December 6th, 2024 | John Dines
You may know him as the platinum-selling singer/songwriter that gave us the hit single Kiss from A Rose. But did you know that Seal is a guitar fanatic who obsesses over effects pedals? Especially Origin Effects pedals? We asked Seal to give us some insight into his tone addiction.
Which Origin Effects pedals do you consider your favourites?
“My favourite pedals by Origin Effects are the MAGMA57, DELUXE61, Halcyon Gold and Green, and the M-EQ DRIVER, which I believe is the real unsung hero of the bunch. One of the reasons I LOVE the Halcyon pedals, is that they give you the ability to control the dry signal.“
You described the M-EQ DRIVER as being the “unsung hero of the bunch.” What is it about the M-EQ that makes you say that?
“Well aside from the legendary unit it’s derived from which was a staple on my early records, the M-EQ DRIVER is kind of the pedal you never knew you needed until you realised just how versatile and subsequently essential it is. I originally thought it was just an EQ pedal by virtue of its name but then I realised it served as my favourite kind of drive pedal, which is a colourless boost to drive the front of my Two Rock Vintage Deluxe or Joey Landreth Signature. I also use it to drive the front of the MAGMA57 or DELUXE61. It’s great as a treble boost on my 335 & LP as well. Where I think it particularly shines is shaping an acoustic due to its high-fidelity heritage.“
You have to make a board with only 4 pedals on it that you have to play for the rest of your life. What’s on that board?
“Origin Effects Halcyon Blue Overdrive, Jackson Audio New Wave Chorus, UAFX Galaxy, and the Origin Effects DELUXE61 over the MAGMA57 (only because of that damn bias trem).“
Built by Omilionaudio.com
What’s the importance of blending analogue effects with your digital modelers?
“First off, I’ve been using the Quad Cortex and Fender Tone Master Pro. The importance to me is in the creative process. Modelers and multi-effects processors are great for touring but, when I’m actually writing music in the creative process, it’s vital for me to be able to just reach over and interact with physical analogue pedals when I want to adjust a parameter. The moment I have to start menu diving, it’s over for me.“
Anything else you want to say about the MAGMA57?
“The MAGMA57 to me is perhaps my favourite amp-in-a-box pedal because one of my favourite amps of all time is my Magnatone Panoramic Stereo. Although the MAGMA57 isn’t derived from that specific amp, it has the Magnatone design ethos and it’s the perfect “pedal platform” pedal.“
