Not For Sale
Model Description:
The DOD FX25 Envelope Filter was produced between 1982 and 1997, succeeding the short‑lived DOD Envelope Filter 440 (1981‑1982) The FX25 is what is commonly called an automatic wah effect, originally pioneered by Musitronics with the iconic Mu‑Tron III. Instead of using a foot-controlled wah‑wah treadle, the wah effect is triggered by the strength of the input signal with the threshold controlled by the ‘Sensitivity’ control – the louder you play, the easier it is to trigger the wah effect sweeps. Most envelope filters have a ‘Range’ control changes the frequency range through which the effect sweeps (commonly called Q) from a little to a lot. The FX25 ‘Range’ control, though, parts from the norm by covering the lower frequencies (counter‑clockwise) to higher frequencies (clockwise). Compared to other envelope follower/filter effects, the low control count (similar to the MXR Envelope Filter) limits flexibility but make it simpler to operate. For instance there is no ‘direction’ control (like the BOSS TW‑1 Wah) to dictate whether the filter sweeps up or down through the frequency range or a ‘rate’ control to dictate the speed at which the sweep occurs and returns to normal. Some filters also have high/low pass controls (like the Electro‑Harmonix Zipper and the Ibanez AF 201). The FX25 clearly goes for the ‘less is more’ approach. Earlier models of the FX25 were in a flat bright green colour and came in the old fashioned striped box. Later models were in a cool shade of metallic emerald green with the ‘America’s Pedal’ box. Unusually, the FX25 has also found favour with bass players as well as guitarists. By 1998, the pedal was upgraded to the FX25‑B, complete with a third ‘Blend’ control and the colour changed to a blue/silver hue. The FX25‑B was discontinued in 2013. In a regressive move, the current DOD model is a reissue of the original 440. Like other models in the DOD FX series, they weren’t hugely popular. Most collectors focus on the more familiar ‘first series’ DOD pedals, making the FX series somewhat underrated and overlooked on the vintage effect pedal market. Many DOD FX pedals can be picked up for less than the price of a new pedal. The FX25, however, is a bit different, more effective and harder to find and they generally attract higher market values. Even so, they are still a bit of a bargain if you can find a good one.
Pedal Description:
This natty little DOD FX25 Envelope Filter was born in 1995 in Utah, USA. It is the version that comes in a rather nice metallic emerald colour. The downside of that is that it doesn’t stand out so easily on a pedalboard. The controls are just about as simple as you can get for an envelope follower. While this example is technically newer than CRAVE Effects would normally go for, the FX25 had been in production since 1982, with very few changes other than the cosmetic paint job and its packaging. I bought this example from the original owner who used it at home for a couple years in the mid‑1990s and then stored it away in its original box, although (sadly) minus the documentation, so it is in all‑original pristine condition and as new. In use, it is a straightforward process of setting the knobs to suit the occasion and going for it. Simples. Sound wise, it produces some typical auto‑wah sounds, great for groovy, funky chops or reggae skank. It isn’t subtle but it is very responsive and some great filter `sounds can be found relatively quickly and easily. It doesn’t match up to my favourite envelope filter, the Electro‑Harmonix Zipper but, then again, not many auto‑wah effects do. OK, so maybe it isn’t the most sophisticated and versatile filter effect but perhaps that is the FX25’s strength. Its simplicity won’t attract the avid, adventurous ‘knob twiddlers’ out there but it may well appeal to those who favour a ‘back‑to‑basics’ approach, targeted at those who prefer to focus on playing and making music. I have some reservations about the FX series pedals’ robustness but that is generally unfounded. The FX25 doesn’t really stretch the boundaries of what an auto wah effect can do and there is nothing other than its odd ‘Range’ control that really differentiates it from the competition, probably limiting its appeal for experimental musicians. Its all‑round averageness may explain its below‑the‑radar position on the vintage effect collector market. While it might not stand out from the crowd, does that really matter if it does what one wants, right? Don’t dismiss it because it doesn’t seem ‘popular’ with traditionalists, especially at its modest price point. It may well surprise you and, as such, it provides fantastic ‘bang for buck’. In summary, it is probably one of DOD’s better FX series pedals. Several high‑profile players associated with the FX25 are testament to DOD’s solid design concept, so why not give it a try and make up your own mind.
Features:
- Made by DOD in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A. in 1995
- The ‘Range’ knob controls the frequency range through which the filter sweeps – bass to treble
- The ‘Sensitivity’ knob controls the threshold strength of the signal above which the filter sweep is triggered
- The treadle‑style footswitch controls whether the effect is on or off
- Standard ¼” input and output mono jack sockets
- LED status indicator to show when the effect is in use
- 9V DC power supply input or 9V battery
- Dimensions: 5” x 3” x 2” – 127mm x 76mm x 51mm (L x W x D)
- Weight: 1.2 Lbs – 550g
- Original box, no instruction manual
Artists:
- Bootsy Collins (Parliament, Funkadelic)
- Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
- Wes Borland (Limp Bizkit)
Detail Gallery:
