EHX Deep Freeze NYC DSP Series ~ Baritone guitar demo & Superego comparison

EHX Pico Deep Freeze is here!!

First impressions: it does what I was expecting, aka a mini version of the Superego.
Both Deep Freeze and Superego share the same features/controls and modes, and workalike.

Pro: unlike the Superego, Deep Freeze can be powered in a daisy chain of pedals (the Superego needs it's own power supply, otherwise there are ground noises). Its mini form factor is very welcome in case I need a compact travel setup (I wish I would have got this Deep Freeze, prior my departure to California for the Y2K Loopfest end October 2023, then I would have took with me in my luggage).

Contra: The classic Superego sounds more organic, with more gliss artifacts and textures, IMHO. I wouldn't say the Deep Freeze is sterile. It has more of a synthy/in-your-face character.
But being an effect I always combine with huge delay and reverbs, I don't think in a live context the masses will ever notice the difference in texture.
For people with chunky fingers, maybe the tiny knobs are not to best to handle.

About the Deep Freeze AUTO mode and the new Attack/Decay feature:
super nice you can change the Speed/Layer knob to control the Attack or Decay of the effect (when in Auto mode). The last attack or decay setting is reminded by the pedal, when changing configuration (for example, if you set Decay to max, and then switch the knob to control attack, the decay stay at max).
But unlike the Superego Plus (which I used to have few years ago), the attack on the Deep Freeze generates an audible Volume swell, also with high Gliss values (to me it's closer to the EHX Attack-Decay)!
For my own needs: Attack at zero, aka standard Superego setting and it does the job.

This said, I like it, and I would recommend it to anyboby who wants a compact/cheaper version of the Superego/Freeze.

00:00 Intro & Setup
01:41 Deep Freeze & Superego features overview
06:16 AUTO Mode
11:37 Deep Freeze Auto Decay & Attack Modes
14:30 LATCHING Mode
16:29 MOMENTARY Mode
17:41 Final Thoughts & Outro

Gear used:
Nude Guitar 013 Baritone
EHX Deep Freeze Pico
EHX Superego
AMT SS20 (clean preamp)
Strymon Timeline (intro & outro huge delay)
Zoom MS70 Multistomp (slight reverb)

More infos here:

Meeting between the original Freeze and Superego pedals is the Pico Deep Freeze Sound Retainer. With the ability to freeze a moment in sound, the Deep Freeze can act as a sustain pedal for holding chords and notes as backing for your playing or as a platform to manipulate your tone into new sounds impossible with a normal guitar. In addition to the original Freeze’s abilities, the Deep Freeze features layering, adjustable attack/decay speeds, glissando, dedicated volume controls, and 3 modes: Latch, Moment, and Auto, making it powerful pedal punching well above its weight.

#electroharmonix #deepfreeze #superego

[johnne_z]

im really glad to have stumbled upon your stuff! i feel like i could listen to your sounds forever

[SteveSpears-Kuhlah]

The SuperEgo just sounds a little better.
Thanks for the demo

[aidanoliver]

I like the upfront nature of the freez more!

[ineffablemf]

Agreed about liking the sound of the superego better. Deep freeze sounds too muted and the beating of the frequencies too “hidden”. I was thinking it hit everything I wanted, but I guess not. Thanks!

[collette]

Ive been using the Superego for years, the Deep Freeze hasn't impressed me enough. It seems at best a lateral move to a smaller unit, if anything the Superego seems to have a warmer sound

[jamesherseymusic]

nice clip! quick q: do you think superego sounded more full because of level difference?