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Bispell Audio Proxy Pedal Review – A Vox in a Box without the cost?
Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of guitar gear, few names command as much reverence as Vox and their iconic amplifiers. Revered for their warm, articulate sound, Vox amps have left an indelible mark on the history of rock music, shaping the sonic landscapes of bands like The Beatles and Pink Floyd. Now, enter the Bispell Audio Proxy, a pedal meticulously crafted to encapsulate the essence of these legendary tones in a compact, pedalboard-friendly package.
In this review, we’ll dive deep into the sonic capabilities of the Bispell Audio Proxy, exploring its tonal range, build quality, and overall performance to determine whether it’s truly worthy of carrying the torch of its legendary predecessors. So buckle up, plug in, and let’s embark on a sonic journey through the annals of rock history with the Bispell Audio Proxy at our feet.
The Bispell Audio Proxy Pedal
Drawing inspiration from the vintage Vox UL730 Amp sound, the Proxy is more than just a mere homage; it’s a gateway to sonic nostalgia. From the moment you engage the Proxy, you’re transported to the hallowed halls of Abbey Road or the psychedelic realms of the ’60s, where every note drips with character and nuance.
What sets the Proxy apart is its attention to detail. Bispell Audio has painstakingly replicated the circuitry of classic Vox amps, ensuring that each chord rings out with the same clarity and warmth that defined an era. Whether you’re chasing the jangly chime of early British Invasion tunes or the soaring leads of progressive rock anthems, the Proxy delivers with aplomb. So why don’t we look at the controls.
More on the Bispell Audio Proxy
At the helm are the Bass, Middle, and Treble knobs (The top row from left to right), providing precise control over your instrument’s frequency spectrum from low-end rumble to sparkling highs. Below them, the main volume knob ensures your sound cuts through the mix with clarity and authority, while the Presence knob adds a touch of shimmering brilliance to your tone. And let’s not forget about the Gin knob, offering a unique flavor to your sound that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
But the magic doesn’t stop there – two strategically placed switches unlock even more sonic possibilities. On the right, the Bright Switch illuminates your sound with added clarity and definition, while the three-way boost switch on the left provides customizable midrange punch at either 830Hz or 590Hz, or keeps things pristine when set to Off.
The pedal runs on standard 9V power with its input and power on the right-hand side of the pedal, and the output on the left-hand side. The Bispell Proxy is True Bypass, so it won’t affect your sound in any way other than intended. You can buy it from the Bispell Audio’s website for £169.99.
The Sounds
For sounds, I wanted to create something with a “Beatles feel” to it! So for the demo song, we have a piece that was heavily inspired by the Beatles, recorded using my LT Custom Strat plugged into the pedal and into the front end of my Revv D20. All guitar sounds utilize the pedal in one way or another, with the pedal always on.
After the demo song, we explore various sounds achievable with the Bispell Audio Proxy pedal, using both Single Coils and Humbuckers. Once again, the guitars are plugged into the pedal, which then feeds into the front end of the guitar amp. Additionally, we introduce a Boost pedal before it to observe how it copes with an added push. This setup simulates pushing a Vox amp a bit harder in the front end. If you have any questions about the setup, please feel free to send us an email via our contact page.
What are my thoughts?
First off, the design and style are very distinct with Bispell, featuring an almost minimalistic layout but exuding a charming “worker’s pedal” look and feel! It gives the impression that these pedals are meant to be played. This was evident when we reviewed the Bispell Audio “Gleam” (Review Here) and the Bispell Audio “Saxon” (Review Here).
One thing I love about this pedal is its ability to produce those pushed cleans and slightly driven overdrive sounds! It captures the essence of a fully cranked amp but at manageable levels! Achieving these sounds feels effortless and straightforward. The gain control is highly responsive, and when blended with the presence control, it delivers a sound with crisp highs and ample punch in the mids and lows. Further sculpting is possible with the 3-band EQ, allowing you to tailor the tone to suit any musical need.
More Thoughts!
There are a few notable features about this pedal that I’d like to quickly highlight as well! Firstly, the color-coding of the controls: Bispell Audio has used a White Knob for the presence, Red knobs for the Gain and volume, and Black Knobs for the EQ section. This makes it easy to identify each control, particularly in low-light situations or for quick adjustments. Another noteworthy feature is the “preset” sheet included in the box. This provides guidance on achieving certain sounds and styles, along with an explanation of the controls and their functions. It’s incredibly useful for finding inspiration and dialing in sounds quickly!
Bispell Audio Proxy Continued
One thing I wondered is if you could run this pedal straight into your interface, apply a cab sim (like a Vox-like 2X12), and easily achieve organic recording tones with minimal equipment. Well, the results surprised me honestly! XXX
Beyond its sonic prowess, the Proxy also stands as a testament to Bispell Audio’s dedication to quality and craftsmanship. Each pedal is meticulously built to withstand the rigors of the road, ensuring reliability and consistency night after night. Additionally, if you need any assistance, you can simply reach out to Bispell Audio via message or email, and they’ll respond promptly with friendly and helpful support.
Any criticisms? Well, the only one I can think of is that I wish the inputs and outputs were top-loaded! However, that’s just a matter of personal preference. Other than that, there isn’t anything wrong with this pedal whatsoever. I believe it offers excellent value for money for a hand-built, made-to-order UK pedal. It’s also quite unique; while it’s categorized as an overdrive pedal, it’s the specific type of overdrive and its response that sets it apart—it’s recreating the classic Vox overdrive, making it more than just your average overdrive pedal.
Conclusion
So that concludes our review of the Bispell Proxy. A faithful replication of classic tones coupled with intuitive controls, the Proxy opens up a world of possibilities for players of all styles and genres. From the sparkling cleans reminiscent of ’60s pop to the searing overdrive tones favored by rock legends, the Proxy delivers with unparalleled authenticity and finesse. Its ability to evoke the spirit of iconic bands like The Beatles and Pink Floyd is nothing short of remarkable, making it a must-have addition to any guitarist’s arsenal.
To experience the magic of the Bispell Audio Proxy for yourself, be sure to visit their website and follow them on YouTube and Instagram for the latest updates and demos. Your ears will thank you. A big thank you to Bispell for sending the pedal over! It’s a fantastic pedal, and I can’t wait to try more of their lineup!
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