TEST: Morley MTLW2 - 20/20 Lead Wah Boost

 OK, let's all think together for a moment, what are the most famous effects when it comes to the electric guitar? On place 1, of course, quite clearly the distortion with all its variations in the form of boosters, overdrive, distortion and fuzz, depending on which amp at what level of distortion with which sound should be fed. On place 2 follows however with short distance the "flank-steep bandpass filter"! Flanks ... what? Well, most of the readers will know the effect pedal under the name Wah Wah Pedal or simply Wah Pedal. We have before us today a particularly handy version of such a pedal called Morley MTLW2 - 20/20 Lead Wah Boost for testing.

Slope divider bandpass filter ... really now?

Well, many guitarists are not really into studio technology, but in this case I find a short introduction regarding the sound shaping quite helpful, especially since it shows you why this form of effect pedal harmonizes particularly well with the electric guitar. By the way, in the case of a wah pedal, one can really also speak of a pedal detached from the English designation due to the rocker-like operation. In principle, the wah wah pedal is a bosster, which when activated boosts a very limited frequency range which can then be shifted by means of the pedal.

Due to the massive boosting, the same effect is very good in the clean as well as in the distorted range and also creates the effect as if the user had a kind of third hand, which supports the picked notes in interaction with the two hands, especially in the rhythm area. When handled correctly, this benefits both a crisp funk guitar and personal solo playing, which gets the parameter frequency modulation in addition to rhythm and harmony to the hand.

The special features of the Morley Wah Wah series

As already mentioned, the Wah Wah pedal is not only on the second place of the most popular guitar effects, but it is probably also one of the earliest effects, which was built for electric guitarists. Hendrix without a wah wah? Unimaginable! In order to activate the first wah wahs, Dunlop, among others, came up with the legendary Cry Baby on the idea of placing the On / Off switch below the actual pedal, which shrank the dimensions of the pedal, but also always involved 2 switching operations for activation / deactivation. In addition, depending on the design, you had to traipse neatly on the pedal to perform the switching process and you had only his ear as an orientation, whether the effect was really off or on. Short sound intermezzi for a few seconds were not possible with this circuit.

Even in the early days of wah wah pedals, Morley was the eternal competitor for everything that used fiber coils and potentiometers to jerk the wah wah effect, but Morley already used a photocell and light bulb very early to ensure the voltage regulation. A wear-free regulation of the effect along with a slightly different sound was the result, so that the camps quickly split. Of course, the bulb was replaced years ago by an LED, which, so to speak, expected a virtually unlimited life. However, Morley made a big leap a few years ago with the introduction of the switchless design, which allowed the pedal to be activated with just a slight movement of the pad and deactivated when the foot was removed from the pedal. This made it possible to insert only very short FX passages on-the-fly, so to speak, especially when soloing, which greatly increased the expressive possibilities on the guitar.

The construction of the Morley MTLW2 - 20/20 Lead Wah Boost

Those who, like me, (unfortunately) have to travel a lot by plane to play their shows will probably be familiar with the problem that has kept me from placing a wah pedal on my floorboard in a number of cases. Every centimeter counts with the dimensions in the luggage area and the nicest, most compactly kept floorboard is unfortunately useless if a regular wah wah pedal both in the depth, and especially in the height ad absurdum leads one all the possibilities of a hand luggage transport and one prefers to keep the additional costs of up to 200, - € for an additional piece of luggage in the production budget.

This circumstance has also got Morley with and leads with its 20/20 series equal to a whole armada of pedals in their portfolio, which were all shrunk to the dimensions (L x W x H): 170 mm x 114 mm x 70 mm and also come up with a weight of less than one kilogram. The Morley MTLW2 - 20/20 Lead Wah Boost presented to me for testing comes in the color "industrial gray" and conveys a rather unspectacular impression at first glance, but this should relativize itself in the course of the test. One should also explicitly mention in this day and age that the pedal is made in the USA, which is reflected in the price, but still gives me personally the better feeling to oppose the total dependence on the Chinese market.

The workmanship of the pedal is excellent, all screws, sheet metal, knobs and plastic parts are of very high quality and, together with the principle of operation of the pedal, suggest a very long life. How much also the manufacturer is convinced of the quality of its products, shows the fact that Morley gives a "Lifetime Warranty" on its products. The pedal sits on four soft rubber feet, which provide a very good grip even on smooth surfaces. Since there are no screws on the bottom of the case, which could possibly be extended from the bottom, you will probably attach the Morley MTLW2 - 20-20 Lead Wah Boost to a floorboard using cable ties.

To provide the foot with an improved grip, there is a ribbed rubber surface on the top of the pedal along with company lettering. For a visual indication of the On / Off function, there is again a red LED on the right side, which lights up when the effect is activated. However, as you can see from the designation "Boost" in the model name, the Morley MTLW2 - 20-20 Lead Wah Boost has in addition to the frequency boost if necessary a volume boost, whose efficiency can be adjusted with a potentiometer on the left of the pedal. In doing so, you can both raise and lower the level. The Unity Gain point is at about 10 o'clock, below it is lowered, above it is raised.

That Morley has always had the right knack for visual attention can be seen not only in the legendary "Morley Man (do it with their feet)" drawn over 50 years ago, but also in the fact that a fluorescent Morley logo was attached to the front. This allows concertgoers to see what product the artist is using, despite floorboard placement. The Morley lettering on the top of the pedal also glows in the dark, looks stylish and thus makes it easier to locate the pedal on a dark stage.

Regarding the power supply, the Morley MTLW2 - 20-20 Lead Wah Boost can be supplied with the necessary operating voltage by means of a 9V block, which is to be inserted via a plastic flap on the underside of the housing, or an external 9V power supply, which should supply at least 300 mA. The pedal features buffered bypass, which allows you to connect additional pedals without losing sound.

The Morley MTLW2 - 20-20 Lead Wah Boost in practice

If you've never used a mini pedal before, you may wonder whether the reduced contact surface of the foot might not lead to a loss in feel. I can refute this concern without hesitation, the pedal plays in direct comparison with "large" Morley pedals completely without problems and with the same quality. The contact surface is ultimately only about 20% smaller, which makes virtually no difference in handling.

The only thing that the Auto On / Off function necessarily entails is the static operation of the pedal as a booster. Especially in the seventies, wah wah pedals were also often used as locked center boosters for single-channel marshalls, this function is not possible with this type of pedal, as expected. Whether they are still needed today, however, is another matter.

Sonically, the Mini Pedal Series starts where the regular pedals stop, that is, they take over the sound 1:1, but require as said less space on the floorboard. The sound can be described as very even, almost subtle, so that it never comes to the infamous "cutting" in the sound. Much of the pedal's coloration is generated via the boost control, which absolutely must be meticulously matched with the personal amp for maximum sound yield. Solid tube amps react completely differently here than solid state or modeling amps, so no general switch setting can be recommended.

In summary, the bottom line remains an excellent wah wah pedal, which convinces in all respects without any weak point. Top grade!

Conclusion

With the Morley MTLW2 - 20-20 Lead Wah Boost, the American manufacturer convinces with its mini pedal all along the line. Whether sound, dimensions, processing and manufacturing, Morley offers no cause for criticism, but a well thought-out and professional tool for the ambitious, respectively professional musician.

Highly recommended!


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.