The Electro Harmonix Atomic Cluster represents a genuine departure, a compact laboratory for granular synthesis. It operates not by applying modulation or distortion, but by employing a unique algorithm to systematically deconstruct your signal’s frequency resolution, rebuilding it into a cloud of resonant, melodic oscillations. The result is a palette of effects (from rhythmic, lo-fi glitching and auto-arpeggios to ethereal synth pads) directly generated from your playing.
Control is focused on the decomposition process. The Atoms knob dictates the number of simultaneous oscillations, from a dense, faithful reconstruction of your input down to a single, pixelated note. The Speed control sets the refresh rate of this algorithm, governing the rhythmic pulse of the effect from a slow, stepped filter feel to chaotic randomness (it can also be synced via tap tempo). A Mode toggle selects the transition envelope between these oscillations (the Sharp setting offers instant, rhythmic cuts, while Smooth creates gradual, ambient crossfades ).
With additional Volume and Blend knobs, the Atomic Cluster provides a deeply experimental yet performative tool. It is less a traditional guitar effect and more a real-time signal resynthesizer, offering a gateway to glitchy, algorithmic textures that are uniquely responsive to your instrument.
