Appletell reviews the New Signal Process Break Out

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Buy NSP Break Out pedal

Provides: Guitar to iOS adapter
Developer: New Signal Process
Minimum Requirements: iOS device, line level instrument
Price: $115
Availability: Now

Current guitar to iPhone adapters aren’t exactly the most stage friendly way of using your iPhone as an effects processor, but New Signal Process’ Break Out pedal is made with this use in mind. It’s a very spartan, black metal box that essentially transforms your iPhone into a guitar pedal. Let’s see how well it performs.

The NSP Break Out pedal is definitely made for the stage or road. It’s a black, die cast aluminum box with minimal controls and connections. There’s a 1/4” in and out and a 1/8” connection for your iPhone or other iOS device. Don’t be fooled, though, this cable is a little different than what you’re used to. It has four distinct connections, so you can’t just swap it out for something else. Trust me,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], I tried. You can buy other lengths on NSP’s website, though. There are but two controls on the pedal: the input level control and a bypass switch. The input knob is so you can adjust for the levels normally output by anything from a guitar, mic or other line level instrument. This is great if you want to use your iOS device with more than just one instrument. The true bypass allows you to effectively turn your iPhone or iPad connection on or off. This seems like an odd choice. More on that later.

Audio quality is good, but not perfect. It’s definitely good enough for most purposes, but I did notice that the Break Out pedal can experience feedback slightly more than other similar offerings (to be clear, not the good kind of feedback). I might be nitpicking here, but I guess I’d just think twice about using this as my recording input. It’s definitely not a deal breaker, just something to keep in mind, especially when this isn’t the cheapest adapter by far. That said,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], the input knob will help you tame most of the excess feedback you may experience. So, it’s possible you just have to tune that input knob better to achieve optimal audio quality, which makes sense.

One of the things I really like about the Break Out pedal is that it doesn’t need batteries, unlike Peavey’s Amp Kit LiNK, although this may be the reason the LiNK sounds a bit better to my ears. The only obvious design change I’d make to this pedal is to get rid of the Bypass switch and replace it with a button,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], the type you can step on. This is a pedal, after all, isn’t it? Doesn’t it make sense to turn it on or off with a good kick? With that addition, this pedal would be an easier sell.

Overall, the Break Out pedal is a good choice for any guitarist who wants a durable guitar to iOS adapter, but you’ll pay for that durability. It can be incorporated into your existing pedal setup or used by itself to run the whole show. You definitely won’t have to worry about breaking this guy, because it’s built to take a beating. It’d be nice to see that switch as a button, but hey, there’s always room for improvement.