Snarling Dogs Erogenous Moan Tape Reverse Simulator

Just an update to my (Homemikey) review below...
Well, I sold the E-Moan. I just didn't have the time, especially for an effect that I would be using very sparingly. I have a Slow Gear that I will always keep.
I still think it's very cool, though...

I didn't have that much trouble getting the reverse mode to work like it should. I had to play with it for an hour or so, but once you get the feel...It does what it should. The volume part of this pedal is too easy to figure out. It's not the shaft wah. In fact it's not anything like a wah. Don't try to play too fast...let the reverse sound do it's magic and swell the notes backwards as you move your foot. This is a pedal you have to devlop a feel for, some people get it quicker than others, just don't go too fast...listen and feel for it.

I have a few guitars, but mainly use a carvin v220 or an electric lap steel with this effect, through a polytone minibrute amp. I've played this with most all of my pedals (too many to list) and it sounds good in front of all of them. It really doesn't matter what you play it with, It's clean so what you put in front, is what you get, just in the "reverse sound". I like distortion types (Boss Metal Zone 2 or Big Muff) and chorus pedals. I've tried to play it with wahs (VOX, Cry Baby, Morley, boss)and have had some interesting results, but often find that it's a bit much for both feet.

It's also built like a tank. It's big, heavy, sturdy. I think I could drop it off the back porch, kick it around the yard, and then toss it around some more and it would be fine although it guess doing that would probably scratch up the paint job. I have had no problem with the pots however when i got this pedal it only functioned as a volume pedal and the reverse mode did not work.

I got this off of e-bay and it was DOA. Boy was I bummed. The guy who sold it to me disappreared and was to never be heard from again (asshole). I made a few calls and was told to send it to some people in New Jersey. They sent it back working great and gave me instructions on how to do internal adjustments to the pedal itself so I can adjust the amount of the reverse effect (easy...just turn a screw). A guy there told me that they had heard from several owners that had problems with the pedals and most just needed this simple adjustment. They didn't charge me anything to fix the pedal and it hasn't gone out in 4 years.

I've been play for about 15 years. I play many styles of music, really dig the hendrix, Bach, blues, WSP, Phish, Ben Harper, ect. I think this is a great pedal. It works like it says it will. If you want to get a volume pedal, why not get one that will let you sound like you're playbackward sometimes too. I don't use the backward effect a lot, but it's a neat tool to have and it's fun to throw that reverse sound in there every once in a while. I would be bummed if I lost this or it was stolen and would check into getting another one.

Well, I thought I'd put in my two cents since I just bought this pedal off ebay and the last review was almost two years ago... Plus, I wanted to clear up a few things that were mentioned in prior reviews, such as the Boss SG-1 and the search for the perfect "reverse" effect. This is my first Snarling Dogs effect--I've seen them for years and was always interested. I have mostly vintage stuff, but thought I'd try it out. I applaud any company that will try something different.
Anyway, pretty easy to figure out how it works, but will take some practice to get the foot-motion-thing down. I like the sound--the lo-fi-ness is actually cool. Have another Scooby snack and Unleash the Hounds! This pedal will give you a whole new choice to play with. And the manuals/paperwork are fun reading. I like a company with a sense of humor. Nobody should take themselves too seriously (for crissakes).

Sound quality of the E-moan mode is cool. As mentioned, I will need some time to get the motions down, but for the sound--I like it. Sounds like the Hound of the Baskervilles has been released! Ooowwwwww!!! I recommend trying a fuzz or distortion AFTER the E-moan, with some delay--it sounds interesting and softens the simulated pick attack. You'll be Barking at the Moon in no time. But, it's all about experimenting, and this is just another ingredient to add to the mix. It's neither good or evil, it just IS.
The volume mode sounds great, it does what it's supposed to do. The only problem I have, and it's the only one with this pedal so far (I've had it a week), is a pop towards the top of the throw in the volume mode. If it had the type of pots I'm used to, I'd just spray a bunch of lube in it and probably be fine, but it has smaller, plastic pots that are sealed, so there's not much I can do. Fortunately, I didn't buy this for the volume mode, and will more than likely NEVER use it (I had an old Dearmond Vol pedal I sold because it just sat there). I may even look into just disconnecting the mode switch so it's always in E-moan mode. Besides, the E-moan is not the type of effect that I'd use on every song anyway... But that's just my taste.

Well, the above mentioned problem gives this pedal a 4. I'm a little worried about the plastic/sealed pots. If anything ever does go wrong, I'll try to see if they can be upgraded (if they're standard volume/audio pots, then they should); the same with any other components that may go in the future. Hopefully, they won't. The rest of the pedal seems well-built, even if it is made in China. Time will tell... I do really like the glowing dog with red eyes, though.

Not yet, but I sent in my warranty card just incase I do need to utilize them.

Well, firstly, I'd like to mention that I HAVE a Boss SG-1. They are not the same at all, so don't kid yourself. The SG-1 is a great pedal, but not perfect either. I doubt anything is. The SG-1 is voltage controlled with two knobs. It has a great swell effect, but I wouldn't call it a "reverse" sound. You also have to play differently for the voltage controller to work correctly, so no, this isn't any easier than the E-moan. Sorry, you don't set the SG-1 and forget it. What I'm trying to say is the SG-1 (and its Guyatone reissue) is not a better E-moan--they are totaly different effects in my opinion (for whatever that's worth). Like I said before, they're all just differnt ingredients, it's up to you how they're used...
A lot of the early effects were poorly made anyway (I know--I have a few), but they were cutting edge and gave musicians a new choice. Kudos for Snarling Dogs for pushing the envelope and trying something different.
I play rock; I won't mention all my gear; playing for 20 years (for fun only).
There aren't many effects to compare this to. It is pretty unique. I think once you learn how to get the foot motion down, it's a pretty reasonable approximation of a "reverse" sound. So is the SG-1, but you need to "learn" how to use that as well. Neither is perfect. I wanted one since they were discontinued, for some reason. Aside from the scratchy pot, I have no problems... Time will tell. I always root for the underdog (Snarling Underdogs, I guess) anyway, and thought I'd give them a try. I primarily have mostly vintage stuff--from 60's to 80's, so for me to be interested in the e-moan says something. Maybe I will come back in time and leave another review to let everyone know the continuing voyages of homemikey. Until then...
look for my other, hopefully helpful, reviews of great effects.

Fairly simple to use if you understand what a tape simulator should do. However, it does take some practice to get used to the sweep when the reverse mode is engaged. As a volumn pedal it's pretty straight forward. The signal is dampened a little and kicking off the pedal can mean a volumn increase so setting up your signal chain takes a little more time.

I've used it with various guitars and basses (Parkers, Ibanezs, Fenders, Spectors) running through a variety of Fender, Marshall, Vox and Boogie amps and found it fairly noisey. Use it with a battery for better results (allthough very inconvenient). When used with a power supply (I've tried several including the Snarling Dogs) it picks up significant noise. Not a studio quality stompbox. As far as the sound quality goes, I bought it untried as a tape reverse simulator and quite honestly it fails miserably. Whatever dumbass decided to put the click at the end of the sweep needs their head examined. Without a doubt it is the single most annoying thing I've ever experienced with a pedal and this alone will make this useless as a tape sim. As a volumn pedal it is just OK. I'd rather have bought a Vox passive volumn pedal. Also I'd recommend running a compressor before the effect to increase sustain for long sweeps. And I'd also definately run a limiter afterwards to try to counteract those freakin' pops it makes at the ends of the sweeps (the pops are significantly louder than the guitars signal). I'm raing it a 2 SOLELY because of the volumn mode as a tape sim it would get a -0.

I'd had the effect for 2 weeks and something on the input started acting up. When I'd switch between Volumn/Tape Sim I'd lose signal. Replugging in the input would correct it and it would start working again. Also the 9v adaptor input was very lose and often during the sweeps I'd lose power. The chasis is built like a tank although the nylon gears on the pots are likely to wear out pretty quick with frequent use. Also a thumb screw would have been nice on the battery compartment. There's nothng worse than having to hunt for a screwdriver in the middle of a set to change the battery.

I've never dealt with their customer support. It's a freakin' stompbox and it should work without customer support.

If you need a solid chasis to build another project in it might be a deceint investment (Musician's Friend is selling them for $39.00 new right now and for the chasis plus the two DPDT switches it might be worth it). As far as using it for what it was intended.... FORGET IT. Save your money and take yourself to diner (you'll feel better about the crap you're left with). I've played guitar, bass and keyboards for over 30 years and without a doubt it's the worst pedal I've ever owned. I'm still kicking myself in the head for not going to Guitar Center and trying one first. Wish I had this one to do over again. Don't waste your time on this one.

I've only had this for an hour or so, but I can already get some nice, slow swells. Mr. Manual says that it "may take a few weeks" to get used to it, fair enough. This is as much a musical instrument as an effect, it requires skill and practice to get it to work right. (this is the reason for the 6, as Ringo says, "it just ain't easy". Possible negative: not sure well this will work for fast leads, there seems to be a 1-to-1 ratio between notes and foot movement. As far as functionality, you could not find a better design. Engage/disengage with a toe press, switch from reverse effect to straight volume pedal by tapping a very sturdy switch on the side. It's worth buying this even if you're just looking for a good volume pedal, it has a tension device so that the pedal does not flop around when you take your foot off.

I use a Parker Nitefly into a Mesa 50w amp. I don't notice any noise, though I had to take it out of my effects loop, no big deal. The simulated guitar pick might be just a metric tad too loud, and the loudest part of the swell effect (you could call it 'the sweet spot') does not seem to be quite as loud as the maximum when in straight volume pedal mode. But I'm nit picking because the instructions for submitting a review say not to be too 'glowing'. Speaking of glowing ... it sounds like a gimmick, but when you're in volume pedal mode, the LED imbedded in the dog logo's left eye lights up, and in Reverse mode, both light up. If you were staring into the sun you could still tell which mode the thing was in! Wish the digital effects manufacturers would figure this out.

When I took it out of the box, I laughed and laughed and laughed. Why? Because those who describe this as being build like a tank are, as the Tap says, "tending to understate the hugeness of the object". You could tie this to your lead singer's leg and throw him in the river and your troubles would be over forever. I give it a 9 because I havn't owned it very long, but this is a serious piece of hardware, metal pedal & case, switches & jacks look to be very heavy duty. It probably weighs more than most of those skinny 20-year-old whipper-snappers on MTV. As far as gigging without a backup, I don't gig, but if I did, I'd probably back up to a zip drive. (? did I say something wrong?)

The warranty card will make you laugh.

It came with a few extra rubber feet & screws, which I thought was a nice touch. Unless it was a mistake?

I give it a 10 just based on its value as a volume pedal, in fact, that was what made me decide to buy it. I play classic rock at a cookout once a year and the reverse effect will be useful now and then, hopefully inspiring the occasional pretty 40-something that wanders by to complain about the sound level to ask me for a date instead, but like any unusual effect, you shouldn't use it on every song (though many have tried). Not only would I buy another one, I plan to check out Charlie's other products as well, maybe I'll replace my Dunlop Cry Baby.

You rock your foot but cant just rock on every beat to get it to sound neat. You have to dissociate with your senses to get it to work

It think that it is weak. It is just a volume pedal that adds a click at the end. The sound is pretty clean, but they could have made the effect of reversing tape sound more like reversing tape

This thing is built like a tank

never needed it. Iguess that is a good thing

I should have gone with a "slow volume" by guyatone that uses the envelope to reverse the sound. This is a glorified volume pedal that adds a click. I wouldn't hav bought it if I knew how it would work once I got to learn how to use it.

Operates like a standard wah - you move your foot, it works (duh). Two switches - on/off and mode (on the side). I don't know if it comes with a manual usually, I bought it used and the owner sent it in the original box, but no manual. Takes a bit of practice to get just right, and I don't know if I would want to use it on stage, especially for a fast piece. I collect weird effects though, and it is fun to play with at home.

I use this pedal with an Ibanez GSR bass or Carlo Robelli acoustic/electric bass into a Trace Elliot 100-watt Commando combo, and with 3-15 other pedals (depending on my mood). It isn't too noisy, but it adds a bits of boost when engaged and simulates the noise of a pick with a "click" at the end of the sweep - if you go too fast or peg the range of the pedal constantly in both directions, the "click" starts to pop kinda loud and gets annoying. The effects is cool after you practice with it for a while. I was looking for a reverse effect for a while, but the (discontinued) Boss Slow Gears go for a fourtune used ($200 and up). I understand that Guyatone is making a similar effect now for about $100, but I havent heard it and didn't hear about it until after I purchased this pedal. Both of the above are standard stompboxes (not wah-type pedals) so they would probably be easier to use, but give you less control over the effect. I guess it depends on what is important to you. The Erogenous Moan is especially cool with an overdrive or flanger.

The pedal is built like a tank, it is solid steel and must weigh 7 or 8 pounds. I could put through a windshield with ease (not that I'd want to do that to anyone, unless they're a drummer). I would gig without a backup, but like a mentioned above, I don't think it would be useful in a gig (unless you have some weird obession with Matthew Sweet's "In Reverse" or wanted to cover the Chili Peppers' "Give It Away"). It can be used as a regular volume pedal, though, so I guess some people might gig with it.

I have never dealt with them. I have heard either horrible or wonderful things about them, depending on the experience (see the other Snarling Dogs reviews for more on that). I don't know how much this will change with Charlie Stringer's recent passing, but I have heard he went out of his way to deal with a lot of peple personally when they had problems.

I play bass, and like a whole lot of weird effects (synrh pedals, ring mods, envelope filters, etc). This is a cool effect overall if you are willing to spend some time with it. As I said, you might be better of with the other models I mentioned above if ease-of-use is at the top of your list, but the Erogenous Moan can also be used as a straight volume pedal, so that's a plus - it's two pedals in one. If this pedal were stolen or lost, I don't know that I'd buy it again - I bought it used (in great shape) on an impulse, but it isn't the most practical effect. Good for making lots of annoying noise (Which is what I do best). If you're looking for a volume pedal anyways try to find one of these used, and piss off your neighbors with it. Plus it hella cool looking - Purple case, foot-shaped chrome & black rubber pedal, LED's in the Doberman's eye sockets.

Overall, this unit is easy to use. It takes time (an hour) to get a good reverse tape sound out of it. But it's kind of like riding a bike. Once you learn it, you can't forget. You just need to figure out when to pick, when to rock the pedal, and how hard to rock the pedal.

I use this with an AC-15 and both a parker nitefly and a gibson es135. It's no more noisy than any other pedal. I go from the guitar through the erogenous moan into the amp. It's a very unique effect that doesn't significantly alter the underlying tone. I've had people ask me what the heck I'm doing up there when I'm using this pedal. Now that's a complement!

I've never had a problem with this pedal or any Snarling Dogs pedal (I have three others). I would use this pedal without a backup. It's not the kind of effect that you would use on every song, so you could get by without it if something went wrong. But it definitely turns head when you use it!

I had a question about technique when I first got the pedal and contacted Snarling Dogs. Somebody (can't remember who) actually listened to my playing over the phone and told me what I was doing wrong!!! The dude was really funny. High marks here.

I've been playing for over ten years. I mostly play rock styles. This is one of those unique pedals that you only use for one out of ten (or fewer) songs. I've only had it for six months, but it is indispensible to me. I've already written a couple of tunes around it. I would definitely buy it again.

The sweep range of the pedal is more than most wah/rocker-type pedals out there. It took me a while to get my ankle accustomed to moving so much because I was used to the sweep range on my Crybaby. It does take some time to learn how to play note bends while rocking the EM pedal before things start to sound somewhat reversed.

I use this in my effects loop from my rack. I have it on the end of the stompbox line just before returning to the delay effects (in the rack). Is it noisy? I wish it was. It's an overpriced volume pedal that makes an "audible click" when the pedal reaches the top and bottom stops of the sweep. The click is too loud. And why is it there?!? It doesn't sound like a reversed tape at all. Reversed tape makes a "wow-ing" sound and is slightly detuned. It does however add a somewhat interesting enhancement when you add a lot of delay. But so can a regular volume pedal for about one third of the price.

The outside shell and rocker pedal feel very solid. Luckily mine has not turned up with broken solder connections like the other reviews I have read. I do not gig with it. In fact I haven't used it in the last six months since I bought it. I'm almost afraid to try it out for fear it won't work. It works best if sitting on a hard surface. If you happen to be playing on a soft surface (like indoor/outdoor carpet) you may find yourself pressing really hard to get the rocker to work correctly.

The pedal is not broken, so I have no need to contact them. I did fill out the warranty card that came with the unit. They mailed me back some strings within two of weeks.

I purchased this pedal hoping to come across a new and interesting effect. I was very disappointed. I play rock/jam/experimental music with an emphasis on jams and ambient sounds (Radiohead vs Phish... that kind of thing). If it were stolen, I'd think the thief was a moron. He probably took it because it looked different. I wished it sounded like reversed tape, but again there's no detuning or warbling sound coming from this unit; just a volume swell with that annoying click. I had a feeling something was wrong when I saw the serial number. Let's just say mine left the assembly line very soon after the tenth one was made!

typical rocker pedal

You have to change the trim pots just to stop it from making a popping noise whenever you move the pedal. it's EXTREMELy noisy.it makes a loud noise if you turn it on or off with the amp on. its basicly a glorified volume pedal. i cant even tell a difference when the mode switch is turned on or not

This pedal BROKE 15 minutes after i opened the box. i bought it brand new. I would never take this pedal to a gig, or even to practice.

they never responde to my email.

i use this for bass guitar... and sounds the same thing as if i was rocking my volume pedal. i play Heavy/Experimental rock and i use ALOT
of effect pedals and 3 mutli-effect rack processors. this pedal is worthless. i think i'll stick with BOSS pedals. those things are tanks. "snarling dogs" should spend a little more money making a quality pedal then just throwing some junk together and selling it knowing it won't hold up for more than 15 mintues. i never got anything usefull out of it the few minutes it did work anyways.