lava lamp

[@michaelmendelson4003]

Haha I can't stop staring at it i looked at it for like 5 minutes straight.

[@Mamutkailiai]

+Steven Chabot This video goes right to my "4STONE" playlist. Laaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaavaaaaaaaaaa.....

[@GuitarStu]

Is the Lava lamp true bypass?

[@Cheguebuddha]

My first ever Digitech was the RP70 mutli FX and Im in love with it! I have total faith in Digitech and would love those 2

[@beechfox3423]

I got the Rp-80 when I had just started playing. It was pretty awful lol.

[@Cheguebuddha]

Yes the first RPs were awful indeed :D but the RP55,70,90,225, etc and newer are great!

[@gtndrums3689]

+Che Guebuddha Uuuh, they all sound awful, good on paper, but sounding so fake, mostly of the time I used it just for tuning my guitar.

[@phatman1478]

The Obscura is based on the Hardwire DL-8. As far as the holding down the button to engage Tap Tempo and some of the settings. Everyone wrote off the Hardwire pedals as being cheap/low quality. But they have some really great stuff, that will only go up in value now that the Hardwire series is done.

[@capturedbyjupiter]

+Joe Jenkins I don't know of a single person who wrote off hardwire. Easily digitech's best stuff to that point.

[@Finnvbot]

+Alan Hinton I own both the Hardwire delay and reverb pedals. They are great pieces of gear. :)

[@johnnyway8667]

Please don't use a dirty amp for demoing reverb and delay pedals. Get a fender or any other clean amp.. Anyway, these pedals are awesome! :)

[@miguelpanta]

never understood why ppl do this

[@phlobleg]

My favourite words repeated over again: Crikey. Reckon. Try it Lee !! Rob's spot on.

[@LukeJackandWill]

Have to say, there is quite a shrillness in the audio ever since the change of rooms. Good demo otherwise guys

[@CaptAnderton]

+Luke Kerr I'm not sure what you mean, but whatever it is you're hearing is most likely a change in the gear we're using rather than the room. We're using new ribbon mics & we switched to the UAD Apollo interface. I think this video sounds great!!

[@GavinMorris1]

+CaptAnderton Disagree, there's a coldness to all the demos in that room so far. Are you recording the ambient, too?

[@redukonio]

+CaptAnderton Cap10 have you already sonically optimized and treated the new room? Especially your voices sound much better than in the last few videos!

[@RobChappers]

+Ma Rio yep - acoustic foam all over :-)

[@karlhenrikarendt]

+CaptAnderton, But the light is not good, you look like a Chinese :D :D :D (EDIT: it's not a racist comment, so dont take it there)

[@budandbean1]

Captain, Tight work on the sound, much better! Now lighting, way too much hard light on you. You need a big filter to soften the light hitting you or start wearing powder to de-shine your face. :-) Rob looks good but getting reflection on the bottom of his guitar when he turns a certain way. Little more work and you will be aces...

[@lordflapper7502]

I've had the Polara reverb for a year it's great

[@ianmitchell5169]

Hot damn that Obscura sounds like a riot

[@Fairyplay]

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU PUT THEM BOTH IN REVERSE?!? I was really hoping you would do that!

[@JRP3music]

They sound better in Stereo! I just got one today. It sounds more spacious in Stereo. Sounds more blurry in mono. Lexicon Reverb is why I chose it.

[@jonathanoakey4745]

These do look like really nice pedals, particularly the Obscura Delay, although I already have the TC equivalents that are mentioned in the video. I also really like the look of the new EHX Cock Fight pedal and I'd love to see you doing a demo of that in the near future! I see that Anderton's don't yet have it on sale but I hope it will be in the shops for Christmas!

[@shortwhitejew]

I A/B'd the Polara against a ton of alternative options a few months ago and ended up with it on my board. If you're a reverb junkie, Strymon or Eventide may still make more sense, but for most typical users the Polara is the best reasonably priced option out there right now.

[@mattsnyder4754]

Definitely agree. It's a gun show between these two and the comparative pair from TC. But you're 100% right. Eventide and Strymon are still in a class of their own, but these are definitely top of the class in their own tiers.

[@cote0168]

Aeromancy. Rob your EP is fantastic

[@timb5913]

I love the sound of the reverse reverb

[@KLguitarcover]

I own the Polara and i love it! There is only one down side on it though. It comes with it own velcro strip designed for the pedal. But it doesn't stay on the pedal. That's because the pedal isn't flat on the back. Still trying to figure out how to attach it properly on my pedal board. Great review btw, love it!

[@crammojophilter]

+KLguitarcover We designed it so that you remove the rubber pad and replace it with the velcro.

[@KLguitarcover]

+Tom Cram . Woh that is great to hear. So how do I remove the rubber on the back ? And thanks for the reply !!

[@crammojophilter]

KLguitarcover You just peel it off. It may leave behind some of the adhesive, but that's okay, it won't affect the adhesion of the velcro pad.

[@Hechab]

Much less echo, great job on the room guys! Just that brick wall that's producing some slight noise but at least its not distracting!

[@HenkBenk88]

Hehe, pretty sure it's just a wallpaper, but i've been wrong before :-),,,

[@gtndrums3689]

+El Manimal Less echo ? I hear more echo than the old set they used.

[@HenkBenk88]

I think he means less echo than before they gave the room some acoustic treatment

[@gtndrums3689]

Oh yes you're right, it's an improvement on how the new room sounded in the beginning, but it's still not to great.

[@AudioWonderland]

+GTN drums I agree. It still needs work

[@AshwinKrishnanAK]

When are you guys coming out with the videos for the new 2016 Gibson lineup? Thanks!

[@ianalderman9290]

Another cool looking delay pedal that'd make for a good comparison video would be the Pro Tone Haunted Delay. That vs. the Obscura would be awesome!

[@alvar0pere7]

Found that stomp block on my living room floor the other day and I had no idea what it was. I had bought the dirty robot two years ago. Thanks to this video now I know what that thing was! Lol.

[@futurekarlos5256]

Love the reverb man

[@jhar9022]

Bought a Polara several months ago, and it's an insanely nice sounding pedal. The Halo setting is stunning. Super lush. Oh, and just so we're all aware, I laughed at the "100% wet" comment as well. Additionally - Damson; a color that begins with D.

[@EyelessEntity]

The Obscura sounds amazing

[@specialsnowfake6744]

Jacob Nordin I got one a month ago and it's brilliant. very usable. very musical

[@EyelessEntity]

I just ordered mine. Stoked!

[@metalhusky]

14:58 i got Stairway to Heaven and Sweet Child o Mine what are the others?

[@SoftButReady]

besides thkse two I think the third song is a Dorje riff. don't quote me on that though

[@acsekify]

+metalhusky the third one is Aeromancy by Dorje.

[@metalhusky]

acsekify ah, ok. i dont listen to Dorje, they are "too soft" i guess..

[@acsekify]

:D that's fine mate, I don't usually listen to them neither, they are a bit "too hard" for me i guess... but their riffs are awesome in my opinion.

[@JakeMoresea]

+acsekify I'm the odd man out. xD I love them to death.

[@DJGuttah]

Nice sounds chap !

[@Fafayou]

Anybody knows what the last riff is ? 21:04

[@AudioWonderland]

Not sure if they have the absorbers up overhead yet or not in this one. If they are, its not enough

[@wulfsun]

Favorite is the obscura imagine playing catalyst with that

[@Billybillybillyrocking]

Kai Shreds he did at the end

[@Senira322]

I miss these videos when they mention that they preferred some pedal vs another. I just really wanna know their opinion as well. doesn't mean i wont get the pedal that i want just because they prefer another pedal over the one I like. I just really wanna hear what they think as well

[@eliastheuncle]

what happened to the possible chapman pedal? Is that not happening anymore?

[@Strabbs12345]

Polara sounds cool but I think tc electronic have pretty much perfected the reverb pedal with the hid, at that price range anyway. I mean what CANT a hoc do?

[@sargentppeper]

Very cool looking and superb Lexicon sounds in a pedal.. just a bit on the heavy (weight) side. :)

[@LukeSunderlandMusic]

I just received mine and it was used but it seemed to be in perfect condition. Analog and reverse mode works but not low fi and tape. I'm using a standard 9 volt power supply so I'm not sure but do I need a better power supply or something?

[@ThaUltimateDragon]

The Polara has awesome Art-Nouveau inspired graphics. Reminds me of the poster for Delft's Salad Oil by Jan Toorop!

[@bradcarroll3719]

Hey Capt Lee, have you guys got the new Mesa Mark V: 35 in yet? I hope you do, and will do a proper demo of them. Thanks

[@anthonywwallace]

+Rob Chapman question: Are you guys going to review the new Fender Bassbreaker series?

[@mattsnyder4754]

I'd assume so. But they aren't released yet lol

[@bayside5944]

Old video I know. But what color/ model is that PRS in the top Left corner? OMG Need.

[@LEUNN_]

I think colors are perfect, blue for wetness red for delaying repetitions.

[@tireoghain82]

And those two pedals would do AMAZING things with a theremin.

[@jonathanlubarsky2782]

I like the diagon ally entrance touch

[@cabbycabby1770]

I love my Obscura. I do wish the switch to tap tempo mode was slightly shorter though.

[@samib9256]

Can you guys do demos with a more basic amp instead of the distinct Rd-1 please?

[@lukemullin5676]

Please do a sides by side with hall of fame and flashback against these. That would be epic

[@MrKareem33]

What brand is the patch cable being used? The one with the tasty with the 'pancake' jacks?

[@MrKareem33]

Found 'Em, they're MXR... But don't appear to be available on the Andertons website, shame...

[@reubenballard8450]

What happens if you play with both of them on reverse!? We need to see this! ;) 🤘

[@hyppyrotta71]

Hey RobChapman! Rob Scallon said that there is coming out an Chapman Rob Scallon signature. Is that true?

[@Caboosinator175]

kinda hate how robs "clean" tone is still dirty.. but a great demo anyway! i need this pedal

[@Thruftinger]

i think it's the les paul that does that :p

[@judsonruddick5240]

Jomarie DE METSENAERE lol a les Paul is not gonna do that dude, it's just the way rob dials in his "clean" tone

[@Alistair536]

I honestly thought I was the only human who had the problem of repeating a word over and over again and all of a sudden it has no meaning anymore and it is never the same again :D

[@cikame]

I never hear reverb unless it's on an extreme setting, i prefer the clean cuts of no reverb but i notice you guys like to add a bit in most videos, is it that noticeable?

[@YeatzeeGuitar]

The new les Paul sounds fantastic

[@savanaviolenta]

my polara has small latency when switching to other modes,does anyone have that,I saw in this video this pedal didn't have that

[@tlcxf]

What happens if they are both set to reverse in series?

[@lancemalvey597]

Now i'm conflicted with the dr.black shimmer and the polara, Love that shimmer sound but I also have to run it into my pod hd pro X and i'm not sure how well that will work. I'm def not a fan of the reverbs in the pod, Delay is alright but def not fast or long enough. Thought I would be able to just stay with this system and not want to buy pedals. Chappers Lee HELP!!!

[@ProggresiveArt]

Hey guys when are you going to review the 2016 gibson ? :) cant wait

[@jackwallacephotography7467]

can u gives a danalectro pedal vid I sware by them

[@zfehnel]

I'm down to two delay choices for my pedalboard: The Catalinbread Echorec & The Obscura. Honestly, I'm torn. Digitech is killing it these days.

[@EriksAnarchy512]

Get The Obscura. I love mine. Versatile and lots of fun, sounds brilliant too IMO

[@yoshikigrg1260]

Zac F Obscura

[@Tanis1415]

I like the RD1, but that's not the standard amp, you should use a fender, marshall, orange in that way we may know how it's going to sound with the gear we already have. don't get me wrong, victory make very good amps! specially the new kraken, but if you have other gear please use it!

[@williamsmith5911]

I've always wondered, why would I choose a patch cable between two pedals instead of the small metal connector? Is it just preference or is there a reason behind it

[@rbrme]

On a pedalboard where you're kicking pedals on and of the pedals can't slightly move about particularly if you hammer them on and off like it do, which would cause a small metal connector to break.

[@henrysoults3773]

What if you guys did a video every few months where, in an attempt to show some pedals you like or pedals you'd like to try, you changed a pedal or two on your boards out for different ones. I think it would be cool to cycle through different pedals and put them in use during other demonstrations. I know you guys are probably sick of hearing video suggestions, so i apologize for this one, but I think it would be cool to see.

[@HalcyonVentures]

Lee, did you ever compare the Polara side-by-side with the TC HoF to see which you preferred? It's the question that's currently standing in the way of my next purchase.

[@BigFatAstronauts]

Hi Matthew, in my experience (if it's any use to you) the polara sounds much more organic and realistic, especially on plate settings. However, the HOF is probably more versatile due to a predelay function and more room types... I like the polara!

[@satviknarain8279]

Hey Rob, is that the new 2016 Les paul Standard T or HP?

[@-CrippledNinja-]

what if you put them both on reverse mode?!

[@ryanmeester3613]

Hey Rob you gotta do a demo of the new Boss DD-500 Delay!

[@skuzza405]

When submitting more than one entry in the ghost fret contest, do you put them in as replies or as seperate threads?

[@RobChappers]

Totally up to you dude :-)

[@hurtsalover]

How do you talk into the pickups?

[@gadeia102030]

If you use both pedals in reverse mode your playing goes normal?

[@acsekify]

Link for the lava lamp?

[@LordOfThisWorld74]

Absolutely Rob. I burnt myself out on the word "tree". It's real. lol

[@KompletterGeist]

Chappers needs to try the Boss RV-6. blows the hall of fame out of the water for the money

[@AJCGUITAR1]

If your demoing something in the loop please make it 100 percent as if it were a series loop and use the mix control on the pedal.

[@PedalsStuff]

Great pedals and great demo as always. I also made a demo of Polara and it is awesome....versatile, good looking and sounding pedal.

[@rikorisu11]

obscura reverse mode + miku stomp

[@GeoAl09]

lol

[@leopotato6932]

Great review. Could you review the 2016 Gibson SG Faded?

[@Ryan_Thompson_Guitarist]

Hey Rob. Could you maybe review some Catalinbread pedals sometime please?

[@obiwankablowme7964]

I would love to see a bugera review.

[@greghay7744]

When is the video with Nick Johnston gonna be up??

[@ChrisMusickx]

A True-Bypass Analog Delay pedal with a Tone knob that can do self-oscilate? TAKE MY MONEYYYYY

[@stefanozurich]

I went through most of the video thinking that Digitech was TC Electronics.... But they sound really good even on youtube.

[@choppytde6030]

Getting jealous over here, you guys are having too much fun, jk, you guys rock, keep on rocking