The "How many different PLL clones can we get!" Thread

[modernage]

I hear the Schumann getting lumped in with these two pedals. Even to the point where people were saying the Mini Ark was a clone of the PLL. I don't know if I believe that. The demos I've heard of the Mini Ark do not sound like it. But what do I know? In my opinion there is only one good video of the PLL on Youtube.

I think they all three use the phase lock loop chip in their circuit, but that may be where the similarities end. To me that is like saying a pedal has a JRC4558, so it must be a Tubescreamer clone. I don't fall for those shenanigans. I have wanted a PLL for a long time now, and there was all that excitement over a year ago when the announcement on their website said that John is working on a new line of effects along with continuing production on the preexisting line, but 2010 came and went with no proof of his labor. We see all the time where builders aren't able to follow through with what they say. It usually doesn't bug me because I know a lot of the time it's just one or two people trying to do it all, and while they may have good intentions, life can overwhelm a person quickly. In this situation I was really hoping to see some progress, and even some production runs being done.

Well, I have temporarily moved on with my dreams of owning one of these rare, mythical beasts. I don't have the $800+ dollars to spend on a pedal (heck, they were even expensive new! $500?). This brings me back to my original thought. Does either the Harmony Synth or Mini Ark truly cover some of the ground that the PLL does? It might seem a bit more realistic to focus on one of those two at this point.

Thoughts... very much welcome.

[modernage]

I should probably post the video that I was talking about earlier for a point of reference.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WdwapX59K8[/youtube]

[Jero]

The AHS from INFANEM can cop some of the Shumann sounds(and vice versa) but they are quite different effects. The AHS doesn't really get those crazy, you're not even playing an instrument any more kind of tones. You can see what I mean if you watch both videos.

[edkoppel]

at its core the Infanum is definitely closer to the PLL than the Mini Ark (which I think sounds like shit).
The Harmony Synth can do some things the PLL can, but its definitely its own effect.
The PLL can't do Ring Modulation, but it sounds like the Harmony Synth can, for instance.

I wouldn't say either of those are a substitute for a PLL, but the Harmony Synth is definitely cool.
I just need to hear one in real life, or not on youtube, to make my decision, but I do want to buy one.

The PLL is even more complex than that video shows, and there are a shitload of sounds available.
also, the Fuzz itself on the PLL is amazing.
and not to knock the Infanum, but the PLL has it beat there.

either way, it looks to be pretty awesome and on my list.

[Jero]

Keep in mind the obtainability and cost difference between the two effects here also.

[testertube]

Schumann = looks cool.
Infanem =
Snazzy = lookscooldumbsizedumbname

[univalve]

I wouldn't say either of those are a substitute for a PLL, but the Harmony Synth is definitely cool.
I just need to hear one in real life, or not on youtube, to make my decision, but I do want to buy one.

I have my infanem not a week yet but i think i explored maximum 10% of the sounds. so i can not comment on the PLL video if these sounds are possible or not. sorry 'bout that.
btw: the infanem hs is so much fun to play and inspiring that i was getting new ideas like hell. so no time to search for new sounds, rock with the one you already found
Did i mention the shit ton of bass it has?

[Bellyheart]

I'd say the Mini Ark is definitely more PLL sounding based on videos and controls, but what is the possibility of both?!

[hazelwould]

I wouldn't say either of those are a substitute for a PLL, but the Harmony Synth is definitely cool.
I just need to hear one in real life, or not on youtube, to make my decision, but I do want to buy one.

I have my infanem not a week yet but i think i explored maximum 10% of the sounds. so i can not comment on the PLL video if these sounds are possible or not. sorry 'bout that.
btw: the infanem hs is so much fun to play and inspiring that i was getting new ideas like hell. so no time to search for new sounds, rock with the one you already found
Did i mention the shit ton of bass it has?

Super psyched for my Second Voice.

[tuffteef]

I wouldn't say either of those are a substitute for a PLL, but the Harmony Synth is definitely cool.
I just need to hear one in real life, or not on youtube, to make my decision, but I do want to buy one.

I have my infanem not a week yet but i think i explored maximum 10% of the sounds. so i can not comment on the PLL video if these sounds are possible or not. sorry 'bout that.
btw: the infanem hs is so much fun to play and inspiring that i was getting new ideas like hell. so no time to search for new sounds, rock with the one you already found
Did i mention the shit ton of bass it has?

Super psyched for my Second Voice.

hi 5 for buying one

[modernage]

Yeah, I figured they wouldn't be much of a replacement. Just people's wishful thinking. Come on Schumann. Get your crap together, so I don't have to sell my car in order to buy one of these things.

also, the Fuzz itself on the PLL is amazing.
and not to knock the Infanum, but the PLL has it beat there.

Exactly! That is a big reason why the Infanum hasn't swayed me completely. The fuzz on the PLL is ridiculous, and a huge reason why I want one. I wish I could get that circuit on its own.

Oh, well. looks like I'll be saving up over the next few years, while hoping someone will eventually want to sell one theirs. Talk about unobtainium of epic proportions.

[dorfmeister]

I've got a used Mini-Ark on its way to me right now.

[harpies]

hold out for a month-ish. someone has something coming that will satisfy your PLL needs.

[Toonster]

hold out for a month-ish. someone has something coming that will satisfy your PLL needs.

You´re making me too curious

[dorfmeister]

hold out for a month-ish. someone has something coming that will satisfy your PLL needs.

Why don't you just tell us what you know?