Analog flanger
Barracuda®
In the music world the word evokes a feeling. It isn't just a classic song — it's the sensation of hearing that riff, knowing you're about to hear that unmistakable voice, that pounding kick drum, that soaring melody, and above all that killer guitar tone.
History
When I first met Howard Leese, it wasn't very far into our conversation that my inner geek came out and compelled me to ask all the fanboy questions that — I can only assume — he had heard a million times. Of course the first one was: what flanger did you guys use on Barracuda?
The answer was surprising. A few of the details are murky, but after speaking with all the principals involved it goes something like this. In 1976, Roger Fisher asked then-Heart equipment tech Rick Erickson to build an electronic flanging effect, based on a circuit originally featured in Popular Electronics. Four units were built — one each for Roger, Howard and Nancy Wilson, and Rick kept one for himself. The same flanger was used on another Heart classic, Mistral Wind.
A custom, hand-built effect. Of course — that's why no other flanger ever seemed to sound like the one on that recording. Armed with this information I set about trying to capture that sound. There were a lot of stalls and dead ends, but the end result is magical. In keeping with the innovative nature of the original custom-made unit, I've added some features the original didn't have. You can nail Barracuda, of course, but there are many more sounds waiting for true knob tweakers.
It's taken a long time to get to this point, but I can confidently state that this pedal is the definitive effect for recreating the sound of that song. This is the one Howard Leese put his name on. This is the one Nancy Wilson is using every night. This is the one everyone heard at the induction of Heart into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Nothing else comes close, and I've heard them all — I sought them out, just to make sure I was on the right track.
Controls
- LevelSets the output volume. You need it because Depth and Regen can combine to affect the signal output — Level brings it back to match the input.
- DepthHow much affected signal gets mixed with the unaffected signal. More Depth, more flange.
- RegenRegeneration, also known as feedback. The jet-engine sounds live at the top of this knob.
- RateThe rate of oscillation. Higher rate, faster cycle through the sweep.
- ARP switchThe Alternate Regeneration Path inverts the polarity of the regeneration signal, for a genuinely unusual modulated effect — a throaty but shimmery growl, somewhere between a flanger and a talk box.
Build
Other features include True-Stereo Bypass, soft easy-grip knobs and expression pedal control. Barracuda is housed in a sturdy solid metal enclosure with an anodized aluminium faceplate and laser-etched graphics, for a lifetime of use.
Each Barracuda is made by me, and only me. I want your experience to be perfect, and that means my product has to exceed your expectations. Every unit gets my full attention, and my only hope is that you love it as much as I do.
Specifications
| Power requirement | 9V DC |
|---|---|
| Power connector | 2.1mm barrel |
| Polarity | Tip / negative (−) |
| Audio connector | 1/4" phone |
| Current draw | ~90mA |
| Dimensions | (h) 4.6" × (w) 3.6" × (d) 2.5" |
| Price | $400 |
| Estimated wait | Approx. 1 week |