Electro-Harmonix updates their popular flanger pedal, the Deluxe Electric Mistress, now with modern die-cast housing and true bypass.
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Considered as the world’s first stompbox flanger, the Electric Mistress is still among the most sought after effects prompting EHX to update the design as needed. The new Deluxe Electric Mistress XO is the latest of this upgrades, making the pedal more rig friendly while retaining the sound of the original.
The first Electric Mistress was released back in 1976 and was followed by the upgraded Deluxe version two years later. The Deluxe version became popular thanks to its “Filter Matrix mode”, it allowed guitarists to freeze the signal at any point in the flange, resulting in chime-like tones that many iconic players have put to good use.
Some of the big name artists that have been known to use the Deluxe Electric Mistress include Andy Summers, Alex Lifeson, Todd Rundgren, Robin Trower, J Macsis and John Frusciante. They were able to utilize various levels of flange into their guitar riffs and leads, from subtle chimes to all out jet woosh. Now Electro-Harmonix is adding modern reliability and true bypass switching to the analog tone and features of the original.
The most notable distinction between the old and new Deluxe Electric Mistress XO is its smaller die-cast package. The original bulky format is replaced with a space-saving compact shape that can be easily integrated into modern pedalboards. The knobs were also repositioned at the top to match the standard position that EHX is using on their other modern pedals. This essentially transforms the Deluxe Electric Mistress into a modern pedalboard-friendly stompbox.
The circuit remains true to its roots, and carries over the same Filter Matrix effect, of which EHX says: “In that mode the modulation waveform is disconnected from the flanger circuit, freezing the flanger and creating a matrix of filters. It enables a musician to achieve effects like the sound of chimes being played in unison with his or her instrument.”
The pedal is now powered by the bundled standard EHX9.6-200mA power supply and it can also run on a 9 volt battery. Electro-Harmonix also upgraded the switching circuit to utilize True Bypass technology, a favorite feature of many players mainly to avoid tone sucking in especially when chaining multiple pedals. Finally an LED indicator will let you know when the effect is engaged.
The new Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Electric Mistress XO is expected to retail for just under $205. Head over to EHX for more information.
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