Crazy Tube Circuits SIDEKICK JR

Drawing inspiration from the senior unit released in 2019, the goal was to craft a compact pedal that seamlessly blends the most commonly utilized time-based effects, fitting harmoniously into any gear setup, catering to those in search of 80s tones and beyond. It encompasses the spectrum, from the ethereal, resonant tones found in New Wave, Shoegaze, and Synth Pop, to the drenched, saturated sounds of Hair/Glam Metal. The new Sidekick JR boasts an expanded array of sounds and algorithm selections compared to its elder counterpart.

The modulation effects and algorithms take cues from iconic 80s stompboxes. The "Ensemble" algorithm captures the essence of warm, subtle modulated chorus tones, while the "dimension" algorithm elevates your sound's three-dimensional presence without the customary chorus-like oscillation. The "flanger" algorithm finds inspiration in a classic flanger pedal configured as a slow chorus with a touch of mild feedback, resulting in a more metallic timbre.

In the echo/delay section, you'll encounter the mellifluous yet lively resonance of a tape echo paired with a recently installed tape running through a vibrant preamp or the pristine repeats reminiscent of an 80s digital delay rack unit.

The reverb section pays homage to iconic 80s reverb rack units, presenting two algorithm banks. Bank A delivers timeless reverb sounds such as "plate," "spring," and "hall," while Bank B showcases quintessential 80s reverb tones like "gated," "exciter" (our distinctive large-hall reverb algorithm with nearly infinite reflections and decay), and an octave-up "shimmer."

To maximize flexibility within the smallest enclosure possible, a clever switching setup was devised. In the standard onboard configuration, the delay and reverb effect sections of the Sidekick JR operate independently, and the modulation can be assigned to either section. With the addition of the XT footswitch (available separately), the modulation section becomes entirely autonomous and can be engaged or bypassed (true bypass) independently.

Additionally, the Sidekick JR introduces a power-up bypass/engage preset function for the onboard footswitches. This feature allows you to select the initial state of your pedal when you plug in the power supply. It proves particularly useful for those employing remote pedal switchers/loopers, as it enables them to set the power-up state just once and then control it from the controller unit.