Gear Of The Year 2024 - My TOP 5 Favorite Pedals, But It's Actually a TOP 10

[@Hesohi]

This presenter is a treasure. He understands these pedals better than the people who design them. Such an eloquent and poetic way of speaking about the features. Masterful use case demonstrations of not just what the pedals can do, but more of what can be done with them.

[@HamerCruisebass64]

Perfectly said - a treasure. You captured it perfectly @Hesohi

[@dial108dnd]

Hey Hesohi - You took the words right out of my mouth - You should start a career in reviewing the reviewers.

[@lilnutty6821]

He is up there with Andy from Reverb

[@ngronlund]

One of a kind

[@130mMer5boc]

Also, he just keeps getting better! Always worthwhile time spent with Stefan!

[@INTENSIVECAREAUDIO]

Such an honour to be included in this list! Thank you! And also thank you for creating these incredible demos and always bringing unique and inspiring playing! Happy new year ✌️

[@fruitiusmaximus925]

My favorite this year was the Artifakt. What an amazing modulator. With one pedal, they have outclassed both the Red Panda Bitmap and Meris Ottobit. It's a must-have.

[@plenitudeproductions9381]

The only annual review I look forward to! ❤

[@thepedalzone]

Appreciate it. Thank you ❤️🙏

[@collisiondevices]

thank you so much Stefan for including Crushturnal , I really dig the Dark Star !

[@thepedalzone]

Love Crushturnal so much. Keeping my fingers crossed for a stereo version with presets in the future 🤩

[@collisiondevices]

@@thepedalzone it's on the bench 🤫

[@thepedalzone]

🤯😱🤯😱

[@ignacedhont9816]

@@collisiondevices take my money

[@dukeofyorkshire355]

What a complete joy to watch! You showcase the pedals so well. And your guitaring is awesome.

[@finnmurraycampbell9067]

i love the pedal zone man and his pedal reviews so damn much. You are the best demo channel, always bringing beauty to our ears + high quality reviews. None of that spamming the same blues lick 10 bazillion times and showing like 5% of the pedals capabilities. Actually amazing content that needs to be protected at all costs

[@8piscean8]

Recently got a Meris Mercury X and I told myself no more reverb pedals. 😃The Dark Star Stereo sounds great. Your demos of all the pedals sound fantastic. You’re a great hype man and if I were a pedal maker I’d be honored to have you showcase what the pedal can do. Looking forward to what new pedals you demo in 2025. 🤘

[@JakeNicholson-nn6vo]

Im right there with you that distortion and overdives don't excite me as much as other effects. BUT, that is a killer drive pedal. I'm sold. I just wish the shop shipped more to the states. It wasn't as easy finding one over here. Awesome picks!

[@nealpike6611]

Your riffs are super inspiring and when I eventually work out what’s causing issues on my pedal board I can’t wait to have a blast

[@rahzark]

Two of my top 3 pedals of all time came out this year (Dark Star stereo and CBA Onward). What a year this was.

[@robertcorbridge2808]

I only just got the Onward. What an unbelievable piece of gear.

[@anthonylost2065]

What’s your third top?

[@rahzark]

@ Holy Island Abracadaver

[@AndyAcker]

Man, the Onward... what a great advancement of the Cooper Fx Outward.

[@saggygnaw]

Love the Onward! I got it as soon as it was released and I’m still finding new sounds!

[@beachcomber4141]

I had to look up The Pedal Zones year end pedal video as I always look forward to it, and I must have missed it on my notifications. It is always amazing to see what tones Stefan pulls out of these amazing pedals. My two favorites were the OBN Darkstar and the Earthquaker Time Shadows. Cannot wait to see what amazing sounds 2025 will bring us. Thanks for being the most inspiring pedal platform on KZbin. Happy New years!!

[@sungrave-denver]

That unison chord on the Octa Psi, though. 🔥🔥🔥

[@thepedalzone]

🥰🥰🥰

[@SuddenSoundStudios]

First of all: great sweater! Second: a great selection of pedals, including most of my favorites from the year. The D.S.S. is my pedal of the year as well. Third: man, Stefan, you truly have a gift for talking about pedals. I want these just based on your descriptions, even before hearing the demos. But then you find the perfect playing and tones to highlight what the pedals do best. And fourth: thanks for another great year of reviews!

[@FullMetalJoffie]

Just wanted to leave a comment to say that I honestly adore this channel and the various pedal demonstrations that you do. Not only that but the real tangible explanations of what the pedals actually do to the signal as well as playing their sounds. I totally understand your point about the whole social media thing at the end, and I did notice that you looked a bit down during the video ☹️ Don't give up dude, your pedal reviews are the best I've seen on the whole of KZbin and I really mean that. Plus your passion for the subject and knowledge really seems to be second to none and really shines through on your videos. Please keep doing what your doing, and if you create music of your own (sorry for my ignorance) then please let me know. I'd love to hear it!

[@TheFlutecart]

I got a Poly Verbs for my live flute kit this year. The captured spaces sound ridiculously real. Likely the best natural sounding reverb pedal I've tried with my flutes. Live flute kit is , Wireless Rode Go 2 receiver > Source Audio EQ2 > Strymon DECOv2 > Poly Verbs > My self built stereo buffered DI. Working the Morning Star MC3 controller into the rig today, , I hope, lol! Then ad an expression pedal of course. Lost in menus for weeks. - I would love to try that Dark Star Reverb on my flutes.. very tasty trails.

[@grizelda4526]

Chase Bilss has also been killing it this year. Clean and Onward are great!

[@thepedalzone]

They most definitely have. Onward looks awesome. Just haven’t played it yet

[@CorbCorbin]

Clean was. Onward just seems like another version of these similar pedals, that all sound very similar. I’d rather have the new Wombtone.

[@Breddaship]

Can't wait to see which new pedals you force me to buy next year

[@lordmonfort]

Always found the Darkstar to be a bit too trebly for my taste, but absolutely love, and miss, my old Procession reverb by OBNE...maybe one day we can get an expanded version of that one as well. 🤞

[@robertcorbridge2808]

Onward is a creation machine. Its so intuitive to use which I've heard CBA arent always. Only had one a month but its already helped me write a load of new music.

[@williamwest6307]

You first got on my radar with the video you did for the white light. Some of the best videos for pedals on the internet, atleast for how i use them and the tones I would seek. Keep it up boss!

[@stockholm1752]

Artifakt was my favorite pedal acquisition this year.

[@thepedalzone]

It’s just so freaking awesome! Really impressed by the versatility they crammed into this thing. Happy to hear you’re stoked about it as well 🤩

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

I got the Octa Psi. It’s tremendous fun and leads you into playing things you might not do otherwise.

[@JJT007hero]

I love this. So excited to watch this. I really like the explanations of why each pedal is so special, then followed by great playing. I’m not into “just playing and no talking.” You do such a good job of announcing each pedal and celebrating why they are great. 🎉

[@thepedalzone]

Wow! What a heartwarming comment this is. Really means a lot to me that you enjoy the chatter as much as the tones. A lot of work goes into both aspects, so it’s great to hear the effort is valued and appreciated. Thank you ❤️

[@Sushi_Overdose]

I'ven't been able to play a lot this year, and did not have much time to see what have been released in gear, or so little (I knew the crushturnal and the time shadows II). Well, I wanna get every pedal :D I have to dig into your tests. Thanks.

[@reinx37]

Love your videos ❤

[@danielrose3172]

Great examples… Truly!

[@yohnsvain9651]

Thank you Stephan! Yet another great year end round up. Of course now I have to go back and rewatch some of your 2024 videos! Can’t wait for Samhain 😈

[@thepedalzone]

Thanks, man! Appreciate it. And please rewatch. Every little act of engagement on this channel helps way more than you think ❤️ And thanks for teaching me a new word. Had to go google Samhain 😹 Looking forward to the Halloween horrors as well 👻

[@sparksnguitarsmike]

Excellent review as always! Great job Stefan!

[@thepedalzone]

Thanks, Mike! All the best to you and yours, my friend ❤️

[@maxxkarma]

There are not a lot of bad pedals(only broken pedals?). The trick is to find the equipment and situation/song that me makes it work. Stefan is just a master at making pedals sound the best that they can be!

[@advptr8654]

The update for the Walrus ACS1 with the digital screen was a game changer for me, midi friendly, has high gain amps aswell as the classics, has a noise gate built in, it’s stereo, you can do different amps for each side. What else do you want in a modeler? Also the CBA Onward. This thing will NEVER come off my board

[@CorbCorbin]

I want it to sound good. Don’t care about the other stuff, if it won’t handle my pedals. Was the old one not as good at modeling a crunchy amp tone?

[@advptr8654]

@ I honestly have no experience with the old one, but I know it didn’t have a built in gate, and it didn’t have high gain amps. I had a Strymon iridium until I got ACS1! I think it sounds pretty rad!

[@leeanthony8932]

Walrus acs

[@jessesk8777]

​@@advptr8654I have an iridium now with york and tone factor irs that made it way better. But would you get the walrus pedal in a heartbeat? Is the sound that much of an upgrade from the iridium or not ?

[@advptr8654]

@@jessesk8777 if you want high gain amps? 100% but you could get away with the chime setting on an iridium and a decent noise gate after 🤷🏼‍♂️ for me? It’s easy to pick the ACS1 it just does more and offers more. But if you don’t need the gate, and don’t care about the extra amps? and you don’t care about being able to run two amps at the same time? The Strymon is fine!

[@sleepyrantosaurus4701]

I think the AEA prismatic wall is game changer

[@mwhiteside7185]

Maaaan that Collision Devices clip

[@collisiondevices]

oh ♥

[@digiwaves]

Great choices Stefan! When does my package get delivered with all 5 effects? 😜Happy New Year! 😎🎸

[@AndyAcker]

No new pedals this year (its been a tough one), but I'd definitely say that the Life Support (sounds exactly like what I've been looking for), Artifact (all of that in one?!), and Dark Star v3 in stereo...top the wishlist for me. (Though I wish the new Dark Star form factor was more compact...). Matthews Effects The Technician (dig the layout) and Swamp Witch Pedals' Season of the Witch v2 also look really fun, as well as the Chase Bliss Onward. Discomfort Designs' Phantom Limb (microlooper/delay) also looks amazing. In some parallel universe, I've bought all of them.

[@saggygnaw]

I hope 2025 is a great year for you and that you are able to get a few cool pedals!

[@johnnyhourigan1857]

Your playing makes these pedals imo. Pedals are all so interesting sounding. My all too my taste but very impressive

[@thepedalzone]

Thanks, man! That’s really kind of you 🥰

[@benjaminvictor4996]

Feeling much the same about the "Socials". However, creativity shines a light through every darkness. Speaking of creativity, I already have the Dark Star on the way. Old Blood Noise has staked out a unique island in the pedal sea. And much as I do with this channel, I am always willing to take a visit and spend some time.

[@AlbusBand]

Excellent list my friend; I thoroughly enjoyed watching each and every demo you did. I hope 2025 brings you health, happiness and continued success. All my love, you talented and wonderful soul you 😘

[@compucorder64]

Ooh, I think I need to sell my Big Muff, to help fund a Keeley Octa Psi. I think Lee & Pete both named it their product of the year too. So it seems to have broad appeal. I just bought an OG Dark Star, but I also do most everything in stereo, so it's tempting to sell that to upgrade to the stereo version.

[@necroriffmonger]

nice video!! dark star stereo seems to be lots of peoples favorite pedal of 2024. it does sound fucking amazing!! 🤤 prismatic wall by electric audio experiments is my top pedal of 2024. fucking love it!! ❤ chuur & happy new year to all 🙃

[@regaudieguillaume]

it's the most wonderful time of the year!!! 11:35 (rock)

[@thepedalzone]

Thank you so much 🥰🥰🥰

[@esmoroglu]

Not a pedal but a crazy rack unit called Wellspring by Teaching Machines. Happy new year!👏🏻👏🏻👋🏼🧿

[@nebelweiss6999]

Fissegodt min kneppemann. Thats all the danish i know. As a fellow syntheziser guy that plays guitar. What bands do you like, and what synthesizer texture do you like? Love brian eno, aphex twin, efterklang, Suzanne Chania etc. Love what you do. Knepp igjen på de bøssepedaler mann.

[@Beadlock_]

Beginning octa psi riff, best of the year

[@thepedalzone]

Gosh! Deeply honored. THANK YOU ❤️🖤🤘

[@thevaliant_music]

So cool!

[@thepedalzone]

Thank you very much! ❤️🙏

[@rovenordiales]

That black guitar on the octave clang is 🔥

[@thepedalzone]

Thanks! It’s my Balaguer Ambient Espada. Amazing guitar! Got it this year, and it’s quickly become my go-to instrument

[@jimmiemyers124]

11:45 man this completely rules

[@thepedalzone]

Thanks, man! That pedal just inspired me so much 🤘🖤

[@SnitchScapes]

Dude, all I need is your darth vader sweater!

[@mattslumwormreyes]

The Octa Psi sounds insane

[@thepedalzone]

Yeah, it’s wild!! 🔥

[@ogmakefirefiregood]

KMA Endgame for a pedal you will actually use all the time, Boss GX10 for most stuff in a very affordable pedal, and ( new for me ) the Meris Mercury X for endles REVERRRRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrb

[@thepedalzone]

Super solid and concise list! Endgame is definitely a super handy piece of kit. That, a multifx unit and a stellar reverb like MercuryX and you’re well set for business 🤘❤️

[@JJT007hero]

What about the Hologram Chroma Console? Was that a 2024 release? I can’t get over how amazing it is!

[@delivrance3961]

nice choice!

[@thepedalzone]

Cheers, bud!

[@FAKIsound_cz]

What about Source audio - Nemesis ADT? You use this pedal in almost every new video :))

[@thepedalzone]

Love it! Amazing pedal

[@OrangutanJ4488]

Kma endgame hands down

[@thepedalzone]

Really impressive device. I’ve enjoyed it a lot as well

[@GuitarJawn]

Keeley Octa Psi

[@thepedalzone]

It’s just freaking awesome! 🤘🖤

[@jessesk8777]

Keeley and old blood. Chiggitty check yo self!!!

[@KB-wy2cm]

Quick question, do I need to buy a distortion/overdrive pedal even though the dark stereo comes with a distortion setting?

[@jessesk8777]

If you do I'd get the earthquaker special cranker. Cheap and amazing

[@417051]

DarkLight OBNE

[@thepedalzone]

A beauty as well 👌

[@jpm9628]

The Crushturnal seems like an Afterneath setting without needing an outboard seq. Hmmph.

[@collisiondevices]

you're in the right path

[@imjoshmoore]

What cable do I use to get the stereo effect of the dark star? It has one output jack.

[@thepedalzone]

You either use a TRS cable, if you intend to use other TRS enabled units after it, or a TRS to dual TS breakout cable if you intend to use stereo pedals with standard L/R ins and outs. Hope this helps

[@imjoshmoore]

@ thanks for the reply, much appreciated!

[@phantominterrogative]

Octa Psi is getting rude looks from my Pitch Bay.

[@thepedalzone]

😹😹😹

[@MaunShComb]

Stay off social media… I know you know this, but you’ll be happier, and we want you happy.