Catalinbread Soft Focus Deluxe – Ultimate Shoegaze!
The Soft Focus Deluxe adds delay and a foot-switchable distortion
5,0 / 5,0 | 
The all-new Catalinbread Soft Focus Deluxe takes their shoegaze popular Yamaha FX500-inspired pedal, the Soft Focus, to new levels of possibilities and adds that crucial delay effect, which was missing from the 2022 pedal.
Soft Focus Deluxe
This new Soft Focus Deluxe by Catalinbread has a double-sized format compared to the Soft Focus from 2022. It adds the delay effect missing from the previous version and has a dedicated footswitch for the op-amp-based distortion circuit, which is very welcome.
As we have seen the Soft Focus in regular and Gold versions, it is great to have something with more than just a cosmetic overhaul.
Op-Amp Distortion
The Deluxe model adds the crucial delay function missing from the original Yamaha FX500 patch from the Soft Focus pedal, which is big news for fans of the original 19 studio rack unit. Users can now access the foot-switchable distortion circuit in series with or in parallel with the Soft Focus patch, making this version far more flexible and comprehensive.
Six different programs are now accessible via a rotary control, plus Mix, Mod, Verb, Delay, and Time controls, the dedicated Distortion Level control, and a series/parallel mini-toggle switch.
It compares well to the popular Keeley Loomer in many ways. I use the Loomer pedal often, so I would love to get my hands on this new Deluxe model and compare the two side by side.
Expression
This expanded Deluxe edition also adds the multi-function jack, which can control expression or tap tempo, which could be very useful when using the pedal live or in the studio.
The pedal requires a 9 – 18 V DC mains adapter to work. They have upgraded the internal capacitors to handle the bass guitar, but it can cause ‘pops’ when engaging the effect, so you may need to cycle the switch a few times to stop this from happening.
Verdict
Having the two dedicated footswitches will please many players, and having the ‘missing’ delay effect will make a big difference for many musicians. This one is for fans of My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive or any musician who loves that shoegaze endless expansive sound.
More Information
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