Any guitarist will know they are restricted to the area of the stage that contains their effects pedals when playing, but a new concept called Ghost Pedal is hoping to change this.
Ghost Pedal has been created to enable a guitarist to be able to wander around a stage during a performance, but still have access to their effects pedals wherever they may be on the stage. Watch the video after the jump to see the Ghost Pedal concept in action.
How Ghost Pedal Works
When wearing the Ghost Pedal, if the guitarist would like to move position, the simple click of a button tapped with the other foot disables the effects, enabling them to walk to another location. This innovative design ensures that the musician is not tethered to a single spot on the stage, allowing for a more dynamic and engaging performance.
Whilst being used, signals generated from the Ghost Pedal are then sent wirelessly to a micro-controller, which then translates these into instructions that are processed. This wireless communication is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sound and ensuring that there is no lag or delay in the effects being applied. The micro-controller acts as the brain of the system, interpreting the guitarist’s foot movements and converting them into real-time audio effects.
Current Capabilities and Future Development
Currently, the Ghost Pedal only works with the wah effect, a popular effect that modulates the tone of the guitar to create a distinctive “wah-wah” sound. However, its developers are working on controls for other effects such as volume, distortion, and pitch. The potential for expanding the range of effects is vast, and future iterations of the Ghost Pedal could include a variety of other effects, making it a versatile tool for any guitarist.
The Ghost Pedal has been developed by a team of students who graduated from Purdue last year and includes: Garrett Baker, Will Black, Matthew Boyle, Brett Hartnagel, Christine Labelle, Adam Pflugshaupt, Nick Sannella, and Robbie Hoye. Their collaborative effort has resulted in a product that could revolutionize the way guitarists interact with their effects pedals.
The concept of wireless effects control is not entirely new, but the Ghost Pedal’s approach is unique in its simplicity and effectiveness. Traditional pedalboards can be cumbersome and limit the performer’s mobility. By contrast, the Ghost Pedal offers a sleek and unobtrusive solution that integrates seamlessly into the performer’s routine.
Moreover, the Ghost Pedal could have applications beyond live performances. In a recording studio, for instance, it could allow guitarists to move freely while still having precise control over their effects, leading to more expressive and dynamic recordings. Additionally, the technology behind the Ghost Pedal could be adapted for use with other instruments, expanding its potential market.
The Ghost Pedal represents a significant advancement in the realm of guitar effects. By freeing guitarists from the constraints of traditional pedalboards, it opens up new possibilities for performance and creativity. As the developers continue to refine and expand its capabilities, the Ghost Pedal could become an essential tool for musicians everywhere.
Source: Gizmag
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