EarthQuaker Devices ERQ Aqueduct vs JHS Emperor

The EarthQuaker Devices ERQ Aqueduct and the JHS Emperor are both pedals sharing modulated, low gain. The EarthQuaker Devices ERQ Aqueduct leans ambient. The JHS Emperor leans lush and shimmer.

Similarity
citedBlended from circuit-archetype lineage, dynamic feel, tone-signal overlap and tone-vector distance — the tone vector itself is derived from editorial description text, not a measured acoustic signal, so this reflects how similarly the catalog copy describes the two, not a lab measurement. Shown only within a gear class, and only where there's enough evidence to be meaningful.

53% — moderately similar

Shared tone character
citedDerived from overlapping tonal signals across both listings.
  • modulated
  • low gain
Citation fame
citedCitation/mention fame — how often this gear is cited across artist rigs and gear discussion.
0%
17%
Description

The EarthQuaker Devices Aqueduct is a vintage inspired pitch vibrato with eight modulation modes, ranging from subtle, gently wobbling vibrato to deep, synth like sonar pulses and seasick warble. Unlike chorus, it modulates pitch only with no dry blend, giving a pure, expressive vibrato voice, and an expression input plus touch sensitivity in some modes add dynamic control. The eight waveform modes cover sine, triangle, ramp and more extreme shapes for everything from classic vintage vibrato to glitchy, synthy textures. It suits psychedelic, ambient, surf and experimental players who want a versatile, characterful pitch vibrato with both vintage warmth and modern, otherworldly modulation options.

The JHS Emperor V2 is a chorus and vibrato pedal based on the circuit of the Arion SCH-1, a vintage chorus pedal known for its lush, dimensional modulation. Controls include Rate, Depth, and a tilt EQ that balances high and low frequencies in the wet signal. A mode switch selects between Chorus and Vibrato. The Emperor V2 covers subtle clean chorus shimmer, convincing rotary speaker simulation, and full pitch vibrato modulation. Made in Kansas City, Missouri.

Genres
citedGenres this gear is documented as being used in.
  • Experimental
  • Ambient
  • Jazz
  • Shoegaze
  • Indie
Tonal lean
  • ambient
  • lush
  • shimmer
Good for
citedOccasions this gear suits — judged per model, or derived from its wattage, connectivity and category.
—
  • Silent Recording
  • Silent Stage
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EarthQuaker Devices ERQ Aqueduct vs JHS Emperor — Shared Character & Differences — NodeTone