GEAR REVIEW
PETTYJOHN’S SHIFT STUDIO-GRADE UTILITY BOX | Jeffrey B. Scott
KEY FEATURES
• Universal applications
• Studio-quality components
• Solid, quality build
Don't let its classic good looks and form factor
deceive you; the SHIFT is not just another
guitar pedal. This is a sonic multi-tool for
any musician! Whatever your gig, you could
probably use one (or two) of these.
The SHIFT is essentially a studio-grade DI with
a buffer/boost circuit and the flexibility to carry
whatever signal you can run through it to its
destination with the utmost care and quality.
THE SOUND
Sonically, the SHIFT is pristine, with some
observable qualities of high-end audio gear. I
plugged in my acoustic for both Sunday services
and in my home studio and was blown away
by how good everything sounded immediately. first SHIFT will allow you to run your amp up and just enhanced the sound of the guitar. All of
Of particular note was being able to plug it in to 300' away (according to their website), and that powered by industry-standard 9V power.
direct and being surprised by the quality of the gain can be adjusted at either end to tailor your sound. Like plugging into a vintage console, signal flow.
The build quality of the review pedal was world-
the character of my acoustic was immediately
class and it looks like it could stand up to years
more usable and even inspiring! With just a few Like your Kemper or Helix, but want to give it of use and abuse with no issues. If your aim is
simple EQ changes, I could have easily used some extra analog warmth? The SHIFT will do studio use, you can even upgrade components
it on a track. And in the live setting, especially the trick. to take your SHIFT even closer to audio heaven.
was the core component for a recent acoustic Need to re-amp a guitar part? Take the dry FINAL WORDS
duo gig, allowing me to run just a tuner and signal from your DAW and run it into the In the world of pedals, it has to be difficult these
the SHIFT and feel confident I was delivering SHIFT in "Balanced In" mode in front of your days to carve out a niche, to stand out while
excellent tone to the mixer. pedalboard. Then using the Pad switch and making solid contributions to the market. In
Gain knob, adjust the level to perfection. the SHIFT, Pettyjohn has delivered something
considering the boost function, the SHIFT
BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!
with an almost endless utility. It more than
The SHIFT will also serve you well in a host IMPRESSIONS merits a spot on your pedalboard or a place in
of applications. What intrigued me the most about the SHIFT is your studio.
its ability to make so many things sound better
Need to run your amp offstage in a remote just by putting it in line. And while it doesn't
location? Get two SHIFTs, put one at the end offer tone-sculpting, I didn't miss that in the
of your pedalboard and the other at the amp. situations I was able to use it in. The boost level
Converting your quarter-inch to XLR out of the was more than enough for anything I needed
110
January 2020
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