The Dirty Sock Effects ‘dot/matrix’ is a playful and creative envelope-controlled square-wave tremolo that ventures into experimental territory, blending choppy amplitude modulation, bit-crushing artifacts, and ring-mod-like textures.
At its core, it manipulates an analog sample-and-hold circuit pushed beyond conventional limits, with the Rate control dictating the sampling frequency—from sluggish, stuttering chops to rapid, glitchy disintegration. This can also be set by connecting a volume pedal to the EXP input.
The circuit can respond dynamically to playing intensity, with Hi/Lo modes determining whether harder playing slows or speeds up the effect, and the Sensitivity knob setting the threshold triggering the dynamic shifts.
The Mix knob blends wet/dry signals (capable of 100% wet), while a Tone control tames high-end harshness on the affected signal.
The Dot Matrix excels at lo-fi degradation, transitioning smoothly between rhythmic tremolo, digital chaos, and atonal modulation. Its envelope sensitivity makes it particularly expressive, allowing players to manipulate textures via picking dynamics.
