Although delay by itself is a very popular effect for guitar, a very short delay also constitutes the core of a series of other effects in the modulation realm. With its delay range between 0.8 and 0.50 ms, the Spaceman Meridian represents an exploration of all these delay-based effects, that are not necessarily perceived as a delay.
Based on the classic MN3007 bucket brigade chip, the Meridian can recreate, at different Time settings, a variety of classic chorus tones, as well as true pitch-shifting vibrato, wispy phasing, throbbing Leslie, shimmering flange, static comb filtering, and double-tracking. It’s like having a multi-mode modulation pedal, but without modes – you can get each modulation by turning the knobs.
It may be worth remembering that the flanger effect uses delay times between 1ms and 5ms compared to choruses, which need between 5ms and 30ms, and that the only difference between a chorus and a vibrato is the presence or lack thereof of the clean signal. But this pedal cand do more than that, thanks to a few extra controls like Regen, which…
…adds depth and dimension by introducing negative feedback around the delay line, which is essential when creating flanger and phaser sounds, plus it produces the intense metallic clank of comb filtering at short delay times, and drippy rhythmic grind at longer delay times.
Like all modulation pedals, the Meridian allows you to control the LFO with knobs for Rate and Width and features 3 LFO shapes: Sine, Triangle, and Flux, with the latter being a blend of a triangle and random wave that feels somewhat “alive” in its slight unpredictability.
Have a listen to its liquid tones in the videos below.
Spaceman Meridian, Builder’s Notes
Shape Sound, Bend Space, and Twist Time with Meridian
The Meridian is an analog short delay circuit showcasing the legendary MN3007 bucket brigade chip. It isn’t just an out of this world chorus, it’s a wispy, warping, flowing Time Modulator. Designed to reward your continuous experimentation, the Meridian prioritizes ease of use at every level of its deep featureset, making it simple to navigate through a staggering array of modulation sounds. Explore lush chorus tones, true pitch-shifting vibrato, throbbing Leslie, and so much more. We have carefully constructed the Meridian to have the highest sound quality, lowest noise signal path featuring pre-emphasis and de-emphasis, companding, and lovingly crafted anti-aliasing and reconstruction filters. Plug into Meridian and travel through the quantum singularity into another dimension.
The Meridian is a versatile analog chorus with lush modulation and a timeless vintage character that epitomizes the Spaceman ethos. Experience liquid chorus tones, mind-bending true pitch vibrato and much more. Its control layout is designed for usability at every level of its deep featureset: it provides instant, reliable, dependable results that reward your continuous exploration. The Meridian has been carefully designed to have the highest sound quality, lowest noise signal path featuring pre-emphasis and de-emphasis, companding, as well as refined anti-aliasing and reconstruction filters. For users tired of brittle, piercing modulation pedals, the Meridian offers a clear and articulate tone while providing tons of the analog warmth BBDs are known for.
The heart of the Meridian is a flexible 1024-stage bucket brigade delay line made using the legendary MN3007. With a range of 0.8ms to 50ms, it’s possible to produce a variety of classic chorus tones, as well as true pitch-shifting vibrato, wispy phasing, throbbing Leslie, shimmering flange, static comb filtering, and double-tracking.
The LFO section of the Meridian consists of three waveshapes: Sine, Triangle, and Flux. Sine waves are commonly preferred for wet-only pitch vibrato, but are also quite tasty when used for Leslie effects. Triangle is the de facto standard for chorus and flanger sounds. The Flux shape is a wobbly, uneven derivation of the triangle wave with unpredictable skips, and jumps. When used subtly it can impart a beautiful slithering “alive” feeling to the modulation. When WIDTH is turned to minimum, the LFO is bypassed, and the user may directly sweep the delay line with the RATE and TIME controls for static comb filtering at short delay times or a double-tracking, almost pseudo slapback effect at moderate to high delay times. Expression and CV control is possible using the EXP jack. An internal slide switch selects either the RATE or WIDTH parameters to control. This can be especially fun when in COMB mode.
We’ve included often overlooked features that make the Meridian inviting and easy to use. An external LEVEL control makes it simple to set your ideal volume. From there the MIX control sweeps from full dry to full wet giving you another vector to control the intensity of the effect. The REGEN control adds depth and dimension by introducing negative feedback around the delay line, which is essential when creating flanger and phaser sounds, plus it produces the intense metallic clank of comb filtering at short delay times, and drippy rhythmic grind at longer delay times.
The Meridian is our most flexible, and sophisticated modulation effect to date, and will instantly whisk you all the way through the quantum singularity into another dimension.
FEATURE
- All analog signal path
- High headroom MN3007 bucket brigade delay IC
- 0.8ms-50ms delay time
- Noise-reducing compander, and custom tuned filters
- Wide range LFO with Sine, Triangle, and Flux waveshapes
- LFO speed 0.12Hz (8 seconds) to 15Hz (65ms)
- Easily dial in chorusing, vibrato, flanging, double tracking and more
- CV/EXP options for controlling Rate, Width, or Delay Time
- Mix control for fully wet or dry tones and a dedicated Level control
TRULY HAND CRAFTED
Hand-wired and built in Portland, Oregon, the Meridian features true-bypass relay switching with a soft-touch footswitch. On top of the cast-aluminum enclosure sits a durable, engraved vinyl faceplate and jewel indicator light. This pedal is built to last a lifetime, both on Earth or in the vacuum of space.
