Tone Report Weekly Issue 135 | Page 28

STRYMON LEX The master wizards at Strymon have their own rotary device, and its name is Lex. A stripped-down control set features knobs for Fast Rotor Speed, Mic Distance, Preamp Drive, and Horn Level. However, as with other Strymon pedals, there are secondary functions: Slow Rotor Speed, Cab Direction, Boost/Cut, and Acceleration Time. It is capable of receiving a stereo input via TRS and is equipped with stereo outputs and expression pedal capability. The latter can be used to control any function of the pedal, or you can use a Strymon Favorite switch to save a particular preset to recall at any time. It’s easy to dial in, sounds awesome, and is wrapped up with that impeccable Strymon build quality we’ve all come to know and love. The rotary speaker effect is one that I feel is often less explored. Sometimes gear gets pigeonholed and we think we can only use it in a certain context because it’s familiar to us in a certain way and it seems strange to use it outside of that realm. Sure, a rotary pedal is right at home doing organ sounds, or giving you a spot on “Cold Shot” tone, but there’s a lot of territory waiting to be discovered out there. Do you incorporate this effect into your rig? If so, how? If you haven’t used a rotary speaker pedal before, make it a point to do so at some point in your guitar playing endeavors, and do it with an open mind and willing fingers. Don’t worry about the past, just accelerate into the future. 28 TONE TALK // You Spin Me Round: 7 Superb Spinning Speaker Stomps