Shin-Ei/Companion Phase Machine

My review is for the Shin-ei Resly Machine, presumably the same as the Phase Machine in the first review.

Simple to use - there is a Power On/Off switch, three foot-operated buttons for On/Slow, Medium and Fast time (phase speed) and input/output jacks.
The effect speeds up or slows down to the new setting when engaging or disengaging a button. The 3 effect settings are not cumulative, you can use only one setting at a time, the fastest taking priority if more than one button is 'On'.

This unit seems to require a strong input signal otherwise the sound effect can be very weak. A guitar with its volume on full is fine, using a booster pedal before the unit would be better. Perhaps it was designed more for a driven input, such as keyboards?

'Slow' gives what I would describe as a basic chorus/phaser sound, 'Medium' is a lusher chorus - think early Rush. 'Fast' has a distinct warble/vibrato sound, reminds me of 'Breathe'.
It's a mono effects box, but provides an effect similar to my Dynacord CLS-222. The ability to speed up/slow down the effect is also akin to the CLS-222.

I love the sound, just one point deducted because of the input volume requirement - I thought it was faulty until I worked this one out.

I bought it secondhand, I'm not sure when it was made as there are no dates anywhere inside or outside the case. I'm guessing at 1970's. It's still working, so that's something in itself.

The case is steel and very sturdy. The 3 buttons have obviously survived for this long, but I always treat them gently, they just don't feel strong underfoot. They're plastic, and I don't think they would hold up if they took too much weight.

This unit has an internal transformer and takes 240V. There is a fuseholder accessible at the back of the case.

Not applicable.

I'm very happy with the sound, I hope it keeps on working.
The case is very similar to a Maestro PS-1 Phase Shifter, though I don't know if the effect is identical.

There are 3 internal trimpots, one day I'll be unable to resist the temptation to experiment!

I assume the name 'Resly' derives from 'Rotary Leslie'.
I haven't seen many of these around, they seem to be quite rare. If it were to fail I would have to look at getting a modern equivalent, or move over to the less portable CLS-222.

Shin-ei Phase Machine (its name spelled on top)
I bought this one used. Its a black/white 28x20cm metal box with power switch, three large plastick phase speed switches on top and input/output jacks on the frot edge. You can have three speed phase out of this thing: slow time, medium time and fast time. They are solid timings, and you cant change them. It gives you good phase sound, but is easily killed by another effect. Very basic, very easy to use, although there isnt many options.

This thing is quite old (mid-seventies I suppose). There is some hiss and noise in switches and jacks. Effect is powerful when used with fuzz or without any other effects. With tremolo or chorus its malfunctioning or disappears entirely. Played it with Marshall solid-state and a Fender twin. Both are fine.

Battery wont run out, because there is no battery option. It has an internal adaptor, so there is just a normal electric plug you can plug to a wall. No other options.

This company is no more. No support.

Old and thatswhy a little noisy, but overall good and simple phase effect. If one of the three speeds dont match your plans, you cant really use it. Otherwise, its good for creating some instant psychedlic or ambient soundscapes.