CoolGuitarGear
Well-known member
I’ve been enjoying LiberaToe dual-channel pedals for a few years now, as well as their 4-pedal platform (which houses 4 modules). Recently, I reached out to the company to review the 6-pedal platform, and they obliged. Not only two extra pedal inserts, but with added features not found on the smaller platform that attracted me.
Now, as I proceed through this review, bear in mind that the LiberaToe-6 platform should not be compared to digital multi-effects processors, as with Line 6, Fractal Audio, etc. This is an all-analog pedal platform that should be compared to a traditional pedal platform (and a switcher). On that note, fully loaded with six pedals, the total weight is under 8-pounds (3.6 kg), and the cost per module is quite less than most quality pedal brands (and you can purchase any module as a full dual-channel pedal). Each module/pedal is controlled by a single footswitch, whereby a fast click turns the module on/off and a brief 0.5 second hold will switch channels. Various pedals can have very different functions on each channel (fuzz vs. envelop filter) or it has the same circuit on both (e.g., overdrive) that allows you to set each channel individually and for different uses.
Onto the LiberaToe-6 platform itself, it takes modules, but also other company pedals, and in various ways. Obviously, you can run pedals in front of or after the platform, which means hooking up a single pedal all the way up to another pedalboard. And since there are programming capabilities with the LiberaToe-6, you can connect another four pedals via the LiberaToe-4 platform and while controlling the channels of those additional four pedals. Another option for adding pedals is via the FX Loop, which location is half-way between modules 3 & 4 (modules 1-3 run before the FX Loop, whereas modules 4-6 run after). The way I used this feature was to run an outside preamp with clean and dirty channels while including effects pedals via the platform (e.g., overdrives/distortions before the preamp and reverb/delay after the preamp). One other way to operate other pedals is via Pedal Connectors (each having two sets of in/out [send/return]), thus allowing six controllable and external pedals.
Before getting into the operation of the LiberaToe-6, I’ll first cover some of the features. First, the platform has a built-in Cab Sim (British 4 x 12) and it sounds good! This is not an IR and does not sound boxy, nasal or flat, as I’ve experienced in the past. This Cab Sim is on par with LiberaToe’s Tweedle Deux ‘ampless solution’ Cab Sim, and ideal for direct recording or going to a PA. There is a built-in Enhancer (like adjusting presence and resonance), which sounds amazing, and I can’t imagine not using this feature. There are three built-in buffers, with one located in the middle of the chain (where the FX Loop is), whereas the other two (front end and back end) can be turned on/off. There are two Controls for outside gear, with four types of control – latch closed, latch open, momentary closed, and momentary open (handing for controlling amp gain and reverb, etc.). And there’s a Tap Tempo switch (also used to select Mode, which I’ll get into soon), ideal for time-based modules.
At the front end of LiberaToe-6 are various extensions and features, including a USB jack that connects a LiberaToe-4 platform and its modules, which allows for communication and the controlling of those four modules via the LiberaToe-6 unit. I’ll address that soon. There are two power outputs to connect external 18V and 9V pedals (meant for typical 100-200mA consumption pedals), along with a Custom socket and USB for future extension purposes. There’s even an External Switch Jack, to connect an outside external switch – this optional piece of gear has the same foot switch controls as the LiberaToe-6, which comes in handy if you wanted the LiberaToe-6 near your hands for knob tweaking and not on the floor.
Onto the Modes, the first of which is the Independent Mode. Think of this as a standard pedalboard setup, whereby you select whatever pedals you want on/off, and in the case of LiberaToe, what channel (Green or Red) you want on/off. You can set up the platform so that only one channel may be selected, to be turned on/off, or you can arm a module so that you can switch between channels. All this is done live or on the fly, as you bring in or remove pedals. (NOTE: LiberaToe’s latest pedal/module collaborations with Vogart Audio stacks both channels, as is possible with LiberaToe’s dual drive Lost Gerbil.)
The Program Mode is where you can save Presets, with four Presets per Bank, and with Banks 00-99 (400 in total). This Mode recalls what pedals and channels you want on and what you want off, although it does not store exact pedal settings. This means you can tweak knobs in real time, even after selecting a Preset. Now, although you can tell what Bank you’re on (e.g., #23), as well as what Preset, pedals, channels are activated (all indicated by LEDs), for live use you would have remember the Bank number and select the right Preset footswitch that coordinates with what song or group of songs. This is different from modelers, in that you often can create a name, e.g., “Hotel California Lead.” With LiberaToe-6 being an all-analog system, you don’t have that luxury, but I don’t think it’s that confusing. In fact, having access to 400 Presets is overkill, but they are there if you need them. For example, one Bank could have the following Presets: Clean, Crunch, Heavy Crunch, and Lead, and those four could serve several songs in a set. Further note that when saving a Preset, you also save when the front-end buffer is on, as well as the Cab Sim, Enhancer and External Controllers. If those items are turned off, then they are not saved.
And this brings us to the Ambidextrous Mode, which combines the Independent and Program Modes. This Mode has only four presets, which doesn’t sound like much, but this is what you can do for example. You can create a clean Preset, which turns on certain pedals/channels, and then you can stomp other effects on/off as required. Then the second Preset may be for crunch, with certain pedals activated initially and while you stomp on the other pedals as needed. And so, you can have dozens of stomping possibilities while working within the context of a single Preset. This Mode gives you the greatest flexibility.
Even with all the above, there are a few more cool features. The first is the Split & Merge function, e.g., serial vs. parallel, which is located at Modules (or external pedals) 4 & 5. In serial or ‘merge’ position, one pedal runs into the next, e.g., reverb into delay, or chorus into delay, etc. The LiberaToe-6 platform allows you to split the two signals to run them parallel, which produces a very different audible effect. The other feature is the Signal Route Reversal, located at Modules (or external pedals) 2 & 3, and this allows you to flip the order of those two pedals, e.g., Module 3 is in #2 position, and Module 2 is in #3 position. I find this feature useful for drive and distortion stacking, as running one into the other then reversing order, sounds very different and with more tone options available (particularly if changing channels in those Modules at the time of signal route reversal).
The included Demo video covers all the above, and there is a lot of functionality in the platform. It may not be as flexible as some higher-end modelers, but what you’re dealing with are analog sounds that can be integrated with other hardware and in various ways. In other words, you may only want a few LiberaToe modules while keeping your other pedal favorites, and these can be merged by way of Pedal Connectors, via the FX Loop, or at the front or back end of the platform, and all the while having control via the footswitches of the LiberaToe-6 platform.
And then we get to price. The LiberaToe-6 (without any modules) is $298, which is an advanced switcher and controller with a great sounding Cab Sim, Enhancer (I never have this off!), superb expansion capabilities, and three program modes with the ability to select channels across the platform. Most programmable switchers cost this much, and even more, without offering the same flexibility and hardware integration. Individual modules retail for $57-69 USD (full pedals are $119 and a Pedal Connector, to connect two of your favorite external pedals, is only $59). This makes it highly cost effective and when compared to outfitting a regular pedalboard with the same number of pedals, plus the board and a switcher (not to mention the purchase of buffers, patch cables, etc.). Do the math and you likely will discover it costs twice as much, even if avoiding those top tier boutique pedal companies. And one other honorable mention: You can remove and plug in a different module in seconds, without concern for trying to fit a large pedal on a board with limited space, messing around with patch cables, etc. This may be a tough sale for those with a board and choice pedals, but once you factor in the space saving design, weight, easy-of-use, flexibility and features, and the ability to integrate your favorite pedals, it’s difficult to go back to a regular board.
Now, as I proceed through this review, bear in mind that the LiberaToe-6 platform should not be compared to digital multi-effects processors, as with Line 6, Fractal Audio, etc. This is an all-analog pedal platform that should be compared to a traditional pedal platform (and a switcher). On that note, fully loaded with six pedals, the total weight is under 8-pounds (3.6 kg), and the cost per module is quite less than most quality pedal brands (and you can purchase any module as a full dual-channel pedal). Each module/pedal is controlled by a single footswitch, whereby a fast click turns the module on/off and a brief 0.5 second hold will switch channels. Various pedals can have very different functions on each channel (fuzz vs. envelop filter) or it has the same circuit on both (e.g., overdrive) that allows you to set each channel individually and for different uses.
Onto the LiberaToe-6 platform itself, it takes modules, but also other company pedals, and in various ways. Obviously, you can run pedals in front of or after the platform, which means hooking up a single pedal all the way up to another pedalboard. And since there are programming capabilities with the LiberaToe-6, you can connect another four pedals via the LiberaToe-4 platform and while controlling the channels of those additional four pedals. Another option for adding pedals is via the FX Loop, which location is half-way between modules 3 & 4 (modules 1-3 run before the FX Loop, whereas modules 4-6 run after). The way I used this feature was to run an outside preamp with clean and dirty channels while including effects pedals via the platform (e.g., overdrives/distortions before the preamp and reverb/delay after the preamp). One other way to operate other pedals is via Pedal Connectors (each having two sets of in/out [send/return]), thus allowing six controllable and external pedals.
Before getting into the operation of the LiberaToe-6, I’ll first cover some of the features. First, the platform has a built-in Cab Sim (British 4 x 12) and it sounds good! This is not an IR and does not sound boxy, nasal or flat, as I’ve experienced in the past. This Cab Sim is on par with LiberaToe’s Tweedle Deux ‘ampless solution’ Cab Sim, and ideal for direct recording or going to a PA. There is a built-in Enhancer (like adjusting presence and resonance), which sounds amazing, and I can’t imagine not using this feature. There are three built-in buffers, with one located in the middle of the chain (where the FX Loop is), whereas the other two (front end and back end) can be turned on/off. There are two Controls for outside gear, with four types of control – latch closed, latch open, momentary closed, and momentary open (handing for controlling amp gain and reverb, etc.). And there’s a Tap Tempo switch (also used to select Mode, which I’ll get into soon), ideal for time-based modules.
At the front end of LiberaToe-6 are various extensions and features, including a USB jack that connects a LiberaToe-4 platform and its modules, which allows for communication and the controlling of those four modules via the LiberaToe-6 unit. I’ll address that soon. There are two power outputs to connect external 18V and 9V pedals (meant for typical 100-200mA consumption pedals), along with a Custom socket and USB for future extension purposes. There’s even an External Switch Jack, to connect an outside external switch – this optional piece of gear has the same foot switch controls as the LiberaToe-6, which comes in handy if you wanted the LiberaToe-6 near your hands for knob tweaking and not on the floor.
Onto the Modes, the first of which is the Independent Mode. Think of this as a standard pedalboard setup, whereby you select whatever pedals you want on/off, and in the case of LiberaToe, what channel (Green or Red) you want on/off. You can set up the platform so that only one channel may be selected, to be turned on/off, or you can arm a module so that you can switch between channels. All this is done live or on the fly, as you bring in or remove pedals. (NOTE: LiberaToe’s latest pedal/module collaborations with Vogart Audio stacks both channels, as is possible with LiberaToe’s dual drive Lost Gerbil.)
The Program Mode is where you can save Presets, with four Presets per Bank, and with Banks 00-99 (400 in total). This Mode recalls what pedals and channels you want on and what you want off, although it does not store exact pedal settings. This means you can tweak knobs in real time, even after selecting a Preset. Now, although you can tell what Bank you’re on (e.g., #23), as well as what Preset, pedals, channels are activated (all indicated by LEDs), for live use you would have remember the Bank number and select the right Preset footswitch that coordinates with what song or group of songs. This is different from modelers, in that you often can create a name, e.g., “Hotel California Lead.” With LiberaToe-6 being an all-analog system, you don’t have that luxury, but I don’t think it’s that confusing. In fact, having access to 400 Presets is overkill, but they are there if you need them. For example, one Bank could have the following Presets: Clean, Crunch, Heavy Crunch, and Lead, and those four could serve several songs in a set. Further note that when saving a Preset, you also save when the front-end buffer is on, as well as the Cab Sim, Enhancer and External Controllers. If those items are turned off, then they are not saved.
And this brings us to the Ambidextrous Mode, which combines the Independent and Program Modes. This Mode has only four presets, which doesn’t sound like much, but this is what you can do for example. You can create a clean Preset, which turns on certain pedals/channels, and then you can stomp other effects on/off as required. Then the second Preset may be for crunch, with certain pedals activated initially and while you stomp on the other pedals as needed. And so, you can have dozens of stomping possibilities while working within the context of a single Preset. This Mode gives you the greatest flexibility.
Even with all the above, there are a few more cool features. The first is the Split & Merge function, e.g., serial vs. parallel, which is located at Modules (or external pedals) 4 & 5. In serial or ‘merge’ position, one pedal runs into the next, e.g., reverb into delay, or chorus into delay, etc. The LiberaToe-6 platform allows you to split the two signals to run them parallel, which produces a very different audible effect. The other feature is the Signal Route Reversal, located at Modules (or external pedals) 2 & 3, and this allows you to flip the order of those two pedals, e.g., Module 3 is in #2 position, and Module 2 is in #3 position. I find this feature useful for drive and distortion stacking, as running one into the other then reversing order, sounds very different and with more tone options available (particularly if changing channels in those Modules at the time of signal route reversal).
The included Demo video covers all the above, and there is a lot of functionality in the platform. It may not be as flexible as some higher-end modelers, but what you’re dealing with are analog sounds that can be integrated with other hardware and in various ways. In other words, you may only want a few LiberaToe modules while keeping your other pedal favorites, and these can be merged by way of Pedal Connectors, via the FX Loop, or at the front or back end of the platform, and all the while having control via the footswitches of the LiberaToe-6 platform.
And then we get to price. The LiberaToe-6 (without any modules) is $298, which is an advanced switcher and controller with a great sounding Cab Sim, Enhancer (I never have this off!), superb expansion capabilities, and three program modes with the ability to select channels across the platform. Most programmable switchers cost this much, and even more, without offering the same flexibility and hardware integration. Individual modules retail for $57-69 USD (full pedals are $119 and a Pedal Connector, to connect two of your favorite external pedals, is only $59). This makes it highly cost effective and when compared to outfitting a regular pedalboard with the same number of pedals, plus the board and a switcher (not to mention the purchase of buffers, patch cables, etc.). Do the math and you likely will discover it costs twice as much, even if avoiding those top tier boutique pedal companies. And one other honorable mention: You can remove and plug in a different module in seconds, without concern for trying to fit a large pedal on a board with limited space, messing around with patch cables, etc. This may be a tough sale for those with a board and choice pedals, but once you factor in the space saving design, weight, easy-of-use, flexibility and features, and the ability to integrate your favorite pedals, it’s difficult to go back to a regular board.