shape-shifting optical tremolo 

coming June/July 2026!

SOUND: All-analog punchy signal amplifier with three modulation shapes covering amp-like tremolo, repeater and swell effects.  An onboard fuzz with attitude, reminiscent of tough vintage transistor distortion, intensifies the sonic assault.

CIRCUIT & CONTROLS:  Input signal is sent through a variable resistor that attenuates volume according to the selected speed and shape.  The fuzz originates from our early Heavy Peaches pedal and can be used as a standalone effect with the modulation depth turned down and rate set to the slowest setting. Turning off the fuzz at these settings creates a full frequency clean boost effect. 

RATE:  Speed of modulation.  The range is further expanded by the associated toggle.  The speed is slightly faster in repeater and swell modes.

DEPTH:  Intensity of modulation.  This effect is more pronounced with the Fuzz engaged.  With the depth at the lowest setting, the variable resistor is disengaged and the signal will appear louder.

GAIN: Controls a post-modulation amplification stage.  The gain can be set  below signal, unity-gain or boosted.  The effect will be louder with Fuzz engaged.

FUZZ:  Dual 2n2222 silicon transitor fuzz from our Heavy Peaches circuit, cloned from amp and guitar "distortion" units, that pairs naturally with tremolo.  This toggle brings the fuzz into or out of the signal pathway.

10x: Toggle setting that increases the rate 10 times faster than the 1/10 setting.

1/10: Toggle setting that reduces the rate 10 times slower than the 10x setting.  

SHAPE:  The left position is a reverse sawtooth shape.  The is a classic "repeater" choppy waveform found in vintage organs and guitar plug-in units.  The center position is a triangle shape, evoking warm, combo-amp tremolo.  The right position is a ramp-up shape, capable of swell effects at slow settings. 

 

DESIGN

An initial goal was to recreate a "repeater"-type tremolo, choppy and hypnotic, but not reliant on obscure vintage parts.  Optical tremolo was selected for the "feel"- imperfect in a good way, not sterile.  A vintage fuzz circuit found in amps and guitars is a natural companion to both percussive and amp-like tremolo effects. 

The enclosure, more than an aluminum chassis to contain circuitry, is our canvas.  A grave marker overtaken by vegetation, duality of growth among decay, coexistence of nature & humans, flowers from ash... ruin & bloom.

 

TECH

• 9V center negative power supply, no battery

• Current draw: 14mA

• Dimensions including jacks & knobs:  125B enclosure, 4.9 x 3 x 2.2 in