The AMT Electronics Du Hast is a "distortion combo emulator." In case you haven't guessed, it's a distortion pedal that seeks to emulate the sound of the popular German band Rammstein. In fact, the pedal used to be called the AMT Rammstein, but I'm not sure why they changed the name.

It's got an input and output, battery clip (which requires a screwdriver to access), 9V jack, and four knobs, Level, Low, High, and Dist. Pretty standard for a stomp box distortion, and it's made in Siberia. Feels nice and sturdy. I like the orange color.

It's a simple setup with only four knobs. No manual, but none is needed. I like the fact that the stomp button doesn't click when you hit it. This might be a detractor for some who would like the feedback of a solid click, but I find that it makes the pedal much easier to switch. I wish more pedals had this kind of button.

I'm docking one point for making me use a screwdriver (and a fairly small one at that) to get to the battery.

Here's the thing I don't like about this pedal: I can't seem to get a good sound that I like from it. Reading other reviews, you would think that this pedal would be a replacement for any general-purpose pedal. In my opinion, that's not the case. It seems to do the Rammstein sound quite well, but I'm finding that this particular sound just isn't my style. And when I switch from another box, like my Little Big Muff, to this pedal, the box sounds flat in comparison. Even with the BBE Sonic Maximizer, no matter how much I tweak this pedal it sounds flat to my ears, compared to just about everything else. Maybe it's just the nature of this kind of distortion, but it doesn't seem to fit in with my other effects.

I also had a weird issue of getting a hum after playing with it and my other pedals for a while. It was only coming from the Du Hast. I decided to unplug it from the Voodoo Labs Pedal Power and try it with a battery, and the hum went away. When I plugged it back into the power supply, it was still gone. It hasn't returned, so I'm not sure what happened there.

This pedal is a bit noisy, too. You won't really want to use this in conjunction with a fuzz pedal, unlike some of my other fuzz pedals which can be stacked without a whole lot of extra noise. Overall, the sound just isn't what I'm looking for.

The BBE Sonic Stomp is a "sonic maximizer." I would guess that the circuitry inside this is probably similar to other BBE rack mount sonic maximizers. I might add that I used to own a very expensive Alpine car stereo head unit that included a BBE function, and the effect of the pedal sounds very similar to the sonic massaging that the head unit's BBE function performed.

"Sonic massaging" is probably a good, if vague, way to describe the effect of this pedal. It's not quite an EQ or tone control, but works in almost a similar way, as it sounds like it is altering certain frequency responses. It is simple with only two knobs (Lo Contour and Process), and it's pretty darn hard to find a setting that doesn't improve the signal. Simple is always a good thing in my opinion, and the control setup does a fine job of allowing some good tweaking.

The manual talks a bit about phase and amplitude correction, and this pedal apparently corrects timing of different frequencies to restore the original sound lost by limitations in the loudspeaker setup. Thus, following this, there are two things to take from the explanation: that every setup will likely have a slightly different "optimal" setting, and that this effect will likely be hard if impossible to get from an EQ. So perhaps the apparent result of using the pedal might sound similar to using a certain EQ setting, but what is really going on is quite different, and much more complex.

Configuration is standard for a stomp box, with an input, output, 9V jack, and battery clip. BBE gets brownie points in my book for making the battery easily accessible with a simple door on the underside of the pedal, no disassembly or screw driver necessary. It also came with an adapter, but I am using this pedal with a Voodoo Labs Pedal Power 2 Plus, so I didn't need it. But I do appreciate the fact they included one.

Simple: two knobs. Lo Contour "regulates the amount of phase corrected bass frequencies." To my ears, it provides a function similar to a tone knob in that it provides more emphasis on the bass frequencies at high levels, and more emphasis on high frequencies at low levels. I was looking to make my sound fuller, and coincidentally enough, I have mine set to 5 (right in the middle). Seems to provide a very nice, even sound enhancement.

The Process knob regulates the amount of phase correction. And it sounds to me like a mixture of the dry and wet output. Less process equals less of the effect. I like mine set to about 6 1/2. You have to turn it up a bit to enjoy the enhancement that the pedal provides, but turning it up higher seems a bit much to my ears.

The manual provides a nice overview and attempts to explain some background behind the BBE effect. It's interesting stuff, if you can understand what they're saying, and I admit I'm no sound processing master. It makes sense to me, but I'm not totally sure I fully grasp it. Luckily, all you need to utilize this pedal is a good set of ears. Just play with the settings and you'll be able to hear a good improvement to your sound and figure out how to set it best. And since it's not all that complicated, it probably won't even take ten minutes to find the perfect setting.

The manual suggest you place it last in the effects chain just before the amp. I see no reason why anyone would ever do otherwise, because whatever isn't in the chain isn't being processed, obviously. You can also place the BBE in the effects loop, but I haven't tried that yet.

You will never forget that this pedal is on, because the ultra-bright blue LED won't go by unnoticed.

I had read some reviews prior to owning this pedal where people said they couldn't hear what the pedal was doing, or they couldn't notice a difference until they played for a while with the pedal and then turned it off. I just find that hard to believe, because once you start bringing the settings up a bit, to me the effect is very noticeable. It's not overpowering, and the effect is rather subtle, but I'm just surprised people have said they couldn't hear a difference. I felt it was an immediately noticeable improvement in the sound.

Once you turn it on and dial it in, you won't turn it off. There's no reason. BBE processing pretty much makes everything sound better, as it did with my old head unit. Turning it off will make you realize how flat your sound was, and you'll scramble to get that BBE goodness back as quick as possible. It improves the quality of the sound, without really coloring it. In other words, I would say that it's more for "presence" than "tone."

I will be buying one of the rack mount Sonic Maximizers for recording purposes and to process my synths. They sound great to my ears already, but I'm sure that BBE will make them sound even better. If you're looking for a full, "big budget" sound, you can't go wrong with BBE (and their products AREN'T expensive, which is a big plus for the home musician). This stomp box would likely make any input sound even better, but I want the rack in addition for stereo processing.

The Dunlop GCB-95 Cry Baby is standard wah-wah pedal made by the masters of the wah - Dunlop. There are 1/4'' inputs and outputs and it is not a rackable effect.

Like most pedals, this was really easy to get going. I simply plugged my guitar into the input and sent the output to an amp. The effect is a standard wah/filter sound and while this model could have a greater sweep range, it definitely gets the job done. I have never seen the model because I bought it used.

The effect with this Dunlop is very realistic and usable as a wah sound. I used it with guitar mostly, but it would certainly work with bass, keys, or any other instrument you could plug this into. While it isn't a versatile pedal, it does exactly what it advertises - gives you a good sounding wah-wah at a reasonable price.

The Digitech Whammy II is a unique pedal that is a pitch shifter and has a detune option (which is like a chorus) and numerous harmony options. It is an analog effect and has a 1/4'' input and both 1/4'' wet and dry outputs. It has a bypass switch and is not a rackable effect.

This was really easy to set up - simply plug your guitar or other instrument into the input and send the wet output to an amp. The manual is very helpful for getting some sounds you might not have thought about on your own.

The pitch shifting effects on this pedal are truly great sounding on guitar. I love shifting up or down an octave and can make for some crazy effects. While I have not used it myself on keyboards, I did lend this pedal to a friend who used it a lot with his Yamaha Motif and said he loved using it with that. The detune option is also a great sounding chorus-like effect.

The Boss BF-2 is a simple analog flanger pedal with adjustable manual, depth, rate and res. It has a 1/4'' input and output and is not a rackable effect.

I had no problems getting this pedal working in my set up - simply plug your guitar into the input and send the output to your amp. I have not used the manual, I just use my ear and experiment with the four knobs.

The effects that can be gotten with this are wide and very useful. I use it a lot when I just looking for that extra fullness for a lead tone or if I am looking for that clean flange sound. I use it with electric guitar and keyboards.

The Boss PH-3 is a multi step phaser with a ton of versatility. It is an analog pedal and has a 1/4'' input and output. It is a traditional stomp box and is not rackable.

Like most Boss pedals, this couldn't be easier to use. From the minute I plugged in my guitar I was able to get some really cool phasing sounds - ranging from a nice light phase to some crazy sounds that are reminiscent of aliens. I haven't looked at the manual because I bought it used, but I never thought I would need it.

The phasing sounds on this pedal are some of the best I have heard. I use it with electric guitars and keyboards. The sounds are thick and convincing - I enjoy the step phase mode the best, but I have used all of the modes. The effects are definitely pretty spacey, but if you are looking for a phaser, this is one of the best of its kind.

The Voodoo Lab Pedal Power 2 Plus is exactly what it sounds like: a power supply for multiple guitar pedals. Voodoo Labs states that each of the 8 9V outputs is completely isolated, short-circuit protected, and highly filtered and regulated to provide power that is free of hum and noise. I will venture to guess that most people using standard wall warts will probably benefit from lower noise by using this supply, as I did. Another benefit is actually ditching all those separate adapters and plugging everything in using one three-prong plug.

As stated previously, the Pedal Power 2 Plus features 8 outputs, which can be configured and used to supply power in several ways. The first four outputs can be used to supply Boss pedals that require ACA power adapters. Outputs 5 and 6 can be used to power Line6 modeling pedals, and outputs 7 and 8 allow voltage adjustments between 4V and 9V to simulate worn batteries. All outputs are configured for these options via a small set of DIP switches on the underside of the unit. There is also an AC auxiliary outlet with a max rating of 200W (they strongly warn not to plug your amplifier into it), which is nice for people with an oddball AC pedal like the Digitech Whammy which usually can't be supplied by a 9V pedal board supply.

This unit can even use two outputs together to power an 18V pedal, though the required connector is not included. And annoyingly enough, while there is a nice selection of connectors supplied, someone with a full pedal board is likely to require additional connectors. The 8 outputs can all be used as normal 9V, and since that is the most common means of powering pedals, it might seem likely that it would come with 8 connectors, but it only comes with 6. There are two additional connectors for Line6 modeling pedals that use a different barrel connector, a 9V battery snap that allows powering a pedal that doesn't have a jack, and 3.5mm mini-plug adaptor. For things like reverse-polarity barrel connectors and 18V connectors, the manual advises you to contact Voodoo Labs.

While it's nice to have a variety of connectors, to me it would make sense to include 8 of the standard connectors because they are the most common. On the plus side, even if you require a seventh connector, at the very least you can use the battery snap and still power the pedal, but this is a little less than elegant and probably not preferred by most people. In my case, I needed only 6, so I lucked out. I don't really plan on buying any Line6 modeling pedals, so the extra connectors for those are a bit useless to me, as is the mini-plug, but you never know.

I applaud Voodoo Labs for their excellent manual. It's short and to-the-point, but includes thorough instructions about setting up pedals and even safety warnings to prevent damage to any of your equipment, leaving no doubt as to whether you might be setting anything up incorrectly. It even includes advice about setting up the actual pedal board itself. Many manuals today are typically either incomplete or difficult to understand, and while there's not much to this unit, it outlines everything it has to and even goes a little beyond, and in my opinion it demonstrates a commitment to their customer that many companies lack. Voodoo's manual makes sure it has your back.

One of the nice touches about this product is that its height was kept short to allow it for fitting in a rack, if you so desire. And even though it only comes with certain connectors, Voodoo Labs can supply just about any connector you'd ever need, like if you wanted a longer length. I initially thought the lengths were a bit short, as I have my pedals sprawled out in a line, but they turned out to be plenty long enough (though I can imagine situations where a person might need longer).

I bought this from Musicians Friend for $170, and while the price is a bit steep, I think it's an invaluable piece of equipment, and is indispensable to my setup. It provides pure, clean power, simplifies the pedal setup, and makes for a much cleaner installation. Voodoo's manual suggests that their support is top-notch, and the unit oozes quality. I'm even more inclined to look into some of their effects pedals after owning the Pedal Power 2 Plus.

The E Bow plus is an extremely unique effect. You hold it up the LED light on a string where you would normally pick, and it sustains whatever note you are holding down on the frets. It has two modes - one for playing pitched sounds and one for feedback sounds. There are no connections, you simply just hold it up by the strings. It is an analog effect and is really unlike any other I have heard.

While it easy to get some sound out of it, it takes some time to switch strings quickly and to get a consistent sound from it. I had to look at the manual to see the techniques involved with it and it took a bit of time to get used to.

The work I put into figuring out the best techniques with the E Bow definitely paid off. Its a hard sound to describe, but it definitely sounds like you are using a bow and is great for sustaining notes and making a drone sort of sound. The feedback mode is also great for when you need to create some realistic feedback. I've only used it on guitar, but I imagine it would work with any stringed instrument that has a pickup.