In the (often stale) realm of effects pedals, Chase Bliss and Goodhertz have broken the mold with the introduction of a new peculiar item. The Chase Bliss Lossy pedal is a breath of fresh air for musicians and producers who are on the hunt for that distinct ’90s and ’00s digital vibe in their sound.
A Portal to The Broken Sound Of The ’90s (and Beyond)
The Chase Bliss Lossy pedal is not your average guitar effect. Based on the clever Goodhertz Lossy plugin, It’s a time machine that transports the unique degradation of digital audio from the past into the present. Imagine the sound of music streaming on a 56k modem, an MP3 ripped from a CD-R, or a viral video from 2007 played through a cellphone. Lossy encapsulates these digital audio imperfections and presents them in a user-friendly pedal format.
A Treasure Trove of Features
Lossy is a treasure trove of features. It offers three distinct types of loss, each with its own unique sound and response, ranging from submerged sparkles to shifting digital clouds. The Packets toggle adds an element of unpredictability and movement, simulating a poor connection with the Packet Loss option, or creating glitches and transfer errors with Packet Repeat.
In addition, the Chase Bliss Lossy pedal comes with a routable reverb and a highly adaptable filter block to highlight, soften, and distribute its effect. One standout feature is the spectral freeze that can track your playing and evolve at your chosen pace. This can be utilized as a shifting backdrop, resonant accompaniment, or to morph your sound into a slushy synth.
If I were you, among other things, I would try Lossy with the new Omnichord OM-108. I think they would be a great match for each other! Then if you really want to go all in, you could also try it in combination with Generation Loss MkII, the other lo-fi pedal from Chase Bliss.
Connectivity and Customization
Lossy goes above and beyond with its advanced connectivity and customization options. It includes MIDI, CV and Expression control, presets, and internal modulation of any or all its knobs. It also boasts a range of hidden features, such as reverb decay, balance control between live and frozen signals for the Freezer, and a threshold for the onboard limiter.
Availability and Pricing
Lossy is currently available and ready for shipment, with a price tag of $399 – €469 (incl. shipping), directly from Chase Bliss US or EU store.
Possible Alternatives To The Chase Bliss Lossy Pedal
While Lossy stands alone in its ability to mimic the specific degradation of digital audio, there are other pedals on the market that provide lo-fi textures and bit-crushing effects.
For instance, pedals like the Ibanez LF7 Lo Fi and the Solid Gold FX NU-33 are affordable options that can produce digital degradation sounds. However, it’s important to note that these alternatives do not offer the same degree of control, features, and customization as Lossy.
Talking software, besides the obvious recommendation for the original Goodhertz plugin that inspired the pedal, don’t miss out on Digitalis by Aberrant DSP, a brilliant and ultra-affordable multi-effect digital degradation and glitch tool! On a more general lo-fi level, you can also check-out the XLN Audio RC-20.
Wrapping Up
Lossy is the culmination of Chase Bliss and Goodhertz’s dream to take the techniques used in compressing sound into an MP3 or a video call and give musicians the power to manipulate them in real-time. Whether you’re an electronic music artist aiming to infuse some ‘retromodern’ audio degradation tones into your mix or a guitarist looking to inject a dose of digital nostalgia into your sound, Lossy is a pedal that deserves your attention.
