Based in Indonesia, GFI System manufactures some rather impressive pedals, and has built a solid reputation for its time-based effects.
Their Specular Tempus is an expanded, more powerful version of their very well received Specular Reverb, with a more ambient angle. In a horizontal case slightly bigger than a Boss compact pedal, this stereo device packs 32 algorithms (13 delays, 13 reverbs and 6 delay+reverbs) that can be combined in two different banks triggered by the two footswitches (A and B).
Four knob gives you instant access to the most commonly used controls, and while a lot of the parameters can be changed through the edit menu, to get into the finer details you can use the free app that allows you to edit the algorithms via USB. The Tempus also offers extensive routing options, including aux in/out and an effects loop, and also features tap tempo and Midi compatibility.
The pedal also features a momentary effect activated by pressing both footswitches at once: the Auto Knob Swell function. It can be associated to one knob to slowly sweep it to the maximum value, hold it there, and then sweep back to the original setting when the footswitches are released.
The GFI Specular Tempus like an impressive pedal for players with ambient/experimental leanings, we added it to our list of Best Ambient/Shoegazer Pedals.
GFI Specular Tempus
The GFI Specular Tempus is a powerful reverb and delay effect processor in a compact pedal. Featuring 32 hand-crafted algorithms, 32 presets. stereo in/out, tap-tempo, and extensive inter-connectivity. Using the SpecLab software (free download) users get access to an extended set of parameters for deep-editing of the algorithms.
See algorithms information here.Preset System : the 32 presets are organized in 4 pages, where each page contains 4 banks, and each bank contains 2 patches : A and B.
Stereo I/O : 2 inputs and 2 outputs.
Interconnectivity : Specular Tempus has been designed with the need to interconnect with the outside world in mind. It features no less than 4 interfaces that greatly expand the specular horizon :
- Aux-In – accepts single, dual, or triple buttons switch boxes for versatile external control (tap-tempo, bank up/down, etc).
- Aux-Out – provides a switch contact that you can use to control other gears (e.g. switching an amp’s channel).
- Effects Loop – create your own unique delay or reverb sounds by inserting other effects into the delay or reverb feedback.
- MIDI In – nearly all functions of the pedal are opened to MIDI access, including tap-tempo and expression pedal control.
Tap-Tempo : you can tap in your tempo using an external tap pedal or on the pedal itself (using a special mode). Subdivisions can be specified uniquely for each preset.
Auto knob swell : when you engage this feature, the parameter controlled by one of the knob is slowly swept to the maximum value, hold it there, and then swept back to the original setting. Used judiciously, this feature can introduce dynamic elements to the soundscape.
Analog Dry-thru : dry signals are routed through pure analog paths.
Small form-factor : the pedal measures 12 x 9 (cm) or 4.7 x 3.5 (inch).
