Its been my favorite pedal on my board for nearly 2 years, endless inspiration and the user made patches on patch storage site is like buying a new pedal for free every time I down load new patches, love love love Zoia
I have been creating patches and making videos about it for a while now. It is such a great little device with so much versatility. I wish I had gotten it earlier, but the price and perceived complexity stopped me at first.
The complexity is what still gives me pause. But i want it lol. I'm just not real well versed on all the intricacies of how to work this type of stuff.
I’m still learning my Microcosm. It kinda sits in the same space as this Empress pedal. As with most things of you take the time, and it makes you want to play more, it’s a fantastic purchase! Thanks for this.
@@tonypeppers4987 My wife preordered it back in September of 2021 from Hologram. It was a surprise gift. It showed up in late November. Just in time for me to be a week out of a heart transplant. So I’ve had plenty of time with it. Not all that productive mind you. Don’t pay the inflated Reverb prices. I think they are a month out right now. Due to a lack of a screen or menu it takes some time to get used to the functions. But it’s worth diving in.
Thanks so much for the great response Ryan, I really appreciate it. What a great gift and hope your doing well froom the heart transplant ! Yeah the reverb prices are wild right now, again thanks for the response. Best Anthony B
@@tonypeppers4987 Hi Anthony - order direct from Hologram. Scalpers on Reverb should not be entertained. Wherever you are in the world they can give you a strong idea of shipping costs. Even ordering to the UK, it was still cheaper than buying one "used" off Reverb.
Nice explanation! Love my ZOIA - just gotta figure out when you want to set it up to play guitar or when you want to play synth. Some crazy genius minds out there building patches and this insane contraption gives you infinite ways of building your own. Learn what the parameters do and how to utilize them and the possibilities are endless.
I’m working on setting up MIDI in my DAW; setting up automation lanes for program changes and various parameters for hands-free performance in the studio and live program. Deep rabbit hole dive
I'm really fascinated by your ability to wrap your head around modern gear so quickly. Once your home studio is up and running, there will be no stopping your creative output. You haven't come this far to only come this far!
After an hour or two with this on a desk where you can tinker, any pedal feature you see on other effects can be added to your own. Zoia returns time put in. It can be scary at first but integrating the "synth" modules allows almost infinite possibilities in function.
I'm pleased to see you demoing other stuff using the Iridium as an amp.. I've had my Iridium for about 2 months and it has revolutionized my rig (and made it MUCH smaller). I call it the modeler for people (like me) who hate modelers and menu diving. I think it's f'ing brilliant.
I have one of these, here is a pretty steep learning curve to get he most out of it, but a lot of the presets are good out of the box (BTW you got a MUCH better preset mix than what comes with it stock). I hooked a FaderFox PC4 MIDI controller to it and that gives you knobs to play with to change all the settings instead of having to press a button to select a parameter and hen use the on-board knob.
Most of the time I play acoustic, because it takes too much time to setup my electric guitar. As cool as this pedal is, it would take waaay too much time for me to get in to. It would be awesome for film scoring, or producing background textures.
guitar/bass users...i think the Zoia can be an entire pedalboard (less some gain sounds you may want) and you can build out several usable patches that sound nothing like a synth. I control mine with a Morningstar controller and it really makes it easy. It's worth the price especially if you are into recording and need some extra colors.
When I purchased my Adrenalinn I didn't understand the basic or effects and parameters I didn't get it. Now with better understanding the pedal is easier.
The intercom thing was spot on. It kinda reminds me of the portal 2 intro. PS. This thing could legit replace my entire rig, or at least half of my rig.
Rhett, could you share a list of patches that you played in this video? I know you said Empress provided them but I'm assuming they're likely available on Patchstorage too?
Yeah, the ZOIA is a Swiss Army Knife, and kind of nuts that someone actually dreamt that thing up. I have no need for one, but it would be pretty fun to fool around with one.
Thanks so much for this! You more or less demo my use case- I've been looking for a replacement for the Microcosm, which really lacks any fine tuning ability and has a problematic noise floor when it comes to live performance, and though this is a lot more, there are actually user patches out there based specifically on some of the Microcosm's sounds and I'll have all the time in the world to tap the Zoia's depth. Looks like I may have a Reverb listing going up soon.
I'm in the same position. Thinking of selling my microcosm for the Zoia. Having full control of the effects and it's almost limitless what you can create. Patch storage is another big pull.
@@eweystewy Fwiw, I did pull the trigger on the zoia- hanging onto the microcosm just long enough to have a frame of reference when tweaking. Patchstorage is incredible and the stuff in Microcosm's ballpark tends to both have more depth and requires more time invested to get what you want. And then there's all the other options on offer, not to mention the ability to create *exactly* the effects you always wanted. An example: I always loved the dynamic nature of envelope follower trems, but wanted a tap tempo or clock in to provide a base rate, so that I could play quietly and get the tempo locked base rate or dig in and have the rate respond dynamically. Plus a frequency tweakable harmonic trem, oh and stero options. Yeah. I just built it. Thing is, the learning curve is pretty steep, especially for those like me with no modular experience. Loading in patches from patchstorage is great and very straightforward, but for many of them, you'll need some understanding of how zoia works to get the most out of them. Not gonna lie, there have been some frustrating moments in the past weeks. Especially because while useful on the basics, the zoia manual leaves a lot to be desired in terms of how everything works. Still, Empress regularly offers a several step class which I'm sure is good, the zoia's onboard help function has a ton of context sensitive info even if you have to read it off a tiny screen(there is also a module list floating around that offers this all online), and most of all, the community is full of incredibly nice, knowledgeable and helpful people(facebook,reddit,discord, not to mention tons of youtube tutorials). For someone who relishes the ability to adjust settings just how you want(and later use that understanding to create all kinds of novel things), it's well worth the time and money, but just be aware that there isn't really an easy way in that I can see. I've got some ideas on setting up patches in more clear and concise control layouts but that's for the future-maybe. Just be aware what you're getting into- if zoia is for you, it's your next great adventure :)
With an external control pedal could one have an array of individual stomps and a couple of wah volume style gas pedals? This thing looks like what I've been looking for...the kind of things I can do with Logic effects, with the mixer and all the bus options, plus all the synth plug ins I can slap onto analog sources.
My dream setup would be something like the tones and options Robert Fripp has, but in a pedalboard box that fits in one case that might even fit in an Ortleib bike panier bag. My Cube amp is already a good pedal platform that fits the bike transport parameters.
There's more buttons on there then my whole rig...No freaking way. But it sounds awesome and wonderful. I just need to hire an "operator" for the dang thing and I can't afford myself at the moment.
I would normally place the delay after something generating synth type tones. Multiple delay lines in could get out of control. Then again sometimes that's what you need. I find It interesting you put it in front. I d like to know why that was your default to do that.
Depends on how custom you want your sounds. If you like Eventide's algo's and don't want to have to make your own, get the H9. If you want to build really specific custom solutions to your exact problems and have the time and patience to kinda make your own pedals, get the Zoia.
The good news about digital is that it can do anything. The bad news is that you have to tell it what you want it to do...in detail. A couple months after Empress debuted the Zoia at winter NAMM a few years ago, Empress honcho Steve Bragg came over to my place to give me a personal demo and rundown of the Zoia (we live a 15-minute drive from each other), and we took it down to the basement to make noises. At the time it had 40 or so modules, IIRC. First he configured it to be a mono synth and played his Arturia MIDI controller through it. Nice. Then he set it up to be a polyphonic synth. Also nice. While chatting, I mentioned my fondness for "reprocessing" guitar through stereo pedals. I.E., take the output of one channel and feed it to the input of the other channel to be processed all over again (this can often be done with stereo pedals, and can sometimes produce really interesting sounds). I mentioned how much I liked doing this with the TC Alter Ego pedal and gave a demo. Steve was intrigued. He pulled out his little black sketchpad/notebook, scribbled away, and planned things out. Then, with a flurry of button presses, he replicated it with the Zoia. Now, it must be said that he had spent two years at that point, thinking about Zoia button-presses day and night, and putting it through its paces, so he was MUCH more fluid with configuring it than you or I might be after even a few months. But the point is that he could make it do handstands and cartwheels, with even fewer modules then than it has now. Outside of my normal price range, but I am jonesing for the Eurorack version SOOOOO bad.
Hey Rhett, I don't see much about Mod Synth since the JHS Video. Im designing a pedal Mod Synth from an old Con Organ. I really am interested in this and would like to see more. Also whats your thoughts on the Ir-200 used with FC-GA foot switch on any basic amp. Using a basic foot switch and the IR-200 with an array of pedals that would replace my kemper
Rhett might appreciate the Birds Aren't Real movement. It's hilarious and Noah would appreciate it too. You watch birds and they watch you. The NYTimes did a story on them.
Seems truly awesome… I’m currently working on some music with a heavy Krautrock / ambient influence and this could be perfect; I’m looking for something to help me get an organic / live feel while working with programmed rhythms. My big issue, however is that I’m completely colourblind and would have difficulty differentiating the colours on the buttons which may be a deal-breaker…
I've had it 6 months and still don't know how to make what I fully want, it's a lot. I did make a nice ghost reverb preset. The rest came from the user website, which I fully expect you to share some awesome presets to 😉
At what point do plugins take over from pedals? There are so many options, with so much programmability, is seems like the concept of manual pedals is almost archaic. Can there possibly be tones that are 'unattainable' via plugins in this day and age?
I’d say some plugins have already won. Personally love my board. And I haven’t found a delay I like more then my el cap or EchoSystem. But the best reverb ever is a plugin. Valhalla vintage verb is better then my big sky and tempus. It’s a crazy good verb
Don’t you have a eurorack synth? The Zoia is sort of like the eurorack of guitar pedals. While there is definitely a lot to learn, just like with modular gear, but I would be shocked if this isn’t something you’d enjoy
Really wish empress would make a true stereo phaser, tremolo, chorus, etc. as they do like the echo system and reverb. The zoia really is super complex and unnecessary. The closest to a traditional style pedal is always best. I’m really over these super complicated computer type pedals
@@Kevinschart well if you can point me in the direction of any of these traditional style pedals out there that match the 2 input, 2 output, 1 expression port that I’m looking for that would really help me out. For tremolo and phaser pedals like that I’ve got the mr. Black pedals but the rate/speed doesn’t go very far with those. Hence why I’m looking elsewhere. Empress made a solid reverb and delay pedal with that configuration and a ton of variety for effect type and control parameters. Just wish they also made a trem and phaser, etc. so I’m not stuck in this position. That’s where I’m coming from
@@evanposteraro5094 so because no one makes what you want empress is had for making one of the most unique, incredible pedals ever... Lmao. If you don't like it, go design your own pedal .. a trem and phaser are super simple. Unless you're talking 8 stage phasers lol orrr buy a zoia and you can create whatever you want
Nice one. That's a looooot of pedal and one to have fun with. On the other hand ..... when you write your own stuff ..... Wouldn't you want people to do covers of it? Obviously if one reaches that level, one would also be making sure on the ownership all the legal T are crossed and I are dotted. Wouldn't you want to make it 'easy' for people to promote your work for you?
Way to complex for me. I want to spend my time creating not spending hours to learn the peddle. I could picture myself accidentally making a cool sound and recording it. and then later on not knowing what I did to get that sound so I could never duplicate it again. if this peddle is intimidating for you. a guy who has used every peddle known to mankind. than what is it going to be for the average person.
@@schwenke069 agreed, I hate flipping through menus on pedals, or having to plug in a cable to my phone or computer to deal with stuff. I'm not a pro musician, so for some it might be worth it. I simply don't have the time to spend hours learning one pedal that I would barely use in a musical context. This pedal has some cool sounds, but are they worth the headache and cost? You can get some pretty cool sounds with dozens of other pedals that are way more user-friendly.
There’s clearly a market for it as it’s been available for a few years now. It’s also obvious it’s not meant to be just a guitar pedal and is likely more designed to be used with synths.
These kind of micro loop glitch or harmony machines get in the way of playing the real instrument, I see them as a distraction to making music rather than helping it come out.
They come up listed for sale in used/mint cony all the time; it’s probably a question of time spent as either a player or as a programmer. Considering the number of used ones turning up on Craigslist and Reverb as evidence, the learning curves (plural), for me, make it a “pass.”
We're in the age of programmable everything. You name it, and there's several pedals that let you dial it in to absurd levels of detail. Strymon Timeline and BigSky, Origin Effects Revival Drive (Custom),... Sometimes you just need one great sound with just 2 or 3 parameters/knobs so you can focus on the music.
![I.N "HALLUCINATION" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/n5B5q1Hwt_U/mqdefault.jpg)
![John Smith Shows Us His Crazy Pedalboard For Electric & Acoustic [Plus A 3-Song Performance!]](/img/1.gif)
Its been my favorite pedal on my board for nearly 2 years, endless inspiration and the user made patches on patch storage site is like buying a new pedal for free every time I down load new patches, love love love Zoia
I love mine, I'm a synth head,
Getting one of these....amazing what fits in that box which took a whole room at Raymond Scott's house 60-70 years ago...
I have been creating patches and making videos about it for a while now. It is such a great little device with so much versatility. I wish I had gotten it earlier, but the price and perceived complexity stopped me at first.
@1(wild)rogue I just subscribed to your channel
The complexity is what still gives me pause. But i want it lol. I'm just not real well versed on all the intricacies of how to work this type of stuff.
I’m still learning my Microcosm. It kinda sits in the same space as this Empress pedal. As with most things of you take the time, and it makes you want to play more, it’s a fantastic purchase! Thanks for this.
I’m thinking about the microcosm, did you buy it used off reverb or new from the website ?
Thanks
@@tonypeppers4987 My wife preordered it back in September of 2021 from Hologram. It was a surprise gift. It showed up in late November. Just in time for me to be a week out of a heart transplant. So I’ve had plenty of time with it. Not all that productive mind you. Don’t pay the inflated Reverb prices. I think they are a month out right now. Due to a lack of a screen or menu it takes some time to get used to the functions. But it’s worth diving in.
Thanks so much for the great response Ryan, I really appreciate it. What a great gift and hope your doing well froom the heart transplant ! Yeah the reverb prices are wild right now, again thanks for the response.
Best Anthony B
@@tonypeppers4987 Hi Anthony - order direct from Hologram. Scalpers on Reverb should not be entertained. Wherever you are in the world they can give you a strong idea of shipping costs. Even ordering to the UK, it was still cheaper than buying one "used" off Reverb.
@@TheBurdenOfHope agree 100000%
You should try the Electro Smith Daisy Petal. The only limits the pedal has is your knowledge of C++. So for me, the pedal does nothing.
Nice explanation! Love my ZOIA - just gotta figure out when you want to set it up to play guitar or when you want to play synth. Some crazy genius minds out there building patches and this insane contraption gives you infinite ways of building your own. Learn what the parameters do and how to utilize them and the possibilities are endless.
ive watched this live stream so many times its so relaxing
Zoia sounds GORGEOUS!
Big thanks for You guys! Great material.
I have the rainbow pedal from earthquaker devices and this pedal your using is a way more in depth version of that! awesome stuff!
I’m working on setting up MIDI in my DAW; setting up automation lanes for program changes and various parameters for hands-free performance in the studio and live program. Deep rabbit hole dive
Fascinating pedal! Really enjoyed this, Rhett.
Every other fret on my Paul reed smith is my favorite Bird!!
I'm really fascinated by your ability to wrap your head around modern gear so quickly. Once your home studio is up and running, there will be no stopping your creative output. You haven't come this far to only come this far!
After an hour or two with this on a desk where you can tinker, any pedal feature you see on other effects can be added to your own. Zoia returns time put in. It can be scary at first but integrating the "synth" modules allows almost infinite possibilities in function.
I'm pleased to see you demoing other stuff using the Iridium as an amp.. I've had my Iridium for about 2 months and it has revolutionized my rig (and made it MUCH smaller). I call it the modeler for people (like me) who hate modelers and menu diving. I think it's f'ing brilliant.
I have one of these, here is a pretty steep learning curve to get he most out of it, but a lot of the presets are good out of the box (BTW you got a MUCH better preset mix than what comes with it stock). I hooked a FaderFox PC4 MIDI controller to it and that gives you knobs to play with to change all the settings instead of having to press a button to select a parameter and hen use the on-board knob.
Learning curve looks huge...
Most of the time I play acoustic, because it takes too much time to setup my electric guitar. As cool as this pedal is, it would take waaay too much time for me to get in to.
It would be awesome for film scoring, or producing background textures.
guitar/bass users...i think the Zoia can be an entire pedalboard (less some gain sounds you may want) and you can build out several usable patches that sound nothing like a synth. I control mine with a Morningstar controller and it really makes it easy. It's worth the price especially if you are into recording and need some extra colors.
I love the Kacey Musgraves shirt!
For me the most confusing pedal I've ever owned is the AdrenaLinn II. A real pain to program.
When I purchased my Adrenalinn I didn't understand the basic or effects and parameters I didn't get it. Now with better understanding the pedal is easier.
Just what I need to add to my chain of sonic wierdness. It's taken over my set up, and is always early in the chain. What a rabbit hole!
The intercom thing was spot on.
It kinda reminds me of the portal 2 intro.
PS. This thing could legit replace my entire rig, or at least half of my rig.
Ha this thing is nuts!! Its like a guitar pedal for my Ableton workflow.
Is there a mix button which could control how much of the signal is effected?
sounds crazy awesome through my monitors...
Rhett, could you share a list of patches that you played in this video? I know you said Empress provided them but I'm assuming they're likely available on Patchstorage too?
Yeah, the ZOIA is a Swiss Army Knife, and kind of nuts that someone actually dreamt that thing up. I have no need for one, but it would be pretty fun to fool around with one.
You know modular synthesizers were a thing since 70s right?
@@sems But in the 70s they were the size of a walk in closet or a small room, Not the size of a stompbox. Just sayin’. 😎🤩
Thanks so much for this! You more or less demo my use case- I've been looking for a replacement for the Microcosm, which really lacks any fine tuning ability and has a problematic noise floor when it comes to live performance, and though this is a lot more, there are actually user patches out there based specifically on some of the Microcosm's sounds and I'll have all the time in the world to tap the Zoia's depth. Looks like I may have a Reverb listing going up soon.
I'm in the same position. Thinking of selling my microcosm for the Zoia. Having full control of the effects and it's almost limitless what you can create. Patch storage is another big pull.
@@eweystewy Fwiw, I did pull the trigger on the zoia- hanging onto the microcosm just long enough to have a frame of reference when tweaking. Patchstorage is incredible and the stuff in Microcosm's ballpark tends to both have more depth and requires more time invested to get what you want.
And then there's all the other options on offer, not to mention the ability to create *exactly* the effects you always wanted. An example: I always loved the dynamic nature of envelope follower trems, but wanted a tap tempo or clock in to provide a base rate, so that I could play quietly and get the tempo locked base rate or dig in and have the rate respond dynamically. Plus a frequency tweakable harmonic trem, oh and stero options.
Yeah. I just built it.
Thing is, the learning curve is pretty steep, especially for those like me with no modular experience. Loading in patches from patchstorage is great and very straightforward, but for many of them, you'll need some understanding of how zoia works to get the most out of them. Not gonna lie, there have been some frustrating moments in the past weeks. Especially because while useful on the basics, the zoia manual leaves a lot to be desired in terms of how everything works.
Still, Empress regularly offers a several step class which I'm sure is good, the zoia's onboard help function has a ton of context sensitive info even if you have to read it off a tiny screen(there is also a module list floating around that offers this all online), and most of all, the community is full of incredibly nice, knowledgeable and helpful people(facebook,reddit,discord, not to mention tons of youtube tutorials).
For someone who relishes the ability to adjust settings just how you want(and later use that understanding to create all kinds of novel things), it's well worth the time and money, but just be aware that there isn't really an easy way in that I can see. I've got some ideas on setting up patches in more clear and concise control layouts but that's for the future-maybe.
Just be aware what you're getting into- if zoia is for you, it's your next great adventure :)
With an external control pedal could one have an array of individual stomps and a couple of wah volume style gas pedals? This thing looks like what I've been looking for...the kind of things I can do with Logic effects, with the mixer and all the bus options, plus all the synth plug ins I can slap onto analog sources.
My dream setup would be something like the tones and options Robert Fripp has, but in a pedalboard box that fits in one case that might even fit in an Ortleib bike panier bag. My Cube amp is already a good pedal platform that fits the bike transport parameters.
That's the real deal, this pedal. Can take a while to not feel intimidated, lol, but it's worth it. Also, nice to hear Tom Misch namechecked.
There's more buttons on there then my whole rig...No freaking way.
But it sounds awesome and wonderful. I just need to hire an "operator" for the dang thing and I can't afford myself at the moment.
⚓️ Thanks Rhett 😎 just a bit outside ⚾️
I would normally place the delay after something generating synth type tones.
Multiple delay lines in could get out of control. Then again sometimes that's what you need. I find It interesting you put it in front. I d like to know why that was your default to do that.
Who is on the shirt Rhett? Where can i get a shirt like that?
While not exactly occupying the same space, there is definite crossover- an H9 or Zoia if one needs a crazy jack of all crazy sounds pedal ?
Depends on how custom you want your sounds. If you like Eventide's algo's and don't want to have to make your own, get the H9. If you want to build really specific custom solutions to your exact problems and have the time and patience to kinda make your own pedals, get the Zoia.
@@RobFlaxMusic thanks! I could see this living on a second pedal board I patch into. Or like a desktop pedalboard I use for multiple things.
Well, it's not classic rock. But you sure can get there if you build from the ground up.
Have you tried the Poly Effects Beebo yet? Whooooooah, nelly!
Are you gonna do any more Deacon Knight livestream concerts? They were really cool.
Don't forget your producer bro. CHRIS IS THE BEST!!
How do you think this might work with a pedal harp?
The good news about digital is that it can do anything. The bad news is that you have to tell it what you want it to do...in detail.
A couple months after Empress debuted the Zoia at winter NAMM a few years ago, Empress honcho Steve Bragg came over to my place to give me a personal demo and rundown of the Zoia (we live a 15-minute drive from each other), and we took it down to the basement to make noises. At the time it had 40 or so modules, IIRC. First he configured it to be a mono synth and played his Arturia MIDI controller through it. Nice. Then he set it up to be a polyphonic synth. Also nice. While chatting, I mentioned my fondness for "reprocessing" guitar through stereo pedals. I.E., take the output of one channel and feed it to the input of the other channel to be processed all over again (this can often be done with stereo pedals, and can sometimes produce really interesting sounds). I mentioned how much I liked doing this with the TC Alter Ego pedal and gave a demo. Steve was intrigued. He pulled out his little black sketchpad/notebook, scribbled away, and planned things out. Then, with a flurry of button presses, he replicated it with the Zoia. Now, it must be said that he had spent two years at that point, thinking about Zoia button-presses day and night, and putting it through its paces, so he was MUCH more fluid with configuring it than you or I might be after even a few months. But the point is that he could make it do handstands and cartwheels, with even fewer modules then than it has now.
Outside of my normal price range, but I am jonesing for the Eurorack version SOOOOO bad.
Cant wait to hear Emily Hopkins demo this pedal.
👁 2nd Emily Hopkins❗️💯😆. She’s a Hoot❕
Great shout out to Red Means Recording
Watching birds is fun Rhett.
Hey Rhett, I don't see much about Mod Synth since the JHS Video. Im designing a pedal Mod Synth from an old Con Organ. I really am interested in this and would like to see more.
Also whats your thoughts on the Ir-200 used with FC-GA foot switch on any basic amp. Using a basic foot switch and the IR-200 with an array of pedals that would replace my kemper
Rhett might appreciate the Birds Aren't Real movement. It's hilarious and Noah would appreciate it too. You watch birds and they watch you. The NYTimes did a story on them.
I was thinking the same thing - I got their hat... Birds are actually govt surveillance drones - they recharge sitting on power lines...
Hey Rhett, what watch are you wearing? The bezel looks like an Omega Planet Ocean, but the bracelet is not an Omega style. Is it a Seiko Mod?
So, trying to decide between Zoia and Microcosm. People that own both, give me some tips please!
Seems truly awesome… I’m currently working on some music with a heavy Krautrock / ambient influence and this could be perfect; I’m looking for something to help me get an organic / live feel while working with programmed rhythms. My big issue, however is that I’m completely colourblind and would have difficulty differentiating the colours on the buttons which may be a deal-breaker…
The voices come out too high for me. Is there any way to tune in some mid and lows?
how many effects can you have on at the same time?
Can it sound like a piano, saxaphone. drums etc???
They added a sampler not long ago. But also, check out the patch "Saxobone"
Rock and roll!
I've had it 6 months and still don't know how to make what I fully want, it's a lot. I did make a nice ghost reverb preset. The rest came from the user website, which I fully expect you to share some awesome presets to 😉
At what point do plugins take over from pedals? There are so many options, with so much programmability, is seems like the concept of manual pedals is almost archaic. Can there possibly be tones that are 'unattainable' via plugins in this day and age?
I’d say some plugins have already won. Personally love my board. And I haven’t found a delay I like more then my el cap or EchoSystem. But the best reverb ever is a plugin. Valhalla vintage verb is better then my big sky and tempus. It’s a crazy good verb
Heyyy I've got me one of those
you should do one on the poly effects beebo
22:02 👍
Orinthology is a great hobby
Ornithology 💯☮️
I think Rhett opened a rift into the void with that pedal.
Great live pa DJ tool. O
What guitar is that?
Don’t you have a eurorack synth? The Zoia is sort of like the eurorack of guitar pedals. While there is definitely a lot to learn, just like with modular gear, but I would be shocked if this isn’t something you’d enjoy
Preset 11 sounds like an early 70's British science fiction soundtrack
Sorry. I wrote this before hearing your Stanley Kubrick reference.
Sorry. Wrote this before hearing your Stanley Kubrick reference.
It makes my brain hurt - and I have a modular synthesizer system! But I bet it’s a lot of fun lol.
Empress makes a modular version too, the Euroburo. You should get one for your modular 🙂
Really wish empress would make a true stereo phaser, tremolo, chorus, etc. as they do like the echo system and reverb. The zoia really is super complex and unnecessary. The closest to a traditional style pedal is always best. I’m really over these super complicated computer type pedals
there are thousands of traditional pedals for you to play with. empress is doing some experimentation. not sure what your beef is here.
@@Kevinschart well if you can point me in the direction of any of these traditional style pedals out there that match the 2 input, 2 output, 1 expression port that I’m looking for that would really help me out. For tremolo and phaser pedals like that I’ve got the mr. Black pedals but the rate/speed doesn’t go very far with those. Hence why I’m looking elsewhere. Empress made a solid reverb and delay pedal with that configuration and a ton of variety for effect type and control parameters. Just wish they also made a trem and phaser, etc. so I’m not stuck in this position. That’s where I’m coming from
@@evanposteraro5094 so because no one makes what you want empress is had for making one of the most unique, incredible pedals ever... Lmao.
If you don't like it, go design your own pedal .. a trem and phaser are super simple. Unless you're talking 8 stage phasers lol orrr buy a zoia and you can create whatever you want
And you can code your own patches… that is the buried lead.
Me still trying use a big muff-
The Zoia + Wampler Terraform + EH Oceans 12 stereo reverb + 2 100 watt amps = WOW.
video please
I really hope that's apple juice on your desk.
Prolly NOT… 😆
Ahhh the launch pad.
To listen to that thing you would have to take a hit of acid just to keep up
hey! cool idea! 😃
Hey man, I just wanna play guitar. No need to take the space shuttle to the corner store.
That pedal looks like a tiny drum machine.
I’m of the understanding that the ZOIA can be used as a drum machine also 😎
🙂
Nice job Rhett. Way too much for me.
Sounds synthesized
Nice one. That's a looooot of pedal and one to have fun with. On the other hand ..... when you write your own stuff ..... Wouldn't you want people to do covers of it? Obviously if one reaches that level, one would also be making sure on the ownership all the legal T are crossed and I are dotted. Wouldn't you want to make it 'easy' for people to promote your work for you?
Way to complex for me. I want to spend my time creating not spending hours to learn the peddle. I could picture myself accidentally making a cool sound and recording it. and then later on not knowing what I did to get that sound so I could never duplicate it again. if this peddle is intimidating for you. a guy who has used every peddle known to mankind. than what is it going to be for the average person.
My guess is, and I could be wrong but I don't think this is marketed for the average guitar player.
Flipping through menus on a PLC is cumbersome. This seems to take the cumbersome concept to the extreme. Because you can ... doesn't mean you should.
@@schwenke069 agreed, I hate flipping through menus on pedals, or having to plug in a cable to my phone or computer to deal with stuff. I'm not a pro musician, so for some it might be worth it. I simply don't have the time to spend hours learning one pedal that I would barely use in a musical context.
This pedal has some cool sounds, but are they worth the headache and cost? You can get some pretty cool sounds with dozens of other pedals that are way more user-friendly.
There’s clearly a market for it as it’s been available for a few years now. It’s also obvious it’s not meant to be just a guitar pedal and is likely more designed to be used with synths.
ZOIA is marketed to the Gearhead who wants to take a “Deep Dive” into Custom sounds & Control of those sounds. 💯👀😎
Basicly looks like a midi launch pad.
These kind of micro loop glitch or harmony machines get in the way of playing the real instrument, I see them as a distraction to making music rather than helping it come out.
Depends on the kind of music/sounds you wanna make 🤩☮️
Definitely designed to be sold and not used.
It sucks
They come up listed for sale in used/mint cony all the time; it’s probably a question of time spent as either a player or as a programmer. Considering the number of used ones turning up on Craigslist and Reverb as evidence, the learning curves (plural), for me, make it a “pass.”
We're in the age of programmable everything. You name it, and there's several pedals that let you dial it in to absurd levels of detail. Strymon Timeline and BigSky, Origin Effects Revival Drive (Custom),... Sometimes you just need one great sound with just 2 or 3 parameters/knobs so you can focus on the music.
@@EnterJustice Exactly.