MOD Duo - A Linux-based open-ended effect system in a pedal

24 Jul 2016 by Jef | Approximate reading time: 2 Minutes

MOD Duo a Linux based open ended effect · Source: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/modduo/mod-duo-the-limitless-multi-effects-pedal/description

MOD Duo rear panel · Source: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/modduo/mod-duo-the-limitless-multi-effects-pedal/description

MOD Duo a Linux based open ended effect · Source: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/modduo/mod-duo-the-limitless-multi-effects-pedal/description

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MOD Duo is a Kickstarter crowdfunding project that is based around an open-ended internal Linux operating system. This ‘multi’ effect could be just the thing for those musicians that want endless possibilities and limitless flexibility from a stomp box. The company has reached its target and is now selling direct to the public!

Crowd Funding

Musical Operating Devices or MOD as they are known certainly think this will appeal to many and it certainly looks viable this time. The effect can be used on any instrument, not just on guitars. The company has been developing it for quite some time and already have players using them and creating unique content for the system. They even had a version out on the market back in 2013 called the MOD Quadra; the new MOD Duo is really an evolution of this earlier product.

Control

The unit has inputs and outputs on quarter-inch jacks, as well as MIDI and USB ports, so it covers most bases. The idea is that you can upload to the MOD Duo from your computer and load it with software effects. They use Linux at the heart of the system and this allows users to develop and even hack the product. They’ve kept it all open source and so the community is already thriving.

Community

This is the bit I really love: the open source nature of this product. It really appeals to me and I’m sure to many other musicians. It means that the product can grow over time and that we as musicians can build our own effects and ideas into the platform. I really hope that this takes off as it is a fantastic idea. You could in theory share virtual pedal boards and design the layouts as well as the actual effects themselves. That sounds ultra flexible.

MOD Duo a Linux based open ended system with virtual effects and layouts

Hardware

The MOD Duo has several hardware chassis in development from aluminium enclosures through to transparent polycarbonate versions. The MOD Kickstarter campaign has several variations listed that they can tool up for and build once certain targets have been achieved. It looks like they are already hitting targets and so this product will hopefully grow and allow musicians to start getting really creative.

I would suggest you watch the attached video below and then go check out the links for yourselves.

RRP USD introductory price of $449 (usually $499) plus shipping

Check out the MOD Duo site for more information, as well as their Kickstarter site.

https://player.vimeo.com/video/105554097

Image Sources:

MOD Duo a Linux based open ended effect: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/modduo/mod-duo-the-limitless-multi-effects-pedal/description

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7 responses to “MOD Duo – A Linux-based open-ended effect system in a pedal”

Frank Lehmann says:

26 July 2016 at 16:09

I own a MOD Duo and let me tell ya folks: it is a mighty fine device with fantastic-sounding effects, top-notch hardware and open software. They recently had their 1.0 release and things are getting better and better.

anti_phase says:

12 September 2017 at 17:06

has it ever freezed up or some other cons you may name?

Frank Lehmann says:

12 September 2017 at 22:16

No, it never hang in all the time I used it and still looks like new. What I like most is their continuous development… the software has gained lots of features in the last year and they keep going. Downside: if YOU need specific features it might take time until they are there. I still wait for loading impulse responses, for example. But if the Duo meets your requirements, by all means, go for it.

anti_phase says:

13 September 2017 at 09:23

Understood. I actually need Impulse responses! However seems to be a sweet device, I think I`ll wait a little)
Thanks for reply!

Frank Lehmann says:

14 September 2017 at 08:10

Yeah, I would wait, too. But they currently offer a sweet deal: if you buy a Duo before 30. September, they’ll give you 9months of cycling74 Max for free. Choices everywhere… http://blog.moddevices.com/2017/08/01/maxmsp-integration/

anti_phase says:

14 September 2017 at 19:00

I`ll keep it in mind! Thanks

F Munky says:

26 July 2016 at 21:45

Looks fantastic to be honest, love the concept and the whole thing looks well thought out.