DelugeOptical Vibe

From the vendor

A four-stage optical phaser/vibrato inspired by the Uni-Vibe, delivering classic vibe tones with some modern updates.

The Deluge Optical Vibe is an adaptation of the Earthquaker Devices The Depths, a four-stage optical vibrato based on the Uni-Vibe.

The Depths was originally released in 2012 and discontinued in early 2026. Compared to the Uni-Vibe, it’s been modernized and both simplified and expanded. It uses the same photocell-based phase-shift topology but with op-amps instead of transistors. It adds controls for “Throb”, which reduces the bass level of the lowest-frequency phase stage, and “Voice” which is an external bias control for the LED.

The end result doesn’t sound exactly like a classic Uni-Vibe, but it covers the same territory. It’s significantly easier to build with zero calibration needed.

The Deluge is a direct adaptation of the V1 Depths, prior to the V2’s addition of the relay bypass system. The only change is that the LFO’s power supply and ground have been isolated from the audio signal path to reduce the chances of ticking or added noise.