Shout Out to Voodoo Lab

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skoora

skoora

Well-known member
I've been using their stuff since the 90's and every time I've called with a question or issue the customer service has been some of the best I've ever encountered. Just recently was having issue with the tone I was getting from my 25 year old GCX (suspected the buffer) and their rep (you get a human on the phone or they will definitely return a message) who, iirc was named Ben, literally hung with me on the phone while I tried different configurations of plugging in. I'm talking about having to repeatedly go behind a rack and fidget about to try different things. I was like "I can try these different ways and get back to you" thinking there's no way he wants to hang on while I do it and he was "no problem, let's do it". This included isolating a ground issue as well (which wasn't even their gear).

After we found a solution I brought up an issue with my Ground Control (same age as GCX) where one pedal wouldn't work very often on a crucial long press function. Without hesitation he offered to mail me a replacement switch, free of charge, as he thought it might be the culprit.
He got me thinking about the internals and just got done pulling it apart to find the switch worked fine and it was the pedal not making a decent contact. A couple of tabs of tape later to close the gap between pedal and switch, it worked fine re-assembled.

It seems this company doesn't get talked about a whole lot on here but I think they make stellar gear (obviously it needs to do what you need as well) but their response to customers makes using their gear a real pleasure.

Currently rockin' a Pedal Power 3+, two GCX audio switchers, a Ground Control (not the pro) and a Sparkle Drive.

Anyone else have good experience with them... or what company has really impressed you with their support? it's not often we post about positive things and are more likely to post to bitch about a company or experience.
 
Theyve been around for a long time but your great customer service experience has no alerted me to more closely look at their gear. So what's with the mod switch on the newer sparkle drive or are you using the older version? It's a nice TS style pedal, no?
 
VonBonfire said:
Theyve been around for a long time but your great customer service experience has no alerted me to more closely look at their gear. So what's with the mod switch on the newer sparkle drive or are you using the older version? It's a nice TS style pedal, no?
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Your best bet is to check out a YT vid on it. Probably changes gain and slight tweaks to EQ response. I use the first Gen Sparkle Drive that doesn’t have that. One of the first drive pedals I ever saw that let you mix in the direct signal which is great for a thicker push.
 
Their support team is amazing. When I had my rack effects and used Ground Control Pro, Ben stayed on the phone with me for almost an hour walking me through how to setup certain functions. Absolutely amazing.
 
Some of the best CS out there. Used their stuff for years in fact the only reason I ever moved from their power supplies was when I de-racked I had to mount my wah over the PS. Cause a hum, which has been updated with their new Power Supplies.

Also my whole rack back in the day was built around the GCX, my midi board popped a switch mid set...they sent me several switches free of charge. Bought a modded Micro Vibe, they sent me the original knobs free of charge. And anytime I had a question they answered.

My main pedal board is their large Dingbat board so I'm still in the Voodoo family.
 
I love their stuff. I’ve got a pair of Dingbat minis with and one large Dingbat with the PS8 loop switcher - all with dedicated VooDoo power supplies. True, pro quality gear.
 
I used to deal with John when I used the GCX. He was great to deal with and actually they wound up using my rig in their example diagrams. LOL
Although I dont use VL stuff anymore I still have two GCX's, two PP2's, the amp switcher, the original Ground control and also the Pro. That original Ground Control has been kicked, stepped on by high heels (display included), beer spilled all over it..ect, and she still works perfectly. That thing is built like a tank!
 
studio289 said:
Years ago, I bought a used Pedal Power. The seller shipped it without the screws that attach the cover (cooling issues?).
Anyway, I called VL and asked what the length and thread were on the screws - so I could pick some up at the hardware store.
Support instead asked for my address and said he'd send them to me. I told him it was used, and they didn't have to do that.
He explained it was no problem, and that they take care of their customers, new or used.
And sure enough, three days later an envelope appeared in the mail.
Granted, it cost the company, maybe a $1, but the gesture left a lasting impression.
Class act for sure.
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$1 in screw, $5 to ship it to you…lol
 
studio289 said:
Years ago, I bought a used Pedal Power. The seller shipped it without the screws that attach the cover (cooling issues?).
Anyway, I called VL and asked what the length and thread were on the screws - so I could pick some up at the hardware store.
Support instead asked for my address and said he'd send them to me. I told him it was used, and they didn't have to do that.
He explained it was no problem, and that they take care of their customers, new or used.
And sure enough, three days later an envelope appeared in the mail.
Granted, it cost the company, maybe a $1, but the gesture left a lasting impression.
Class act for sure.
Click to expand...
Voodoo Lab Pedal Power support is second to none IME. They've gone out of their way for me several times when I bought a new toy and needed an adapter. Plus their bricks are top notch.
 
phil b said:
I used to deal with John when I used the GCX. He was great to deal with and actually they wound up using my rig in their example diagrams. LOL
Although I dont use VL stuff anymore I still have two GCX's, two PP2's, the amp switcher, the original Ground control and also the Pro. That original Ground Control has been kicked, stepped on by high heels (display included), beer spilled all over it..ect, and she still works perfectly. That thing is built like a tank!
Click to expand...
Yeah, the tech support at VL is stellar and Ben has always gone out of his way with additional support (even for used gear).

I believe John was from the earlier years for support and I remember he had always provided some excellent support as well.

In fact, John had designed a very intricate set-up with me over the phone and emails where I was using several preamps (JMP-1, Triaxis, ...) and MANY effects units.

They did use my setup in their example diagrams as well.

I wish I could find it again but I didn't have any luck finding it on their website.

I have been purchasing their stuff for over 20 years and I will always keep the VL gear that I currently own even though I might not be using them right now.
 
agreed.
original digital music ground control in 96 in use until i got the cae RST 16 a few years ago

gcx in 2015

just bought a used VL control switch yesterday to switch my 2:90 voice jacks and rockman chorus bypass and regain those 4 loops previously dedicated for switching in my gcx
 
skoora said:
$1 in screw, $5 to ship it to you…lol
Click to expand...
studio289 said:
Years ago, I bought a used Pedal Power. The seller shipped it without the screws that attach the cover (cooling issues?).
Anyway, I called VL and asked what the length and thread were on the screws - so I could pick some up at the hardware store.
Support instead asked for my address and said he'd send them to me. I told him it was used, and they didn't have to do that.
He explained it was no problem, and that they take care of their customers, new or used.
And sure enough, three days later an envelope appeared in the mail.
Granted, it cost the company, maybe a $1, but the gesture left a lasting impression.
Class act for sure.
Click to expand...
Compare that to Temple Audio - I have two of their boards along with some of the side modules. Great board, but with all of the extras it can add up. I ended up losing one of the super tiny screws for a blank plate on the side and reached out to them for a replacement - they offered to send one - for $20.

Big difference.

I love Voodoo Labs - I had a GCX - GCP setup for years and loved everything about it. Built like a tank and super flexible. I still use the PP2 and service was great and quick with an odd question I had about using it with the Shure GLXD+.
 
Yup, love VL....great company that makes great quality gear that lasts, for reasonable prices....with great support. Always helpful, even with their legacy gear.
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