Fans of effects pedals and experimental sounds can rejoice: Benson Amps, in collaboration with Non-Human Audio, has just unveiled a new pedal in its range, the Florist Dynamic Modulator.
This project is the result of a fortuitous but decisive meeting between Chris Benson, founder of Benson Amps, and Dave Jordan of Non-Human Audio at a pedal event in Oklahoma City in 2023.
Genesis of an inspired collaboration
It all began with Slow Loris, a modulated slapback effect developed by Non-Human Audio that immediately captivated the Benson Amps team. This love affair with the originality of Slow Loris led to passionate discussions between Chris Benson and Dave Jordan. The idea of going beyond the initial effect and reinventing it in a new form soon emerged, marking the beginning of this groundbreaking collaboration.
After many exchanges of electronic schematics and creative explorations, the Florist was born. But this new pedal is not a simple revision of the Slow Loris: it’s a totally original creation that pushes the limits of modulation effects.
A modulation pedal with a unique concept
The Florist Dynamic Modulator stands out for its ability to offer a multitude of dynamic effects thanks to an innovative concept. The pedal is equipped with two delay channels, each with its own character and controlled by a compressor-inspired detection circuit. These circuits detect dynamic variations in your playing and modulate the effects produced in real time.
The first channel is designed to generate tri-chorus and flanger sounds by modulating the delay speed. As for the second channel, it uses another detector to offer through-zero flanging (a modulation technique where the processed signal passes through a “zero” point where the two signals (original and delayed) cross, creating a temporary cancellation of the sound before generating a distinctive, deep phase sweep) and modulated reverb effects . This ingenious system makes it possible to obtain tones ranging from classic slapback to far more complex and unpredictable textures.
Controls and special features
The Florist offers intuitive and powerful control over the effects produced. Each channel has independent settings for the intensity and volume of the wet (modulated) signals, plus a control for the volume of the dry (unmodulated) signal. This configuration makes it possible to blend the different components of the sound with surgical precision.
Another remarkable aspect of the Florist is the GHOSTS footswitch, which activates a feedback loop bordering on self-oscillation on both delay channels. This function adds an extra dimension to the sonic experience, enabling the generation of strange and unclassifiable effects, with notes that seem to twirl randomly, high-pitched sighs and unearthly reverbs.
The Florist Dynamic Modulator is a unique pedal that transcends the traditional categories of modulation effects. It can be used as a chorus or slapback for more conventional applications, or as a generator of radically new sound textures. This versatility makes it an invaluable tool not only for guitarists, but also for music producers, whether working with vocals, drums or synthesizers…
Retail price: $259 (currently out of stock…)
More information on the Benson Amps website.
