EMPRESS EFFECTS

115
JUNE 2020 GUITARIST
Tech Spec
ORIGIN: Canada
TYPE: Multi-effects/synthesizer
FEATURES: 20 ready-made effects;
23 audio modules; 22 control
modules; 16 interface modules;
3 analysis modules; 64 writable
patches; MIDI in/out; CV in/out;
exp. pedal; ext. switch;
3x assignable footswitches
CONTROLS: 1x rotary knob; buttons:
4x utility buttons (Page Left/Right,
Back and Shift); 40x module grid/
page buttons (alternative/Shift
functions include Move, Copy, Edit,
Delete, Star, View, Save, Random,
Undo, Help and Configure Menu);
Select, Scroll & Bypass footswitches
CONNECTIONS: Left/right input
& left/right output standard jacks;
Control Port jack for ext. switch/exp.
pedal/MIDI in & out/0-5V control
voltage in & out; 2x MIDI mini jacks:
in & out (2x 3.5mm/5-pin dongles
supplied); micro SD card slot
(card and adaptor supplied)
POWER: 2.1mm centre negative
9V DC adaptor (not supplied);
300mA current draw
DIMENSIONS: 145 (w) x 95 (d)
x 67mm (h)
9
distortion, fuzz, compressor, noise gate,
phaser, flanger, chorus, vibrato, tremolo,
envelope filter, ring modulator and cab
simulator, along with two delays and five
reverbs partly derived from Empress’s
popular Reverb pedal.
SOUNDS
Although the above effects merely scratch
the surface of the Zoia’s capabilities, they
alone would be enough to elicit a rave
review. Take the OD & Distortion module,
for example: it may not replace your
favourite dirt pedal(s) – and it’s worth
bearing in mind here that you can easily
set up an effects loop to patch external
devices in – but the overdrive is clear,
open and surprisingly natural-sounding
enough to give the best of them a run for
their money. Sporting a range of options
including Plexi, Germ, Classic, Pushed
and Edgy, along with adjustable input and
output gain, the OD & Distortion module
covers an impressive range of sonic
ground. Further tone-shaping is available
courtesy of the Tone Control EQ module,
while the Cabinet Sim module rounds
things off nicely with 4x12 Full, 2x12 Dark,
2x12 Modern, 1x12, 1x8 LoFi, 1x12 Vint and
4x12 HiFi options.
Although the Zoia can do tons of classic
guitar tones, it excels at large, complex
sounds and unique custom-detailed effects
of an experimental nature, where creating
the same kind of thing would be difficult,
if not impossible, using regular pedals. For
example, you might envisage a tremolo
that speeds up and slows down depending
on your picking strength. No problem: just
pop down the Envelope Follower module
to analyse your incoming guitar signal then
attach it to the LFO controlling the volume
of a VCA audio module – and job done!
VERDICT
Getting the best out of Empress’s Zoia will
require a little knowledge of how effects
work and what various synthesizer terms
mean, such as envelope, LFO, VCA and so
on, but with just a modicum of learning
and imagination the Zoia can open up
possibilities that take your musical vision
to another creative level.
PROS Build your own custom effects; logical
and intuitive operation; outstanding sound
quality; also functions as an instrument/synth
CONS Requires learning; stereo headphone
socket would have significantly expanded
the functionality
01. ROTATE &
CLICK TO SELECT
Clickable rotary knob
used to navigate various
options and dial in
parameters
02. MODULE GRID
Modules are laid out on
this ‘page’/grid of 40
buttons (64 pages max
per patch)
03. ASSIGNABLE
FUNCTIONALITY
Stomp switches are used
to navigate patches and
also have assignable
functionality
04. INPUT/
OUTPUT
Left/right ins and outs
(can also be used to set
up an effects loop and
patch other units in)
05. CONTROL
PORT SOCKET
The Control Port can
accept an expression
pedal, external switch,
MIDI and control voltage
1 2
3
5
4
GIT459.peds_empress.indd 115 16/04/2020 13:33