Alexander Pedals Sugarcube
Some like their chorus tones toothache sweet. Others just want a hint of syrupy swirl. And no matter where you fall on that spectrum, the Alexander Pedals Sugarcube delivers.
We captured the essence of all our favourite chorus pedals from the 80s, added in a dash of rotary whirl and some crystallized pitch-shifting for good measure — and then wrapped it all up in a pedalboard-friendly package.
Of course, you get the MIDI, preset, and expression pedal support you’ve come to expect from Alexander Pedals, but look — sugar addiction is real. Consider this your only warning.
Sugarcube does a lot of stuff, but that doesn’t mean that it’s hard to use! Generally, you can just turn the knobs on the pedal and explore new sounds, but we put a few extra controls on the pedal that we think you can use.
Sugarcube has four distinct Effect Modes. Each one has its own set of controls, and while they do relate to each other, it’s worth taking a few minutes to learn what everything does.
See the Sugarcube in action here.
Controls and Modes
Chorus
The Rate, Depth, Mix and Tweak pots control the following modes in the Sugarcube, as they are selected
This is the iconic ‘70s and ‘80s analog chorus tone, with a single delay line and one voice. Rate and Depth control the modulation, while the Tweak knob adds additional voices mixed in from further down the delay line. In mono mode, up to three voices are available, but in stereo mode, Sugarcube can mix up to six voices across the soundstage.
This is probably what most folks think of when someone says “chorus!” This mode features rate and depth controls for the chorus, as well as mix control to go from dry to chorus to vibrato. The Tweak control adds an additional chorus voice to thicken and widen the effect.
Dimension
“Motionless” chorus effect – the Dimension mode features two opposing delay lines that combine to create wide soundscapes without the “wavering” sound of the traditional chorus. If you’re trying to replicate the tones of the four-button vintage unit, keep the Depth control at noon or below. We’ve expanded the control range and even added a Feedback control for flange-like chorus tones. Milk and Kisses, here we come!
Features two separate delay lines that move in opposite directions for a “motionless” chorus. This is usually much more subtle than the CHO mode and is excellent for adding space to your tone without a lot of warble. Tweak adds adjustable feedback for “flange”-type chorus sounds popular in the mid to late ‘80s
Rotary
This is a bit of a stretch since a real rotary speaker is an insanely complex amalgam of an amp, motion, room, wood, glass, and fire.
Trying to replicate it in a stomp box is always going to be disappointing, but we’ve grabbed the important stuff and tried to make it sound as cool as possible! Rate controls the speed of the horn and drum, while the Tweak control balances between them.
Pro tip: a real rotary speaker doesn’t have a blend knob, so try setting Mix to fully wet for the most realistic effect
Is our recreation of the magical spinning speaker. The Tweak knob controls the mix between the upper rotors and the lower drum. We recommend you try this one with the Mix knob fully clockwise for the strongest effect, and it does sound way cooler in stereo!
ICE
Chorus with a crystalline pitch-shift added. Ice mode features a two-voice chorus effect that’s mixed with a selectable pitch shift. Turn the Tweak knob to select Octave Down, Unison Detune, Perfect Fifth, or Octave Up.
An Alexander Pedals Sugarcube original, this mode adds an adjustable pitch shift to the chorus voices. The pitch is selectable from -1 Octave, Detune, + 5th, and +1 Octave. Try this with two different pitch settings on the Ramp foot switch for sliding modulation effects. We also love hearing this one with the Clock knob set low for grainy primitive “12-bit” digital effects.
Features
Presets
Four built-in presets give you quadruple the tones in a single footprint. Add a MIDI controller for 16 presets.
Neo Morph
Seamlessly morph between different knob settings on the fly using the Ramp foot switch, expression pedal, Neo Footswitch, or MIDI controller.
Multijack
Connect an expression pedal, Neo foot switch, or MIDI controller to this jack to add performance control to your pedal.
Ramp Footswitch
Tap the left foot switch to trigger and latch Neo Morph, or hold it for a momentary Morph effect.
Select Button
Tap this button to select a new sound mode. Hold it down to access the alternate knob functions (listed in parentheses).
Stereo Output
Connect a TRS cable to the main output to access Left and Right stereo outputs in Stereo Mode, or Wet and Dry outputs in Mono Mode. Connect a standard mono cable for mono operation in any mode.
Midi Control
Every knob and setting on the pedal is controllable using MIDI. Connect using the MultiJack and our Neo Link or directly to any Disaster Area Gen3 controller.
USB Port
Every Neo Series pedal features a USB port for MIDI control and firmware updates.
Alexander Pedal Sugarcube Specifications
- Mono input
- Stereo output, selectable between L + R or Wet + Dry
- Output changes to mono automatically if a mono cable is used
- Input Impedance: 1M ohms
- Output Impedance: 560 ohms
- DC 9V only, 100mA or greater
- Requires isolated DC power supply
- 4.7” x 2.6” x 1.5” H x W x D not including knobs
- Four sound modes, each with Mono and Stereo variations
- Four presets onboard, expandable to 16 with a MIDI controller
- MultiJack enables expression pedal, foot switch, or MIDI input
- Neo Morph allows controlling all knobs from expression or MIDI
- Ramp foot switch triggers Neo Morph settings
- USB port for firmware updates and USB MIDI
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