TEST: Morley M2

 There are companies that give the impression that they have existed since the dawn of mankind. OK, let's say from the time when screeching guitars caused the dignitaries to shake their heads in disbelief, freely according to the motto, "what could possibly be worth hearing about such a noise?" I remember well the silver stickers that could be found on just about any cool guitar case in the early seventies. A hippie with mouth agape in afro look, guitar around his neck, with huge feet in the shape of Morley pedals. Ultra cool and on everyone's lips!

Fortunately, the same mascot has remained on the packaging of Morley pedals to this day, making it easier to clearly identify the product. What completely set Morley apart from all other products of its time, however, was the electronics inside the case. Unlike all other pedals, which were based on classic potentiometers at the time, Morley used a tiny light bulb, which, in cooperation with a photocell and a slider, generated the necessary variable resistance. While Crybaby & Co. already showed first crackles after a short time, the electro-optical solution of Morley was considered as the non plus ultra par excellence, provided that the bulb was not exposed to too strong vibrations.

All the more surprised me a thin nylon thread, which protrudes from the housing of the Morley M2 volume / wah pedal presented to me for testing. And lo and behold, Morley has actually changed its conception in this case. M2 goes Poti, there look at. And then still with Made In USA and a delivery price of under 100, - Euro street price. That makes more than only curious.


Concept

According to the company website, the Morley M2 seems to have been designed for the European market only, as it is not offered for sale in the USA. Unfortunately, we couldn't find out the exact reasons for this, but in the end they are completely unimportant for personal use. Conceptually, the Morley M2 is a combination of volume and wah wah pedal. A footswitch can be used to switch back and forth between the two functions.

The volume control works completely passively, while you need the internal 9V battery for the wah wah operation. A red LED informs the user whether the wah wah has been activated or not. If the company data is correct, the Morley M2 has a power consumption of just 6 mA in battery mode, which suggests an extremely long battery life. Optionally, however, the device can also be operated with a 9V power supply, a connector is available on the housing.

If there is one point that is common to all Morley pedals, it is the extreme stability of the housing. Even heavy processing with massive footwear will not harm anything in this product. Steel plate, screws, indeed the entire concept could not be better designed for a professional stage presence. For sufficient stability on smooth surfaces provide four rubber feet, which were glued to the bottom of the housing. If you want to mount the pedal on your personal pedalboard, you can nibble them off and replace them with Velcro, or you can use the cable tie solution.

In terms of connection peripherals, the Enviroment could not be simpler, once jack input, once jack output and good. To compensate for the additional cable lengths, the product has an internal buffer amp, which reduces the cable impedance accordingly. A level control can be used to boost the signal strength of the wah wah by a few decibels, which is particularly suitable for raising the solo sound not only in volume but also in the degree of distortion. A large, heavily ribbed hard rubber support on the top of the pedal, ensures good grip of the footwear on the product.

Morley pursues its own strategy when it comes to the effort required during pedaling. The downward movement via the toe is much easier in terms of effort than the return via the heel of the foot. In general, you have to use the pedal a bit more forcefully than the competition. However, this has the advantage that the effect path can generally be followed more evenly.

Let's briefly return to the main difference of the M2 in direct comparison to many of its competitors in the house, the voltage division in the form of a potentiometer. As mentioned earlier, there are two thin nylon threads underneath the pedal, both at the toe and underneath the heel, which are used to control the internally installed potentiometer. Even if the probability is extremely low, there is at least theoretically the danger that, for example, a cable or some other blunt object pushes itself under the pedal and endangers the threads. Especially in the hectic of a festival stage setup, where usually only a few minutes are available for the change-over, the same can happen.

Therefore, you should make sure that the product is not flying around loose in a case or bag, but is firmly mounted and wired as tightly as possible.

Practice

Now we come to the practical part of the test, which of course primarily deals with the sound of the product. There is no need to say much about the functioning of the volume pedal. It works! No scratching, no dropouts, an absolutely even control path. Something better you can not say about a volume pedal. Anyone who has ever used a Morley Wah Wah knows the characteristics of the product. Morley Wah Wahs sound different, or should I say sounded different? Like everything that deviates somewhat from the rule, the sound of Morley products polarized the pack of guitarists at the time.

While direct competitors again the CryBaby by a comparatively soft sound, partly in its original form drifted into the discreetly musty, Morley always had that one tad more liveliness in its basic sound, which was preferred depending on the guitarist type, or rejected. Buzzwords like assertiveness on the one hand, or sterile sound on the other hand were in the room.

With the Morley M2 this is no longer the case. The pedal has a very warm, soft, strongly vocal basic sound, which was previously unknown from Molly products. The quality of the filter is tastefully chosen, not too sharp, nothing too broad and still has a very good assertiveness with enough independence in the basic sound. The bandpass filter harmonizes equally well with both a clean and a distorted guitar. With skilful footwork, the musician actually manages to give his guitar its own language, which brings both personal rhythm and solo playing decisively forward in its variability.

Conclusion

The Morley M2 opens up a new world for the pedal protagonist from the USA. Equipped with a new control mechanism, coupled with an expanded sound image, the product convinces all along the line. Processing, equipment, conception and sound are on a very high level and invite you to try the product yourself. In addition, a very attractive price for American manufacturing provides an additional purchase argument. Definitely test it!

Additional Informations:

Morley Pedals: Pioneers in Innovative Effects Pedals

Introduction
Morley Pedals is a renowned company that has been at the forefront of the effects pedal industry for over four decades. Founded in the early 1970s, Morley Pedals has consistently produced high-quality, innovative, and reliable pedals that have become favorites among musicians across various genres. This comprehensive report aims to delve into the rich history, notable products, and impact of Morley Pedals on the music industry.

History and Background
Morley Pedals was established in 1972 by brothers Raymond and Marvin Lubow in Los Angeles, California. The company quickly gained recognition for their unique and inventive approach to effects pedals. One of their earliest breakthroughs was the introduction of the Electro-Optical (Opti-Wah) Wah Pedal in 1975, which utilized optical components for smooth and precise control.

Notable Products and Innovations
3.1 Morley Wah Pedals
Morley's range of Wah Pedals has become a hallmark of the brand. In addition to the Opti-Wah, they have developed numerous variations such as the Bad Horsie, Steve Vai Signature, and Power Wah, each with its distinct tonal characteristics and features. These pedals have gained popularity due to their robust construction, user-friendly designs, and exceptional sound quality.

3.2 Morley Volume Pedals
Morley is also recognized for its exceptional line of Volume Pedals. The Volume Plus and Little Alligator are among their most iconic offerings, featuring electro-optical designs for precise and noise-free volume control. These pedals have become industry standards, trusted by countless guitarists and bassists worldwide.

3.3 Switchless Technology
Morley Pedals was one of the first companies to introduce switchless technology, eliminating the need for mechanical switches that are prone to wear and tear. The introduction of this technology simplified pedal operation and improved durability, ensuring consistent performance throughout extended use.

3.4 Dual Bass Wah
In 2004, Morley released the Dual Bass Wah, the world's first bass-specific wah pedal. It was designed to cater specifically to the unique frequency range of bass guitars, providing a clear and musical wah effect. This innovation quickly gained popularity among bassists, solidifying Morley's reputation for meeting the diverse needs of musicians.

Impact on the Music Industry
Morley Pedals has had a profound impact on the music industry. Their products have been embraced by a wide range of artists across genres, including renowned musicians such as Steve Vai, Mark Tremonti, Billy Sheehan, and Tom Morello, to name just a few. The distinctive sound and reliability of Morley Pedals have made them an integral part of countless live performances and studio recordings.

Furthermore, Morley's innovations in switchless technology and bass-specific effects have inspired other manufacturers to follow suit, leading to advancements in the overall effects pedal industry. Morley's commitment to quality and performance has set a benchmark for other companies to strive for, raising the standard for effects pedals in the market.

Conclusion
Morley Pedals has firmly established itself as a pioneer and leader in the effects pedal industry. Through their dedication to innovation, high-quality craftsmanship, and commitment to meeting the needs of musicians, they have earned the trust and admiration of artists worldwide. With their extensive range of pedals and continued emphasis on technological advancements, Morley Pedals is set to remain at the forefront of the industry for years to come, providing musicians with the tools they need to create and perform their best.