tremolo2 user manual
Introduction Back in 2005 we released our first pedal, the Tremolo. It was one of the first tap tempo tremolo on the market and, to this day, remains as sought after as when it was first released. We have built on everything we have learned over the past eight years, and are proud to release the next generation of tremolo, the Empress Tremolo2. The Empress Tremolo2 has the same analog signal path as its predecessor, but we've added a bunch of features that make it more versatile.
Quickstart Plug your guitar into the lower jack on the right side. Plug your amplifier into the jack on the left side. Plug a 9-12VDC power supply into the power jack on the left side (2.1mm barrel connector, negative tip). Set the mode switch to "knob," the waveform switch to "tube," the depth to half, rate to half, rhythm to 1, and output to half. That's your standard tremolo.
Tap Tempo Mode In tap tempo mode, use the "tap|preset" stompswitch to enter a speed for the tremolo. The tremolo will change to the new speed after 2 taps and will average the speed of the last 4 tap times. Use the ratio knob to change the ratio of tapped tempo to tremolo tempo. Available ratios are 1:1, 3:4, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4. Knob Mode In knob mode, use the rate knob to set the speed of the tremolo.
To load a preset, use the "tap|preset" stompswitch to scroll through presets sequentially. The LEDs will blink indicating the preset is ready to load. Press the bypass switch while the LEDs are blinking to engage the new preset. To save a preset, set the Tremolo2 to the settings you want to save. Use the "tap|preset" switch to scroll to the color where you would like to save the preset. Then, while the LEDs are blinking, hold down the save button and press the "tap|preset" stompswitch.
Control Port The control port jack allows the Empress Tremolo2 to be controlled by a multitude of devices. The pedal ships configured to accept an expression pedal. Please see the "Advanced Configuration" section on how to configure the control port for the device you want to use. Control Voltage (CV) With CV control, the Empress Tremolo2 responds to CV signals from 0 to 5 volts. Otherwise, the CV configuration works exactly like the expression pedal configuration.
Expression Pedal Each parameter, with the exception of the mode switch, can be controlled simultaneously via the expression pedal. To control a parameter with the expression pedal, move the parameter's knob to the desired heel setting, then hold down the save button and move the knob to the desired toe setting, then release the save button. Multiple parameters can assigned for expression pedal control simultaneously by repeating this process for each parameter to be assigned.
Controls a Mode: Sets the operation mode of the pedal. Tap Tempo: The rate of the tremolo is set by tapping on the tap stompswitch. Knob: The rate of the tremolo is controlled by the rate knob. Preset: Save and recall settings stored in up to 8 presets. Power: + - 9V - 12V Save: Use to save presets and a Depth: The amount of tremolo effect applied to signal. Rate | Ratio: In knob mode, this sets the speed of the tremolo effect. In tap tempo mode, this sets the ratio of foot taps to tremolo pulses.
at a Glance V DC. 100mA or greater assign expression pedal control. pass the pedal. When the LED is aged. gh presets, this LED will flash. age the new preset. Waveform: Sets the shape of the tremolo envelope. Triangle: Your standard tremolo waveform. Smooth ramp from loud to soft. Tube: An asymetrical waveform modeled after classic tube amp tremolo. Square: Tremolo turns on and off with no volume ramp. Great for choppy sounding effects. Output: Sets the overall output level (volume) of the pedal.
Advanced Co The advanced configuration mode lets you customize Bypass Mode: Select to use true bypass or buffered bypass. True Bypass (default): Set the mode toggle switch to the left (tap tempo). Buffered Bypass: Set the mode toggle switch to the right (preset). Preset Mode: Select how to change presets. Two Button Switching (default): Set the rate|ratio knob all the way counter-clockwise. One Button (instant) Switching: Set the rate|ratio knob all the way clockwise.
onfiguration e the functionality of the tremolo to suit your needs. ration: Unplug the power . Plug the power back in h the tap and bypass LED should blink twice to e advanced configuration ontrols outlined below to like. When a parameter is blink to confirm that a ation: Press both the tap s at the same time. The o confirm that the tremolo nfiguration mode and will eration mode. Use the waveform switch to select which function to modify then use the rhythm selector to set the value.
MIDI Configuration The Empress Tremolo2 allows all of its parameters to be controlled via control change messages, it's presets to be selected with program change messages, and its tempo controlled with MIDI clock messages. To use MIDI with your Empress Tremolo2, you'll have to do the following: 1. Attach the Empress Midibox using a ¼” patch cable to the control port. The Midibox is not included with the Empress Tremolo2. 2. Configure the pedal for MIDI control and set the MIDI channel.
Recalling a preset via MIDI (Program Change Messages) You can activate a preset by sending a MIDI Program Change message. For example, sending a Program Change message of 7 activates preset 7. MIDI Clock (aka MIDI Beat Clock) The Empress Tremolo2 will respond to MIDI Clock messages. MIDI Clock specifies quarter notes, subdivided into 24 MIDI Messages. Each quarter note corresponds to 1 period of the tremolo’s waveform. Warning: The Tremolo2 listens for MIDI Clock messages by default.
Control Change Messages The Empress Tremolo2 can be controlled with MIDI control change messages. Below is a table that shows which MIDI control change channel controls each Tremolo2 parameter. Tremolo2 Parameter Depth CC #: 20 Rate | Ratio 21 Output 23 Rhythm 22 Mode 24 Waveform 25 Rhythm Downbeat 26 Note: Sending a value 0 would be equivalent to the knob completely counter clock-wise, sending 127 is equivalent to fully clock-wise.
Waveform Phase 27 Tap Switch 35 Bypass Switch 36 Direct Control 40 Exit Direct Control 50 MIDI Clock Listener 51 A Value of 64 has the waveform in phase. Higher values move the waveform ahead relative to the beat and smaller values move it behind. Sending a value of 127 simulates the switch being pressed. Sending a value of zero simulates releasing the switch. Sending a value of 127 engages the pedal, sending a value of 0 bypasses the pedal.
Specifications Input Impedance: Output Impedance: Frequency Response (-3dB): Output Headroom: Distortion: Signal to Noise Ratio: Input Voltage: Required Current: Power Input Connector: Height (enclosure only): Height (including controls): Length: Width: Weight: 1M Ω 330 Ω 4Hz – 30kHz +9.2 dBu 0.081% -107.7dB 9VDC – 12VDC 100mA 2.1mm Barrel Connector 1.5” 2” 3.5” 4.5” 1lbs www.empresseffects.
