Akai's legendary Deep Impact bass guitar synth pedal is reborn as the Panda Audio Future Impact I

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Muse and Jamiroquai favourite returns with 99 presets and desktop editor

Akai's Deep Impact bass synth pedal didn't last long on the shelves following its introduction in the mid-'90s, but its fat tones won a host of favourite fans, including Muse's Chris Wolstenholme and Jamiroquai's Paul Taylor. Used models currently sell for £600/$1,000+, but thankfully, Panda Audio has set out to refine and reissue the pedal as the Future Impact I.

By combining effect processing blocks with synthesizer blocks (oscillators, filters and envelope generators), the Future Impact I promises Moog-esque synth sounds with a big low-end.

The new version packs 99 presets compared to the original's nine, as well as a desktop PC editor, 128kHz sample rate and MIDI in/out, plus it draws a modest 70mA from a 9V power supply.

Muse's Chris Wolstenholme is already a fan, enthusing: "The pedal is just as good as the original, which is what as I was hoping for. The new presets and bank space are a bonus, too."

Consider us convinced, then. Panda Audio's Future Impact I bass synthesizer is available to order now from Godlyke Distribution for $499.

Michael Astley-Brown
Michael Astley-Brown

Mike is Editor-in-Chief of GuitarWorld.com, in addition to being an offset fiend and recovering pedal addict. He has a master's degree in journalism, and has spent the past decade writing and editing for guitar publications including MusicRadar, Total Guitar and Guitarist, as well as a decade-and-a-half performing in bands of variable genre (and quality). In his free time, you'll find him making progressive instrumental rock under the nom de plume Maebe.