Seamoon FX Funk Machine

In 1978, one of the most influential albums in the HornFX world was released. The Brecker Brothers’ Heavy Metal Bebop Is a masterclass in fusion effects work by the unrivaled Brecker Brothers. Throughout the the album, Michael Brecker can be heard using an envelope filter that speaks with intensity and power. This funky sound was made by a unit called the Seamoon Funk Machine, a pedal that was lost to time…until now. Over the past few years, legendary bass player and producer of Heavy Metal Bebop, Neil Jason has been working tirelessly to bring this effect back to life. It is finally here, and it is awesome. This little piece of sonic history is a must-have for any Brecker devotees and for anyone looking for that powerful funky sound that has been inspiring horn players since 1978.

External Control: None
Cost: $$

HornFX Review

Interface: 3.5/5
The Seamoon is simple, but can present some challenges. The effect itself is really only manipulated by two knobs, with the added ability to control blend and overall volume. These knobs are sensitive, and take some work to dial in. But, there is a gorgeous sweet spot where the parameters will come together perfectly with your sound. There are some internal controls that will likely have to be manipulated to get the exact response you are looking for from your pedal. These gain control for the internal pre-amp will be the most potent and useful of these internal controls, and may need to be explored to find the perfect sound. Although there are some potential challenges in dialing in the Seamoon, its overall simplicity should make it a pedal anyone can understand with a little bit of time and effort.

Versatility: 2/5
This pedal was not made to be a swiss-army knife. The Funk Machine was built to revive a classic effect from the 70’s, and to focus on its well documented subtleties to bring the user back to a funkier time. This pedal was built to be an envelope filter that speaks clearly with a meaty edge, and it does just that. While you can get a nice range of filter sounds, this is the type of pedal that you would likely set, and almost never change. Its legendary sound is all you need to achieve supreme funkiness.

Clarity of Effect: 4.5/5
This pedal sounds great. Until this pedal was brought back to life, one was only able to approximate its powerful, slightly over-driven filter sounds. Other pedals can come close, but the analog heft and density of this effect, its real secret sauce, was mostly unattainable until now. The Seamoon is like a time machine that transports you back to a time before digital effects processing, when the wires and the metal inside, not the programming of a computer chip, gave effects their sonic identity. This pedal insanely funky and sounds just right.

Live application: 4.5/5
This is a great pedal to use live. It can give you a few sonic options, but you will likely use it for one sound. Just stomp on the Seamoon, and bring the funk! Using a pedal like this is just plain fun. There is no need to worry about changing settings or presets, no need to fumble around with knobs on a dark stage. If you put the work in before the gig and find the Seamoon’s sweet spot, then you will have a weapon in your arsenal that only requires a tap of the foot, and no other consideration. If you want to get funky, just turn it on and fly. This is also a great pedal to use because of what it connects you to. Many horn players that use effects were inspired by the Brecker Brothers. For any fan of Mike and Randy, this pedal will be a joy to use. It gives you the ability to authentically emulate the sonic identity of these masters. The Funk Machine connects you to greats of the past and allows you to tap into what they felt when using their effects rig. This pedal’s historical significance makes it not only a wonderful pedal to own, but a joy to use. The Seamoon Funk Machine has been brought back to life, and you should get it in your hands.

Product Information

Where has the Funk gone?

That bygone era of booty shaking, rump bumpin’ good time party music that was always right on time? The sound that always brought you up and never let you down?

Well, fear not!

Seamoon is proud to announce the glorious return of the mighty Seamoon Funk Machine! The effect pedal that launched countless multi-platinum hits.

Equally at home with guitar, bass and horns, the Seamoon Funk Machine provides a chromatic wonderland of envelope filter fun-with a few added surprises.

• All Analog Envelope Filter w/Sub Harmonic

  Featuring:

  • Blend Control

  • Frequency Control

  • Depth Control

  • Volume

  • Cool Green Light!

  • Great Paint Job!!

  • Made in the USA!!!

  Feel the groove and get the funk happening again!!

  Product Dimensions:

  • Length 4.43 in

  • Width 2.37 in

  • Height 1.25

  • Weight 1 lb

Product info from the Seamoon FX website.