Empress Tremolo

This unit is very easy to get a good sound from. I used to use a Line 6 Mod Pro and always got frustrated with the volume dip problem with it. The Empress's gain feature just sorts it out. The tap tempo function caught me out initially because I wasn't tapping enough times but it does state in the manual to tap 5 times and that makes it very accurate.

Pedals:
Gigrig Midi 8, with Humdinger signal buffer, Zvex Box Of Rock,Fuzz Factory Pedalworx Texas 2 step, Eventide Time Factor.

Amp: Fender 2x12 Deville.

Guitars:
Dusenberg Starplayer TV,(Chris Whitley Model and Fender USA Tele with mod'd Bill Lawrence L609 (p90) neck pickup and Tv Jones Classic Filter tron Bridge Pickup

Sounds Great with all this!

No Problems yet. I agree that the switches look a little vulnerable but I'm fixing this to my board to keep. Innocent until proven guilty!

I did email before I purchased about the 3/4 rhythm. Instant reply with accurate answer.

I did listen to some other trems and this is not exactly a cheap unit but was just taken by the functionality of this unit and its demo. Buying a ??60 run of the mill unit is a false economy, I have in the past had a massive rig with tons of effects that sound average. As a player I have matured over the years and now wish to have less but higher quality sounds. This unit is one of those. I am so loving it's warm retro tones.

There are many options but fairly easy to understand after you get to know it better. Everything is well laid out and logically set up. There are are at times too many functions for live playing to incorporate, but it's there if you want it. tap tempo is nice and accurate and the 8 position trem sounds are nice as well.

This is where I had to part with the pedal. I had it for a year and used it quite a bit but it has a somewhat sterile sound to it compared to some other pedals that are less sophisticated. Don't get me wrong, it's a fine pedal with an impressive warranty ( 4 years I believe), but it didn't sound nearly as good as my Moogerfooger 102 for tremolo sounds. The 102 is advertised as a ring mod, but is way more versatile and does a better tremolo effect than my AC30 or Deluxe Reverb amps!!!. The Empress is capable of much more like tap tempo, pre set trem patterns, and other stuff, but for me I'm just more old school analog and tube sounds. The Empress is supposedly an analog pedal with some digital hybrid functionality, but it sound more digital than analog to my ears. Hence why I sold it.

Worked well for me, the mini toggles need care but she has a nice warranty

If you need a tremolo pedal with tap tempo, that get this or the Cusack. If you need a nice analog tremolo pedal for live performance with some swamp going on, then get something else. The sound is somewhat compromised to me. The Mooger 102 is really awesome for tremolo and there are many others out there that seem nice - Mojohand Sugar baby, Swamp Thang, Demeter, Catlinbread. These are more about the old school sound and not so much about the newer technological functionality. I don't want to give it a bad grade because I made the wrong choice, but I just wasn't pleased with the overall sound quality with regards to the Lush Factor. I think someone ought to build a tube driven analog tremolo pedal with a speed switch and a waveform blend knob - How about it Effectrode??? I bet Phil could cook something up in that space. IT's just a glorious era of boutique effects and the Empress delivers, but just not what I needed with regards to sound quality. Since I want to focus more on my playing and not tapping or tripping through patterns, sound quality is most important to me.

Plug it in (you'll need power supply as it does not run on batteries), connect your audio cables and start messing around with the controls. It's pretty self-explanatory. Printed instructions are included as well. The unit I owned has the shorter toggle switches in the rear and aluminium knobs.

In a couple of words: Ultra High Fidelty. One of the controls that makes this such a stand-out unit is the "Gain" control which lets you adjust how loud and vivid the effect is when you kick it in.

Other Tremolo units have always seemed to make my entire sound softer and mushy when engaged. The gain control has a lot to do with taking care of that problem. You also have a standard blend/mix control which lets you adjust how much tremolo gets mixed into the original sound.

The Empress has 3 distinct types of tremolos, a rhythm control which is cool for placing accents on where the trem effect hits as it pulses, a speed/ratio control and a tap tempo setting (very handy when getting the tremolo to beat in time to the part you're playing).

It's also possible to set two different speeds and toggle between them; the unit ramps up or down accordingly.

I use this pedal along with some other pedals and a custom two pickup electronic resophonic guitar (played flat out with a bar "Dobro" style) that I put thru either an old old old Deluxe Reverb or Hot Rod Deluxe depending on the gig.

Seems pretty dependable and I signed up for the four year warranty by registering on the Empress Effects website. So far so good

All communication with Steve the owner/designer has been quick and easy. He also shipped the unit from Canada to Austin TX quite quickly. He seems genuinely concerned about what people think of his product and design.

Not the cheapest Tremolo out there, but in my opinion one of the most flexible and best sounding. It doesn't degrade my tone or cause a drop in volume. And I like what it adds to a part when kicked in. It doesn't sound like mush or something indistinct.

If tone and fidelity are your thing, plus being able to tap in a tempo and have the ability to precisely control the type of tremolo you want (old Vibrolux asymetirical style, smooth sine, or choppy), this should be a unit to consider if you play some tunes that benefit from a tremolo effect. It's well thought out, in a sturdy package, adjusts easily, and sounds exceptional.

Easy to use knobs switches and toggles. Very ergonomic design

Currently have it chained at the end of my effects loop, right after reverb & delay of a Reverend Hellhound tubed with Telefunkens & RCA Blackface 6L6's...about as good as it gets tone wise IMHO

So far, after 2 weeks, I use the vintage tube setting for a classic 60's fender emulation and the triangle wave setting in conjunction with a chorus pedal for a Leslie sound that can be ramped up or down. Everything you would need in a tremolo and more. After a few more weeks who knows what I'll have tweaked- very ,very flexible.

I also like the tap tempo feature for quick timing with a new song.

Looks well built...1 pot looser than others. Not too alarming concidering the 2 year warranty

Ordered on line...no problems or issues...quick ship and contact follow-up

No Plans to part with this pedal. It's a keeper due to all the options available in modulation, quite operation and ease of use. Neat color on the pedal board too!

Easy to use and sounds great.

Sound quality is really outstanding. It can hold it's own to any tremolo on the market; I think it goes a little further too. These guys really thought the design through by having tap tempo, 2-way speed, the rythmic settings, and the gain boost. It's surprisingly quiet for a tremolo and did i mention it sounds great?

so far no problem; no opinion right now because i haven't traveled with it yet. Will revisit at a later date.

They were very friendly and actually helped keep a birthday surprise a secret. Appreciate it fellas.

Play indie rock and use it with guitar and keys. Perfect fit for anything you want a tremolo effect on. I'll replace it if it's lost or stolen. This is the next generation tremolo pedal. I can't wait to see what else these guys come out with.

Plug it in, turn it on, good sound shall follow. If your song requires more than just the missionary position trem sound, try a different sub division variation. This pedal is completely original and unique in every way.

It is perfect. On stage the unit is big and powerful. The potential added volume is an amazing asset on a loud stage. In the studio, the versatility and ease of dialing in the right sound is a breeze. The options this pedal offers is mind blowing. Its a Trem unit, they are not supposed to be this versatile :) but I am glad it is.

Reliability can only be measured through longetivity and consistent use. That said, I've had this pedal for about 6 months now. It's been through consistent use. We just got off the road for a short break, after 150+ shows; I can faithfully say that yes this unit will last. I would like to note that this might be a little too fragile to throw in a backpack at the end of the night, but if it is secured to a board and stored in a case you will have no trouble at all.

I wish I could give this an 11. Steve is the model for all boutique pedal designers. I bought two units when they first came out, I used them every night for a few months, I had one problem with the switch, something he had no control over and was most likely the fault of my repeated use, nevertheless he paid shipping both ways and had it back to me in no time flat. That is why you buy a higher dollar pedal as opposed to the run of the mill Boss or the like. Service. Thanks again Steve.

Right now I am using an old Tele -> Analog Man Juicer -> Prec Eleec. Face lift -> Wah -> Dlx Mem Man -> Holy Grail Rev -> Empress Trem -> RC Booster -> Divided by 13 JRT 9/15. It is an awesome tone and the empress is a highlight. I'll admit it is not on all night :) but when it is, heads turn.

Overall it is the most versatile and user friendly trem unit on the market. Buy this unit over any other because of the guy standing behind it. Steve cares for his products and his customers and it shows.

I jumped on the band wagon and purchase an Empress Tremolo at the "introductory price" during the first few weeks of it's release. My need was for a tremolo with tap tempo and small foot print. This unit has both of those features and a few more goodies that seemed to fit the bill.

First let me say that I am not a trem afficianado. I've only owned one other mass produced unit to compare. I am very discerning regarding sound and that's why I've slowly gravitated towards a mostly boutique pedalboard with careful consideration to cables, connectors, buffers, gain structure, etc.
I find the sound quality on the Empress Tremolo to be excellent - it truly deserves a 10 for pristine. The number one test for me is to listen to the unit engaged with the effect at minimum to hear no difference in tone. The number two test is how it plays with others and all of my overdrives, wah and fuzz sound good with the trem.
The three waveforms cover the territory needed and the depth control dials in mild to extreme - all settings are usable within the entire range. Three speed modes are manual, two speed or tap tempo, which I use most of the time. The great part of the tap feature is the choice of 1X, 2X and 4X times the value of your tap. Having the ability to double or quadruple your taps in time to the tune makes this pedal for me. Two speed mode is for those that like to ramp up and down - I do not ramp.
Empress ups the ante with a rhythm control that gives seven additional variations on the straight trem pulse. Here is a diagram of the eight settings with "O" being accented:
1) 0000 (normal tremolo)
2) 0-0-
3) 0--0--
4) 0---0---
5) 0--0--0-
6) 0-0-00-0-0 (this one is in 5/4)
7) 0--0--0-0-0-
8) 0--0--0---0-0---

Lastly, a volume knob allows for 6dB make up gain.

I agree with the first reviewer that the mini toggles may be a bit fragile and that the knobs sit higher than necessary. This is not an issue unless the pedal is knocked around. As long as it's secure on my board and transported properly, I have no reservations regarding it's stuctural integrity. The build quality is top notch - as good as any from the boutique builders. Also, the two year warranty lets me sleep soundly.

Steve Bragg is the designer and builder at Empress. Prior to my purchase he answered my calls and emails when I had questions about the unit. He was genuinely interested in my opinion before and after the purchase and was very generous with his time.
The first unit I received was damaged in shipping. Steve immediately sent a replacement unit and paid for returning the damaged unit. Customer service doesn't get much better that this.

I play pop/rock using solid body, hollow body, 12 string, single coil, humbucker, P90 guitars. I need a wide range of textures and the Empress Tremolo really adds color to my palette. In my 35+ years of performing, I've got an ear for certain sounds (maybe not the ability to play those sounds, but I keep trying). The Empress does not dissapoint in providing top quality sound and is a strong link in my effects chain.