FREQue II

Electronic Musician

Effects Processor, Analogue (Hardware)

The past year was a good one for analogue effects processors, including Demeter's smooth-sounding RV-1 spring reverb and the terminally hip Sherman Filter-bank II. However, when it comes to mangling your music in delightful ways, the DACS FREQue II takes the prize. The FREQue II puts a pair of ring modulators in a 2U rack mount box. The ring modulators can be operated independently - each processor has its own program and carrier inputs and dedicated controls.- or linked into Dual - Mono mode, so that both processors are controlled by one set of knobs. 

Engage the FM On switch, and oscillator 1 is routed to the CV input of oscillator 2 for instant frequency modulation. A dedicated FM Depth control lets you add modulation to taste. For real tweaking satisfaction, push the FREQue button: it transforms the processor into a frequency shifter, which gives you the sum and difference of tones at separate outputs. The amount of shift is controlled by oscillator 2 and can be changed manually or with a control voltage. The frequency shifter gives you a range of effects, from subtle stereo processing to wild timbral shaping. 

Compared to the original FREQue, DACS has brought the FREQue II up to a pro level, adding trim controls to the four audio inputs, a CV input jack and oscillator output jack for each ring modulator, separate level controls for each output, and balanced TRS jacks throughout. 

To some, ring modulation and frequency shifting may seen like exotic effects. But the simplicity with which you can shape sound using the FREQue II. whether subtly or extremely, makes it a joy to use - not to mention a colourful addition to your effects rack.