subversion
Moderator
Ibanez CF7
List: $100
So you’ve decided that the only modulation effects that would be incorporated permanently into your tone are chorus & flanger. Now you’re set to hunt for 2 decent pedals to fulfill this task. Maybe you need only invest in 1…
Tone Lok
Ibanez’s CF7 is a member of the Tone Lok series of pedals where one is able to push down the parametric knobs after setting one’s desired levels. This is a noble idea that prevents the settings being displaced due to certain gig-related mishandlings & such. Pedals from this offering are typified by the matt grey chassis & ultra quick battery access; just press the black release catch & up comes the battery cover (which doubles as a footswitch). The CF7 is unique as it features both the chorus & flanger modulation in a single unit.
Chorus
Responsive. That’s how the chorus is. Unlike the restrained response from Ibanez’s other chorus pedal, the CS9, the settings you get here are sufficient depth-wise to induce a certain desired thickness. The best this pedal has to offer is its use in conjunction with a neck pickup (single coil or otherwise) in a clean setting; strum some chords & you’ll hear some tingling cleans from the CF7. Driven, the CF7 is best served with moderate settings. Any excessive dialing & you’ll hear mush more than anything else.
Flanger
The flanger module on offer is effective. Van Halen-esque settings? No problems, the CF7 is competent enough. However, there are a handful of us who would want minimal flangering so as to enhance bottom end- no probllems with the CF7: cut the speed & delay time off entirely, have minimal settings for the depth & regeneration- hey presto! Beef generator with definition to boot!
Are you KRAZY enough?
The unique selling point of the CF7 is its KRAZY feature. Despite the hilarious labeling (Normal/ Wack’d), this feature is really the pedal’s booster switch. The instant need for more of a certain setting is addressed by this flick switch, then again, its practicality is an individual appeal.
Last say
This pedal emerge victorious in the value-for-money department, a 2-in-1 for $100 is hard to beat, especially when the modules on offer are above average in performance. The CF7 is a very competent chorus/ flanger pedal.
However, the module’s co-existence is its debilitation- what if you require chorus AND flanger simulataneously? Sadly, a combo offering is unavailable. The other setback here is the pedal’s change switch; should you require toggling between the chorus & flanger settings, you have to reach for the minute MODE flick switch. How sensible is this during a performance?
Finally, the CF7 isn’t one to be sustained with batteries. A non-alkaline unit will last you, at most, an hour. An alkaline alternative will double the lifespan, so the CF7’s endurance on battery could have been better.
Likes
• Price
• Battery access
• Responsiveness
• Tough exterior
Dislikes
• Minute MODE/ booster switches
• Battery drainer
Worthy contender
• Marshall RG-1 Regenerator
