Ibanez CF-7 Chorus/Flanger

Sweet jesus on a stick this is an excellent pedal ( despite it's manufacturers poor credibility ). It's about time Ibanez pulled their heads out of their nu-metal rears. You can get SO MANY sounds out of this pedal it's not even worth desribing. So many tones...so many so many. Although if you're using poor equipment the Flanger can sound a little tubeamp distorted ( even on solid state ) on the dive down.

Speed at three accompanied by depth at half and delay time at six gives you the standard progressive flang.

meanwhile on the chorus side of the box with everything up at max and speed at 4 you can get something very dreamy with the right guitar setting to company it.

Smash box was a hunk of crap, broke in three months, but I've had this for a year or two and it hasn't even scratched. Long battery life...things like that...I couldn't imagine life without it.

going out on a limb and saying it's terrible. Ibanez, after all.

Okay, I know I hate ibanez to the point of genocidal thought...but this pedal is LOVELY. The variety of sounds you can make with it is VERY useful...you can make luscious, progressive dream tones or change a normal note into a strange springlike BOING sound. If you REALLY want a kick, run your mic through this and have fun sounding like a robotic god. It's like a synthesizer in a can...er...box.
Wonderful wonderful thing

This thing is pretty easy to use, you do have to find a sound thats right for you and the music you play but after you use it a few times u get used to it. The manual does help, but you'd have to be pretty stupid to not know how to use it. The knobs have the locking option thing, where u can just push the things like further into the pedal, which helps when im playing shows, I like to jump around, and when I do i usually will change the settings on some other pedals, but this one stays right on where I want it to sound.

Sound quality is cool, it can be a little loud at times, becuase when I'm using the flanger I tend to turn up the depth a little to loud, which in turn makes my guitar unheard and the pedals the only thing that can be heard. I do like the sound of it but the "krazy er whack'd" setting is just retarted. The effects aren't "weak" but its hard to find the balance of sounding cool and hearing just the pedal, which can be ear piercing. I'm using this thing with some big crate amp, and it sounds pretty cool, I have it on effects loop, just because of some problems. I can mimick some incubus stuff, infact my band has made up a song where I pretty much leave the pedal on just to sound like the guitarist from incubus ("dave lance" er something like that, not too sure what his name is) The chorus is kool, but you can get some really retarted stuff outta this thing, it just takes some time to find what you think sounds cool.

Three words, "eat my batteries." This thing has one tragic flaw, it likes to eat every battery in a matter of seconds. Fortunate for me, a kind employee at a music store gave me an adapter for free. (thank you jeremy) The pedal is pretty reliable and I have used it at one show, and it died in the middle of a song, which is why I use it in the effects loop now, and thats why I got the adapter. The pedal is a pain to power, thats the worst part, and I don't think I would use it at a show without the adapter. Anyway the adapters only six bucks, plus an extension chord, so thats about 15 dollars added on, which isn't so bad, but hey I'm only fifteen what do I know?

I've never dealt with any costumer support, other than Daddy's Junky Music. I did ask if there was anyway to make the battery last longer, and I sent a letter to Ibanez, but they kind of worked their way around telling me anything. A typed crappy letter that said "Please refer to the manual of your: instrument, accessory etc." was the response, which didnt help. The only way to get this thing to work any better is to buy more crap for it.

I play an emo punk style of music in my band, but I play plenty of other styles including some blues stuff. This pedal is a good match for anyone who to plays guitar as long as your not expecting it to make you any better at playing. Remember its only an effect, you need to know how to use it. I've only been playing for a year or two and I got this pedal RECENTLY. I also use a RAT distortion pedal, which does combine pretty well with the futurastic sounds of this pedal. If I lost this pedal I may buy it again but I have played with a boss BF-2 flanger and they sound pretty much alike. I love the flanger effect on it, and the way that it can sound. I hate the stupid krazy option, cause if anyone uses that onestage, they better be real good at guitar. The pedal could stand to have a little less options, I don't even notice the difference when I turn up the "regen" knob. Just remember no pedal will help you make music, I usually just use an acoustic guitar to make up things, then I transfer the chords into power chords, and so on. No pedal will help make music, it can inspire you to make things up, and then use the pedal with these songs, which has happened to me. After using this pedal I wouldnt want to lose it, many of the riffs I play seem ineffective without it. Overall, be prepared to shell out an extra 15 dollars, either for a nice little supply of nine volt batteries or for the adapter and an extension chord.

Getting a decent sound from this device is not overly complicated. The major problem here is switching between the effects if you have a need to do so quickly. The box features four click-recessive knobs (speed, depth, delay, and regeneration) and two switches, one for switching between chorus and flange and one for mode swapping (labeled "KRAZY," with options for "NORMAL" or "WACK'D") plus a Boss-style click section to turn the pedal on and off. The multiple effects parameters provide a multitude of sounds at the user's fingertips, but the tiny switches to change between chorus and flange and to switch between normal and super-fast effects speed prevent the box from being more than one effect at a time (though at each sitting it can essentially be one of four!). Thus, an eight out of ten; on the other hand, it would probably be less useful if it had four big buttons on the top.

Once again, and eight; it is solid, but it's a given that a low-priced box containing essentially four effects will not be perfect in each of the four. The chorus can sound very much like a cheap delay box if the depth knob is too shallow, and the flange sometimes produces sweeps that "bottom out" my amp and produce a burring noise, but neither is the fault of the pedal. It is true that the flange produces an audible frequency sweep (a whoosh) when the guitar is tacet, but its presence does not detract from the usefulness of the pedal. If I had to choose one of the effects over the other, I would definitely say the flanger is the better of the two, but as previously stated, both effects are solid, especially for this price. I run my Squier strat through a Boss OD2R, then this pedal, and then an early model Morley PWV into a Fender Champ 15B amplifier. Sometimes I put the CF7 in flange mode first and turn on the OD2R's "Turbo" feedback loop which provides an interesting "metallic angst" effect with minor-seventh hammer-ons (think the end of "We Will Rock You" or "Weekepaug Groove," with a different twist provided by the CF7) and power chords. The unit also provides intresting feedback modulation when one phyiscally places the pickups near the speaker. Major plus: no signal boost or drop when this pedal is added to or removed from the effects chain.

Needs a power supply (which I don't have; bought used and got only the box and a cord), because battery only lasts about four hours at most. Box is heavy for its size, and made of thick metal. Buttons retract for safety. Would suggest playing barefoot if you want to switch effects midsong without risking breakage of the switch(es).

I have only been playing guitar for about three years, and so my semi-evolved playing style (imitative of Trey Anastasio, Dave Matthews, Pete Townshend, Syd Barett, and Dave Dederer (of the Presidents of the USA)) is well-suited to the unit. It makes good basic sounds, fun strange sounds in "WACK'D" mode (use the flange version of this mode and you've got a much better imitation of the bass intro sound in the President's single "Peaches" than a lone tremolo unit would create), but no really "great sounds." It would suit me even were I a professional, but it is doubtful that famous artists would choose this box over a "more refined" unit (ie using no ics whatsoever, or perhaps tubes; I'm sure some part of this is digital, but it's so heavy it must have a few solid-state parts in it). It is a definite sound enhancement which I would reccommend to anyone, especially someone on a budget; I got this one on the cheap, costing less for two decent-quality effects than one alone would probably go for. If it was stolen, I would probably purchase another if one could be found for a similar price, but if I could buy a separate chorus and flanger that sounded any better than the effects in this box for less than $100 then I would choose the latter option. The month or so I've spent with this product has broadened my musical horizons in a small way; never again will I go without having some kind of chorus or flange effect in my rig.

May take a few minutes to get a good sound, but once you get used to it, you can find many good sounds...

When I bought this pedal, I was looking for a ring modulator kind of sound, but the chorus sound works for me (distorted and clean) as well. I like the delay knob for that added versatility that I don't think is on any other chorus pedal. I don't use a lot of the crazier sounds you can get out of this (besides ring modulatorish sounds), but this pedal is quite versatile. I can't give it a 10 for sound, though because I don't care for the flanger (too weak for me). Also, an EQ might be a good thing on here, but it isn't the end of the world either....

nothing has happened with it so far. Seems as sturdy as any of my Boss pedals. Although I did have an Ibanez pedal's switch go out after a year or so once, but that was with the soundtank line....

never dealt with them

I listen mostly to alternative rock (Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, Tool....), and this fits well with what I do - whether I want some crazy sounds or just a fatter sound, I think this is the most versatile chorus pedal that I have seen. If it were lost or stolen, I probably would get another. So, while it may not be the best chorus sound, it is still very good. (And for my flanging needs, I LOVE my DOD fx747, fyi).

prety easy flanger can get a little tough to get a decent sound out of though didnt have a manual for it so i didnt know jack about the settings

i actually am a bass player i use a muusic man sting ray bass and have a strange amp set up a a tube amp drivinging A 1X15 cab have a 7 band eq pedal so i can dial out a lot of the harshness of this pedal. when using a distortion pedal before the flangethen i have my eq fix the mess my guitarist has an mxr analog flange which kicks this things ass seven way to sunday but when i tried it for the first time(this pedal) it gave me what i wanted a slow almost out of phase swoosh type sound. the delay time knob really only fucctions as a maunual like the mxr knob labeled as such except the mxr manual wont give you such a harsh top end. but whaqtever i like this effect because it does what i originally wanted it to do. i only use it on solos and it is an eye opener. usualy bass players dont solo with the jet plane distortion flange combo and it gets the attention away from my guitarist the crazy settings forget about them the chourus settings who needs em' i got a boss ceb for that.this effect as a bassplaying tool? no not really i can only use it for soloing.

when my cosin (this is not the guitarist for my band and doesnt have an mxr to play with) tried using this pedal with his guitar with the delay/manual back all the way down he could also get very usuable sounds yet the thing that is the best thing to do with this pedal is... using itwith the line 6 revese delay the reason of this iswith the line 6 delay it can onlt speed up times 2 or slow down by 1/4 if your looking for that tape machine in reverse sound it needs to be slowed down by only a ratio of 1/16 this pedal set to a slow flange slows the signal in such a way that when reversed it can give you that castles made oif sand sound the mxr will do this too i guess but the ibanez does it for less expense. the chorus is preety good for guitar.

the sound i was looking for was something that sounded unique and i guess i have it for solo/novelty other than that save your money for a line 6 mod modeler it will take a long ass time to save up to afford it but it will be worth your while ive tried it out and to me it is the all be all of modulation (even if some of the effects dont sound exactly like the ones there modeled after there are really genuis sounding and super musical)

this thing eats battires like nobodys damn buiseness the power supply is not an option

i play mostly inde rock. my style and app[roach is much like that of a classic rock sound yet i dont emulate any artists in my style this effect isnt too musical yet when i solo i only have the drummer play and my guitarist stops playing GET A LINE 6 MODUALTION MODELER OR AN MXR ANALOG OR EVEN AN ELECTRIC MISTRESS ALL ARE EXPENSIVE BUT ARE FOR A REASON THEY ARE THE TOOLS OF ARTISTS NOT NOVELTY ITEMS OR FOR INDUSTRIAL/KORNY KIDS THIS ITEM IS ONLY A TOY DONT THINK YOUR GOING TO GET FAR WITH IT AT ALL

Speed, Depth, Delay Time, & Regeneration; switch to choose chorus or flange, and a switch to choose between wack'd and normal. One input, two outputs that are 180 degrees out of phase as mentioned before, ac adaptor, etc. If you spend a little time with it and get to know everything it can do, it's actually pretty decent.

I've been a bass player for the last 5 years and by no means claim to be an expert. This is just from personal experience.
Chorus: I always have the Speed at 12 o'clock, Depth and Delay at full clockwise, and Regeneration at full counterclockwise. This produces a very nice chorus sound that is metallic but not to the point where it loses its warmth. For bassists, the sound IS nicer on your D & G strings compared to your A, E, & lower strings. It was made for guitar though. I never change the settings on the chorus mode so I can't say anything else about it, except that I prefer these settings so much that I don't feel the need to explore.
Flange: I think that flange is an effect that should be used sparingly to be effective. I rarely use this mode and really can't comment on it.
The wack'd modes are kind of cool to mess around with but I don't believe that I would record a song with them.

I've had the pedal for over a year and it's held up so far. I'd play without a backup just for lack of money but I think it's built well enough. I use an AC adaptor for it so I don't have to worry about the battery problem (I hear it's a very large problem, by the way).

I've never really bothered to go through the trouble of contacting a large corporation because you will always be put on a list with a thousand other names and you will have to wait and wait and wait for whatever it is you're waiting for. And finally one day, you'll get a letter or e-mail telling you that they stopped making the part you need a month ago or that you will have to pay shipping and handling to send it to them on top of what you are paying them to fix it. Hmmn...

Chorus pedals go well with any musical genre and should be used often. On the other hand, flange should be used as little as possible so it is more appreciated when it is used. For the styles I play (blues, rock, metal) and the techniques I use, this pedal works great. I can't speak for everyone but for me, it's been lovely. I can't say I'd buy it again just because there is better stuff out there that could do a better job. That requires money though, which many of us have little of.

too easy to get a good sound. Hard to believe really

the chorus sounds so much better than most individual chorus pedals, and if use a eq along with it, the sound will blow u away. Definitely rack quality.

the flanger is a normal flanger though, nothing special..can't really comment, it's a flanger, just a flanger.

overall, this thing sound great.
-2 marks just because it produces some noise(when playing)when using with distortion, kind of pain. If it's noise that come out when u're not playing, then it's fine, but the noise come out when i'm playing, so it's realy terrible. The flanger also produce a little jet plane sound whenever it's on. So if u really care about those noise (when ont playing), must really get a noise supressor, or else the jet plane sound when u're not playing can kill u.

not reliable, ask those using Ibanez 7-series pedals for a long time then u know what they'll tell u.

Seriously, this thing sounds wonderful. But i returned it to the shop. Would look around first and if nothing match. Then i would go back to the shop and get the CF-7 again.

My only point in writing this review is to warn all bassists. DO NOT USE THIS PEDAL ON BASS! It sounds so thin and ridiculous. Seriously, avoid it all costs. You want flange, get a Boss BF3, you want a chorus, get a Boss CEB3. Just get something eq'd for bass, not this. I'm sure it would sound great on guitar, but it's worthless on bass. The whack'd mode sounded stupid too. I'm not saying this is a bad product - they never said it was usable on bass....BECAUSE IT'S NOT!

bleh

It's not that hard to find your sound if you just take some time and find out what the different controls do...

I use this chain:
BC Rich Warlock > Boss TU-2 Tuner > Boss MT-2 Metal Zone > Boss GE-7 EQ > Boss CE-2 Chrous > Ibanez CF7 > Boss Volume Pedal > Boss Digital Delay > Randall Amp. It doesn't suck noticeable tone, it's a very versitale (don't know the spelling) pedal since it has normal chrous, wackd chorus, normal flange, wackd flange and controls for all of them, with wackd flange you can even create a ring mod sound... I play Metal and uses this to create some funny noises or effects.

I would definatly not use this pedal on a gig without a battery eliminator (adaptor), this thing litteraly EATS batteries, 98 mA draw, that's a lot... An analog distortion pedal usually draws 6-10 mA so you see the difference... But with an adaptor I'd definatly gig with it, it seems rock solid but i have heard some complains about that the switch is easy to break and hard to replace.

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I use it to make effects mostly but it's very versitale and a lot of people likes the chorus and flanger effects so it is not just for noises.

it's cool and easy to use with 4 knobs and two mode switches. if you just buy it as a cool chorus/flange and like to 'wak'd mode because it makes you sound like Korn, then you are brain-dead and should not be playing guitar.
speed, depth, delay time, and regen (only works on flange modes) are fairly sensitive.
chorus/flange switch explains itself (if you don't know the difference, you are brain-dead and should not be playing guitar).
the normal/wak'd switch is just a rate-doubler (for all you brain-dead Korn cover bands who think it's magical).

sound wise, both the chorus and flange can go significantly faster and slower than many choruses or flangers out there.
with the rate-doubler, you can push the flanger into speeds that generate their own sub-sonic tone, which can be funny.
the dual inputs are handy (especially when plugged into stereo input effects) but they are not wet and dry, they are normal and inverse (180 degrees out of phase, so running them to sepereate amps means you might get some sonic cancellation).
aside from that, all of the modulations on this pedal are decidedly thin and fizzy...which is fine for the brain-dead Korn wanna-be players, shite for anyone who plays real guitar.
I don't play guitar, and I want it to sound fuzzy, so it's cool
( I use it to make a $15 radio-shack keyboard go "boyoyoyoyoyoyoy" really fast or slow, with with adjustable modes and stompbox on/off ability (leaving both hands free to play within teh keyboards 3-note polyphony...woohoo)

the recessed knobs are a cute and helpful idea, but they should lock into position once pushed down (which they do not)
some people think it could rival a boss, because it is shaped like one and made of cast metal plating. it is sturdy, but there is one concern that should be addressed.
a mass-produced stomp box is only going to last as long as it's SPDT bypass switcher (the electronic bypass switch you brain-dead bastard).
in boss pedals, this switch is big, and easliy replaced.
in ibanez pedals, the switch is smaller than a grain of the rice I cooked last night, and it is socketed directly to the electronics board (and the casing is latch mounted by rivets.
thusly, if you stomp on this thing too hard, especially at an angle, you ARE GOING TO BREAK THE SWITCH, thus transforming your "make me into korn" machine into a paperweight.

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nice, handy, versatile effect. it seems mysterious, until you learn how it works inside, then it opens up a few more possibilites.

I use it for keyboard and studio...you don't.