The world is full of pedals that affect the amplitude (i.e. the volume) of the signal they are fed: compressors and tremolos do that. But nothing delivers the sonic goods offered by the Pigtronix Gloamer, a circuit that combines a volume swell with a compressor.
Volume swells are normally performed using a volume pedal, but that makes them very hard to control and often inconsistent (although hours of training can fix anything!). The Gloamer makes this process easier and more automatic through the Attack knob, which sets the time it takes for the signal to fade in after a note is struck.
On top of that, the Compression knob prolongs the sustain of the note through an optical compressor, something almost impossible to do properly using a volume pedal.
The Decay function, then, activated by a dedicated momentary footswitch, allows the player to fade out the signal at the chosen speed, dialed in through the Decay knob.
The Sensitivity knob is also important because it sets the amount of signal necessary to reset the attack and decay cycle, allowing the attack function to be back in play – the green “Ready” LED will lit up when that’s the case.
The result is not only a controllable swell that can be set from extremely fast to very slow, and that delivers more predictable and smooth results than the ones produced by a volume pedal, but also a playful effect that can be used for other textural effects; slower attack/decay speeds can produce wavey, irregular tremolos, while faster ones can create pulsating stutter madness.
A Sidechain Input lets you trigger the attack remotely, which opens up a whole new world of possibilities.
The Pigtronix Gloamer seems like a very interesting and unique device that should inspire the creation of new textures not only for guitar players but also for synth lovers.
Here’s the launch video of it, we added it to our popular category of creative pedals.
[Wanna get this baby and be supportive? Buy it through our Sweetwater affiliate programs – at no extra cost].
Pigtronix Gloamer, Builder’s Notes
DUSKY DRAMA
Gloamer is an all-analog, polyphonic amplitude synthesizer that alters the attack and decay time of any sound source without sacrificing the fidelity of the original tone. Its attack function provides a pick-triggered volume swell: a cinematic “slow gear” effect that is smooth and controllable with variable timing from extremely fast to very slow.The volume swell cycle can be reset at any moment by muting, allowing players to craft bowed string-like lines and chords with ease. Gloamer also features a powerful optical compressor that can add subtle punch or extreme sustain, helping to maintain a smooth volume swell effect even with very long attack times.
A Volume knob controls loudness at the peak of the attack cycle, while a master Blend control allows players to layer an uncompressed clean sound in with the volume swell effect. Additionally, when activated, the Decay function causes notes to fade out once the attack cycle is complete.
When the decay cycle is completed, an auto-reset function causes the attack to begin again immediately, as long as there is audio input. This allows you to create a wide range of undulating, asymmetrical tremolos at slower settings as well as pulsating stutter effects when using faster attack and decay times.
KNOB-BY-KNOB
- Volume: Sets the master output volume of the effect when engaged.
- Compression: Determines the balance of clean and compressed signal.
- Blend: Determines the balance of clean signal and effect.
- Attack: Determines the duration of time it takes for a note to swell in from silent to full volume.
- Decay: Determines the duration of time it takes for a note to fade out from full volume to silence.
- Sensitivity: Determines how much input signal is needed to reset the attack and decay cycle.
- Ready (LED): Signals when the pedal is armed and ready to begin the attack and/or decay cycle.
A HI-FI ATTACK AND DECAY MASTER
Gloamer was designed to allow players to change the nature of their attack and decay while maintaining pristine, hi-fidelity audio. Easily swell blooming single note lines or full, lush chords and become the string section you’ve always wanted to hire but can’t afford.A LIVING, BREATHING WORLD
After successfully taming the rambunctious world of Star Eater, Marvin was truly relieved to encounter Gloamer, a zenlike planet that breathes in the cosmos and exhales wisdom. “Gratitude” is an understatement for how we feel about the meditative tones he brought home.
