Hungry Robot Pedals has officially launched the latest iteration of its beloved ambient reverb, the Stargazer. Designed as a comprehensive evolution of the original, this dual-channel powerhouse promises to transport guitarists into deep, atmospheric soundscapes with newfound control and modern stereo capabilities.
Known for crafting boutique pedals that cater to the ambient and experimental community, Hungry Robot has taken everything players loved about the original Stargazer and brought it into the modern era.
An Evolution, Not Just an Update
The new Stargazer retains the core sonic essence that made the original a favorite, but builds upon a completely redesigned platform. While the original was grounded in a Belton brick foundation, this new version offers a more diffused, ambient texture, providing improved stability and clarity at higher decay settings.
“I wanted to capture the essence of the original,” the designer notes, “but with a more diffused, ambient sound and better control at higher decay levels.”
Key Features
The pedal is packed with features requested by the modern player, including:
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Stereo Signal Processing: Achieve massive, wide soundscapes with true stereo output.
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Dual-Channel Presets: Effortlessly swap between two distinct channel settings (Blue/Red) on the fly via the right footswitch.
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The “Sparkle” Control: Unlike traditional shimmer, which can become cluttered, the Sparkle feature adds a clean, octave-up effect post-feedback. This delivers a transparent, musical octave boost that cuts through the mix without the chaotic arpeggiated artifacts often associated with shimmer circuits.
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Modulation (MOD): Adds lush, swirly pitch-bending to the wet signal, preventing those long, ambient tails from sounding stale.
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Modern Utility: Features trails, a full wet/dry mix knob, and silent soft-touch footswitching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the Sparkle control the same as Shimmer?
A: No. Unlike shimmer, which is placed in the feedback loop and often arpeggiates, the Sparkle feature is added post-feedback. This results in a cleaner, more controlled octave-up effect.
Q: Can I use this with a mono setup?
A: Yes. The Stargazer features intelligent mono-to-stereo functionality. Simply plug a single cable into one of the inputs, and the pedal will duplicate the signal to both outputs.
Q: Does the pedal have trails?
A: Yes, the new Stargazer includes trails, allowing your reverb tails to decay naturally after you bypass the effect.
Q: What is the price and where can I buy it?
A: The Stargazer is priced at $272 USD plus shipping and is available directly through the Hungry Robot Pedals website.
The Verdict
The new Hungry Robot Stargazer strikes a perfect balance between “set-and-forget” ambient textures and deep, tweakable sound design.
By moving the octave-up effect (Sparkle) post-feedback, Hungry Robot has solved one of the most common complaints regarding ambient reverb pedals: musicality. It is a sophisticated, versatile tool for any player looking to fill the space between the notes with lush, cosmic atmosphere.
I’m a big fan of their pedals and own the original grey Moby Dick (which was recently rebooted) and The Wash. If you want something creative and unique, they have you covered.
Score: 8.9/10
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Pros: Exceptional stereo width, highly musical “Sparkle” octave control, intuitive dual-channel switching, and studio-grade trails.
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Cons: The “wobbly” potential of the modulation at max settings may be too experimental for traditionalists.
#Hungry Robot #Stargazer
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